Semaglutide Sherman Oaks, CA

Semaglutide regulates blood sugar and controls the appetite. It does this by increasing insulin secretion after meals, decreasing gluconeogenesis, slowing the passage of food through the gut, and giving a feeling of satiety. It copies Glucagon-like peptide 1.

All three are semaglutide products manufactured by Novo Nordisk. Ozempic is the FDA-approved brand for Type 2 diabetes (subcutaneous injection). Wegovy is the FDA-approved brand for chronic weight management and cardiovascular risk reduction (also subcutaneous, at higher dosing). Rybelsus is the oral semaglutide tablet for Type 2 diabetes. The active ingredient is the same; the FDA-approved indications and the dosing are different. Dr. Sherly Soleiman, MD discusses which formulation is appropriate at consultation.

Without insurance, brand-name Semaglutide costs between $1,000 and 2,000 per month. Several factors influence the cost, where you get the injection, the dosage, etc. Compounded versions, if done locally, can be a safe, less expensive alternative.

The most common side effects are gastrointestinal: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, and decreased appetite. They typically appear during dose escalation and decrease over weeks. Less common but more serious risks include pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, hypoglycemia (with insulin/sulfonylureas), kidney injury (with severe dehydration), and retinopathy worsening in patients with pre-existing diabetic retinopathy. Semaglutide carries a boxed warning for the risk of thyroid C-cell tumors and is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN 2. Dr. Sherly Soleiman, MD reviews individual risk at consultation.

Semaglutide is relatively safe. However, there are some contraindications to its use: history of thyroid cancer and pancreatitis, allergy to active ingredient, gastroparesis, pregnancy and breastfeeding, history of hypoglycemia. Discuss these with your doctor during consultation.

Yes, semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, and Ozempic is one of the brand names. Its main use is as a prescription drug for type 2 diabetes, but it also works for weight loss.

Typically, semaglutide GLP-1 costs about $400-$1,300/month, depending on brand vs compounded origin, dosage, and experience of the provider.

Semaglutide should be avoided in individuals with a history of thyroid cancer, endocrine tumors, or serious digestive problems.  It’s also not advised for people who are pregnant or nursing.

If you’re not losing weight on semaglutide, it could be that you haven’t been using it long enough, the dosage may be too low, or that diet and activity adjustments need to be made. Metabolic resistance or medication adjustments (changing to another type of GLP1/GIP, such as tirzepatide)  may be needed, so seek medical advice.

Within the semaglutide options, Wegovy has an FDA indication for weight loss. However, other options from the same GLP1 family are available. For example, while semaglutide (ie, Wegovy, Ozempic, etc) is an agonist on GLP1 receptors, tirzepatide (Zepbound, Mounjaro, etc.) also activates GIP receptors in addition to GLP1, potentially resulting in more significant results.

While rare, GLP-1 receptor agonists can have serious side effects, including gastrointestinal issues, thyroid cancer, pancreatitis, liver injury and kidney problems.

It is common to regain weight after stopping GLP-1s. An adequate diet, regular exercise, and lifestyle changes will reduce this risk.

The best injection sites for semaglutide are subcutaneously in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Regularly rotating sites helps avoid irritation and damage to the tissue.

Yes, you can transition from semaglutide to tirzepatide with our professional provider’s supervision. We will help with adjusting the dosage to ease the transition.

Both semaglutide and tirzepatide are effective for weight loss, but studies show that tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound, etc) generally causes more weight loss than semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, etc) due to its added GIP receptor activity in addition to GLP1.  Having said that, please bear in mind that responses and side effects are different for each individual.

Sometimes B12 is also included in the semaglutide injections to provide energy, promote metabolism, and increase weight loss. It can also mitigate side effects such as fatigue.

There are typically no specific vitamins to avoid while using Ozempic. However, any supplements, medications, or foods that cause stomach distress might increase gastrointestinal adverse effects.

Semaglutide is a drug that is mainly used to treat type 2 diabetes and/or elicit weight loss. It functions by imitating the natural hormone GLP-1, which tells the pancreas to make more insulin when blood sugar levels are high. It also slows down stomach emptying, which makes you feel full and less hungry. Hence, it helps you lose weight when combined with a nutritious diet and regular exercise.

Downsides include potential gastrointestinal side effects, nausea, diarrhea, gas, and constipation. There are also risks of thyroid cancer, pancreatitis, kidney/liver damage, and possible weight regain when you stop.

Compounded semaglutide is the same active pharmaceutical ingredient as Ozempic and Wegovy, but it is prepared by 503A or 503B compounding pharmacies under FDA compounding regulations rather than being manufactured by Novo Nordisk. Compounded formulations are typically considered when brand-name supply is constrained or when a personalized dose is clinically indicated. At Cosmetic Injectables Center Medspa, Dr. Sherly Soleiman, MD selects between brand-name and compounded semaglutide based on clinical fit, supply, and patient-specific needs.

On average, a single bottle of semaglutide lasts 4 weeks (varies depending on dosage). Higher doses may need to be refilled more often.

Semaglutide is not directly responsible for causing cellulite. But when weight is lost rapidly, skin may droop from lack of foundational volume under it. This can also change the texture of skin, which as a result, can make cellulite more visible.

If used appropriately and with supervision, semaglutide is not bad for the heart. In fact, it can reduce cardiovascular risks in people with diabetes, insulin resistance, obesity, or heaviness with comorbid conditions. 

Injecting into muscle rather than fat may lead to greater pain, irritation and faster absorption. . While this method will work just fine, it may be associated with a higher risk of side effects, hence, the subcutaneous areas are preferable. It is important to have experienced and skilled providers assist you in administering this medication if it is compounded. Otherwise, the branded medications come with a pre-loaded, pre-adjusted needle gun which delivers the determined amount in the correct layer of skin.

Due to semiglutide (Ozempic)’s and tirzepatide (Monjauro)’s weight-loss effects, joint pressure from excessive weight can be minimized. Recent research indicates that these weight-reducing medications may help obese people with osteoarthritic knee pain. However, insurance may not cover these indications.