Semaglutide
At adoRN Esthetics we offer a range of advanced weight management solutions through weekly injections. We offer Semaglutide in our special formulation that helps alleviate some of the nausea and side effects of traditional Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro.
During your initial weight loss consultation, you and your provider will discuss your medical history, current weight, exercise and nutrition regimen, and long-term goals. If you are deemed to be a good medical fit for the program, we will start you on the medications and help you through your weight loss journey.
These injections are part of a comprehensive approach to help you achieve and maintain your weight loss goals. Gina will be here to guide you every step of the way!
Semaglutide injections for weight loss
Currently, semaglutide is only approved for weight loss under the brand name Wegovy. The typical dose for weight loss is 2.4 milligrams, administered weekly as subcutaneous (under the skin) self-injections.
But as interest in semaglutide for weight loss continues to grow, health care professionals are finding ways to manage the demand. Many prescribe other brands of semaglutide, such as Ozempic and Rybelsus, off-label (using a drug that is FDA-approved for a different reason).
There have been several anti-obesity medications that help suppress appetite and achieve weight loss. But semaglutide performs on a new level.
An early study of 2,000 obese adults compared people using semaglutide plus a diet and exercise program with people who made the same lifestyle changes without semaglutide. After 68 weeks, half of the participants using semaglutide lost 15% of their body weight, and nearly a third lost 20%. Participants who incorporated only lifestyle changes lost about 2.4% of their weight.
The FDA recommends Wegovy for weight loss if you meet one of the following criteria:
- Have a body mass index (BMI) of 27kg/m2 or greater and at least one weight-related condition, such as high blood pressure, Type 2 diabetes or high cholesterol
- Have a BMI of 30kg/m2 or greater
Avoid semaglutide if you have:
- History of medullary thyroid cancer
- History of gallbladder disease
- History of pancreatitis
- Multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2)
Before taking semaglutide injection,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to semaglutide (Rybelsus, Ozempic, Wegovy), albiglutide (Tanzeum; no longer available in the US), dulaglutide (Trulicity), exenatide (Bydureon, Byetta), liraglutide (Saxenda, Victoza), lixisenatide (Adlyxin, in Soliqua), any other medications, or any of the ingredients in semaglutide injection. Ask your pharmacist or check the Medication Guide for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. It is especially important to tell your doctor about all the medications you take by mouth because semaglutide may change the way your body absorbs these medications.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), diabetic retinopathy (damage to the eyes caused by diabetes), gallbladder disease, or kidney disease. Also tell your doctor if you have recently had diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting or if you cannot drink liquids by mouth, which may cause dehydration (loss of a large amount of body fluids).
- tell your doctor if you plan to become pregnant. Your doctor may tell you to stop using semaglutide injection for 2 months before a planned pregnancy.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while using semaglutide injection, call your doctor.
- ask your doctor what to do if there is a large change in your diet, exercise, or weight; or if you get sick, develop an infection or fever, experience unusual stress, or are injured. These changes and conditions can affect your blood sugar and the amount of semaglutide injection you may need.
- you should know that your mental health may change in unexpected ways and you may become suicidal (thinking about harming or killing yourself or planning or trying to do so) while you are using semaglutide injection for weight loss. You, your family, or your caregiver should call your doctor right away if you experience any of the following symptoms: depression; talking or thinking about wanting to hurt yourself or end your life; withdrawing from friends and family; preoccupation with death and dying; or any other unusual changes in behavior or mood. Be sure that your family or caregiver knows which symptoms may be serious so they can call the doctor if you are unable to seek treatment on your own.
f you are using semaglutide injection (Ozempic), inject the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if more than 5 days passed since the missed dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not inject a double dose to make up for a missed one.
If you are using semaglutide injection (Wegovy) and the next dose is more than 2 days away (48 hours), use the missed dose as soon as possible. If you miss a dose of semaglutide injection (Wegovy) and the next scheduled dose is less than 2 days away (48 hours), skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. If you miss a dose of semaglutide injection (Wegovy) for more than 2 weeks, call your doctor or pharmacist.
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- abdominal pain
- constipation
- heartburn
- burping
When to Call Your Doctor:
- If you notice redness, swelling, or warmth at the injection site that doesn’t go away.
- If you experience severe pain, allergic reactions, or any unusual symptoms after injecting.
Following these steps will help you safely and easily inject semaglutide at home. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to reach out to adoRN Esthetics for assistance. We are here to support you!
How to Use an Insulin Syringe to Inject Semaglutide
At adoRN Esthetics, we want to make sure you feel comfortable and safe when injecting yourself with semaglutide. Here is a simple step-by-step guide to help you use an insulin syringe to inject semaglutide in a sterile way. You will need the prefilled syringes and alcohol pads provided by adoRN Esthetics.
What You Will Need:
● Prefilled insulin syringe with semaglutide
● Alcohol pads
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Wash Your Hands:
Wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. Make sure they are clean and dry.
2. Choose an Injection Site:
The best places to inject are:
■ The front of your thighs
■ The lower belly, at least 2 inches away from your belly button
■ The back of your upper arms (if someone can help you)
Avoid areas with scars, moles, bruises, or hard bumps.
3. Clean the Injection Site:
Take an alcohol pad and wipe the skin where you plan to inject. Let it air dry for a few
seconds. This cleans the skin and helps prevent infection.
4. Prepare the Syringe:
Take the prefilled syringe with semaglutide out of its packaging.
Hold the syringe in your dominant hand (the hand you use to write)
Check that the needle is covered with a protective cap.
5- Remove the Needle Cap:
Carefully pull off the cap from the needle. Do not touch the needle with your fingers or let it touch anything else. Keep the needle clean.
6. Hold the Syringe Correctly:
– Hold the syringe like a pencil, with the needle pointing upwards. Keep your grip steady and comfortable.
7. Pinch the Skin:
With your other hand, gently pinch a small fold of skin at the cleaned injection site. This helps make the injection easier and less painful.
8. Inject the Semaglutide:
Quickly and firmly insert the needle into the skin at a 90-degree angle (straight up and down).
Once the needle is in, push down on the plunger slowly and steadily until all the semaglutide is injected.
9. Remove the Needle:
Gently pull the needle out of your skin at the same angle it went in. Do not twist or move the needle around as you pull it out.
10. Dispose of the Syringe Safely:
Place the used syringe in a sharps container or a hard plastic container with a secure lid. Do not throw it in the regular trash.
11. Press on the Injection Site:
Use a clean cotton ball or gauze pad to press gently on the injection site for a few seconds. Do not rub the area. If you notice any bleeding, press a little longer.
12. Wash Your Hands Again:
Wash your hands with soap and water after you finish to keep everything clean.
Important Tips:
- Rotate Your Injection Sites: Do not inject in the same spot each time. Rotate between different areas to prevent skin irritation.
- Stay Calm and Relaxed: Take deep breaths to stay calm before injecting. This will help reduce any discomfort.
- Follow Your Dosing Schedule: Make sure you inject semaglutide as your doctor instructed. Keep track of your doses.