Semaglutide (brand name Ozempic Saxenda, Rybelsus, Wegovy) is a medication developed to be used with diet and exercise to help control blood sugar in type 2 diabetics. Semaglutide is used in weight loss after the 2014 clinical trial showed 50% of patients lost 15% of body weight. Semaglutide belongs to a class of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists, which mimic the hormone GLP-1 in your body to lower blood sugar levels after eating.

Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) is a hormone that causes huge effects on the regulation of blood sugar by stimulating glucose-dependent insulin secretion. Insulin is a hormone that promotes sugar uptake by the cells, stores sugar as glycogen, fat building, and signals the body to build skeletal muscle. In addition, GLP-1 inhibits glucagon release (which slows down the release of sugar into the blood so that you burn more fat), slows down gastric emptying (makes you feel full), and lowers the desire for food intake (because you feel full).

No, Semaglutide is not a type of insulin or a substitute for insulin. Semaglutide does stimulate your pancreas to release insulin when glucose (sugar) is present. Because Semaglutide relies upon your body’s insulin to have this effect, Semaglutide isn’t used when your pancreas can’t make insulin, such as in patients with type 1 diabetes.

No, Semaglutide is not a stimulant. While other weight loss medications, like phentermine, have stimulating effects that help curb your appetite, Semaglutide works differently (see above).

GLP-1 agonists like Semaglutide help to control your blood sugar, but people who take them also lose weight. GLP-1, the key hormone involved, slows down how your stomach empties food (called gastric emptying). And in addition, Semaglutide blocks a hormone that causes your liver to release sugar (glucagon). Together, these functions can help you feel less hungry, causing you to eat less food and lose more weight.

Yes, it is believed that Semaglutide can help curb your appetite. In addition to slowing gastric emptying to make you feel full for longer, GLP-1 also plays a direct role in how your appetite is regulated.

Yes. Semaglutide is considered to be safe and effective when used as indicated. But safe doesn’t mean that there aren’t risks. Semaglutide also carries a boxed warning about thyroid C-cell tumors occurring in rodents (with unknown risk in humans), and Semaglutide shouldn’t be used if you or your family have a history of certain thyroid cancers. Semaglutide should not be used in people with type-1 diabetes or a history of pancreatitis. Semaglutide should be used cautiously for people on other blood sugar-lowering medications.

Once enrolled in the program and evaluated by our board-certified provider, the medication and the supplies will be discreetly shipped to your home or office.

Here are a few things to keep in mind if you are on Semaglutide.

We suggest limiting how much alcohol you’re drinking while taking Semaglutide, especially if you are diabetic. Alcohol can affect your blood sugar, and there is a risk that it may drop too low in combination with Semaglutide, especially if you are drinking on an empty stomach. Alcohol can irritate your stomach, too. This might make you feel worse in combination with some of the GI side effects from the medication. Please discuss alcohol consumption with your TD Tele-Doc provider.

You’ll also want to exercise caution if taking oral medications. Since Semaglutide slows down gastric emptying, this can potentially impact the amount of oral medication your body absorbs. And while trials haven’t shown this to be significant with Semaglutide, you’ll want to ensure your provider is aware of any other medications you are taking before starting Semaglutide.

The most common side effects of Semaglutide™ may include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, stomach (abdomen) pain, headache, tiredness (fatigue), upset stomach, dizziness, feeling bloated, belching, gas, stomach flu, and heartburn.

Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that bother you.