Frequently Asked Questions
Results vary, but in a 68-week study of 1,961 adults with obesity or excess weight, participants lost about 35 lbs (15% of body weight) on average. Those taking a placebo lost an average of 6 lbs (2.5% of body weight). The average starting weight was 232 lbs.
There is no set time for results as people respond differently to the medication. Consult your healthcare provider for realistic expectations.
Possible side effects include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, headache, fatigue, upset stomach, dizziness, bloating, belching, gas, stomach flu, and heartburn. If side effects are bothersome, please consult your healthcare provider.
Yes, carry your pen in your carry-on when traveling by air to avoid freezing in the baggage compartment. Check with your airline for specific rules.
Yes, we recommend you take it on the same day every week at a convenient time for you.
You can change the day you take it as long as your last dose was given at least two days before.
Do not throw the pen away in your household trash. Use an FDA-cleared sharps disposal container or a sturdy household container with a tight-fitting lid, like a heavy-duty plastic container.
If the next scheduled dose is more than 2 days away (48 hours), take the missed dose as soon as possible. If the next scheduled dose is less than 2 days away, skip the missed dose and wait until your next scheduled one. If you miss doses for more than 2 weeks, call your healthcare provider to discuss how to restart your treatment. You can take your next dose on the regularly scheduled day.
You can take your medicine with or without food; it’s up to you.
Check our Payment Plans to see which insurance may or may not cover it, or contact your insurance provider directly.
No worries! We offer a 1-year same-as-cash financing program. Contact us to learn more.
- Semaglutide/Tirzepatide and Weight Loss
Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are GLP-1 receptor agonists. They mimic the hormone GLP-1, which regulates appetite and insulin secretion. These medications help with weight loss by increasing feelings of fullness, reducing hunger, slowing gastric emptying and increasing insulin sensitivity. Tirzepatide has a GLP and a GIP, an insulinotropic that assists with weight loss even more.
- Pricing and Dosing
Pricing of the program varies by client and is customized to each individual based on their goals, needs, blood work and physician recommendation. Each program comes with a concierge service, weekly nutrition and fitness counseling and accountability sessions.
Similar to Semaglutide, Pricing of the program varies by client and is customized to each individual based on their goals, needs, blood work and physician recommendation. Each program comes with a concierge service, weekly nutrition and fitness counseling and accountability sessions.
- Medication Composition and Brand Options
Typically, in our practice we have found PURE semaglutide and PURE Tirzepatide are most effective and potent. We DO NOT typically mix with anything unless patient specifically requests a blend. If they do, we can certainly supply it.
Yes, we can. As expected branded pricing is higher than unbranded.
- Pharmacy Certification
Health Collective partners with the best, most certified and reputable pharmacies. The specific names would need to be provided to patient by request.
Yes, they are 503A and 503B certified, legitscript certified and third party tested for potency. They are HIPPA compliant and PCCA members as well as part of the Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding.
- Membership and Support
- For patients and clients looking for Nutrition Coaching, Macro Coaching, Hormonal Balancing, Fitness programming etc, we do have monthly memberships as well as 6 month and 1 year programs.
- For access to all training and bi-weekly 30 minute calls and weekly HC group coaching calls it’s $99/month
- For personalized, immersive, bespoke programs and full concierge, custom supplement creation etc…
Additional support include nutritional counseling, exercise program creation and ongoing guidance, regular accontability check-ins, weekly dosage recommendations, custom labs and supplement creation and access to healthcare professionals for any questions or concerns.
- Enrollment and Expectations
Typically, signing up involves an initial consultation, which could be done online or in person. Once you are qualified as a good candidate, medication and supplies are shipped directly to your door. Once we begin injections, weekly meetings are set along with custom meal planning, habit creation etc… Medical assessments are scheduled monthly as well.
Weight loss rates vary, but many patients start to see results within the first few weeks to months of treatment. Typically, we see 4-10lbs/month with treatment but results vary by individual.
- Treatment of Other Conditions
GLP-1 medications have shown promise in treating PCOS by aiding weight loss and improving insulin sensitivity. They may also have anti-inflammatory effects, which can be beneficial for conditions like arthritis. Other benefits include improved kidney function, improved cardiovascular functions, reduced alcohol cravings and improvement for those with addictive personalities.
- Availability and Safety
GLP-1 medications are generally safe when prescribed and monitored by a healthcare professional. However, like all medications, they come with potential risks and side effects. Often the benefits significantly outweigh risks.
Most patients can successfully go off of these medications, some choose to go off all together and some wean off slowly. There are patients with thyroid conditions, autoimmune conditions or PCOS that may choose to stay on for the long term.
There have been concerns about a potential link between GLP-1 medications and thyroid cancer, particularly medullary thyroid carcinoma. However, this risk is considered extremely low. If someone has had family history of this specific cancer, we prefer to help patients with alternate medications and supplements to help them lose weight.
Some patients may experience delayed gastric emptying, but severe cases like gastroparesis are extremely rare.
- History and Side Effects
These medications have been around for over 20 years in different formats and specifically for type 2 diabetes. Semaglutide was approved by the FDA in 2017, and Tirzepatide was approved in 2022 for weight loss specifically.
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Less common but more severe side effects can include pancreatitis and kidney issues.
Long-term side effects are still being studied, but ongoing monitoring by healthcare professionals can help manage and mitigate risks. Currently no statistically significant long term effects have been reported.
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