Since 2022, many type 2 diabetes and weight-loss injectables (including, but not limited to Wegovy, Mounjaro, Ozempic, Saxenda, and Zepbound) have been on a national shortage. We have received a surge of phone calls in the past months from concerned patients and providers seeking to find a medication they cannot abruptly stop, or from patients looking to start new therapies. As an independent pharmacy who strives to help our community navigate through healthcare challenges, we wanted to find alternatives that support our patients' goals.
Lititz Apothecary has received all approvals during this back-order period and has developed two programs which includes an Injectable Semaglutide and a Troche (lozenge) with the same active ingredients as Wegovy and Ozempic. We are currently in the process of sourcing Terzepatide (Zepbound) and encourage you to complete this form to be notified.
Cost:
Overall Process:
Once you complete this form, an onboarding specialist will reach out and go over the details.
What is Weight Loss with Semaglutide?
Semaglutide works by mimicking a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) which targets areas of the brain that regulate appetite and food intake. The medication was first used under the brand name Ozempic to help control blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. However, doctors soon began to see other benefits of this drug, particularly for weight loss.
Although GLP-1 agonists, such as Semaglutide, help to control blood sugar, they also promote weight loss. GLP-1, the key hormone involved, slows down how quickly your stomach empties itself of food. In addition to prompting your pancreas to release insulin, Semaglutide blocks a hormone that causes your liver to release sugar (glucagon). These functions can help you feel less hungry, causing you to eat less and lose more weight.
As Semaglutide gained popularity, manufacturers developed a pill known as Rybelsus as an alternative to Ozempic. Wegovy followed shortly after. Wegovy contains a higher Semaglutide dosage and is intended for weight loss rather than diabetes management.
How To Take Semaglutide
Patients typically begin Semaglutide at a low dose and gradually work up to the full dosage. This gives the body time to adjust to the medication and may help reduce common side effects. You should take Semaglutide with a small sip of water not exceeding 4 ounces. Swallow the tablet whole and do not eat or drink anything else for at least 30 minutes.
It's best to eat a small, sensible meal 30 to 60 minutes after your dose of Semaglutide. You should take this pill at the same time and in the same manner every day. Most patients only take one daily dose. Carefully follow any additional instructions provided by your healthcare provider. Taking Semaglutide with a beverage other than water, eating too soon after the pill, or taking your dosage at different times each day can minimize its efficacy and may lead to uncomfortable side effects.
Possible Side Effects of Semaglutide
Nausea is the most common side effect associated with Semaglutide, with as many as 20% of people taking this medication for Type 2 diabetes reported experiencing nausea as a result. Nausea is even more common when you reach the higher dose typically used for weight loss. Vomiting may also occur, though it's less common. Many patients report that this side effect lessens over time. Small, low-fat meals will help reduce this side effect while supporting your weight loss journey.
Diarrhea is another common side effect of Semaglutide. Around 20% of patients using the medication for weight loss reported diarrhea. Although constipation may also occur, it's less common. While digestive problems and mild stomach pain are frequent with this drug, you should not experience severe stomach pain or pain that radiates to your back. If this occurs, you should get immediate medical attention since this can be a sign of a more severe complication.
Fatigue affects about 11% of people using Wegovy for weight loss. Fatigue is less common among patients using Semaglutide for diabetes, it was reported in just 5% of people taking Ozempic.
Studies on Semaglutide
The USDA approved Wegovy for chronic weight management in 2021. The medication has become wildly popular since, with celebrities like Elon Musk touting its benefits. Studies support the hype, indicating that Semaglutide is indeed an effective medication for weight loss. In one trial involving adults with diabetes and an average body weight of 231 pounds, participants using Wegovy lost 12.4% more of their initial body weight on average compared to those taking the placebo. In another study, where the average body weight was 220 pounds, participants lost 6.2% more of their body weight on Wegovy compared to the placebo.
Yet another clinical trial backs up this evidence. In a study involving 1,961 participants with Body Mass Index (BMI) values of 30 or more or a BMI of 27 or more with another weight-related condition, the success rates were remarkable. All participants engaged in lifestyle modifications over the 68-week trial period. Of the 1,306 participants who received Semaglutide, 86.4% lost more than 5% of their body weight. Meanwhile, only 31.1% of the 655 participants on the placebo enjoyed the same results. Other studies have shown similar success.
While a 5% weight loss was the target for this trial, 70% of the patients lost at least 10% of their body weight. The average weight loss for patients on Wegovy was 14.9% compared to just 1.4% for those who used only lifestyle modifications and received the placebo.
The Semaglutide Weight Loss Program at Lititz Apothecary
With Semaglutide, you'll slowly work your way up to the target dose, which is when you'll see the most significant weight loss. It's important to remember that weight loss can take time, and you'll see the best results when combining your medication with a healthy diet and exercise. Sometimes the medication may not work for you, or you may not be able to tolerate the full dose due to side effects.
The benefits of a Semaglutide Protocol
Semaglutide in conjunction with other lifestyle changes to deliver notable results. The protocol:
What is a Troche?
Many people want an alternative to injections and want the convenience of a medication that can be taken by mouth. A troche traditionally has increased absorption when taken sublingually (under the tongue). It is taken once daily with your custom dosage, based on your treatment program.
For Prescribers:
Rx:
Semaglutide 2.5mg/mL (5mg/2mL) QTY: 2.0mL
Sig: Based on patient current dose or per protocol.
*E-Scribe Instructions: Please select “unable to find” and specify in notes section exactly which strength to dispense, Semaglutide 5mg/2mL. Write how many milligrams the patient is to inject weekly.
For reference only, not a valid prescription. Please use this as a guide to call in, write, or prescribe via EMR. Email us at Info@lititzrx.com to request a copy of this form for your practice.
Dose comparison chart (can differ depending on concentrations):
| Ozempic (Semaglutide) Dosing | 0.25 mg | 0.5 mg | 1 mg | 2 mg | ||
| Wegovy (Semaglutide) Dosing | 0.25 mg | 0.5 mg | 1 mg | 1.7mg | 2.4mg | |
| Semaglutide 5mg/2ml injection dosing (mg) | 0.25 mg | 0.5 mg | 1 mg | 1.7mg | 2 mg | 2.4mg |
| Semaglutide 5mg/2ml Injection (Units/ml) | 10units/ 0.2 ml | 20units/ 0.2 ml | 40units/ 0.4 ml | 70units/ 0.7 ml | 80units/ 0.8 ml | 96units/ 0.96 ml |