Compounded GLP-1 FAQs

GLP-1 is a breakthrough in medical science - a once-weekly treatment that targets the body's natural hormone receptors for regulating appetite.

Currently, in phase 3 development, GLP-1 is offering hope to adults struggling with obesity or overweight conditions accompanied by weight-related health issues. But that's not all - this incredible medication is also being studied as a potential treatment for heart failure, sleep apnea, and liver inflammation.

Ongoing research is exploring GLP-1s potential in improving kidney health and reducing obesity-related morbidity and mortality.

The cost of compounded GLP-1 will depend on your insurance and a number of other factors, which can be discussed with your VIVA Wellness Nurse Practitioner. This weight loss drug is used as a part of an entire wellness protocol designed to bring you lasting success.

Our protocol includes:

• Compounded GLP-1 injection titrated to your custom needs and administered by your NP subcutaneously (into the fat of the abdomen, thigh, or bicep). 
• Anti-nausea IM medication injection or orally (if needed)
• Digestion & metabolism support oral supplements
• Digestion & metabolic support IM injection
• NP check-in, accountability, and support

Be in touch to learn the cost of this protocol, which will vary based on volume of the medication needed, as well as your exact health situation (some may be eligible for insurance coverage.) The protocol also may include discounts on other VIVA Wellness services that directly benefit your chronic weight management. This information is available during your initial weight loss consultation—book here.

Your insurance may cover GLP-1/ medical weight loss, depending on a number of factors. While insurance currently only covers FDA-approved use for Type 2 diabetes, there's good news on the horizon. 

Currently, our office can provide access to compounded GLP-1 for weight management through compounding pharmacies. Even if you're not diabetic, we can still explore this option for you.

The length of each protocol varies with your weight loss goals and your body's response to the medication. You will be on the drug for a minimum of three months, but you could remain on the protocol until you reach your goal weight or maintain it without intensive lifestyle intervention or deprivation. 

VIVA Wellness is a client-centered, health-focused wellness clinic guided by certified Nurse Practitioners who specialize in weight loss. Taking any medication comes with risks, but that’s why we go into depth about your health history to ensure that we can properly dose any medications that you may be a good fit for. 

Common side effects of this medication may include swelling, redness, and itching at the injection site, as well as tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, upset stomach, diarrhea, or constipation. Many people who use this medication do not experience serious side effects.

While GLP-1s themselves typically do not cause low blood sugar, it may occur when taken with other diabetes medications. It is important to discuss this with your VIVA Wellness NP. Certain factors like excessive alcohol consumption, inadequate calorie intake, or intense exercise can also lead to low blood sugar.

While rare, it is possible to have a serious allergic reaction to this drug. Seek medical help immediately if you notice symptoms such as rash, itching, swelling (especially of the face, tongue, or throat), severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. As a comprehensive weight control center, VIVA Wellness will proactively offer services to mitigate any side effects you may experience.

This depends on your health history, current medications, and other factors. When you have your initial consultation with your VIVA Wellness Nurse Practitioner, you will go over these things together and decide if GLP-1 or compounded GLP-1 is right for you.

Compounded GLP-1 may be covered by your insurance for the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes. This means insurance will only cover GLP-1 for those with documented type 2 diabetes but could potentially be covered for obesity in coming months. So, if you are a Type 2 Diabetic, (A1c 6.5 or higher and you have insurance) we can prescribe the GLP-1 to you.

If you are deemed a good fit by our Nurse Practitioners, our office works with trusted compounding pharmacies to bring clients access to compounded GLP-1. This means that even if you aren't diabetic but would benefit from compounded GLP-1 for weight management, you will have access to the medication.

The convenience of an online program is tempting for many, but that goes against our guiding philosophy at VIVA Wellness, which is to give our clients the attention and comprehensive care they deserve. We want to check in with you, provide accountability, and make sure you are on a path toward healthy success.

Our protocol is designed with quality of life in mind, and so it has built-in considerations for your whole body’s health. Weight loss drugs rewire the way your body relates to and processes food. We like to be sure that we are doing everything we can to accommodate the body and make that adjustment period comfortable.

We have a strong understanding of other services that complement the use of GLP-1 (and compounded semaglutide or Wegovy or Ozempic) that facilitate and jump-start weight loss and help you feel better in the process. You will not get these components from an online program.

Again, everybody is different. Studies say it takes anywhere from 20 to 90 days to wire new habits, if it took years to form a habit, it may take a bit longer. So that said, we can’t make guarantees. Still, we do hope that while under the medication our clients are taking time to explore the root causes of how their issues with weight began, looking at how they’ve previously used food other than simply nourishment, and begin to make changes in their lives. We personally believe that if you feel incredible on compounded GLP-1s, you are very unlikely to want to go back to previous habits that did not set you up for success.

Before diving in, remember that everybody is different, and there is no "typical" amount of compounded GLP-1 weight loss. However, extensive research has shown the vast majority of patients experience weight reduction using this medication. Studies have shown that patients treated saw a significant 24.3% reduction in mean body weight between 12 weeks and 72 weeks of treatment. In fact, 9 out of 10 people achieved at least a 5% body weight reduction, regardless of their initial body mass index (BMI). At higher doses, over one-third of patients experienced weight loss of 25% or more.

The effectiveness of GLP-1s is influenced by various factors such as eating and exercise habits, environment, age, and body type. 

For optimal results, we start with a lower dose and allow your body to adjust to it. While the medication works immediately, it may take some time to see a visible change.

In studies of the brand name drug Mounjaro, the average weight loss achieved was 25 lbs over a period of 40 and 52 weeks. It was found that higher doses of Mounjaro resulted in greater weight loss in clinical trials, but it is worth noting that these higher doses can also lead to more frequent stomach-related side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, and decreased appetite. However, these side effects are typically temporary and not experienced by all patients.

It is important to mention that most cases of nausea, vomiting, and/or diarrhea occurred when the dosage of Mounjaro was being increased at the start of treatment and tended to decrease over time.

Again we want to emphasize that everyone is different, which is why your VIVA Wellness weight loss protocol will be tailored to your individual body and health situation. You can expect faster and more significant weight reduction when paired with our other services, such as colonics, lymphatic drainage, IV/IM vitamin injections, and supplements.

Dr. Daniel Skovronsky, Lilly’s Chief Scientific Officer, says, "Obesity is often a chronic lifetime disease, and for such diseases, patients often need to take therapy for the life of the disease.”

The duration of the weight-loss medication varies from person to person, but for most individuals, it is a long-term commitment. Similar to treating chronic diseases like diabetes and hypertension, obesity is not cured but controlled. This means that if the medication is effective, it is likely to be taken for life. Stopping the medication can result in increased hunger and weight regain.

VIVA Wellness will offer you continued support to make sure that you maintain your goals long-term. For real and lasting success, we recommend combining weight-loss medications with lifestyle changes, such as increased movement and healthier food choices. The VIVA Wellness weight loss program is specifically designed to help individuals maintain these healthy habits for life.

It helps regulate blood sugar levels by increasing insulin production and slowing down digestion to promote a feeling of fullness.

Previous research has shown that one of these hormones, GLP-1, stimulates insulin production and reduces appetite. This finding suggests that GLP-1 is important.

Using compounded GLP-1 through a reliable licensed pharmacy like we use at VIVA Wellness is a safe way to lose weight. Compounded versions of drugs can be beneficial for patients with specific dosage needs or off-label uses.

Compounding pharmacies, which fill customized orders, must use pharmaceutical-grade ingredients in FDA-registered facilities. While compounding pharmacies are allowed to produce duplicate drugs in certain circumstances, they must adhere to FDA guidelines and quality standards.

It is important to go through a trusted healthcare provider, like our Nurse Practitioners, if you are using a compounded medication to ensure its effectiveness and safety. 

It is important that you discuss your entire health history and medications with your VIVA Wellness Nurse Practitioner.

Alcohol

Limiting alcohol use while taking GLP-1 is recommended. Alcohol can affect blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes, leading to both low and high blood sugar levels. It is best to avoid alcohol if your diabetes is not well controlled or if you have certain conditions such as high triglycerides, neuropathy, or pancreatitis. However, if your diabetes is under control, moderate alcohol consumption, such as one drink daily for women and two drinks for men, should not significantly impact blood glucose levels. It's important to consume alcohol with food and not on an empty stomach to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia.

Other oral medications

GLP-1 may affect the absorption and effectiveness of other medications taken orally. It is crucial to inform your VIVA Wellness NP about all medications, vitamins, and herbs you are using.

It is important to be aware that GLP-1s may interfere with certain types of birth control pills. Specifically, hormonal birth control pills may have reduced effectiveness during the first 4 weeks of treatment and for 4 weeks after each dose increase.

If you are currently taking an oral form of hormonal birth control, your NP will likely recommend either switching to a non-oral method. After the last dose increase, you may have the option to switch back to your birth control pill after 4 weeks. If you have any questions regarding this, please consult your VIVA Wellness NP.

Disease considerations

GLP-1 has interactions with certain diseases, including thyroid cancer, chronic kidney disease, pancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas), retinopathy, and severe gastrointestinal disease.

Animal studies have shown that GLP-1 has the potential to cause medullary thyroid carcinoma, but it is unclear if this applies to humans. To be safe, individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma should avoid using GLP-1s The same goes for those with MEN 2 syndrome.

Patients with other risk factors for thyroid cancer should be aware of the potential risks associated with GLP-1. Additional reasons to avoid GLP-1s include gallbladder disease and diabetic retinopathy.

If you are currently taking semaglutide or liraglutide, do not take GLP-1s. However, if you are on insulin therapy, you can start taking GLP-1s and your insulin dose will be gradually reduced to prevent low blood sugar.