WHO MAY BE A CANDIDATE FOR SEMAGLUTIDE IN HALLANDALE?

You might be a candidate to discuss semaglutide with your provider if:

• You have type 2 diabetes, and your A1C is above goal despite lifestyle and current medications.

• You live with obesity (BMI ≥30), or overweight (BMI ≥27), plus a weight-related condition such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol.

• You’re ready to commit to consistent medication use, nutrition changes, activity, and follow-up visits.

A proper consultation includes:

• Review of your medical history and current meds

• Lab work (A1C, kidney & liver function, lipids, etc.)

• Discussion of your goals, fears, lifestyle, and budget

• Screening for conditions where semaglutide is unsafe or higher risk

WHO SHOULD NOT TAKE SEMAGLUTIDE?

All semaglutide products carry a boxed warning about thyroid C-cell tumors in rodents. It’s unknown if this risk applies to humans, but out of caution, semaglutide is contraindicated in:

• Anyone with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)

• Patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2)

• People with known serious hypersensitivity to semaglutide or its ingredients

Caution is also essential in patients with:

• History of pancreatitis

• Significant gallbladder disease

• Severe gastrointestinal disease (e.g., severe gastroparesis)

• Certain types of diabetic retinopathy, where rapid glycemic improvement can temporarily worsen eye disease

This is why real medical screening—not a quick online form—is so important.

COMMON SIDE EFFECTS YOU SHOULD EXPECT

Most side effects are digestive, particularly when starting or increasing the dose:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Constipation

• Abdominal pain or bloating

• Decreased appetite

These are often dose-related and tend to improve with time. To soften the impact, we usually:

• Start low and increase doses gradually

• Encourage small, slow meals

• Focus on hydration and protein intake

• Adjust the titration schedule if your body needs more time

If side effects persist or worsen, the medication dose may need to be reduced or discontinued.

SERIOUS RISKS AND WARNING SIGNS

Although uncommon, important risks include:

• Pancreatitis – Severe, persistent abdominal pain (with or without vomiting) that may radiate to the back

• Gallbladder problems – Pain in the right upper abdomen, fever, yellowing of skin or eyes

• Kidney issues – Worsening kidney function, often linked with dehydration from severe vomiting/diarrhea

• Serious allergic reactions – Swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, rash

• Suicidal thoughts or mood changes – Particularly noted in Wegovy’s prescribing information; mental health symptoms must be monitored.

Any of these requires urgent medical attention and likely stopping the medication.

HOW IS SEMAGLUTIDE TAKEN?

Injections (Ozempic, Wegovy)

• Given once weekly under the skin (abdomen, thigh, or upper arm).

• Pre-filled pens make self-injection relatively simple after training.

• Dose is increased over several weeks or months to a “maintenance” level if tolerated.

Oral tablet (Rybelsus)

• Taken once daily, on an empty stomach, with a small amount of water.

• Must wait at least 30 minutes before eating or drinking anything else.

Your provider will help you choose the formulation and schedule that fits your medical needs and your lifestyle.

SEMAGLUTIDE VS OTHER WEIGHT-LOSS OPTIONS

Compared with older prescription weight-loss medications, semaglutide often leads to larger and more sustained weight loss in clinical trials. 

But it’s not the only option:

• Some people may respond better to tirzepatide (a dual GIP/GLP-1 agonist), other GLP-1 medications, or non-GLP-1 weight-loss drugs.

• Others may ultimately benefit more from bariatric surgery, especially with severe obesity and multiple complications.

The “best” choice is the one that fits your health profile, goals, risk tolerance, and access—not just what’s trending on social media.

WHAT HAPPENS IF YOU STOP SEMAGLUTIDE?

Semaglutide supports weight loss and metabolic control while you’re on it. When it’s stopped, old biology tends to reassert itself:

• In follow-up studies, patients regained a significant portion of the weight they had lost within a year after stopping weekly semaglutide, though they still kept off more weight than placebo on average.

That doesn’t mean you’re “stuck” on it forever—but it does mean long-term success usually requires:

• Sustainable nutrition and movement habits

• Clear plan for how long to stay on the medication

• Support to manage weight and blood sugar if it’s tapered or discontinued

COMPOUNDED OR ONLINE “SEMAGLUTIDE” – WHY TO BE CAREFUL

Because demand for semaglutide is high, many websites and social media ads offer:

• “Generic Ozempic”

• “Research semaglutide”

• Compounded semaglutide injections at unusually low prices

The FDA has warned that some compounded or online products may contain incorrect ingredients or doses, or not be semaglutide at all. Quality, sterility, and dosing can’t be guaranteed outside regulated channels.

For your safety:

• Only use semaglutide prescribed by a licensed clinician who knows your medical history.

• Fill prescriptions through reputable, regulated pharmacies.

• Be skeptical of “no-prescription” options and deeply discounted vials.