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Medication Information

Please read the information linked below. It contains important warnings from the FDA in relation to medications you may be prescribed. If you have any questions, please speak to your provider or other licensed healthcare professional.

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Columbia Medical IDTF, LLC has partnered with “fulfillment” Pharmacies for the purpose of delivering medication to Patients. Columbia MedicalIDTF, LLC fulfillment Pharmacy partners are:

  1. Red Rock Pharmacy - (801) 477-9444 located at 863 W 450 S. Springville, UT 84663

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Please note: Most medications prescribed via Columbia Medical IDTF LLC are compounded medications. While compounded medications are made exclusively in licensed pharmacies, their efficacy and safety profile cannot be directly compared to commercial drugs. Talk to your provider about the specific risks and benefits that may come with the use of a compounded medication. The following list of safety data is provided solely for convenience and should not be relied upon in relation to the safety and efficacy profile of any compounded medications.

 

Medical Weight Management Medications

Semaglutide (ActivePharmaceutical Ingredient in Wegovy® Ozempic®)

Please See: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2021/215256s000lbl.pdf

Tirzepatide (ActivePharmaceutical Ingredient in Mounjaro®)

Please see: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2022/215866s000lbl.pdf

Semaglutide:

Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, which means that it works by mimicking a hormone called glucagon-like peptide 1(GLP-1) that helps prevent the liver from releasing too much sugar, thereby reducing blood sugar levels, and also promotes satiety—in other words, provokes a feeling of fullness. This happens because the drug slows down the digestive system, so you feel fuller longer.

Ozempic® and Wegovy® are the same medication(Semaglutide) and work the same way, though Wegovy® has a higher maximum doseand is FDA approved for weight loss.

  • The US FDA has approved Ozempic® as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus and established cardiovascular disease. Ozempic® may also be used off-label for weight loss in patients who are overweight to improve health outcomes, like high blood pressure.
  • The US FDA has approved Wegovy® for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related condition (such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol), for use in addition to a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity. 
  • Both Ozempic and Wegovy are once weekly subcutaneous injections.

Compounded Semaglutide has not been approved by the FDA for weight loss or any other condition and is currently used on a research basis only. If you choose to use compounded Semaglutide, you understand that it is not FDA approved.  

 

Tirzepatide:

Tirzepatide is both a GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. Agonists are drugs that activate receptors. In this case, GIP andGLP-1 regulate gut hormones called incretins, which help our bodies know when we feel full and help prevent the liver from releasing too much sugar, thereby reducing blood sugar levels. This happens because the drug slows down the digestive system, so you feel fuller longer.

Mounjaro®, also known as Zepbound®, is thebrand name patented version of Tirzepatide injectable that recently FDA approval for obesity. 

Compounded Tirzepatide has not been approve dby the FDA and is currently used on a research basis.

Side Effects, Risks and Complications: Every treatment involves a certain amount of risk, and it is important that you understand these risks and the possible complications associated with use of Semaglutide and Tirzepatide. An individual’s choice to take a medication is based on the comparison of the risk to potential benefit.

The most common side effects from taking Semaglutide and Tirzepatide include, but are not limited to:

  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, headache, fatigue, dyspepsia, dizziness, hypotension, abdominal distension (bloating), eructation (burping), hypoglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes, flatulence (gas), gastroenteritis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease. We will work with you to limit and treat these side effects. You may also experience redness or pain at the injection sites.
  • Additionally, many individuals notice that their face may become excessively thin and their cheeks hollow looking due to rapid weight loss.

Potential Serious Side Effects andComplications include, but are not limited to:

  • Gastroparesis and chronic gastrointestinal issues (constipation and/or diarrhea).
  • Possible thyroid tumors, including cancer. Tell your healthcare provider if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. These may be symptoms of thyroid cancer. Do not use if you or any of your family have ever had a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if you have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
  • Change in vision in patients with type 2 diabetes (Diabetic Retinopathy). Tell your healthcare provider if you have changes in vision during treatment. Patients with a history of diabetic retinopathy should have their vision monitored regularly while taking these medications.
  • Inflammation of your pancreas (pancreatitis). Stop using treatment and call your healthcare provider right away if you have severe pain in your stomach area (abdomen) that will not go away, with or without vomiting. You may feel the pain from your abdomen to your back.
  • Gallbladder problems. Treatment may cause gallbladder problems, including gallstones. Some gallstones may need surgery. Call your healthcare provider if you have symptoms, such as pain in your upper stomach (abdomen), fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), or clay-colored stools.
  • Increased risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in patients with type 2 diabetes, especially those who also take medicines for type 2 diabetes such as sulfonyl ureas or insulin. This can be both a serious and common side effect. Talk to your healthcare provider about how to recognize and treat low blood sugar and check your blood sugar before you start. Signs and symptoms of low blood sugar may include dizziness or light-headedness, blurred vision, anxiety, irritability or mood changes, sweating, slurred speech, hunger, confusion or drowsiness, shakiness, weakness, headache, fast heartbeat, or feeling jittery.
  • Kidney problems (kidney failure). In people who have kidney problems, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting may cause a loss of fluids (dehydration) which may cause kidney problems to get worse. It is important for you to drink fluids to help reduce your chance of dehydration.
  • Serious allergic reactions. Stop and get medical help right away, if you have any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat; problems breathing or swallowing; severe rash or itching; fainting or feeling dizzy; or very rapid heartbeat.
  • Increased heart rate. Treatment can increase your heart rate while you are at rest. Tell your healthcare provider if you feel your heart racing or pounding in your chest and it lasts for several minutes.
  • Depression or thoughts of suicide. You should pay attention to any mental changes, especially sudden changes in your mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any mental changes that are new, worse or worry you.

This is not a complete list of side effects and complications, and others may occur and some may not currently be known, particularly longer term effects.

Contraindications and Additional InformationRegarding Potential Risks:

  • Semaglutide and Tirzepatide should not be used in combination with other GLP-1 receptor agonists or other products intended for weight loss, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter drugs, and herbal products. Therefore, you must not take any other weight loss drugs, including over-the-counter weight loss products, while taking Semaglutide or Tirzepatide unless prescribed or recommended by your provider.
  • You should not use Semaglutide or Tirzepatide if you have multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (tumors in your glands), or a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer.
  • Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: You should stop using Semaglutide and Tirzepatide at least three (3) months before you plan to get pregnant and should not use it while breastfeeding. If you are a woman, use adequate contraception to ensure you do not become pregnant while taking Semaglutide or Tirzepatide. Please tell your provider if you plan to become pregnant, and immediately contact your provider if you inadvertently become pregnant while taking Semaglutide or Tirzepatide.
  • Semaglutide and Tirzepatide also have warnings for the possibility of causing pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, hypoglycemia, acute kidney injury, diabetic retinopathy, increased heart rate and suicidal behavior or thinking. Therefore, Semaglutide and Tirzepatide should either not be used or should be used with extreme caution in people with a history of pancreatitis, decreased kidney function, diabetic retinopathy or history of suicidal ideation.

Contact your Columbia Medical provider or urgent care immediately if you experience any of the following while taking Semaglutide or Tirzepatide:  vision changes; unusual mood changes, thoughts about hurting yourself; pounding heartbeats or fluttering in your chest;  alight-headed feeling, like you might pass out; signs of a thyroid tumor--swelling or a lump in your neck, trouble swallowing, a hoarse voice, feeling short of breath; symptoms of pancreatitis--severe persistent pain inyour upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea with or without vomiting, fast heart rate; gallbladder problems--upper stomach pain, fever, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);low blood sugar--headache, hunger, weakness, sweating, confusion, irritability, dizziness, fast heart rate, or feeling jittery; kidney problems--swelling, urinating less, feeling tired or short of breath; or stomach flu symptoms--stomach cramps, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea (may be watery or bloody).

Alternatives: Alternatives to Semaglutide and Tirzepatidefor weight loss and blood sugar management include diet and exercise, other diabetic drugs, weight loss surgery, and natural herbal supplements. Other diabetic drugs, weight loss surgery and supplements also have potential benefits and risks to be discussed with your Effecty provider.

 

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