By Dr. Gregory Rich, Valley Medical Weight Loss
Starting a new medication can feel overwhelming. Patients often wonder: How do I take it? What side effects should I prepare for? How long before I notice results? These are important questions, especially for a medication like compounded semaglutide that works with your body’s natural signals to help manage appetite and cravings.
At Valley Medical Weight Loss, I make sure every patient understands how to use this medication safely, what to expect during the first few months, and why medical oversight is essential. In this article, I will walk you through how compounded semaglutide is dosed, the side effects I see most often, and the patterns patients can realistically expect over time.
How to Use Compounded Semaglutide
Compounded semaglutide is not a pill. It is given as a small injection under the skin, similar to how insulin is taken. Most patients are surprised at how quick and simple the process is once they are shown how to do it.
Here is what you can expect:
- Form: A subcutaneous injection given just under the skin.
- Frequency: One dose per week, ideally on the same day each week.
- Dosing: Treatment begins at a low dose and is increased gradually. This slow approach gives your body time to adjust.
- Administration: Most patients self-inject at home once they have been shown the process. Common injection sites include the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
The gradual increase is not optional. Patients who follow the schedule carefully tend to tolerate the medication best, while those who try to rush often struggle with more side effects.
Common Side Effects
Like any medication, compounded semaglutide may cause side effects. Most are mild, temporary, and improve as the body adjusts.
The most common side effects I see include:
- Nausea, especially when starting or after a dose increase
- Stomach upset such as bloating, mild cramps, or discomfort
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Occasional vomiting
Because these symptoms are so common, we start low and go slow. Patients who allow their bodies time to adjust usually have the smoothest experience.
Less Common but More Serious Risks
Although rare, there are more serious risks that patients should be aware of. These include:
- Gallbladder issues such as gallstones
- Pancreatitis marked by severe abdominal pain
- Kidney complications especially in those already at risk
- Thyroid concerns for anyone with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN2
I remind patients to contact me if they experience severe abdominal pain, ongoing vomiting, or signs of dehydration. It is always better to check and be cautious.
How to Manage Side Effects
Most side effects can be managed with small adjustments:
- Eating smaller meals
- Avoiding greasy or fried foods
- Staying well hydrated
- Allowing time for the body to adapt before increasing doses
Many patients report that their symptoms ease as their bodies adjust.
What to Expect Over Time
Patients often want to know exactly how much weight they will lose. The reality is that results vary, but there are some common patterns.
- First few weeks: Appetite usually changes first. Patients may feel full faster, snack less often, and find that certain foods lose their appeal.
- Three to six months: Ongoing changes in appetite and food choices may begin to reflect on the scale.
- Around one year: Many patients who remain consistent with treatment and lifestyle changes notice meaningful progress, not just in weight but also in how they feel day to day.
Why Medical Supervision Matters
One of the most important parts of treatment is not the injection itself but the partnership between patient and provider. My role is to:
- Monitor progress and adjust the plan as needed
- Make sure side effects are manageable
- Support patients in building habits that last beyond medication
Patients who see compounded semaglutide as one part of a broader plan usually have the best long-term success.
Realistic Expectations
Compounded semaglutide helps reduce appetite and cravings, but it does not replace nutrition, activity, or accountability. The medication makes healthy choices easier, but lasting results come from building sustainable habits.
I encourage patients to focus on progress, not perfection. Some weeks the scale moves quickly, and other weeks it slows or stalls. That is normal. The goal is steady improvement over time, not a race.
Compounded semaglutide is not a magic solution, but it can be a powerful tool when used correctly. With careful dosing, realistic expectations, and consistent medical oversight, it helps many patients overcome the toughest barriers to weight management.
At Valley Medical Weight Loss, we combine medication with support, education, and encouragement so patients can build habits that last. My goal is not only to help patients lose weight, but to help them feel healthier and more confident in their daily lives.
Disclaimer:
Compounded medications, including compounded GLP-1 medications, are available by prescription only. They are not FDA approved and have not been evaluated for safety or effectiveness by the FDA. They are prepared by licensed pharmacies in accordance with state and federal laws. Compounded Semaglutide may be considered when a commercially available alternative is not suitable or available for a specific patient. All treatment decisions are made by a licensed provider. Individual results vary. Always use under the supervision of a licensed medical provider.
