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Well, that didn’t take long. Approved in 2020 for the treatment of diabetes (Ozempic), researchers had a pretty good idea right from the start that semaglutide was going to be a weight loss medication when the patients lost an average of 12.5% of their body weight. About a year later, the FDA officially approved semaglutide for weight loss (Wegovy) and within what felt like minutes, the unprecedented demand essentially broke the internet, the supply chain, and many people’s hearts who were waiting anxiously for their prescriptions.

What happened with the supply and demand?

The main reason is that doctors and patients alike are sold on this medicine – it’s been called a “game-changer” for weight loss. It works by mimicking the hormone we make that tells us that we are full: glucagon, which allows patients to naturally eat less. Portion control, but without being hungry. Although it doesn’t work for every patient, almost 90% of the clinical trial patients lost 5% of their entire body weight, and about half of those patients lost up to 25% of their total body weight. On average, patients lose 6-10 pounds monthly – even at the starting doses. Highly effective with significantly milder side effects than previous weight loss medications like phentermine which can cause long-term heart problems or Ally, which can cause explosive diarrhea if you eat the wrong foods.

Just as popularity exploded, a manufacturing glitch shut down the US supply of Wegovy. With Wegovy in high demand, patients soon began dipping into the diabetic supplies of semaglutide, and diabetic patients began to not be able to get the medicine they needed. The companies pleaded with doctors “not to prescribe” these, for some, life-saving medications.

 

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But, we have semaglutide weekly injections at Toyos Clinic. Available through our compounding pharmacy, our semaglutide comes from the same manufacturer that NovoNordisk uses for its product. We test each batch to ensure that it is potent and free of contaminants. Consultations are free, and a month’s supply costs 400 USD. In-person and telehealth visits are available. Our pharmacy is licensed in 49 states (all but California), and that license is currently pending.

If you are interested in learning more about semaglutide and whether it is right for you, contact us at 800.901.6638 or mtoyos@toyosclinic.com to learn more.