Semaglutide Office Policy Update 2023

The demand for Semaglutide and Trzepatide has increased significantly nationwide, putting pressure on compounding pharmacies, physicians and patients. Our pharmacy and shipping partners are doing their best to meet the demand and process orders in a timely manner, but there are inevitable delays. At Pacholec Center for Weight Loss, we strive to provide the best service possible and we are doing our best to mitigate these delays and get medication to our patients as quickly as possible. 

The coverage of this medication by celebrities, influencers and news outlets also complicates things and presents an inaccurate portrayal of this medication as an easy, magical shot without risk or side effects. Our experienced team of physicians, nurses and nurse practitioners understand that patient use of this medication needs to be closely monitored as every patient responds differently and may present with varying degrees of side effects. While some patients experience no side effects or discomfort when using this medication, others experience extreme discomfort even at very low doses.

Our team at Pacholec Center for Weight Loss has worked diligently to come up with protocols to manage titration schedules and side effects to make sure that the majority of our patients are not subject to extreme side effects and succeed in their weight loss goals. During clinical research of our own patient base since the introduction of this medication 2.5 years ago, we have found that patients who are the most successful on this medication are the ones who accurately follow physician prescribed titration schedules, stick to their appointment schedules and undergo close monitoring by nurses and physicians on the team. Not only does this result in optimal weight loss, but it also helps mitigate side effects as well. 

In light of these developments, Dr. Pacholec has determined that the best way to serve our patients will be to create a Semaglutide Monthly Program, which includes monthly visits with a provider, medication injections and weekly monitoring with our nursing staff. This means that patients will receive pre-filled syringes of medication as they are going through their individualized titrations and will only receive enough medication to get them to their next scheduled appointment. Titration schedules are patient specific and will likely not be the same between spouses, friends, siblings, etc. so it is important not to compare yourself to others or use from another patient's supply. Below are a few key takeaways regarding this change, which will go into effect as of August 1, 2023. Please contact the office with any questions and we thank you for your continued patience and compliance!
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• Pre-filled syringes will be dispensed or administered weekly in office (patient preference) at the dosages set by the providers for patients on the Semaglutide Monthly Program
• Patients undergoing Semaglutide or Trzepatide therapy with our clinic are required to make scheduled appointments 4-8 weeks apart (depending on individual titration schedule set by provider)
• Once a patient shows progress towards their goal weight and they are following up consistently according to provider set timelines, they may be eligible to switch to Maintenance Program 
• Established patients who adhere to their appointments, titration schedules and show progress or have met their goal weights can continue using Semaglutide or Trzepatide as previously authorized by their provider