GLP-1–Based Prescription Therapies (Semaglutide and Tirzepatide)

General Information
GLP-1–based and GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist therapies, including medications containing Semaglutide or Tirzepatide, are prescription medications that may be prescribed by licensed healthcare providers through Remedy Well only after an appropriate medical evaluation. Remedy Well does not manufacture medications, practice medicine, or control or influence clinical decision-making. All prescribing decisions are made independently by licensed healthcare providers.

Indications
Licensed healthcare providers may prescribe GLP-1–based and GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist therapies consistent with FDA indications, when clinically appropriate, for off-label metabolic or weight-related use based on independent medical judgment.

Contraindications
Therapies containing Semaglutide or Tirzepatide are contraindicated in individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or in individuals with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). These therapies should not be used in patients with severe gastrointestinal disease, including gastroparesis. Do not use these therapies in individuals with a known hypersensitivity or allergic reaction to Semaglutide, Tirzepatide, or any component of the prescribed medication.

Warnings and Precautions

Risk of Thyroid C-Cell Tumors
Thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma, have been observed in animal studies with GLP-1 receptor agonists, including Semaglutide-containing therapies. The relevance of these findings to humans is unknown. Patients should be evaluated for risk factors prior to initiating therapy and advised to report symptoms such as a neck mass, difficulty swallowing, or persistent hoarseness.

Pancreatitis
Acute pancreatitis, including severe, hemorrhagic, or fatal cases, has been reported with GLP-1–based therapies, including those containing Semaglutide or Tirzepatide. Patients should discontinue therapy and seek immediate medical attention if they experience persistent or severe abdominal pain that may radiate to the back, with or without vomiting. If pancreatitis is confirmed, therapy should not be restarted.

Gallbladder Disease
Gallbladder-related events, including gallstones and cholecystitis, have been reported in patients treated with Semaglutide- or Tirzepatide-based therapies. Patients should contact their healthcare provider if they experience persistent upper abdominal pain, fever, or jaundice.

Hypoglycemia with Concomitant Medications
The risk of hypoglycemia is increased when Semaglutide- or Tirzepatide-based therapies are used in combination with insulin or insulin secretagogues such as sulfonylureas. Dose adjustments of these medications may be required at the discretion of the prescribing provider.

Diabetic Retinopathy
Rapid improvement in blood sugar control may be associated with a temporary worsening of diabetic retinopathy. Patients with a history of diabetic eye disease should be monitored as clinically appropriate.

Acute Kidney Injury
Acute kidney injury and worsening of chronic kidney disease have been reported with GLP-1–based therapies, particularly in patients experiencing dehydration due to gastrointestinal adverse reactions. Renal function may require monitoring in at-risk individuals.

Hypersensitivity Reactions
Serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis, angioedema, and urticaria, have been reported with Semaglutide- and Tirzepatide-containing therapies. Therapy should be discontinued immediately if a hypersensitivity reaction occurs, and appropriate medical treatment should be initiated.

Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions
Common adverse reactions associated with Semaglutide and Tirzepatide include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal discomfort. These reactions are typically mild to moderate and often decrease over time. Caution is advised in individuals with significant gastrointestinal conditions.

Adverse Reactions
Adverse reactions reported in five percent or more of patients receiving Semaglutide- or Tirzepatide-based therapies include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. Additional reactions may include fatigue, dizziness, dyspepsia, and injection-site reactions.

Pregnancy and Lactation
Semaglutide- and Tirzepatide-based therapies should not be used during pregnancy due to the potential risk of fetal harm. Patients planning pregnancy should discontinue therapy at least two months prior to conception. Based on available clinical data, these therapies may delay gastric emptying, which could reduce the absorption and effectiveness of oral hormonal contraceptives. Patients of reproductive potential who use oral contraceptives should consider using an effective non-oral or barrier method of contraception during initiation of therapy and during dose escalation, or as otherwise advised by their healthcare provider. It is unknown whether Semaglutide or Tirzepatide is excreted in human breast milk. Breastfeeding individuals should consult their healthcare provider to evaluate potential risks and benefits.

Drug Interactions
Semaglutide and Tirzepatide may delay gastric emptying and affect the absorption of oral medications. Caution is advised when these therapies are used with medications that increase the risk of hypoglycemia or depend on gastrointestinal absorption. Patients should be monitored when initiating or adjusting concurrent therapies.

Patient Responsibilities and Counseling

Patients are responsible for providing complete, accurate, and up-to-date medical history information, including but not limited to prior diagnoses, current and past medications, supplements, allergies, pre-existing medical conditions, and any changes in health status that occur during treatment. Patients acknowledge that clinical decisions are based on the information they provide and that the omission or misrepresentation of information may affect the safety or appropriateness of therapy.

Patients are responsible for using prescribed medications exactly as directed by their licensed healthcare provider, including adherence to dosing schedules, administration instructions, storage requirements, and any related lifestyle or monitoring recommendations. Patients should not alter dosing, discontinue therapy, or combine prescribed treatments with other medications or substances without first consulting their healthcare provider.

Patients must promptly report any adverse effects, unexpected symptoms, or changes in health status, including symptoms suggestive of allergic reactions, gastrointestinal intolerance, hypoglycemia, vision changes, or other concerning effects. Patients agree to participate in recommended follow-up evaluations, monitoring, and communications with their healthcare provider to assess treatment response, manage side effects, and determine continued suitability of therapy.

Failure to comply with these responsibilities may increase the risk of adverse outcomes and may result in modification, suspension, or discontinuation of treatment at the discretion of the prescribing healthcare provider.

Compounded Medication Disclosure
If a compounded formulation of Semaglutide or Tirzepatide is prescribed, patients acknowledge and understand that compounded medications are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA does not review, evaluate, or verify compounded medications for safety, effectiveness, potency, purity, stability, or quality prior to dispensing. Compounded medications are prepared by licensed compounding pharmacies based on a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider and may differ in formulation, concentration, appearance, and excipients from FDA-approved products.

No Medical Advice Disclaimer
This information is provided for general educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Remedy Well does not replace the role of a licensed healthcare provider. All medical decisions should be made in consultation with a qualified healthcare professional.