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Semaglutide/Tirzepatide Information

STOP TAKING SEMAGLUTIDE / TIRZEPATIDE IMMEDIATELY IF:

 

1) You become pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

2) You develop pancreatitis or symptoms of pancreatitis.

3) You develop gallbladder disease or symptoms of gallbladder disease.

4) You develop a lump in your neck, difficulty swallowing, or persistent hoarse voice.

 

Consult with your healthcare provider immediately if any of the above occur.

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Inform your doctor that you are taking semaglutide/tirzepatide before undergoing procedures that require general anesthesia or deep sedation.

 

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TIPS FOR WEIGHT LOSS SUCCESS

 

 

1) Follow Medical Guidance:

 

  • Adhere to Dosage Instructions: Take semaglutide exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider. Do not adjust the dosage without consulting them.

 

 

2) Set Realistic and Healthy Goals

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  • Set Realistic Goals: Establish achievable weight loss goals and celebrate milestones along the way.

  • AVOID drastic weight loss: Weight loss of 1 pound per week is ideal. More than this can make the body go into starvation mode and may result in hair loss or other hormonal abnormalities which are usually temporary.

 

 

3) Adopt a Balanced Diet:

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  • Focus on Nutrient-Dense Foods: Emphasize whole foods like vegetables, fruits, lean proteins, and whole grains. These foods are not only lower in calories but also provide essential nutrients.

  • Control Portion Sizes: Even healthy foods can contribute to weight gain if eaten in large quantities. Use portion control to manage calorie intake.

  • Limit Processed Foods: Reduce consumption of high-calorie, low-nutrient processed foods, sugary snacks, and beverages.

 

 

4) Incorporate Regular Physical Activity:

 

  • Aim for Consistency: Engage in a mix of aerobic exercises (like walking, running, or cycling) and strength training (like weight lifting or resistance exercises) for overall fitness.

  • Set Realistic Goals: Start with manageable exercise goals and gradually increase intensity and duration as your fitness improves.

  • Stay Active Daily: Incorporate physical activity into your daily routine, such as taking the stairs instead of the elevator or walking during breaks.

 

 

5) Monitor Your Progress:

 

  • Track Your Weight Loss: Keep a record of your weight and measurements to monitor progress and stay motivated.

  • Journal Your Food and Activity: Maintain a food and activity journal to identify patterns and make adjustments as needed.

 

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SIDE EFFECTS

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CONSTIPATION

 

Constipation is a common side effect of semaglutide and tirzepatide. Here are some strategies you might consider to alleviate constipation during your treatment:

 

1) Increase Fiber Intake:

 

Eating more fiber can help keep things moving in your digestive system. Focus on fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Foods like apples, pears, berries, beans, and oats are particularly beneficial.

 

2) Stay Hydrated:

 

Drink plenty of water throughout the day. Sometimes constipation can be alleviated simply by increasing your fluid intake.

 

3) Exercise Regularly:

 

Physical activity can stimulate your digestive system and help alleviate constipation. Aim for regular exercise, like walking or jogging.

 

4) Laxatives and Stool Softeners:

 

Over-the-counter options like psyllium husk, docusate sodium, polyethylene glycol, or 400 mg of magnesium (magnesium oxide or magnesium citrate) can help. 

 

5) Eat Smaller, More Frequent Meals:

 

Instead of large meals, try eating smaller, more frequent meals to reduce the burden on your digestive system.

 

6) Avoid Processed Foods:

 

Foods high in fat and sugar and low in fiber can contribute to constipation. Try to minimize your intake of processed foods.

 

7) Consult Your Healthcare Provider:

 

If constipation persists or is severe, consult your healthcare provider. They can provide personalized advice and might adjust your semaglutide dosage or suggest additional treatments.

 

Remember, individual responses can vary, so it might take a bit of experimentation to find what works best for you.

 

ACID REFLUX (HEART BURN)

 

Managing GERD (gastroesophageal reflux disease) caused by semaglutide and tirzepatide can involve several strategies, as the medication can sometimes exacerbate reflux symptoms. Here are some tips to help manage GERD while on semaglutide:

 

1) Dietary Adjustments:

 

  • Avoid Trigger Foods: Common GERD triggers include spicy foods, citrus, tomatoes, chocolate, caffeine, and fatty or fried foods. Identifying and avoiding your specific triggers can help.

  • Eat Smaller Meals: Larger meals can increase stomach pressure and reflux. Opt for smaller, more frequent meals.

  • Avoid Eating Late: Try not to eat within 2-3 hours of bedtime to prevent nighttime reflux.

 

2) Lifestyle Changes:

 

  • Maintain a Healthy Weight: Excess weight can exacerbate GERD symptoms. If overweight, working towards a healthy weight through diet and exercise might help.

  • Elevate the Head of Your Bed: Raising the head of your bed by 6-8 inches can help prevent nighttime reflux.

  • Avoid Tight Clothing: Tight belts or clothing around the abdomen can put extra pressure on the stomach and exacerbate symptoms.

 

3) Medications:

 

  • Antacids: Over-the-counter antacids such as calcium carbonate can help neutralize stomach acid.

  • H2 Receptor Antagonists: Medications like ranitidine or famotidine can reduce acid production.

  • Proton Pump Inhibitors (PPIs): Medications like omeprazole or esomeprazole can decrease stomach acid and may be recommended if antacids aren’t sufficient.

 

4) Dosage of Semaglutide:

 

  • Take Medications as Directed: If you suspect it's worsening your GERD, discuss with your healthcare provider whether adjusting the dosage might help.

 

NAUSEA

 

Nausea is a common side effect associated with semaglutide and tirzepatide. It is often temporary and can decrease over time as your body adjusts to the medication.

 

1) Start with a Lower Dose:

 

If you’re new to semaglutide, starting with a lower dose can help your body adjust more gradually. Your healthcare provider can guide you on dose escalation.

 

2) Eat Small, Frequent Meals:

 

Eating smaller amounts of food more frequently throughout the day can prevent your stomach from being empty and help reduce nausea.

 

3) Avoid Foods Heavy in Fat:

 

Fried food and fatty meals decrease the rate at which food moves through your gastrointestinal tract and can lead to worsening nausea.

 

4) Choose Bland Foods:

 

Opt for bland foods that are easier on your stomach, such as crackers, toast, or applesauce.

 

5) Avoid Strong Odors:

 

Strong smells can worsen nausea. Try to stay in well-ventilated areas and avoid cooking or eating foods with strong odors.

 

6) Ginger or Peppermint:

 

Ginger tea, ginger ale (with real ginger), ginger candies, or peppermint tea and peppermint oil can help soothe nausea. Ginger and peppermint can also be taken in capsule form. These remedies are known for their anti-nausea properties.

 

7) Over the Counter Medication:

 

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications can be effective for managing nausea. Some of the more common ones include meclizine, dimenhydrinate, and diphenhydramine.

 

7) Rx Medication:

 

Prescription medication can be provided by your healthcare provider to help alleviate this side effect.

 

If nausea persists or becomes severe, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider. They can assess whether the dosage needs adjustment or if other treatments are necessary.

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SULFUR BURPS

 

Sulfur burps, characterized by a rotten egg smell, can be an unpleasant side effect of taking semaglutide and tirzpepatide. Here’s how to manage and reduce them:

 

1. Adjust Your Diet:

 

  • Avoid Sulfur-Rich Foods: Reduce intake of foods that are high in sulfur, such as garlic, onions, cruciferous vegetables (broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower), and eggs.

  • Eat Smaller, Frequent Meals: Large meals can contribute to digestive issues. Eating smaller, more frequent meals might help reduce sulfur burps.

 

 

2. Digestive Health:

 

  • Probiotics: Consider incorporating probiotic-rich foods or supplements into your diet. Probiotics can help balance gut bacteria and improve digestion.

  • Fiber Intake: Eating a balanced amount of dietary fiber can aid digestion. Foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains are good sources.

  • Avoid Carbonated Drinks: Carbonated beverages can increase bloating and burping. Opt for non-carbonated drinks instead.

 

 

3. Medications and Supplements:

 

  • Antacids: Over-the-counter antacids like Tums or Rolaids can help neutralize stomach acid and may reduce the occurrence of sulfur burps.

 

 

4. Eating Habits:

 

  • Eat Slowly and Chew Thoroughly: Eating too quickly can lead to swallowing air, which can contribute to burping. Take your time to chew your food thoroughly.

  • Avoid Drinking Through a Straw: Drinking through a straw can increase the amount of air you swallow, potentially leading to more burping.

 

 

5. Monitor and Adjust:

 

  • Track Foods and Symptoms: Keep a food diary to identify any patterns between your diet and the occurrence of sulfur burps. This can help you pinpoint specific triggers.

 

 

Consult your healthcare provider iff sulfur burps persist or are severe, discuss them with your healthcare provider. They may recommend adjustments to your semaglutide dosage or explore other causes.

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