InstaClinic currently prescribes anti-obesity medications “off-label” called semaglutides (GLP-1 receptor agonists) and tirzepatide (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists) from a compounding pharmacy. Some examples of FDA-approved medications are Ozempic and Wygovy. Semaglutides are the active ingredient in these medications. Clinical evidence shows these medications are effective in helping people lose weight. Prescribing a medication to treat a condition other than the one approved for is called “off-label prescribing,” which is legal, safe, and common: 1 out of 5 prescriptions written in the U.S. are off-label. Compounding is approved when a medication such as semaglutides is in high demand.

GLP-1 agonists mimic a hormone called glucagon-like peptide that works in several different ways. First, they delay gastric emptying, which makes you feel fuller for longer. Second, they suppress appetite and decrease cravings, making reducing calorie intake easier. Third, it prompts the body to release more insulin, which then causes a decrease in blood sugar levels. GIP is another incretin hormone that is important in stimulating meal-time insulin. People who use these types of medication can achieve up to 15-20% body weight loss when combined with lifestyle modifications that include exercise and improved eating habits. These medications are self-administered, weekly injections. For a more in-depth review of the pathophysiology of these medications, please read this Expert Review of Endocrinology and Metabolism. Additionally, you may enjoy watching these videos by endocrinologist Dr. Lee-Shing Chang, which gives a great overview on semaglutides:Role of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists for Weight Loss and Prescribing GLP-1 Receptor Agonists for Weight Loss. 

We believe in transparent pricing and affordable healthcare, so we chose to disclose our prices and offer this life changing medication at a lower cost than anyone else we have found with no hidden or additional fees. The cost is $200 a month plus shipping for the starting dose of .25 mg. Patients will typically be on .25 mg for one month and increase the dose by .25 to .5 mg per month based on response and no side effects. The monthly price increases by $25 for every .25 mg increment. The max price for the maximum dose of 2.4 mg of semaglutide is $450 per month plus shipping. We seldom have patients who require the maximum dose for a therapeutic response. If we are shipping medication to you, you will also need to pay the shipping fee of $15 or $45 a month, depending on which state you live in.

See the below chart of the monthly cost (first column), dosing level (second column), and weekly cost (third column). We like to break it down by week because, depending on the dose, sometimes we need to order you 5 or 6 weeks, etc.

InstaClinic does not accept insurance for weight loss medications. Your monthly fee includes the cost of the medication we offer and all weight loss-related visits. Please let us know if you want to participate in our Remote Patient Monitoring Program as we may be able to bill your insurance for this service.

During your initial consultation, we will review your medical history, your weight care goals, and the current medications you are taking. They’ll use this information to recommend an effective, lasting weight loss treatment plan. During follow-up consultations, you can share your progress, ask questions, and address any medical concerns about your weight care. We will monitor you and may adjust your treatment plan as necessary. The typical cadence for a provider visit is the initial visit, when medication adjustments are needed, and when medication refills are requested. Many of the visits can be done asynchronously via email or texting. That being said, we are happy to visit with you anytime!

While it is not required, lab work does help give us a bigger picture of your overall help and objective data in which we can monitor progress. We accept lab work done within the last 12 months but may request new lab work and lab work routinely while you are in the program. We work with your local lab to order this and receive the results. Your health insurance may cover this cost. Lab work that we will request includes CBC, CMP, HgbA1C, Lipid Panel, and TSH.

The American Medical Association and research overwhelmingly show that obesity is a chronic, complex disease that requires medical attention. Genetics, hormones, and the environment all play a role. Traditional diets can lead to a cycle of weight loss and gain, making it harder to lose and keep weight off. Obesity increases the risk of comorbidities such as diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. Weight loss medications increase weight loss and help prevent or reverse such conditions.

During your consultations, we will monitor how you respond to ensure the medication works for you and make any adjustments as needed. This could include finding an alternative medication if the first medication prescribed is not the right fit, addressing your side effects, or adjusting your dose. We start all patients at a conservative dose to minimize potential side effects and titrate up as needed. We also wean our patients off gradually to avoid drastic withdrawal symptoms.

The goal is to stay on the lowest dose possible to lose weight and minimize potential side effects. Side effects may include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, headache, fatigue, dizziness, dyspepsia, abdominal distention, flatulence, gastroesophageal reflux, and muscle loss. Typically, there are minimal to no side effects, so don’t let this list scare you! It is important to let us know if you do experience side effects.

Weight loss injections work best when coupled with lifestyle modification that includes increasing dietary protein and exercise. Anytime you go into a caloric restriction, your body with try to steal energy from somewhere, including muscle. In order to minimize muscle loss, it is important to increase dietary protein (goal of at least .5 grams of protein per pound of weight) and add or increase weight bearing exercise to build muscle.

The answer is different for each individual. Obesity is a complex chronic disease, and genetics cause as many as 70 percent of cases. Many people need to take weight loss medication long-term, even after reaching their weight goal. Combining medication with lifestyle changes not only helps people lose weight but also helps people maintain weight loss and avoid chronic conditions such as heart disease, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes. The Obesity Medicine Association considers long-term treatment with medication a current standard of care. As you approach your goal weight, you can talk to us about a maintenance plan. If you decide to stop taking your medication, we will instruct you on safely tapering off.

We deliver your care remotely the majority of the time, but we may occasionally provide you with an in-person visit at your home. We also offer Remote Patient Monitoring and can provide devices to monitor your vital signs in real-time, including weight, blood pressure, and blood glucose. Telehealth weight care has fast become one of the most effective and easiest ways to access and deliver healthcare safely. With this comprehensive care team at your fingertips, InstaClinic gives you the health benefits of in-person care from the comfort of your home.

We are licensed in the following states:

• Arkansas
• California
• Colorado
• Florida
• Hawaii
• Indiana
• Louisiana
• Michigan
• Mississippi
• Montana
• North Carolina
• Oklahoma
• Oregon
• South Carolina
• Texas
• Utah
• Washington
• Wyoming

This is an important environmental topic and necessary to address.

After you use a syringe or a lancet, put it directly into a strong plastic or metal container with a tight cap or lid. When the container is full and tightly sealed with heavy-duty tape, throw it in the trash. Don’t put this container in your recycling bin. Alternatively, and recommended, purchase a sharps container that has a buy-back program. Place your needles in the container, and once it is full, request a shipping label to mail it in for proper disposal.

Here are a couple of links for sharps programs.

• Stericycle Waste System
• SharpsAssure Program