How It Works
Common Questions
Medication
Which weight loss medications do Neo Soma providers prescribe?
Neo Soma Health providers may prescribe, when medically indicated, semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy), tirzepitide (the active ingredient in Mounjaro and Zepbound), or liraglutide (the active ingredient in Saxenda).
What is semaglutide and tirzepatide made of?
Semaglutide: Contains Semaglutide and Cyanocobalamin
Tirzepatide: Contains Tirzepitide, Glycine, and B12.
Is tirzepitide better than semaglutide?
Tirzepatide (the active ingredient in Zepbound and Mounjaro) and semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy) are both GLP-1 receptor agonists prescribed for type 2 diabetes and also considered for weight management. These medications have different mechanisms of action and dosing schedules.
Determining which option may be more suitable depends on an individual’s specific health needs and treatment goals. Consulting with a healthcare provider can help guide the decision based on personal factors and medical history.
Comparing which medication is "better" depends on an individual's specific needs and preferences, as well as their response to the medication. Both tirzepatide and semaglutide have shown efficacy in lowering blood sugar levels and promoting weight loss.
Why is my medication pink in color?
The semaglutide Neo Soma Health providers prescribe is compounded with a version of vitamin B12 called cyanocobalamin. The B12 makes the medication pinkish in color.
What dose will I be prescribed?
Dosing is a decision made by your Neo Soma Healthcare provider. For patients taking semaglutide, the provider will generally start every new patient at 0.25mg per week with increases in dose available at 4-6 week intervals.
Will my dose be increased?
Dose increases are at the discretion on your Neo Soma Healthcare provider. Your provider will want to know how strong your appetite is on your current dose and will decide from there. Increases are scheduled in the following order: 0.25mg, 0.50mg, 0.75mg, 1.00mg, 1.50mg, 2.00mg and 2.40mg.
What pharmacy compounds the medications?
Neo Soma Healthcare orders compounded medications from Strive Pharmacy located at 1077 Central Parkway S, Suite 800, San Antonio, TX 78232. Strive can be reached at 830-816-5910.
Usage and Administration
Expected Results
What results can I expect from Semaglutide or Tirzepatide?
Medications like Semaglutide (also sold under brand names of Ozempic and Wegovy), Tirzepatide (also sold under brand names of Mounjaro and Zepbound) have similar expected results. Expected results include decreased A1C blood sugar levels, slowed gastric emptying, and decreased appetite.
Should I expect weight loss?
While medications like Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are associated with weight loss, the weight loss is primarily a byproduct of reduced food intake and better food choices. Semaglutide and Tirzepatide medications generally act to reduce appetite, delay gastric emptying, and improve blood sugar control.
Will Semaglutide or Tirzepatide control food cravings?
Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are medications that interact with GLP-1 receptors, which play a role in appetite regulation. Some individuals report changes in cravings or appetite while using these medications, though experiences can vary.
Potential factors that may influence appetite and cravings include:
- Appetite Regulation: These medications are designed to interact with hormonal pathways involved in hunger and fullness.
- Gastric Emptying: Some GLP-1 receptor agonists may slow the rate at which food leaves the stomach, which can influence meal patterns.
- Blood Sugar Levels: Regulating blood sugar may play a role in energy levels and food choices.
- Lifestyle Factors: Individual responses to these medications can differ based on genetics, habits, and overall diet.
Because responses vary, consulting with a healthcare provider can help determine an approach that aligns with personal health goals and needs.
How are Semaglutide and Tirzepatide medications administered?
Semaglutide (also sold under brand names of Ozempic and Wegovy) and Tirzepatide (also sold under brand names of Mounjaro and Zepbound) are administered as a subcutaneous injection. A subcutaneous injection is done at home using a very small 32g needle.
Where are common sites for subcutaneous injections?
Common injection sites include the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
How often are Semaglutide and Tirzepatide medications injected?
Semaglutide (also sold under brand names of Ozempic and Wegovy), and Tirzepatide (also sold under brand names of Mounjaro and Zepbound), are administered once a week.
Does time of day matter for the injection?
Semaglutide (also sold under brand names of Ozempic and Wegovy), and Tirzepatide (also sold under brand names of Mounjaro and Zepbound) may be administered at any time of day, with or without food.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
If a dose is missed, it should be administered as soon as possible within five days after the missed dose. If more than five days have passed, the missed dose should be skipped and the next scheduled dose should be taken on your usual injection day.
Side Effects
What are the common side effects of Semaglutide and Tirzepatide?
Like all medications, semaglutide and tirzepatide may have side effects. It's important to note that not everyone will experience these side effects, and some individuals may experience them to a greater or lesser degree. Common side effects can include: nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, loss of appetite, hypoglycemia, pancreatitis, gallbladder disorders, gastrointestinal distress, and others.
Can I get a prescription for Zofran?
Zofran is a medication most commonly prescribed to prevent nausea and vomiting. This medication is generally prescribed to patients undergoing chemotherapy.
Refills
How do I order refills?
We've made ordering refills easy! You can now order your refills online by visiting our refills page or clicking here.
What dose will my refill be at?
Refills are processed at the dose prescribed by your provider. Increases are possible at 4 to 6 week intervals and follow a scheduled protocol. The ramp-up protocol goes in the following order: 0.25mg – 0.50mg – 0.75mg – 1.00mg – 1.50mg – 2.00mg – 2.40mg.
Can I request dose increases at intervals less than 4-6 weeks?
No. Patient safety is a priority and we always follow the protocol.
Can I request dose increases at higher levels than the protocol?
No. Patient safety is a priority and we always follow the protocol.
How much are refills?
For Semaglutide, refills are available at a rate of $199 every 4 weeks for doses between 0.25mg per week and 1.00mg per week. For doses between 1.50mg per week and 2.40mg per week, the refill rate is $299 every 4 weeks.
For Tirzepatide (the active ingredient in Mounjaro and Zepbound), refill rates vary by dose and start at $495 every 4 weeks for the lowest dose.
When will I receive my refill?
Semaglutide orders placed by midnight on Sunday will be shipped on Monday. Orders placed by midnight on Tuesday will be shipped on Wednesday. Delivery time is 1-2 days.
Tirzepatide is shipped directly from the pharmacy to you within 3-5 business days.
Shipping
What states do you currently serve?
Neo Soma Healthcare providers currently serve the state of Texas only.
How is medication shipped?
Semaglutide ships via FedEx Express on Mondays and Wednesdays.
Tirzepatide is shipped directly from the pharmacy to you within 3-5 business days.
When will I receive my medication?
Semaglutide ships Express and packages are delivered in 1-2 days.
Tirzepatide is shipped directly from the pharmacy to you within 3-5 business days.
Results
I’m not sure if the medication is working for me. Should I be seeing results? Or is it too early to tell.
There are a few things to consider. First, it is important to keep in mind the “results” that are possible with Semaglutide or Tirzepatide. The primary expected result for weight loss clients is a slowing of gastric emptying which should translate to decreased appetite and improved portion control. That slowing is difficult to quantify and measure but it should be noticeable. If decreased appetite is not noticeable, a dose increase may be required.
I’m not losing any weight.
If a client is not losing weight, there needs to be a significant change to their diet. No medication, including Semaglutide and Tirzepatide, can cause weight loss with a client that has an unhealthy diet. The medication should help control appetite and, in turn, allow clients to maintain a healthier diet that will allow for weight loss.