Cost of Semaglutide: Is it Affordable & Effective?

Semaglutide is a prescription medication used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. The cost of a month’s supply of semaglutide can vary depending on several factors such as the strength of the medication, the quantity needed, and the pharmacy’s location.

Generally, the average cost of a 30-day supply of semaglutide is around $850. However, the price may be different based on the specific pharmacy and insurance coverage. Some insurance providers may cover part or all of the cost of the medication, making it more affordable for the patient. It’s always a good idea to speak with your healthcare provider and insurance provider to determine the actual cost of semaglutide and explore any options that may help reduce the financial burden.

In most cases, patients will administer semaglutide injections once per week. The medication comes in a prefilled pen that you can use to self-administer the injection. Your healthcare provider will give you detailed instructions on how to use the pen, including the proper technique for injecting the medication. You will need to rotate injection sites to avoid developing lumps or other injection site reactions. Semaglutide should be injected into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm, and should not be administered into a vein or
muscle.

It is important to follow your healthcare provider’s dosing instructions carefully, and do not adjust the dose without consulting them first. Semaglutide works best when used in combination with a healthy diet and exercise plan, so be sure to discuss lifestyle changes with your healthcare provider as well.

When taking semaglutide, it is important to monitor your blood sugar levels regularly. You may need to check your blood sugar several times a day, particularly when starting the medication or changing the dosage. Semaglutide can cause low blood sugar, which can be dangerous if left untreated.

Signs of low blood sugar include shakiness, dizziness, sweating, confusion, and irritability. If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to treat low blood sugar immediately by consuming a quick-acting source of glucose such as fruit juice or candy. Additionally, it is important to monitor for signs of pancreatitis, a potential side effect of semaglutide. Symptoms of pancreatitis include severe stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting. The presence of side effects or difficulty handling semaglutide may suggest the medication is not a good fit for you.

Semaglutide is known for its ability to suppress appetite, which can aid in weight loss efforts for individuals with obesity. The medication works by mimicking the activity of a hormone called GLP-1, which signals to the brain that the body is full. Semaglutide works by suppressing appetite, making individuals feel fuller for longer periods. It also slows down the emptying of the stomach, which can help reduce the urge to eat.

The appetite-suppressing effects of semaglutide typically begin within the first few weeks of treatment.

However, the full effect of the medication may not be felt until several weeks or even months of use. Some studies have shown that semaglutide can lead to significant weight loss within the first 12 weeks of treatment, with additional weight loss continuing over time.

However, the amount of weight loss and the timeline for achieving it may vary from person to person. It is important to note that semaglutide should not be used as a standalone weight loss treatment and should always be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise plan. During one-year clinical studies, individuals who were prescribed semaglutide experienced a significant decrease in their body weight, with an average reduction of 15-20%.

Semaglutide is available at Kernersville Primary Care. For more information, please contact us or make an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 420 West Mountain St. Kernersville, NC 27284. We serve patients from Kernersville NC, Colfax NC, Walkertown NC, Oak Ridge NC, Wallburg NC, Belews Creek NC, Winston-Salem NC, and surrounding areas.