FAQ

At InVita Health & Wellness, we want you to be an active participant in your care. We have accumulated the following information about the medications you are being prescribed. This information can help you better understand the medications and how they work.

 

This information is about both the semaglutide and the tirzepatide medications, which we will be prescribing in the compounded form. You will typically start out with a low dose of the injection and increase the dose, based on your body's response and personal needs. 

 

How much weight can I lose? Is one better than the other?

tirzepatide has led to the highest amount of weight loss seen in studies, about 21% to 22.5% at the highest dose, in investigational clinical trials evaluating its use for weight management. These numbers approach what is seen with bariatric (weight loss) surgery, according to some clinicians.

 

semaglutide has resulted in about a 15% weight loss in adults. 

 

There are no studies directly comparing all of these medications, meaning the above results are studies performed on these medications alone.

 

How do they work?

tirzepatide and semaglutide are given weekly as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection in the abdomen, thigh or upper arm.

 

semaglutide, a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist. Semaglutide binds to GLP-1 receptors and stimulates insulin release from the pancreas when needed. It helps with weight loss by slowing down how fast-food travels through your digestive tract (called gastric emptying). This may help you to feel full for a longer period of time and reduce how much food you consume.

 

The tirzepatide works by activating two naturally produced hormones in the body: glucagon-like peptide-1, known as GLP-1, and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide, or GIP.

 

The combination is said to slow the emptying of the stomach, making people feel full longer, and suppress appetite by slowing hunger signals in the brain.

Are there side effects with these medications?

Gastrointestinal (digestive tract) side effects are the most common side effects reported in at least 5% of patients with these medications. Nausea, diarrhea, decreased appetite, vomiting, constipation, indigestion (dyspepsia), and stomach (abdominal) pain have been reported. In some patients, gastrointestinal side effects can be severe enough to lead to treatment discontinuation.

 

Who cannot take these medications?

The labeling carries a Boxed Warning for possible thyroid tumors, including cancer, which has been seen in animal studies. Do not use these medications if you or anyone in your family has a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), or if you have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Or if you have a personal history or Pancreatitis or Gallbladder stones.

 

Do you offer a referral program?

InVita also offers a unique referral program that gives you $10 per person you refer, which can be applied to your future visits and towards your monthly medication purchase. Monthly medication prices range from $300 and up, depending upon what medication/dosage is best for you. 

 

InVita does not accept insurance and operates as a cash pay only business, and payment is required prior to your first telehealth appointment. InVita accepts both Venmo and PayPal at this time. A link for payment will be sent to you prior to booking your appointment. If you decide to move forward with your specialized treatment plan and have medication ordered, you will pay for the medication at that time and should receive your medication at your doorstep approximately 7-14 days after your order is placed. Your medication will arrive directly from the pharmacy (InVita is not responsible for the pharmacy order processing times).