Semaglutide (SMGB12) is a synthetic version of the naturally occurring hormone Glucagon-like Peptide-1. It works by producing feelings of fullness, acting on appetite centers in the brain and gut.
 
In the STEP1 study published by the New England Journal of Medicine, patients lost on average 14.9% of their body weight. Patients also experienced improvements in risk factors for heart disease, blood sugar levels, and quality of life.
 
“Our findings suggest that Semaglutide (SMGB12), through body weight loss and improvement of body composition, has the potential to reduce the risk of heart disease, diabetes and stroke in people with overweight or obesity,” said lead researcher John Wilding, D.M., F.R.C.P., of the University of Liverpool”.

You can request an online appointment on the Assure Wellness website (Make sure to select your desired office location) or give us a call. Once your appointment is scheduled, we will send you an email with an intake forms. The intake forms will include a clinical questionnaire and the consent forms. If you do not see your intake form, please check your junk mail.
 
Please note: The intake forms and consent forms must be filled out, signed, and submitted 24 hours prior to your appointment so that we can prepare your chart. If the intake form is not received by that time, then the appointment will automatically be cancelled and opened up for those who are on the waitlist for an expedited consultation. Remember, your signature on the consent forms is not a commitment to treatment. You are only signing that you have received the information within the consent forms.

The price of the 12-week program is $999 to $1199 plus shipping for medication and supplies (you give your own injections at home) or in-office program for $275 – $350 a month (we give your weekly injections and include a no cost Lipolean twice a month).
 
The 12-week at home program includes the Semaglutide (SMGB12) with B12, injection supplies, and follow-up visits for the virtual. The in-office program includes the Semaglutide and follow ups.

The at home program is undertaken with a video consult and medications/supplies are shipped to you directly. The at home program will cost a little more and you will be required to give your own injection after watching a video or consulting with a staff member. You will also be responsible for and miss dose or wasted medication. The cost could increase if your ultimate end dose requires more than one bottle per 10-12 weeks.
 
The in-office program is a little more affordable with an ability to pay monthly. All you need to do is come in to the office during the hours (no appointment necessary) we are open and we give the injection. You will also receive a no cost Lipolean injection twice a month (a $40 value). The in-office program is the easiest and we are reasonable for ensuring you have the right dose for the week. Either program is effective designed to fit your life and schedule.

No, under no circumstance do we attempt to bill your insurance, Medicare, or Medicaid for this program.

Sometimes. The cost is $129 and can be done at any Labcorp. We will send an invoice electronically and once paid the order will be sent to Labcorp. You can book an appointment online or walk-in to a Labcorp service near you.

The first follow-up visit is typically at 3-4 weeks after starting injections. The second follow-up is at around 10-12 weeks. These follow-ups can be through telehealth/telemedicine, but we do require a blood pressure and pulse be checked. This can be done at home with your weight and own blood pressure cuff, at your primary care doctor’s office, or at a local pharmacy that has a cuff available for use. A photo of the reading is required.

Semaglutide must be kept refrigerated. It is a once weekly injection. You will receive a vial and insulin syringes and will be responsible for administering your own injection. Instructions for these injections are given at the consultation.
 
Dosing is based on the SMGB12 recommended (sample) dosing schedule. For example, 4 units (.125mg), 8 units (0.25mg) are injected once weekly for the first 4 weeks. Then the dose doubles to 10 units (0.5mg) weekly for 4 weeks. The dose is doubled again to 20 units (1.0mg) weekly for the final 4 weeks and this completes the 12-week program. We may be required to adjust this dosing based upon response and/or side effects. (Dosing card will direct exact dose)

There is no time limit to taking Semaglutide (SMGB12) and you can continue the medication if you do not meet your weight loss goal in the first 12 weeks. However, the price of each vial does not change, and the second vial will not last as long as the first due to the continued dose escalation.

No. Let’s say you continue the medication after the initial 12 weeks. At that point you will typically be taking 30 units and about to increase to 40 units. If you want to stay at 30 units because you are losing weight and doing so without side effects, and you want to make this second vial last longer than it would if you increased the dose, then you may stay at 30 units.

Yes, you can. However, the Semaglutide (SMGB12) dosing schedule is designed the way it is to minimize side effects. If you choose to increase your dose faster than what is recommended by Semaglutide then your vial will not last the entire 12 weeks. You also increase the risk of unwanted side effects (nausea, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, etc).

Side effects vary significantly per individual. Some experience no side effects, but most will see some degree of the potential side effects. These are generally GI related and can include nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, heartburn, belching, abdominal pain, fatigue, and headaches.

– Gallstones or gallbladder disease is a possible risk with any weight loss plan.
– Acute pancreatitis was observed in some studies but not in others.
– Thyroid C-cell tumors were observed in rodent studies, but this was not observed in either human or monkey studies.
– Elevated heart rate.
– Acute kidney injury from dehydration if significant vomiting or diarrhea occurs.
– Worsening of diabetic retinopathy.
– Hypersensitivity/allergic reactions.
– Some weight loss medications may increase risk of depression or suicidal ideation.

Patients on insulin or insulin secretagogues/sulfonylureas like glimeperide or glyburide are at risk for hypoglycemia when taking Semaglutide. Dose adjustments of these medications may need to be made when taken with Semaglutide.

Once consent forms are received and the invoice is paid, it will typically take 5-7 business days to receive your medication.

Patients with a personal or family history of Medullary Thyroid Cancer or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type II should not take Semaglutide. You should not take this medication if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant and should take all necessary precautions to avoid becoming pregnant if you plan on using Semaglutide (SMGB12). If you do become pregnant while taking it stop immediately and call the office. Also avoid while breastfeeding.