Welcome to PharmAssist:Your Partner in Weight Loss Success
At PharmAssist, we believe that successful weight management is a journey best taken with the right support and resources. Our comprehensive weight loss program is designed to provide you with personalized care, evidence-based treatment options, and the tools you need to achieve your health goals.
Included in your monthly membership to PharmAssist, you gain access to a complete care package that includes:
- 1:1 Behavioral Coaching: Personalized coaching sessions focused on sustainable lifestyle changes, helping you build healthy habits for long-term success.
- Medication Management: Expert guidance on selecting the most suitable medications for your needs, with continuous monitoring and adjustments for optimal results.
- 7-Day-a-Week Secure Messaging: Ongoing support through our secure messaging platform, allowing you to reach out with questions, concerns, or updates any day of the week.
- Prescription Authorization: If your insurance plan covers the prescribed medications, we handle the authorization process for you, ensuring a smooth and efficient experience.
- Pharmacy Prescriptions for Covered Medications: For medications approved by your insurance, we send prescriptions directly to your preferred pharmacy for convenient access.
At PharmAssist, we are dedicated to being with you every step of the way—empowering you with personalized solutions, ongoing support, and the professional care you deserve. Together, we’ll work toward your weight loss goals and overall wellness.
Medication Options for Weight Management and Hormone Optimization
At PharmAssist, we offer a range of medications designed to support weight management, improve metabolic health, and optimize hormone levels. Our tailored approach ensures that each patient receives a personalized plan based on their unique health profile and goals. Below, we outline key medication options available at our clinic, including their benefits and considerations.
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Tirzepatide (Mounjaro®)
What is it?
Tirzepatide is a once-weekly injectable medication that acts as a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. It helps regulate blood sugar levels and supports weight loss by enhancing insulin sensitivity and reducing appetite. Tirzepatide produces an average of about 21% weight loss.
Benefits:
- Significant weight loss potential
- Improved insulin sensitivity and blood sugar control
- Once-weekly dosing for convenience
Considerations:
- Possible side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
- Requires proper administration technique
- Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is necessary
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Semaglutide (Wegovy®/Ozempic®)
What is it?
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist approved for weight management and type 2 diabetes. It works by slowing gastric emptying, reducing appetite, and improving insulin secretion. Semaglutide produces an average of about 15% weight loss.
Benefits:
- Proven to aid in substantial weight loss
- Improves glycemic control in type 2 diabetes
- Convenient once-weekly injection
Considerations:
- Common side effects include gastrointestinal discomfort
- Not recommended for individuals with a history of certain thyroid cancers
- Requires ongoing evaluation for optimal dosing
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Phentermine
What is it?
Phentermine is an FDA-approved prescription medication that acts as an appetite suppressant. It is typically prescribed for short-term use to aid weight loss in conjunction with diet and exercise. Produces about 5-10% weight loss on average.
Benefits:
- Effective appetite suppression
- Boosts energy and metabolism
- Can jumpstart weight loss efforts
Considerations:
- Short-term use only due to potential for dependence
- May cause increased heart rate, insomnia, or nervousness
- Not suitable for individuals with certain cardiovascular conditions
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Contrave® (Naltrexone/Bupropion)
What is it?
Contrave combines two medications—naltrexone and bupropion—to target the brain’s hunger and reward systems. It is designed for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related conditions. Average weight loss is about 5-9%.
Benefits:
- Targets appetite and cravings
- Supports long-term weight management
- Oral medication taken daily
Considerations:
- Possible side effects include nausea, constipation, and dizziness
- Not suitable for individuals with a history of seizures or certain psychiatric conditions
- Requires regular follow-up to assess effectiveness and tolerance
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Sermorelin
What is it?
Sermorelin is a synthetic peptide that stimulates the pituitary gland to produce and release more natural growth hormone. It is used to support anti-aging, weight loss, and improved energy levels.
Benefits:
- Enhances lean muscle mass and reduces body fat
- Improves sleep quality and recovery
- Supports energy levels and overall vitality
Considerations:
- Administered through subcutaneous injections
- Regular monitoring of growth hormone levels is necessary
- Potential side effects include injection site reactions and mild headache
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Conclusion
Choosing the right medication is a critical component of a successful weight management or hormone optimization plan. At PharmAssist, we provide individualized care, ensuring that each patient’s plan aligns with their health needs and lifestyle. Our experienced team closely monitors progress and adjusts treatment as necessary for optimal results.
Contact us today to schedule a consultation and explore the best medication options tailored for you.
Schedule your consultation
Bariatric-Trained Provider Supporting Your Weight Loss Journey
At PharmAssist, our bariatric-trained provider Kate Clawson APRN specializes in comprehensive weight management solutions tailored to your unique needs. With extensive experience in obesity and bariatric medicine, we are uniquely equipped to support patients both before and after bariatric surgery. If you are preparing for gastric bypass or sleeve gastrectomy, we offer preoperative weight loss programs designed to optimize surgical outcomes, reduce complications, and set the stage for long-term success. For those experiencing weight regain after surgery, we provide personalized medical weight loss strategies & problem-solving to help you get back on track considering your dietary needs. Whether you need guidance through your surgical journey or support in sustaining your results, our expert team is here to help you achieve and maintain your health goals.
How it works
Our process at PharmAssist is designed to provide you with comprehensive, personalized care from the very first step. Here’s what you can expect:
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1. Initial Consultation
Your journey begins with a thorough consultation where we review your health history, discuss your goals, and complete initial paperwork. This step allows us to understand your unique needs and design a tailored plan that aligns with your wellness objectives.
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2. Laboratory Testing
A lab prescription (lab RX) is provided to evaluate key health markers, ensuring that any underlying medical conditions are addressed. These lab results guide the development of your personalized treatment plan.
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3. Behavioral Plan Development
Our expert team collaborates with you to create a behavioral plan focused on sustainable lifestyle changes. This plan incorporates strategies to build healthy habits, overcome challenges, and maintain long-term weight loss.
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4. Weight Loss Prescription (If Appropriate)
Based on your health profile and lab results, a weight loss prescription may be recommended. Our providers will ensure that any prescribed medications align with your needs and are covered by your insurance whenever possible.
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5. Follow-Up Visits
To ensure ongoing success, we schedule regular follow-up visits. During these sessions, we review progress, adjust your plan as needed, and provide continued support and guidance to keep you on track./p>
At PharmAssist, we are committed to guiding you through every stage of your weight loss journey with personalized care, expert support, and a comprehensive approach to wellness. Contact us today to get started on a healthier, happier you.
Schedule your consultation today!Frequently Asked Questions
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We can help decide that when we sit down at your consultation and thoroughly review treatment plans.
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Yes and no. We do not take it ourselves but will help you get your GLP-1 weight loss medications covered, if possible. The process for approval for GLP-1's can be challenging so think of us as your insurance concierge. Your monthly membership fee is not covered by insurance, but you can, however, use your FSA/HSA card.
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Semaglutide, a once-weekly injectable drug, is a glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) analog. GLP-1 is a hormone naturally produced in the small intestine that stimulates insulin secretion and inhibits glucagon secretion, lowering blood sugar.
Semaglutide can reduce appetite, improve control of eating, and reduce food noise and cravings in addition to improving your glycemic control. GLP-1 incretin hormone helps the pancreas release insulin, which helps the body control blood sugar levels. Semaglutide produces a total body weight percentage loss of about 17%.
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Tirzepatide is also a once-weekly injectable drug that works by mimicking two important hormones in the body, GLP-1 and GIP, which help regulate blood sugar and appetite.
Tirzepatide is a glucagon-like peptide (GLP-1) analog. GLP-1 is a hormone naturally produced in the small intestine that stimulates insulin secretion and inhibits glucagon secretion, lowering blood sugar. Tirzepatide can reduce appetite, improve control of eating, and reduce food noise and cravings in addition to improving your glycemic control. GLP-1 incretin hormone helps the pancreas release insulin, which helps the body control blood sugar levels. Tirzepatide produces a total body weight percentage loss of about 22%.
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Tirzepatide mimics two hormones (GLP-1 & GIP), whereas semaglutide includes just the GLP-1. There is about a 5% weight loss difference between the two medications (tirzepatide 22% and semaglutide 17%).
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You will start on a low dose and titrate up every 4 weeks. Your body needs to get used to the medication before upping the dose. Most people will experience less hunger and reduced cravings in about 24-48 hours. It is important to focus weight loss on behaviors as medication is a tool for weight loss and compliments lifestyle changes.
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- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Bloating
- Reflux
- Nausea
- Fullness
- Faster Heartbeat
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If you go back to unhealthy eating habits and do not practice the weight loss behavioral skills after stopping the medication, you can gain your weight back.
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To experience the best results possible, we recommend practicing heal;thier eating habits and exercising. Prioritizing protein, vitamins, fluids, and fiber and staying in a caloric deficit is highly recommended.