FAQs: GLP-1 Agonists (Semaglutide)

Q. How can I get quick information on how to offer semaglutide? 
A. You can view our previous webinar on semaglutide, or visit this article for additional medical context.

Q. How do I order semaglutide? 

A. Please complete this form to confirm your understanding and agreement with the requirements to offer semaglutide. After completing the form, please submit a ticket to proceed with your first semaglutide order. Our inventory team will place your order and the ops team will add it to your booking link for future appointments.  

Q. How long does shipping typically take?

A. Semaglutide is usually shipped for overnight delivery on Mondays or Tuesdays after ordering. Depending on when you place your order, it can range anywhere from 2-7 business days.

Q. How do I start offering this to patients?

A. Detailed clinical workflow is in the P&P here. The process varies slightly for existing patients or new patients:

For existing patients: 

1. All providers must capture the information in the provided consult template or create their own template capturing the same information. We recommended printing copies to have in your studio for easy access.
2. Take a photo of the completed intake form and attach it to the patient’s chart in the EHR.
3. Once the photo is attached to the patient’s chart:
   1. For RN providers: alert your PCC and Frances in Tiger, and wait for clearance before proceeding. Once cleared, the patient will review and sign the consent form. You'll administer the first injection, provide the patient with at least 1 month of product in pre-drawn syringes, and complete the semaglutide procedure note (or make your own and enter it).
   2. For NP/PA providers: confirm the patient is a candidate. Then, the patient will review and sign the consent form. You'll administer the first injection, provide the patient with at least 1 month of product in pre-drawn syringes, and complete the semaglutide procedure note (or make your own and enter it).

For new patients: 

Two new optional weight loss fields have been added to the new patient onboarding flow. Patients will see the following questions when creating a medical profile: 

• Are you interested in weight loss products?
• Please provide height/weight 

This will help indicate their interest in semaglutide and also streamline future medical clearances.

Ensure patient attests to the following during their visit (please note these are also included in the consent form provided to you):

• No personal or family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
• Not type 1 diabetic or type 2 diabetic requiring medications
• No history of thyroid cancer
• No history of pancreatitis
• Not pregnant or intending to become pregnant in the next two months
• Not currently on another hypoglycemic agent (e.g. metformin) -- > these patients are not candidates and should be managed by their primary care provider

Q. What ancillaries should I have on hand to offer semaglutide?
A. You will need extra needles on hand to give to the patient. These are available in your Medline account.

Q. How should I dispense semaglutide?

A. Draw each dose into a syringe and label it with 1) the patient's name or initials and 2) the dosage. You can see the appropriate amount to draw up in the P&P here.

Q. What does this cost? 

A. Costs for semaglutide are available below. Please note that there will be an additional $20 shipping fee per order for any provider in California who wants to offer semaglutide.

You will receive standard commission on semaglutide. As always, you are welcome to charge below floor price if you feel that is appropriate and would receive the applicable % commission.

In order to account for the different doses that patients will be on, the semaglutide inventory asset is a vial but the product is sold by the milligram (mL). This affords you additional flexibility in how you price it. 

GLP-1 (California)

• Given the lower floor price on the 10mL vial, it is recommended that you order the larger size
• Note that GLP-1 (semaglutide) in CA can be ordered as compounded with L-carnitine to help minimize muscle loss or with BPC157 to help minimize nausea

Semaglutide (non-California)

2.5mL vial (6.25mg)

$72

• ^ This smaller size is no longer available from the manufacturer. However, a larger size is — and we lowered the price floor by 17% (see below). 

3mL vial (15mg)

$60

Q. Do you have any marketing messages I can use with my existing patient base? 

A. We recommend personalizing this, but here is a messaging starting point for communication with patients:

“I’ve got something truly amazing in store for you: XYZ business now proudly offers the game-changing weight loss solution semaglutide, and it’s exclusively for loyal patients like you!

I’m thrilled to introduce semaglutide, a fantastic addition to my lineup of services at XYZ business that is focused on weight loss. It’s the perfect complement to your existing beauty and wellness regimen.

I'm so excited to help develop a personalized plan just for you that covers skincare, aesthetic enhancements, and now: weight loss. I can’t wait to continue the holistic journey of helping you look and feel your absolute best as we step into 2024!

If you’re interested, please reply to me with your height and weight and we can get this started!”

Q. What has worked well for providers to be successful with this? How do they coach patients to get the desired results?

A. Kristen Doezie has had a lot of success with GLP-1 (semaglutide) and graciously shared this informational packet she shares with patients.