Especially while losing weight, these medications can increase the risk of gallstones (cholelithiasis) and gallbladder infection (cholecystitis). If you are having discomfort in the upper right abdomen, it is recommended you seek immediate medical attention.
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Why is an eMed Live Proctor necessary?
Medication adherence is almost as important as the medication itself.* Weight loss medication, in combination with one-on-one guidance, is the most effective option for long-term weight loss. Additionally, eMed Live Proctors offer non-clinical guidance, support, and instruction to help you follow your medical weight loss plan and adhere to manufacturer's safety guidelines. We act as an expert accountability partner in your journey.
Who is prescribing my treatment?
eMed is not a medical provider. We partner with a network of licensed clinicians who can prescribe medication, provide clinical consultation, and monitor patients in all 50 states.
What is included in the program for participants?
An individual subscription includes: - Prescription for GLP-1 medication, if eligible - 24/7 side effect support- no appointments needed - Annual blood work - Live clinical consultations - Supervised medication injections - Medication refill visits - Weekly check-ins with an eMed Live Proctor - Progress portal with results tracking
How is my data used?
eMed is committed to protecting your privacy, and we will not sell your data. Please see our Privacy Policy to understand the type of information we collect and the specific practices and guidelines that we employ to protect the security and confidentiality of your personal information.
Can anyone sign up for the Population Health GLP-1 Program?
eMed Population Health GLP-1 ProgramTM is a program offered through organizations to their eligible participants. Subscriptions provided by organizations are required. If you are an eligible participant with an organization sponsored subscription, this program is not for you if: - Under 18 - Have a BMI under 27 - Currently pregnant, possibly pregnant, or actively trying to become pregnant - Breastfeeding or bottle-feeding with breastmilk - End-stage kidney disease (on or about to be on dialysis) - End-stage liver disease (cirrhosis) - Current or prior eating disorder (anorexia/bulimia) - Current suicidal thoughts and/or prior suicide attempt - Cancer (active diagnosis or treatment) - History of organ transplant on anti-rejection medication - Severe gastrointestinal condition (gastroparesis, inflammatory bowel disease) - History of or current pancreatitis - Type 1 diabetes - Type 2 diabetes on insulin - Diabetic retinopathy (eye condition related to diabetes) - Personal or family history of thyroid cyst/nodule, thyroid cancer, medullary thyroid carcinoma, or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2
What are eMed’s hours of operation?
eMed is online 24/7/365 for support. Our eMed Live Proctors are trained to serve you at any time.
What is GLP-1 medication?
GLP-1 receptor agonists are a class of medications. They work by mimicking the effects of the body's natural GLP-1 hormone. This hormone is released from the intestines in response to food intake and has multiple effects that help to regulate blood glucose levels and lead to weight loss.
What medication is available?
During the program, you will meet with a live clinician who will determine and prescribe which GLP-1 medication is right for you. Further questions about medication can be discussed directly with the clinician.
Is the Medication safe/FDA-approved?
Several GLP-1 medications were approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) from 2017 - 2021. These medications went through rigorous testing in clinical trials to evaluate their safety and efficacy before receiving FDA approval.
How do I achieve the greatest success with eMed Population Health GLP-1 Program™?
We are invested in your success, which is why we created our program in a specific way. Therefore, actively and consistently participating in all aspects of the program will be beneficial. This includes: weekly professional proctoring for medication injections, lifestyle changes, not skipping doses, and following the individualized medical advice from your clinician.
What diet and lifestyle changes will I have to make?
It is important to follow the tailored diet that will be designed for you. However, some general diet and lifestyle changes that might be suggested include: - Balanced Diet: It's important to follow a balanced diet that's low in refined sugars/processed foods and rich in whole foods. This can help manage blood sugar levels and minimize glucose fluctuations. - Carbohydrate Awareness: Being aware of carbohydrate intake can help to manage post-meal blood sugar spikes. This doesn't mean avoiding carbohydrates entirely but rather choosing complex carbs and being mindful of portion sizes. - Regular Physical Activity: Exercise helps improve insulin sensitivity and can also contribute to weight loss. (Add national recommendations… 150 min of moderate activity, 75 vigorous activity per week… I can help with this). - Limit Alcohol: Some GLP-1 medications may increase the risk of pancreatitis. Alcohol is also a known risk factor for pancreatitis, so avoiding or limiting alcohol consumption can be a wise precaution. - Stay Hydrated: Some GLP-1 medications can lead to dehydration, especially in the beginning. Drinking adequate water and monitoring for signs of dehydration can be important. - Limiting Fatty Foods: Some people experience gastrointestinal side effects when they consume large amounts of fatty foods while on GLP-1 medications. It might be helpful to limit the intake of such foods. Remember, these are general recommendations, and your needs can vary. It's always best to work closely with the Clinician to determine the most appropriate strategies and interventions.
What happens if I'm not approved for the program?
Typically, eligible participants within an organization’s program are able to be rescreened for qualification annually.
Common Side Effects of GLP-1
eMed provides information below regarding frequently asked questions about these medications. This is not intended to provide medical advice, and you should always seek the help of a clinician. Some side effects may be unrelated to this class of medication and should be discussed with your physician. If you are concerned that you are having a medical emergency, please seek immediate medical attention or call 911.
Semaglutide and tirzepatide are within the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) class. These popular medications are effective for weight loss, but they often come with side effects.
I’ve heard of pancreatitis and abdominal pain. What is the association?
Pancreatitis is a serious condition that causes severe pain in the upper region of the abdomen, which can be accompanied by nausea and/or vomiting. With any severe discomfort, it is recommended you seek immediate medical attention. People with a history of pancreatitis should not use these medications.
What are signs of allergic reactions to the medication?
Although uncommon, allergic reactions to any medication can occur. Symptoms vary from severe (anaphylaxis) to mild (local irritation at the site of injection). Severe reactions, such as lip and tongue swelling, and shortness of breath, require immediate medical attention.
What makes some GLP-1 users have an increased risk of hypoglycemia?
It’s important to inform your clinician of all your medications as some can lower blood sugar, such as insulin, sulfonylureas (glipizide, glyburide, glimepiride), and SGLT2 inhibitors (empagliflozin) or if you have a history of hypoglycemia.
How do I avoid having low blood sugar?
Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is rare but possible with these medications. Symptoms of low blood sugar include fast heartbeat, shaking, sweating, nervousness or anxiety, irritability or confusion, and dizziness, to name a few. It is important to have a habit such as drinking juice or eating if you develop these symptoms. Eating small meals throughout the day can help reduce the risk of this condition.
What does a red injection site mean?
Mild local reactions to injected medications can occur which include redness, swelling, or itching at the site of injection. You can apply ice to this location, keep compressing for 20 minutes and then off for 20 minutes. Please observe the area closely for enlargement of the nodule, spreading redness, fevers, or flu-like symptoms. If this were to occur, it is recommended that you seek evaluation by an in-person provider. Speak to a clinician before your next injection.
How can I minimize pain at the injection site?
It is recommended to rotate the site of injection to avoid pain at the injection site. You can inject these medications in the abdomen, thigh, or back of your upper arm.
I'm having pain in my upper right abdomen. Could this be related to my gallbladder?
Especially while losing weight, these medications can increase the risk of gallstones (cholelithiasis) and gallbladder infection (cholecystitis). If you are having discomfort in the upper right abdomen, it is recommended you seek immediate medical attention.
I’ve heard of pancreatitis and abdominal pain. What is the association?
Pancreatitis is a serious condition that causes severe pain in the upper region of the abdomen, which can be accompanied by nausea and/or vomiting. With any severe discomfort, it is recommended you seek immediate medical attention. People with a history of pancreatitis should not use these medications.
What are signs of allergic reactions to the medication?
Although uncommon, allergic reactions to any medication can occur. Symptoms vary from severe (anaphylaxis) to mild (local irritation at the site of injection). Severe reactions, such as lip and tongue swelling, and shortness of breath, require immediate medical attention.
I'm having pain in my upper right abdomen. Could this be related to my gallbladder?
Especially while losing weight, these medications can increase the risk of gallstones (cholelithiasis) and gallbladder infection (cholecystitis). If you are having discomfort in the upper right abdomen, it is recommended you seek immediate medical attention.
I’ve heard of pancreatitis and abdominal pain. What is the association?
Pancreatitis is a serious condition that causes severe pain in the upper region of the abdomen, which can be accompanied by nausea and/or vomiting. With any severe discomfort, it is recommended you seek immediate medical attention. People with a history of pancreatitis should not use these medications.
What are signs of allergic reactions to the medication?
Although uncommon, allergic reactions to any medication can occur. Symptoms vary from severe (anaphylaxis) to mild (local irritation at the site of injection). Severe reactions, such as lip and tongue swelling, and shortness of breath, require immediate medical attention.
I’ve heard of pancreatitis and abdominal pain. What is the association?
Pancreatitis is a serious condition that causes severe pain in the upper region of the abdomen, which can be accompanied by nausea and/or vomiting. With any severe discomfort, it is recommended you seek immediate medical attention. People with a history of pancreatitis should not use these medications.
What are signs of allergic reactions to the medication?
Although uncommon, allergic reactions to any medication can occur. Symptoms vary from severe (anaphylaxis) to mild (local irritation at the site of injection). Severe reactions, such as lip and tongue swelling, and shortness of breath, require immediate medical attention.
What are signs of allergic reactions to the medication?
Although uncommon, allergic reactions to any medication can occur. Symptoms vary from severe (anaphylaxis) to mild (local irritation at the site of injection). Severe reactions, such as lip and tongue swelling, and shortness of breath, require immediate medical attention.