We are so excited to offer a new delivery of a GLP-1 (without needles!) that has shown promising benefits for weight loss and metabolic optimization, similar to the injectable counterparts: oral semaglutide
This tablet version of semaglutide was the first oral GLP-1 receptor agonist approved by the FDA and has historically been available for the control of blood sugar in type 2 diabetics, along with lifestyle modification. It has the same promising cardioprotective benefits that injectable semaglutide has like INSERT. The addition of oral semaglutide to our toolbox provides us with a new option within the GLP-1 class for patients who are unable or unwilling to self administer injectable subcutaneous agents.
Oral semaglutide must be taken daily as opposed to the once weekly injection of subcutaneous semaglutide. The bioavailability of oral semaglutide has been found to be about 0.8% as compared to 89% of subcutaneous semaglutide so dosing will look different. This is specifically related to the difficulty of passing a protein through the caustic environment of the stomach and its acids.
There are two main clinical trials looking at oral semaglutide, the first published were the PIONEER trials which had a primary end point of glycemic control and a secondary end point of weight loss; these trials had a maximum dose of 14mg daily of oral semaglutide. Another set of studies called the OASIS trials looked at a higher dose (50mg daily) and had a primary end point of weight loss rather than glycemic control.
While, the loss isn’t as much as shown with the subcutaneous injections of semaglutide (both in the STEP trials and in our own practice), the PIONEER trials showed an average weight loss at 14mg of 5.4%. We exceed the results of the subcutaneous trials by about 7 - 8 percentage points through lifestyle coaching and medication management, and we anticipate that we’ll have similar results with the oral version.
We are excited to start the administration of 14mg oral daily semaglutide with hopes that in the not too distant future we will be able to offer a safe and proven alternative to those who are resistant or hesitant to start a subcutaneous regimen.
Our standard therapeutic titration dosing schedule and pricing for oral semaglutide are listed below:
- $579.00 (Initial appointment and 30 days of 3mg dosing)
- $429.00 for up to 6 mg (2nd month)
- $479.00 for up to 9 mg (3rd month)
- $679.00 for up to 15 mg (month 4 and beyond)
This could also be a good option for maintenance continuation of semaglutide. Our maintenance pricing is based on the custom maintenance dose and how your body reacts to the switch from an injectable to a tablet. If you are interested in chatting about what a maintenance dose looks like for you, email us at info@theaestheticconcierge.co. Depending on frequency and dose, maintenance plans can start at and look like the following:
- $219.00 for up to 3 mg (comparable to .25 mg maintenance dose on an injectable)
- $259.00 for up to 6 mg (comparable to .5 mg maintenance dose on an injectable)
- $299.00 for up to 9 mg (comparable to 1 mg maintenance dose on an injectable)
As we continue to help patients lose weight in Charlotte, NC, Raleigh, NC, Winston Salem, NC, Austin, TX, Dallas, TX, Houston, TX, New York, NY and many more, we are thrilled to have an oral GLP-1 available to patients across the country.
