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GLP-1 Medications Explained
GLP-1 receptor agonists are a class of prescription medicines that mimic a hormone your gut releases after eating. They are used in diabetes care and, for certain products, in chronic weight management under clinician supervision.
What the medication does
GLP-1 is a hormone released after meals. It signals the pancreas to release insulin when glucose is elevated, slows how quickly the stomach empties, and acts on appetite centers in the brain. Medications in this class extend that signal so it lasts across the week rather than minutes.
The practical effect most patients notice first is reduced appetite and earlier fullness. That is why nutrition quality — particularly protein intake — becomes more important, not less: total intake tends to fall, so what you do eat has to carry more nutritional weight.
Titration and why it is gradual
These medications are started low and increased in steps. Gradual titration reduces gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, reflux, and constipation, and it lets your clinician find the lowest dose that is working for you.
At FRDC, tirzepatide products (Mounjaro, Zepbound) are commonly stepped 7.5 → 10 → 12.5 → 15 mg as tolerated. Semaglutide products (Ozempic, Wegovy) follow clinician-set titration. Medication and dosing are always determined by your clinician after evaluation.
Side effects and monitoring
The most common side effects are digestive: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation, usually strongest in the days after a dose increase. Most are managed with pacing, hydration, smaller meals, and slower titration.
Less common but important risks are discussed at evaluation, including pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, and thyroid C-cell tumor warnings carried by this drug class. Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN2 is a contraindication. Your clinician reviews these with you before prescribing.
B12 and supportive care
Some patients are offered B12 injections as part of supportive care. At FRDC, B12 injections are $15 per injection and are started per protocol at the 15 mg Mounjaro step where clinically appropriate.
How results are discussed at FRDC
Your clinician sets your goals — many plans target 10–16 lbs/month with strict protein protocols; individual results vary.
Medication and dosing are always determined by your clinician after evaluation.
Frequently asked questions
- How is a GLP-1 medication taken?
- The products discussed here are weekly subcutaneous injections given with a pen device. Your clinical team demonstrates the technique at your visit.
- What happens if I miss a dose?
- Guidance depends on the specific product and how much time has passed. Contact the clinic rather than doubling a dose.
- Will I stay on the highest dose?
- Not necessarily. The goal is the lowest effective, well-tolerated dose. Some patients stop stepping up before reaching the maximum.
Keep reading
- Semaglutide vs. Tirzepatide: The Basics
How semaglutide and tirzepatide differ in mechanism, dosing steps, and cost at FRDC — educational information, not a recommendation.
- Phentermine Program Basics
What a phentermine and B12 program involves, how it is monitored, and what it costs at FRDC in Maryland.
- Insurance Plans We Accept
FRDC works with most major insurance, Maryland Medicaid plans, and Medicare, alongside a transparent self-pay option. Because benefits vary by employer gro
- FRDC blog
Articles on pain care access, GLP-1 program costs, telehealth, and insurance in Maryland.