Frequently Asked Questions

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 People with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher are often considered candidates for these medications, especially if traditional weight loss methods like diet and exercise have not been successful or sustainable. 

Those with Type 2 Diabetes* or Cardiovascular Risk Factors, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or a history of heart disease with a body mass index (BMI) of 25 or higher are considered candidates for treatment. 

*Those who are insulin dependent Type 2 Diabetic are not eligible to have semaglutide or tirzepatide prescribed through our Medical Provider.  Please see "What if I am Diabetic" in the FAQs for more information on how you can start semaglutide or tirzepatide treatment. 

We understand that weight loss can be a difficult process for those who are diabetic, and that weight management is critical in the management of diabetes as well.  If you have any questions, please give us a call or stop by our clinic, we are always happy to chat. 

Type 1 Diabetic -

We are unable to provide treatment to those who are Type 1 Diabetic, as constant monitoring would be required by a health care professional. 

Type 2 Diabetic, Non-Insulin Dependent

In most cases you will be eligible for treatment and qualify for treatment with a BMI of 25 or greater. We do recommend scheduling a Free Consultation so we can review any current medications and eligibility for treatment prior to scheduling a Doctors Evaluation.

Type 2 Diabetic, Insulin Dependent - 

Our Medical Provider is unable to prescribe semaglutide or tirzepatide to individuals who are on insulin.  You still may be eligible for treatment and prescription, though your insulin treatment may need to be altered and closely monitored. In these cases you will want to discuss prescription weight loss with your physician who also prescribers your insulin medication.  Your physician can write you a prescription for semaglutide or tirzepatide, that you can bring to our clinic for treatment.  

Pre-Diabetic / Managed Type 2 Diabetic -

Semaglutide and tirzepatide weight loss treatment can be very beneficial in helping you manage your diabetes, and significantly help reduce your over weight and A1C. 

 Semaglutide and Tirzepatide have gained popularity for several reasons: 

1. Effective Weight Loss: Both semaglutide and tirzepatide have demonstrated significant efficacy in promoting weight loss in clinical trials. Compared to other weight loss medications, they have shown superior results, with many patients experiencing substantial reductions in body weight. 
2. Once-Weekly Dosing: Semaglutide and tirzepatide are administered once weekly, which offers convenience and improved adherence compared to medications that require more frequent dosing. This simplicity in dosing can make them more appealing to patients and healthcare providers alike. 
3. Positive Safety Profile: While all medications have potential side effects, semaglutide and tirzepatide have generally demonstrated a favorable safety profile in clinical trials. They are well-tolerated by many patients, with side effects typically being mild to moderate in nature. 
4. Potential for Cardiovascular Benefits: Both medications have shown promising results in reducing the risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes, in people with type 2 diabetes. This additional cardiovascular benefit adds to their appeal, especially for individuals with diabetes who are at increased risk of cardiovascular complications. 

Overall, the combination of significant weight loss, blood sugar control, once-weekly dosing, favorable safety profiles, potential cardiovascular benefits, and growing awareness has made semaglutide and tirzepatide popular choices for individuals seeking effective weight loss solutions, particularly those with type 2 diabetes. 

 Compounded medications, including versions of semaglutide and tirzepatide, are prepared by pharmacists to meet individual patient needs and are safe and effective when properly formulated.  While compounded medications may not undergo the same regulatory approval process as commercially available pharmaceuticals, they are subject to oversight by state boards of pharmacy, are prepared using high-quality FDA approved ingredients, and go through rigorous quality control measures.   

 After your initial consultation and evaluation, you will visit the clinic monthly to pick up your prescription and for a brief check-in with your Client Specialist.  

Typically, you'll need to visit the clinic for a follow-up appointment with the doctor every 3 to 6 months.  These visits help ensure that your treatment plan is effective, your medication dosage is appropriate, and any potential side effects are monitored closely. Your doctor will determine the frequency of follow-up appointments based on your individual needs and response to treatment. 

For WA residents who are unable to make into our clinic, we also offer virtual consultations and provide shipping of your medication and supplies ($16 shipping fee).

 As with any medications, there is the possibility of side effects. Unlike a lot of medications though, GLP-1 (Glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (Gastric inhibitory polypeptide) are hormones that naturally occur in your body. The most common side effects experienced are stomach/gastrointestinal issues and discomfort.  Side effects are typically only experienced in the first few weeks of treatment, then subside for most patients.  Side effects can be greatly reduced by eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, avoiding fatty or greasy food, food with high sugar content, and overeating.  

Some patients may experience feeling tired or low blood sugar levels, due to reduced caloric intake and reduced appetite. These can be avoided by eating several balanced meals daily with small snacks between meals, and a multi-vitamin supplement.  

We are always happy to accommodate walk-ins, though making an appointment can help make sure a Client Specialist is available just for you, when you arrive.  When you book online in advance, this also gives us time to send your initial intake paperwork that you can complete prior to your visit.  This will help save you some time, and help us get to know you better before you arrive for your Consultation or Doctor Evaluation.

We pride ourselves on being dedicated to our clients, focusing attention to meet each person’s needs and goals. While we feel in person one on one conversations best achieve this level of care, we understand not everyone can make it to our clinic. We make every effort to provide the same level of care and dedication to those who visit us virtually too. 

Once you schedule your virtual consultation, we will e-mail you a link to your Health Questionnaire and Forms. These will need to be completed prior to your scheduled appointment. They will need to be completed on a mobile phone or tablet, or a computer with a touch screen. 

To complete your questionnaires and forms, you will need to know your weight, and your blood pressure / pulse.  Most pharmacies such as Walgreens, CVS, Rite Aid, or Walmart have a free blood pressure station.

We use Zoom for our virtual consultations and doctor’s evaluations. It is recommended you have the most recent Zoom app or program downloaded and test your camera and audio. It is also recommended for those who already use Zoom, to double check and make sure your app is up to date. 

 The timeline for weight loss results with semaglutide or tirzepatide can vary from person to person. However, many individuals begin to see noticeable weight loss within the first few weeks to months of starting treatment. 

Clinical studies have shown that significant weight loss can occur within the first few months of treatment with these medications. Some individuals may experience rapid initial weight loss, while others may see a more gradual but steady reduction in weight over time. 

Factors that can influence the rate and extent of weight loss include your starting weight, adherence to the medication regimen, diet, exercise habits, and individual metabolic factors. It's important to note that while semaglutide and tirzepatide can be effective for weight loss, they work best when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise. 

Your healthcare provider can provide more personalized guidance on what to expect in terms of weight loss and help you set realistic goals based on your individual circumstances. Additionally, they can monitor your progress over time and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan to optimize results. 

While it's not strictly required to follow a particular diet while taking GLP-1 medication such as semaglutide or tirzepatide, incorporating exercise and maintaining a balanced diet can significantly enhance weight loss outcomes. These medications work best when used in conjunction with healthy lifestyle habits. 

While there isn't a specific "GLP-1 diet," healthcare providers often recommend a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to support overall health and reduce possible side effects.  

 While the cost of medications such as semaglutide or tirzepatide can vary depending on factors such as dosage and insurance coverage, it's important to note that insurance typically does not cover these medications specifically for weight loss purposes. Instead, they are primarily indicated and covered for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. 

While insurance coverage may not apply to these medications for weight loss, our transparent pricing approach ensures that you have clarity regarding the cost of treatment. We also offer an amazing referral program, that allows you to save significantly on your monthly prescription refills. We're committed to providing accessible and affordable healthcare options to support your wellness journey. Please schedule a FREE Consultation with us to discuss treatment options and pricing. 

 At Salish Shore Wellness, we prioritize transparency and accessibility in healthcare. We do not charge membership fees or impose monthly fees. Our commitment to affordable pricing means that you only pay for the services you receive, such as doctor evaluations, follow-ups, and prescriptions, which also include any needed supplies. We believe in making healthcare affordable and straightforward, ensuring that you have clarity regarding the cost of your care without any hidden fees or surprises.  

We charge less than other providers and retail pharmacies for several reasons: 

1. Limited Overhead: By operating efficiently and minimizing overhead costs, we can pass those savings directly to our patients. We prioritize cost-effective solutions without compromising on quality care. 
2. Independent Structure: As an independent clinic, we are not beholden to investors or boards, and have no franchise fees or profits to pay. This independence enables us to maintain affordable pricing while focusing on each of our clients. 
3. Utilizing Telehealth: We leverage Washington State licensed telehealth doctors to provide evaluations and follow-ups. This allows us to streamline our operations and offer services at a lower cost, without the need to pay for a full-time clinic medical provider. 
4. Transparency and Accountability: Our commitment to upfront transparent pricing ensures that patients know exactly what they're paying for without any hidden fees or surprises. We prioritize accountability and strive to make healthcare accessible to all. 

Overall, our goal is to provide high-quality care at an affordable price point, making healthcare more accessible and equitable for everyone. 

Our medication is made in the U.S., by a quality compounding pharmacy in Nevada.  

1. Only FDA-approved raw materials are used and are sourced from the U.S. pharmaceutical sellers. These materials are sent to independent 3rd labs for testing prior to use. 
2. Each batch of the medication undergoes rigorous testing for quality, sterility, and efficacy, with 1 in 25 vials sent to a U.S.-based third-party laboratory for these tests. 
3. The vials used for packaging are also rigorously tested for sterility by another independent 3rd part lab 
4. The pharmacy is among the top 1% of U.S. pharmacies that meet United States Pharmacopeial Convention (USP) 800 Guidelines, ensuring high standards of quality and safety. *USP800 is the level of standards required for a pharmacy to manufacture and handle hazardous pharmaceuticals, such as chemotherapy medications.