Which version of GLP-1 for weight loss options should your pharmacy offer your community?
If you’re diving into the weight loss revolution with GLP-1s, you might have encountered the question: Should you carry sublingual versions, injections, or both to offer your patients GLP-1 for weight loss?
How do you help patients decide which option is better for them? Let’s explore the differences between sublingual and injection forms of GLP-1s, like semaglutide and tirzepatide, and share some practical insights on how to make these decisions for your pharmacy and patients.
This information will be helpful for all pharmacies, regardless of whether you are a retail-only, non-sterile compounding, or sterile compounding pharmacy.
The Gold Standard: GLP-1 for Weight Loss Injections
The standard for GLP-1 treatments is injections. Injectable forms of peptides, such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, are commercially available in Ozempic, Wegovy, or Monjouro. Ample clinical studies have been done on the injectable forms.
Benefits of GLP-1 Injections:
– Bioavailability: Injections bypass all issues with absorption and the GI tract, resulting in the highest bioavailability.
– Consistency: The dosage and absorption rates are more consistent with injections, providing predictable results for patients.
Less Time: For many patients, once-a-week dosing that takes less than a minute is a convenient option.
The Downsides of GLP-1 Injections:
– A lot more regulations to follow when compounding.
– Some patients just won’t do needles.
– Patients report a higher rate of side effects, such as nausea.
Actionable Tip: Sublingual Versus Injection GLP-1 For Weight Loss
If you’re not a sterile compounding pharmacy, you might think you can’t offer this option. However, you can provide sterile injections through partnerships with 503B outsourcing facilities or with a local 503A compounding pharmacy in your state. There is always a way to help your patients and follow your state rules. Learn more HERE.
The No-Needle Alternative: Sublingual GLP-1 for Weight Loss
Not every patient is comfortable with injections. Many patients have a strong aversion to needles, making sublingual versions a valuable alternative. Sublingual medications are painless to administer and can be compounded by virtually any pharmacy, following all the necessary compounding rules and guidelines.
I highly recommend compounding your own sublingual base rather than using pre-made ones. Access a sublingual base formula HERE for free. While pre-made bases are convenient, they are more expensive, and you have no control over the viscosity, which can make them difficult to work with. Common pre-made sublingual bases are SubManga and OraPenn.
Benefits of Sublingual GLP-1s:
– Ease of Use: For needle-phobic patients, sublingual options are far more appealing.
– Flexibility: You can control the flavor, viscosity, and concentration of the sublingual solution, making it more palatable and easier for your patients to use.
– Unique: Sublingual isn’t a commercially available option, so even when the shortage ends, it can still be a viable compounding dosage form for patients who won’t use an injection.
– Well Tolerated: Many sublingual patients report little to no side effects such as nausea.
The Downsides of Sublingual GLP-1s:
– The dose must be held in the mouth for a continuous 5-10 minutes, which is difficult to be consistent with.
– Results will vary. Most likely due to absorption differences, some patients have experienced zero results while others have been wildly successful.
– Higher doses will most likely need to be used to achieve the desired weight loss results.
Actionable Tip: If you are a compounding pharmacy, you can easily add these to your list of services. For those who can’t compound, partnering with a 503A that can provide sublingual versions is a great option.
Should You Carry Both Injection and Sublingual GLP-1 for Weight Loss?
Short answer… yes.
One of our Pharmacy Badass University Members asked this question during our weekly office hours call. They fear that one would cannibalize the other. In my opinion, when you sell both an injection and a sublingual version, you are giving your pharmacy a better chance to appeal to more patients.
There are people in your community who want the certainty of an injection, an option that is most like what is commercially available, while others want to steer clear of injections. By appealing to more of what your community is looking for, you can position yourself as the weight loss solution pharmacy.
For resources and deeper information on selling or compounding semaglutide or tirzepatide, we have put all the information you need together HERE.
Supporting Your Patients Beyond Medication
Weight loss is not just about the medication; it’s also about the support and resources you provide. Consider creating a comprehensive support program to enhance your patients’ success and prevent price shopping.
Ideas For Supporting GLP-1 for Weight Loss Patients:
– Monthly Group Coaching: Charge a monthly fee for a support-only program that includes access to a Facebook group, Zoom calls, local dining-out guides, and discounts on in-pharmacy purchases.
– Educational Resources: Provide materials that educate patients on how to use the medications, diet tips, and exercise recommendations.
– Regular Follow-Ups: Schedule regular follow-ups to monitor weight loss progress, answer questions, check their vitals, and adjust treatment plans as necessary.
– OTC Section: Create a robust and unique weight loss OTC support section. Include items such as Clean Simple Eats, Ideal Protein, AMS Nitric Oxide, Nudora, and methylated B-Complex or other supportive products to help maximize your patients’ weight loss journeys.
– Offer Testing: Many functional tests, including vitamin D levels, nitric oxide, hormones, and adrenal tests, can help your patients increase their weight loss and boost their overall wellness.
Actionable Tip: Develop a support program that fits your pharmacy’s capabilities. Depending on which services you offer, charge a small monthly fee to access the support services or include them in a more comprehensive weight loss solution package.
The goal is to provide the best possible care for your patients while also growing your pharmacy’s offerings. Offering a solution to more problems is a great way to accomplish that goal. If you have any questions or need further guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out. We’re all in this together, striving to make a difference in our communities.
Good luck to you and your patients on their weight loss journeys!
