GENERAL INFORMATION; CONSIDERATIONS OF TREATMENT*

1. What is Semaglutide or Tirzepatide Weight Management Treatment: Semaglutide or Tirzepatide are chronic weight management injections for weight loss that are used along with a diet and exercise plan. These injections are delivered beneath the surface of the skin (subcutaneously) for chronic weight management, generally in adults with obesity (BMI >30) or who are overweight (BMI >27) with at least one weight- related condition, including high blood pressure, diabetes type 2, and/or high cholesterol, and in certain other clinical situations. Any other available medical and/or scientific resources. Semaglutide mimics a glucagon-like peptide hormone called GLP-1, which slows the movement of food from the stomach into the small intestine, helping to reduce appetite and increase satiety after eating. Tirzepatide mimics both GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist hormones, which trigger insulin creation, sensation of fullness, and appetite reduction. Additional treatment benefits associated with these weight loss injections may include, but are not limited to, improved A1C and blood sugar levels by increasing insulin (a hormone that lowers blood sugar levels), inhibiting glucagon (a hormone that raises blood sugar), improved blood pressure, and/or reduced risk of major adverse cardiovascular events.

2. What to Expect During Treatment: Your treatment provider will begin with a consultation that may include blood draws to check lab values and will review your health and medication history to ensure you are a suitable candidate for weight loss injections. You will be counseled on nutrition and exercise recommendations to be used along with your injections for weight management, including reducing calories and increasing physical activity. You will be instructed how to perform these injections at home just below the surface of the skin (subcutaneously) and will be prescribed a dosage that is adjusted for your individual needs, in accordance with your treatment plan. You understand that you will be in charge of administering these injections. You understand that you must conform with the recommended dosages and methods of administration per your treatment provider. There is no downtime associated with this treatment. You may feel minor discomfort during the injection, similar to an insulin injection.

3. Treatment Benefits: Semaglutide and Tirzepatide injection benefits may, but are not guaranteed, to produce one or more of the following: Weight reduction and/or weight management;Improved blood sugar; and/orReduced risk of adverse cardiovascular events related to obesity.

4. Common Side Effects: common side effects include, but are not limited to, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, indigestion, abdominal pain, constipation, fatigue, dizziness, and possible ileus. You understand that multiple injections will be needed over the course of months to achieve desired results. Dosing adjustments will be made by your treatment provider based on your body's response and any side effects you're experiencing. If you experience any side effects, tell your treatment provider.

5. Treatment Regimen: Your treatment regimen includes an initial series of weekly injections for 90days, including follow-ups.

6. Maintenance: Once you have achieved your weight loss goal, you may be weaned down to lower dosing of Semaglutide or Tirzepatide at specified intervals and/or given a maintenance protocol. You understand that maintenance injections may be necessary to maintain your desired results.

POSSIBLE RISKS AND SIDE EFFECTS

There are possible side effects and/or risks of using Semaglutide and Tirzepatide for weight loss including, but are not limited to, any one or more of the following:

1. General Side Effects: A risk of discomfort, pinpoint bleeding, pain at the injection site, bruising, allergic reaction, damage to deeper structures, or gastrointestinal side effects that may occur.

2. Gastrointestinal Upset: The most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, belching, feeling bloated, and abdominal pain. Slow titration of dosing adjustments may help prevent these side effects, or dosing adjustments may be required if side effects persist. Your treatment provider can provide you with medications and/or recommendations to help alleviate these side effects, including suggesting eating slowly, eating bland foods, avoiding greasy foods, and avoiding lying down immediately after eating.

3. Fatigue, Dizziness, and Headache: Some patients experience fatigue, dizziness, and/or headaches, which may be a result of low blood sugar. If you experience these symptoms, tell your treatment provider.

4. Low Blood Sugar: There is an increased risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), especially in patients with type 2 diabetes taking medications such as insulin or sulfonylureas. Symptoms may include dizziness, headache, lightheadedness, rapid heartbeat, mood changes, irritability, weakness, shakiness, slurred speech, confusion, or hunger. Talk to your healthcare provider about how to recognize and treat low blood sugar. If you have diabetes type 2 you should check your blood sugar as directed.

5. Increased Heart Rate: You may experience an increased heart rate while at rest. Contact your treatment provider if you experience your heart racing or if you feel a pounding sensation in your chest that lasts for several minutes or longer.

6. Allergic Reaction or Hypersensitivity: Although rare, allergic reactions or serious hypersensitivity may occur. Signs of allergic reaction may include, but are not limited to, hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat. Additional treatment may be necessary should an allergic reaction occur. If you experience any of these, tell your treatment provider.

7. Runny Nose and Sore Throat: A runny nose and sore throat are common side effects. Tell your treatment provider if these symptoms persist or become bothersome.

8. Bleeding/Bruising/Redness: It is possible to experience minor pinpoint bleeding during and after injection. Bruising in soft tissues may occur, as well as minor redness or swelling.

9. Infection: Although rare, if an infection occurs at the injection site, additional treatment may be required, including antibiotics or additional procedures.

10. Depression, Suicidal Thoughts, Mood Changes: Some weight loss medications may increase the risk of depression and/or suicidal ideations. Any new or worsening changes in mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings should be reported to your treatment provider right away.

11. Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) may occur. If you experience persistent severe pain in your stomach, with or without vomiting, contact your treatment provider right away.

12. Gallbladder Inflammation and/or Gallstones: You may experience gallbladder issues, including gallstones. Signs or symptoms include, but are not limited to, pain in your upper stomach, yellowing of skin and/or eyes, clay-colored stools, and fever. Contact your treatment provider right away if you experience any of these symptoms. Some gallbladder issues may require additional treatment and may include surgical intervention and/or hospitalization at your expense.

13. Gastrointestinal Blockage or Disease: Although uncommon, there is a risk of stomach blockage (known as an ileus) resulting from decreased intestinal movement of food and fluids. Symptoms include, but are not limited to, persistent, unrelieved constipation, stomach cramping and swelling, loss of appetite, inability to pass gas, and vomiting. Contract your treatment provider right away if you experience any of these symptoms because an intestinal obstruction can be serious and life threatening if left untreated. Treatment may include hospitalization and/or surgery at your expense.

14. Dehydration and Acute Kidney Injury and/or Renal Impairment: There is a potential risk for dehydration leading to acute kidney injury and/or worsening renal impairment due to adverse gastrointestinal reactions (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea). It is important to drink adequate fluids to help reduce your risk of dehydration, which may cause kidney impairment. Continued;

15. Thyroid C-cell Tumors: There is a potential risk for thyroid C-cell tumors when using these weight loss injections. Signs or symptoms include, but are not limited to, persistent hoarseness, shortness of breath, mass in neck, and/or difficulty swallowing. If you experience any of these, contact your treatment provider.

16. Changes in Vision: Patients with diabetic retinopathy may experience changes in vision while taking Semaglutide. This may be caused by a rapid improvement in glucose control, which could lead to temporary worsening of retinopathy. However, the effect of long-term glycemic control on diabetic retinopathy has not yet been studied. Report any changes in your vision to your treatment provider.

The above list is not exhaustive of all possible side effects or risks associated with Semaglutide and Tirzepatide injections, as there are both known and unknown side effects and/or risks associated with these and any other weight loss injections, medications, and other treatments.