Semaglutide/Tirzepatide Injections in Hot Springs
Semaglutide was developed and has been utilized since 2005 in the USA. Originally designed to assist with blood glucose control in diabetics it has now become mainstream in the weight loss arena. Recently cleared by the FDA, two brand name products are available to assist with appetite control in conjunction with a diet and exercise plan. These “take home” weekly shots have slightly different medication profiles to address appetite control. Wegovy© has the chemical semaglutide and Zepbound© has the chemical Tirzepatide. Each of these products have shown tremendous weight loss potential via appetite suppression when used properly. Regretfully when used improperly they can lead to minor and major medical issues.
Do These Weight Loss Injections Have Side Effects?
Semaglutide and Tirzepatide, whether in a brand name product or in compound form from a licensed and accredited pharmacy can cause gastroparesis (slowing of the gastric musculature) which can result in nausea, acid reflux, bloating, or other GI complaints. Both are associated with potential for medically induced pancreatitis (like a lot of medications) and have been shown to increase thyroid tumor growth in animal models. Those individuals with a familial history of thyroid tumors or prior pancreatitis issues (from any source) should consider not utilizing these medications.
The good news is that semaglutide in various forms and brand names has been available for over a decade and long-term use has been shown to control blood glucose levels, decrease the risk of heart attacks and strokes, and reduce the incidence of weight regain. Many diabetic patients have been on one form or another for greater than 10 years and ongoing studies continue to show a good safety profile.
Popularity of these products have led to price increase and unavailability at pharmacies due to demand. The compounding community in the USA has responded by providing a “generic” equivalent that can be utilized under a provider’s supervision. Recently (2026) these companies have been competing for market share leading to a reduction of prices in brand name and generic products. With the correct instructions, supervision, and dosing regulation these “generic” equivalents can and have been used safely by multitudes of individuals to assist with their weight loss goals.
Many clinics can order and safely utilize these medications as part of a comprehensive weight loss program.
Despite the availability of compounded equivalent medications the price of these products has steadily increased due to demand and that has led to online clinics and unethical practices.
Beware the online clinic that provides these medications from unknown or questionable sources. The FDA has seized numerous shipments from questionable sources that have been contaminated or mixed with other medications (i.e., fentanyl, etc.) that has led to harm and even death in certain circumstances. Many online clinics will provide patients with these medications with little to no supervision and this has led to an increasing number of health concerns regarding these medications. The enthusiasm for weight loss should not lead individuals to unsafe and sometimes illegal practices that may cause permanent harm.
What is the cost of Semaglutide and Tirzepatide?
If your insurance carrier does not provide for the name brand drugs, then cash purchase of a compounding/generic equivalent might be an option for you. Please attain these medications from a prescriptive authority licensed in your state who also offers a supervised program and education for their use. Our clinic complies with all state regulations in the use of compounding medications and does not allow for the resale of these medications for home use. Our program involves MD supervision and on-site medication utilization to safely provide an alternative to the name brand products if you decide that is your best options.
Appetite suppression medication can be a powerful adjunct in any medical weight loss program but should not be a substitute for an individualized multidimensional program designed to assist with body fat depletion, while preserving metabolic rate and muscle mass. In other words,… injections used alone can lead to muscle wasting weight loss and decreased metabolism which will have a higher rate of weight loss plateau and weight regain once injections have been stopped.
Currently there is market competition and governmental pressure that is resulting in price decreases in brand name weight loss injections. Prices for all brand name products have been on the decline over the last few months. Please call at 501-781-0772 for current pricing of both brand name and generic weight loss injections.
In January 2026 the FDA finally approved Oral semaglutide for weight loss. Oral semaglutide has been previously available (sold as Rybelsus) as a medication to assist with blood sugar control, now sold as Oral Wegovy this product can be utilized as a strong appetite suppressant taken daily to assist with weight loss program compliance. In clinical trials this medication has shown similar results to the injectable equivalent. This Oral Wegovy has proprietary aspects not present in most generic oral semaglutides so use caution regarding claims of equal efficacy of other types of oral medications sold in the marketplace.
Weight Loss Center of Arkansas is proud to be able to offer these medications, and we're here to answer all your questions before you start your new weight loss journey. If you're ready to try semaglutide for weight loss, contact us now to get started!
