What is semaglutide and what dosage forms are currently available?
Semaglutide is a popular medication that has been a successful option for many patients trying to lose weight. It is part of a class of medications used for diabetes and weight loss called Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Agonists (GLP-1s). These medications typically come in an injectable pen that is injected in the subcutaneous region under the skin once weekly such as Wegovy and Ozempic. There is also a daily oral tablet option called Rybelsus.
These formulations have issues associated with them that potentially limit their convenience and efficacy. The injectable formulations of semaglutide require patients to self-administer the medication. While administration technique can be taught to most patients relatively easily, patients may still avoid or discontinue treatment due to fear of needles or forgetting doses. On the other hand, the oral tablets require absorption from the stomach. However, this drug shows very poor absorption and only around 1% of the total semaglutide dose is absorbed into the blood stream from the gastrointestinal tract.
What about sublingual semaglutide?
Sublingual Semaglutide is a promising new product with data showing support as another option for patients. A research article recently published by PCCA Science showed that SubMagnaTM, a novel drug delivery system that specializes in transporting large molecule drugs, was successful in absorbing semaglutide. This is a big step in the development and optimization of semaglutide formulations, as sublingual semaglutide can potentially bypass a lot of the drawbacks of the injectable and oral formulations.
What is SubSema?
SubSema is Preston Pharmacy’s new sublingual semaglutide compounded formulation. It is compounded in SubMagnaTM which offers 30x more absorption compared to commercial oral semaglutide. This product is also easy to use! Drop solution under tongue and hold for a minimum of 90 seconds before swallowing to allow the product to absorb directly into the bloodstream. Do not eat or drink for 30 minutes after taking the medication, and it is preferred to be taken at nighttime.
Dosing:
- 0.2 mL once daily for 7 days
- Titrate up to 0.3 mL once daily for 7 days
- Titrate up to 0.4 mL once daily for 7 days
- Titrate up to 0.5 mL once daily thereafter
Through patient prescription only, we are offering SubSema at a strength of Semaglutide 3 mg per 1 mL. Each bottle is $300 and contains 30mL and will last 60 days.
For more information or to submit a prescription, contact Preston’s Pharmacy today!
