SCHEDULE B
INTEGRATIVE SERVICES INFORMED CONSENT
Integrative Exam Services are: a) outside strictly allopathic healthcare guidelines; b) incorporated into Exam Services based on Practice’s medical judgement; and c) entirely outside Plan coverage. This Schedule B confirms integrative Exam Services (collectively “Integrative Services”) risks and potential side-effects that Practice has also verbally discussed with Patient and Patient’s informed consent to such Integrative Services.
GENERAL STATEMENTS ABOUT INTEGRATIVE SERVICES
There is no guarantee that Integrative Services will restore or promote health. There is no guarantee Integrative Services will reverse or prevent disease. Patient’s health outcomes depend on a wide range of variable factors. Patient understands that Integrative Services may include treatments that have not been reviewed or received any FDA approval or are considered “off label” and not FDA approved for Patient’s specific age, history, or symptom(s), meaning the treatment may not meet standard treatment guideline recommendations. Additionally, clinical research is ongoing to better establish the benefits and harms of Integrative Services. No healthcare services are guaranteed to provide positive results. Integrative Services pose risks and may cause potential complications. Practice’s healthcare professionals have explained those risks and potential complications, and this Schedule B is intended to confirm Patient’s acknowledgment of those explanations and to confirm Patient’s informed consent to such Integrative Services that Patient elects to receive.
Practice has not promised or guaranteed any specific benefits from the administration of Integrative Services. Patient has weighed the benefits of, and alternatives to, Integrative Services. Practice’s healthcare professionals cannot know or anticipate and explain every possible risk or complication that may connect Integrative Services to the complexities of causes related to human health. Patient willingly and voluntarily consents to any Integrative Services Patient elects to receive from Practice with an understanding there is no guarantee of benefits, and there is a potential for side effects and negative outcomes.
Patient further understands there are viable alternatives to electing to receive Integrative Services. Traditional allopathic diagnosis and treatment of detected illness constitutes standard healthcare. Lifestyle/behavior changes, including beneficial changes to nutrition, exercise, improved mental health/wellness support, cessation of smoking, limiting or reducing alcohol or recreational drug intake, and ensuring adequate sleep/rest, have all also been proven to help reduce the risk of illness and increase wellbeing. Adopting some or all these lifestyle changes, in tandem with traditional allopathic diagnosis and treatment of detected illness, can provide Patient with important and substantiated health benefits. Health coaches routinely provide support with lifestyle change efforts toward improved health outcomes. Licensed healthcare professionals can assist with health conditions that are directly connected to lifestyle issues and may provide referrals to a wide variety of professionals who can assist (nutritionists, dietitians, physical therapists, etc.).
Practice needs to receive complete and accurate information from Patient about Patient’s health, whether Patient elects to receive Integrative Services or not. Patient agrees to accurately report any side effects or worsening conditions related to Integrative Services therapies or medications and participate in regular monitoring and follow-up appointments as recommended by Practice to increase safety and efficacy.
Patient understands and acknowledges that Integrative Services do not replace: regular allopathic healthcare monitoring, preventative measures in general, and specifically recommended tests and preventative procedures such as complete physicals, rectal examinations and/or colonoscopy, EKG, lab tests, x-rays, ultrasounds, mammograms, pelvic/breast exams, pap smears, prostate exams, PSA levels, etc., at least on a yearly basis. Integrative Services are intended to enhance rather than replace traditional allopathic healthcare.
BHRT SERVICES BACKGROUND
Practice may prescribe some of the bio-identical hormone preparations for Patient that pharmacy compounding laws regulate. These laws follow the Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board (“PCAB”) guidelines.
Services related to the evaluation for and use of bio-identical hormone replacement therapies (“BHRT Services”), while common in alternative practices, may be debated in the traditional allopathic medical community. Patient has the right to be informed about Patient’s condition and the identification of conventional/allopathic, integrative, complementary, alternative, non-conventional, or non-standard procedures to be used so that Patient can make an informed decision whether or not to undergo non-allopathic BHRT Services treatments with an appreciation of the risks, hazards, and alternatives.
BHRT SERVICES THERAPEUTIC THEORIES
Many individuals have inadequate hormone levels despite technically “normal” blood tests. Some individuals suffering symptoms related to menopause or andropause or inability to lose weight may also benefit from hormone therapies. BHRT Services can be used to augment hormone levels in many conditions where diminished hormone levels are evident. BHRT Services hormone therapies may arguably “optimize” hormone levels in the blood although there is no guarantee this will yield positive results (and there are potentially harmful side effects). This approach to hormone optimization is not universally accepted by the medical community, and, may be contrary to the approach an endocrinologist would adopt for hormone health.
The following bio-identical hormone therapeutic theories are non-allopathic (non-traditional medical thinking) and subject to medical debate:
-Estradiol replacement therapy can, although not always, help maintain vaginal and urethral function and might slow the progression of osteoporosis. It might also improve sleep, decrease hot flashes and night sweats, decrease visceral fat, improve cognitive function, improve libido and overall sense of well-being.
-Progesterone replacement therapy can be used to treat conditions related to relatively low progesterone, which may include PMS/PMDD, PCOS, irregular or heavy menstruation, vasomotor symptoms, poor sleep quality, and anxiety. It may, although not always, offer protection against breast and uterine cancer.
-Testosterone replacement therapy can be used to treat symptoms or lab tests suggesting suboptimal hormone levels as determined by Patient’s provider. Low testosterone may pose some risks to both men and women. Low testosterone is linked to elevated cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, and prostate problems. Other low testosterone symptoms include excessive fatigue, abdominal weight gain, irritability, and decreased sexual drive and function.
-Thyroid replacement can be used to improve thyroid hypo-functioning, in which suboptimal levels of bioactive thyroid hormone cause symptoms of low thyroid. Such symptoms may include fatigue, cold intolerance, hair/eyebrow thinning, weight gain, constipation, and dry skin.
-DHEA (Dehydroepiandrosterone) replacement can be used to improve low or suboptimal levels of
DHEAS, which often decrease with age and/or inflammatory conditions. DHEA may counterbalance
the negative effects of high cortisol states, reduce musculoskeletal pain, and improve a sense of wellbeing.
BHRT SERVICES POTENTIAL RISKS
Practice cannot guarantee the safety of any hormone therapy during pregnancy. Notify Practice’s healthcare professional if Patient is pregnant, suspects that Patient is pregnant, or is planning to become pregnant during BHRT Services therapy.
Bio-identical hormone replacement therapy is the preferred formulation when prescribing BHRT by Practice. “Bio-identical” refersto the molecular makeup of the hormone, being identical to that which our body produces naturally.
Although many studies have shown the use of bio-identical hormone replacement therapy might be safer than synthetic hormone replacement therapy, the risk of cancer-related side effects is still possible. As referenced above, not all healthcare professionals agree with the use of bio-identical hormones to optimize hormone health.
-Estrogen Therapy: Bio-identical estradiol is available in various forms including oral capsules, troches, patches, pellets, and topical creams. Adverse reactions may include bloating, breakthrough bleeding, breast swelling and tenderness, fluid retention, weight gain, liver cysts, mood swings, Alzheimer's dementia, and death (e.g. from strokes, heart attacks, blood clots, or cancer). While not the first-line treatment choice of Practice, high potency conjugated synthetic estrogens (e.g. Premarin) have been linked to an increased risk of breast cancer and blood clots (the latter especially in smokers). Nonetheless, the whole area of estrogen replacement is undergoing further evaluation. Do not take estrogen if Patient has breast cancer.
-Progesterone Therapy: Bio-identical progesterone is available in various forms including oral capsules, troches, vaginal or rectal suppositories, and topical creams or gels. Progesterone therapy may be sedating, so it is recommended to coordinate dosing with the sleep cycle. Adverse reactions may include bloating, breakthrough bleeding, missed menstrual cycles, breast swelling and tenderness, fluid retention, weight gain, sedation, and depression.
-Testosterone Therapy: Bio-identical testosterone therapy is available in various forms including sublingual drops, troches, topical creams, pellets, and injections. Side effects include acne, chronic priapism (persistent, abnormal erection of the penis), change in libido, erythrocytosis, angina or heart attacks, hirsutism (facial hair growth), scalp hair loss, clitoral engorgement, voice changes, water retention, sleep apnea, blood clots, liver issues, swelling, lipid changes, and decrease in thyroid binding globulin. In men, it may also cause testicular atrophy and infertility. Because it may improve insulin resistance in males, diabetics who use insulin should monitor glucose levels closely, as diabetics may need less insulin. Topical testosterone may cause local skin irritation and has the potential to be transferred to a significant other, child, pregnant or breastfeeding woman, or woman who may become pregnant and be teratogenic (cause fetal/baby abnormalities/deformities).
-Thyroid Therapy: Bio-identical thyroid hormone may cause heart palpitations, arrhythmia, tremors, and sleep disturbance. -DHEA Therapy: DHEA replacement may cause acne and hirsutism. DHEA is not recommended in Patients with active Breast or Prostate Cancer.
ALTERNATIVES TO BHRT SERVICES HORMONE THERAPIES
BHRT
Services hormone therapies apply hormone balancing and treatments to different conditions, some of which may not qualify as an “illness” requiring “treatment” under traditional allopathic medical thinking. In other words, traditional medical thinking does not identify “feeling better” or having more energy or vitality as medically necessary for patients to justify BHRT Services hormone therapy intervention.
An endocrinologist is a healthcare professional licensed and trained specifically to address issues involving hormone health. Their approach is more traditional in that their training and protocol is to only prescribe hormone therapy if medically indicated for a specific diagnosed disease state. For example, a male experiencing the side effects of having low testosterone may not qualify under an endocrinologist’s treatment algorithm for testosterone supplementation. Females experiencing the effects of pre-menopause or post-menopause may be suffering from those side effects, yet not meet traditional medical criteria for hormone treatment. Seeking non-integrative healthcare from professionals other than Patient’s provider (who is an integrative healthcare professional trained to implement hormone therapies) is an alternative Patient should pursue if Patient feels uncomfortable about the side effects of hormone therapies or if Patient wishesto adopt a more conservative approach to hormone health.
INFORMED CONSENT FOR BHRT SERVICES HORMONE THERAPY (MEN)
Patient understands that treatment(s) may be considered “off label” and/or not FDA approved for Patient’s specific age, history, or symptom(s), meaning the treatment may not meet standard treatment guideline recommendations. Testosterone therapy is not FDA-approved for symptom management in men. Other BHRT replacements for men may include thyroid and DHEA.
Current FDA-listed potential risks of testosterone replacement therapy (“TRT”) can include but are not limited to heart attack, stroke, blood clots, prostate cancer, deepening of voice, hypersexuality, acne, abnormal hair growth, gynecomastia, breast tenderness, worsening of sleep apnea, infertility, testicular shrinkage, increased RBC/hemoglobin/hematocrit (erythrocytosis) and/or peripheral edema (swelling, which could increase blood pressure). Although the FDA warns of increased risk of cardiovascular events, prostate cancer, stroke, and/or death: the current available evidence does not support increased risk of cardiovascular events with testosterone therapy, the evidence does not support increased risk of prostate cancer with testosterone therapy. Available evidence reveals no increased risk of VTE blood clots with testosterone therapy.
Patient understands that transference of testosterone cream to a child, pregnant woman, breastfeeding woman, or woman who may become pregnant can be teratogenic (cause fetal/baby abnormalities/deformities). Patient understands that those who use tobacco products and those with a personal and/or family history of heart disease, stroke, blood clot, prostate cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and/or sleep apnea are at a higher risk of developing complications to testosterone replacement therapy.
Once discontinued, it can take up to one year, or longer, for the return of spermatogenesis (sperm volume, fertility), however, it is possible to have no, or minimal, return of fertility. Some patients may require additional specialty treatments to enhance fertility not offered by Practice.
If applicable, Patient was advised and understands the following for testosterone therapy:
- Patient acknowledges and agrees that Patient was advised against transference to significant other, children, and pets. Patient must always wash their hands after applying transdermal testosterone or wear and dispose of gloves with each application. Transference can occur by vapor, so Patient should be aware of this if Patient’s spouse, child(ren) or pets begin to develop symptoms of hyperandrogenism and/or other side effects associated with testosterone use.
- If Patient is within the parameters of screening for prostate cancer as per the AUA Guidelines, Patient acknowledges and agrees to obtain both a prostate-specific antigen exam and digital rectal exam annually to continue testosterone therapy.
- The protocols Practice recommends for the application or use of BHRT Services hormone therapyrelated medications, drops, troches, topical creams, or injections are intended to minimize the possibility of adverse health effects from the use of such treatments. However, Practice neither promises nor guarantees that Patient’s adherence to Practice’s recommended application protocols will minimize or eliminate such risks or adverse health effects.
INFORMED CONSENT FOR BHRT SERVICES HORMONE THERAPY (WOMEN)
Patient understands that treatment(s) may be considered “off label” and/or not FDA approved for Patient’s specific age, history, or symptom(s), meaning the treatment may not meet standard treatment guideline recommendations. Testosterone therapy is not FDA-approved for use in women.
Patient reviewed the most up-to-date clinical guidelines regarding the use, dose, route, frequency, and duration of BHRT, including herein as, but not limited to, progesterone, estrogen(s), testosterone, and/or DHEA.
Current known potential risks of hormone replacement therapies can include, but are not limited to heart attack, stroke, blood clot(s), cancer, deepening of voice, clitoral enlargement, increased clitoral sensitivity, hypersexuality, acne, fetal deformity in pregnant women, breastfeeding women or women who may become pregnant, abnormal hair growth, worsening of sleep apnea, fertility/pregnancy and/or early mortality.
Oral estrogen use may be associated with elevations in lipids, transient liver enzyme elevations, and, rarely, clinical hepatotoxicity (liver toxicity), pancreatitis, cholelithiasis (gallstones), and subsequent cholecystectomy. Current evidence-based research indicates that hormone therapy can be safe and effective forsymptom management, however, those individuals with certain health histories are more likely to be at risk for the above-listed potential risks/adverse outcomes. Those higher-risk health histories include, but are not limited to, those individuals who are older than sixty (60) years of age, have established cardiovascular disease, are diabetic, use tobacco products, have a history of migraines with aura, a history of sleep apnea, a history of poorly controlled hypertension, are outside of the ten (10) year menopause window, have a history of heart disease, blood clots and/or stroke, are overweight/obese, and/or have a personal history of sex organ cancer and/or have a family history of sex organ cancer.
Patient acknowledges and agrees that further risks of estrogen use include but are not limited to cardiovascular disease, blood clots, and breast cancer. Patient was advised by Practice to obtain an annual mammogram and regular pap smears if Patient engages in estrogen use.
If applicable, Patient was advised and understands the following for testosterone therapy:
- Patient acknowledges and agrees that Patient was advised against transference to significant other, children, and pets. Patient must always wash their hands after applying transdermal testosterone or wear and dispose of gloves with each application. Transference can occur by vapor, so Patient should be aware of this if Patient’s spouse, child(ren) or pets begin to develop symptoms of hyperandrogenism and/or other side effects associated with testosterone use.
- Testosterone therapy may increase Patient’s risk of deep vein thrombosis and/or myocardial infarction.
- If Patient becomes pregnant, Patient agrees to discontinue testosterone therapy.
- The protocols Practice recommends for the application or use of BHRT Services hormone therapyrelated medications, drops, troches, topical creams, or injections are intended to minimize the possibility of adverse health effects from the use of such treatments. However, Practice neither promises nor guarantees that Patient’s adherence to Practice’s recommended application protocols will minimize or eliminate such risks or adverse health effects.
Current guidelines recommend limiting hormone replacement therapy to no more than five (5)
years, however, it has been acknowledged that continuing BHRT Services past that duration is a
decision that should be made by the Patient with their healthcare provider, based on the Patient’s
preference, health history, symptoms and the most up to date guidelines.
HGH SERVICES BACKGROUND
Services related to the evaluation and use of synthetic human growth hormones (“HGH Services”), while common in alternative practices, may be debated in the traditional allopathic medical community. Patient has the right to be informed about Patient’s condition and the identification of conventional/allopathic, integrative, complementary, alternative, non-conventional, or non-standard procedures to be used so that Patient can make an informed decision whether or not to undergo nonallopathic HGH Services treatments with an appreciation of the risks, hazards, and alternatives.
Patient understands HGH Services treatment(s) may be considered “off label” and/or not FDA approved for Patient’s specific age, history, or symptom(s), meaning the treatment may not meet standard treatment guideline recommendations.
HGH SERVICES THEORIES
Synthetic human growth hormone can potentially work similarly to naturally produced growth hormones in the body by stimulating growth and regeneration. This theory is non-allopathic and subject to medical debate.
HGH SERVICES POTENTIAL RISKS
Practice does not recommend HGH Services during pregnancy. Notify Practice’s healthcare professional if Patient is pregnant, suspects that Patient is pregnant, or is planning to become pregnant during HGH Services administration.
As outlined below, potential risks do exist with HGH Services, and not all healthcare professionals agree with the use of HGH Services as a method of treatment. Clinical research is ongoing to determine the benefits and risks of such services.
HGH Services are administered through injections. Injection site reactions include redness, pain, itching, burning, or swelling.
HGH Services may cause fluid retention causing swelling in arms and legs, joint and muscle pain,
carpal tunnel syndrome, high blood sugar levels, high cholesterol, headaches, enlargement of organs, hypothyroidism, numbness, and tingling of the skin, increased risk of cancer, Acromegaly (disorder
related to abnormal growth of bones and tissues), and allergic reactions.
ALTERNATIVES TO HGH SERVICES
HGH Services treatments may be applied to different conditions, some of which may not qualify as an “illness” requiring “treatment” under traditional allopathic medical thinking. In other words, traditional medical thinking does not identify “feeling better” or having more energy or vitality as medically necessary for Patient to justify HGH Services intervention.
Multiple alternative methods, therapies, and treatments to HGH Services exist and Patient acknowledges they have been advised of such alternatives.
Traditional allopathic medicine alternatives to HGH Services include but are not limited to:
Medications: Allopathic medicine provides a range of pharmaceuticals that can address specific symptoms or underlying causes of your condition. These medications are designed to target the specific issues you are experiencing and may include oral medications, injectables, or topical treatments.
Physical Therapy: Physical therapy involves the use of exercises, stretches, manual techniques, and other modalities to improve mobility, strength, and function. It is often used for musculoskeletal conditions, rehabilitation after surgery or injury, and management of chronic pain.
Surgery: In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to address your specific health issue. Surgical procedures can range from minor to major, depending on the condition being treated. Your healthcare provider will discuss the potential risks, benefits, and alternatives if surgery is deemed appropriate.
Lifestyle Modifications: Making lifestyle changes can have a significant impact on your health. These changes may include adopting a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, managing stress, improving sleep patterns, and avoiding harmful habits like smoking or excessive alcohol consumption.
Physical Interventions: Allopathic medicine also includes physical interventions such as external physical modalities like ultrasound therapy for musculoskeletal injuries.
Symptomatic Treatment: Allopathic medicine focuses on managing symptoms and improving your quality of life. This can involve the use of analgesics for pain relief, anti-inflammatory drugs for reducing inflammation, or medications for managing specific symptoms like nausea, insomnia, or anxiety.
It is important to note that the appropriate treatment approach will depend on your specific condition and individual factors. Practice will discuss these alternatives with you, explaining the potential risks, benefits, and expected outcomes of each option. They will guide you towards the most suitable alternative treatments based on their professional expertise and your unique circumstances.
Patient agrees to proceed with the HGH Therapy Services health treatment and to comply with
recommended dosages and other protocols by Practice. Patient agrees to comply with requests for
ongoing testing to ensure proper monitoring of Patient’s treatments that may include laboratory
evaluation and other diagnostic testing.
PEPTIDE THERAPY SERVICES BACKGROUND
Practice may prescribe some of the peptide therapy preparations for Patient that pharmacy compounding laws regulate. These laws follow the Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board (“PCAB”) guidelines.
Services related to the evaluation and use of peptides (“Peptide Therapy Services”), while common in alternative practices, may be debated in the traditional allopathic medical community. Patient has the right to be informed about Patient’s condition and the identification of conventional/allopathic, integrative, complementary, alternative, non-conventional, or non-standard procedures to be used so that Patient can make an informed decision whether or not to undergo non-allopathic Peptide Therapy Services (as defined below) treatments with an appreciation of the risks, hazards, and alternatives.
PEPTIDE THERAPY SERVICES THEORIES
Peptide Therapy Services focus on the use of specific peptides as therapeutic agents to target various physiological processes and imbalances in the body. While research is ongoing to better understand peptides, there are theories on how Peptide Therapy Services potentially work in the body and treat certain conditions. All of the following is non-allopathic (outside traditional medical thinking) and subject to ongoing medical debate.
-5 Amino 1 MQ may or may not potentially block the activity of an enzyme called nicotinamide Nmethyltransferase (NNMT).
-PT-141, also known as bremelanotide, may or may not potentially stimulate melanocortin receptor activity.
-Semaglutide may or may not potentially stimulate insulin secretion and lower glucagon secretion.
-Sermorelin may or may not potentially stimulate growth hormone production.
PEPTIDE THERAPY SERVICES POTENTIAL RISKS
Practice cannot guarantee the safety of any peptide therapy during pregnancy. Notify Practice’s healthcare professional if Patient is pregnant, suspects that Patient is pregnant, or is planning to become pregnant during Peptide Therapy Services administration.
As outlined below, potential risks do exist with Peptide Therapy Services, and not all healthcare professionals agree with the use of peptide therapy as a method of treatment. Many peptide therapies have limited clinical evidence supporting their use, and many have had limited or no clinical trials on humans.
Peptide Therapy Services may be administered through injections. Injection site reactions include redness, pain, itching, burning, or swelling. Additionally:
-5 Amino 1 MQ may cause sleeplessness and difficulty in carrying out cardiovascular exercise.
-PT-141 may cause nausea, vomiting, blurred vision, dizziness, headache, nervousness, pounding in ears, and irregular heartbeat.
-Semaglutide may cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, constipation, heartburn, and burping. More serious side effects include:
- ongoing pain that begins in the upper left or middle of the stomach but may spread to the
back, with or without vomiting;
- rash; itching; swelling of the eyes, face, mouth, tongue, or throat; difficulty breathing or
swallowing;
- decreased urination; swelling of legs, ankles, or feet; and
- vision changes.
Additionally, semaglutide may increase the risk that Patient will develop tumors of the thyroid gland, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC; a type of thyroid cancer). Also, semaglutide may negatively interact with diabetic and blood pressure medications.
-Sermorelin may cause headaches, dizziness, flushing, hyperactivity, nausea, and, more rarely,
serious side effects including allergic reactions, changes in vision, or chest pain.
ALTERNATIVES TO PEPTIDE THERAPY SERVICES
Peptide Therapy Services treatments may be applied to different conditions, some of which may not qualify as an “illness” requiring “treatment” under traditional allopathic medical thinking. In other words, traditional medical thinking does not identify “feeling better” or having more energy or vitality as medically necessary for patients to justify Peptide Therapy Services intervention.
Multiple alternative methods, therapies, and treatments to Peptide Therapy Services exist and Patient acknowledges they have been advised of such alternatives. Traditional allopathic medicine alternatives to Peptide Therapy Services include but are not limited to:
Medications: Allopathic medicine provides a range of pharmaceuticals that can address specific symptoms or underlying causes of your condition. These medications are designed to target the specific issues you are experiencing and may include oral medications, injectables, or topical treatments.
Physical Therapy: Physical therapy involves the use of exercises, stretches, manual techniques, and other modalities to improve mobility, strength, and function. It is often used for musculoskeletal conditions, rehabilitation after surgery or injury, and management of chronic pain.
Surgery: In some cases, surgical intervention may be necessary to address your specific health issue. Surgical procedures can range from minor to major, depending on the condition being treated. Your healthcare provider will discuss the potential risks, benefits, and alternatives if surgery is deemed appropriate.
Lifestyle Modifications: Making lifestyle changes can have a significant impact on your health. These changes may include adopting a healthy diet, engaging in regular physical activity, managing stress, improving sleep patterns, and avoiding harmful habits like smoking or excessive alcohol consumption.
Physical Interventions: Allopathic medicine also includes physical interventions such as radiation therapy for cancer treatment, electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) for certain psychiatric conditions, or external physical modalities like ultrasound therapy for musculoskeletal injuries.
Symptomatic Treatment: Allopathic medicine focuses on managing symptoms and improving your quality of life. This can involve the use of analgesics for pain relief, anti-inflammatory drugs for reducing inflammation, or medications for managing specific symptoms like nausea, insomnia, or anxiety.
It is important to note that the appropriate treatment approach will depend on your specific condition and individual factors. Practice will discuss these alternatives with you, explaining the potential risks, benefits, and expected outcomes of each option. They will guide you towards the most suitable alternative treatments based on their professional expertise and your unique circumstances.
Patient agrees to proceed with the Peptide Therapy Services health treatment and to comply with
recommended dosages and other protocols by Practice. Patient agrees to comply with requests for
ongoing testing to ensure proper monitoring of Patient’s treatments that may include laboratory
evaluation and other diagnostic testing.
Specific to semaglutide, Patient agrees to:
- Inform Practice if you are allergic to semaglutide (Ozempic, Rybelsus), albiglutide (Tanzeum; no longer available in the US); dulaglutide (Trulicity), exenatide (Bydureon, Byetta), liraglutide (Saxenda, Victoza, in Xultophy), lixisenatide (Adlyxin, in Soliqua), any other medications, or any of the ingredients in semaglutide tablets.
- Inform Practice what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. It is especially important to tell your healthcare professional about all the medications you take by mouth because semaglutide may change the way your body absorbs these medications.
- Inform Practice if you have or have ever had pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), diabetic retinopathy (damage to the eyes caused by diabetes), gall bladder disease, or kidney disease. Also tell your healthcare professional if you have recently had diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting or if you cannot drink liquids by mouth, which may cause dehydration (loss of a large amount of body fluids).
- Inform Practice if you plan to become pregnant.
- Inform Practice if you are pregnant or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking semaglutide, immediately inform Practice.
- Inform Practice if you are having surgery, including dental surgery.
- Inform Practice if there is a large change in your diet, exercise, or weight; or if you get sick, develop an infection or fever, experience unusual stress, or are injured. These changes and conditions can affect your blood sugar and the amount of semaglutide you may need.
Additionally, Practice recommends semaglutide should be taken with a:
- fibrous diet rich in fruits and vegetables;
- small high protein meals as digestion is slowed while on semaglutide;
- at least 64 oz of water/day to help potentially avoid constipation; and
- avoid foods high in fat as they take longer to digest.
Semaglutide should not be taken when Patient has a:
- personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (Thyroid Cancer);
- You have a personal history of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2);
- pregnant or plan to become pregnant while taking this medicine;
- diabetic and/or taking any medications related to lowering your blood sugar levels without
speaking with Practice and following Practice's guidance. Specifically, if you are prescribed
insulin because the combination may increase your risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
and dosage adjustments by your provider may be necessary; and
- allergic to Semaglutide or any other GLP-1 agonist such as Adlyxin, Byetta, Bydureon,
Ozempic, Rybelsus, Trulicity, Victoza, Wegovy (THIS IS NOT AN ALL-INCLUSIVE
LIST).