Day-One Handout

Semaglutide — Day One

A clean reference for your first dose: storage, technique, what to feel for, and what to call us about.

Impact Health | Patient Guide
Performance medicine built for results
Starting Semaglutide
Weekly GLP-1 injections: how to use, what to expect, and when to call.
Quick start
  • Once-weekly subQ on the same day; rotate abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
  • Start low and step up slowly to reduce nausea—stay on the schedule we set.
  • Small, protein-forward meals; pause when full; hydrate steadily.
Why it works

Semaglutide slows gastric emptying and boosts satiety signals, helping you feel full sooner and longer while supporting glycemic control.

How to take it

Weekly injection

  • Choose the same day weekly; rotate sites to avoid lumps.
  • Clean skin, pinch, insert at 90° (or 45° if lean), inject slowly.
  • Dispose of needles in a sharps container; never reuse needles.
  • Store pens refrigerated; once in use, keep in original pen and protect from heat.

Missed dose

  • If it’s within 5 days of your scheduled day, take it; otherwise skip and resume the next scheduled dose.
  • Do not double up doses.

GI comfort

  • Eat slowly; smaller portions; favor lean protein, produce, and fiber.
  • Avoid heavy/greasy meals and large late-night meals.
  • Hydrate through the day; add electrolytes if needed.

What to expect by week

Weeks 0–2 Appetite often softens; mild nausea or fullness is common—small meals help.
Weeks 2–8 Weight change typically begins; steady satiety; adjust titration per plan.
8+ weeks Weight loss builds with habits; dosing may stabilize once goals/labs are met.
Monitoring
  • Visits and titration: typically every 4–8 weeks during ramp, then space out.
  • Labs as indicated (glycemic markers, lipids, metabolic panel) per your plan.
  • Track weight, appetite, hydration, and any GI symptoms.
Common, usually mild
  • Nausea, early fullness, reflux, constipation or loose stools.
  • Injection-site redness or itch (should be mild/brief).

Call us immediately

  • Severe or persistent abdominal pain (especially with nausea/vomiting).
  • Cannot keep fluids down; signs of dehydration or dizziness.
  • Yellowing of skin/eyes or severe right-upper abdominal pain.
  • Allergic reaction: swelling, rash, trouble breathing.

Phone (662) 404-7177  |  impacthealthclinics.com  |  info@impacthealthclinics.com

Habits that amplify results
  • Protein target: ~0.7–1.0 g/lb goal body weight (adjust per clinician).
  • Fiber and hydration daily; walk after meals for glucose control.
  • Resistance training 2–4x/week to preserve lean mass.
  • Limit alcohol; space caffeine away from late meals.

FAQs

  • Travel? Keep pens refrigerated when possible; use an ice pack in a carry-on; don’t freeze; keep needles in sharps or travel bin.
  • Meals feel too small? Slow down, add lean protein and veggies first; stop at comfortable fullness.
  • Constipation? Hydrate, add fiber, walk daily; ask before adding OTC options.

This guide is educational and not a substitute for medical advice. Follow your clinician’s instructions.