π₯ Kiaora GLP-1 Patient Guide
Your Complete Resource for GLP-1 Therapy Success
π Welcome to Your GLP-1 Journey!
Thank you for choosing Kiaora for your GLP-1 therapy. This guide will help you prepare for your telehealth visit and serve as your reference throughout treatment. Your initial video visit will be brief (approximately 5 minutes), so reviewing this information beforehand will help you make the most of your appointment.
π
Before Your Appointment
β οΈ Come Prepared. Think About Why You May Want A Certain Type Of Therapy Presented Below. Your Provider Will Listen To You And Help You.
- Review this entire guide - Your visit will be brief, so being prepared is essential
- Have any questions ready - Write them down beforehand
- Ensure good internet connection for your video visit
- Be in a quiet, private space for your consultation
π Your Medication Options
βͺ Semaglutide Sublingual Tablets (Microdose)
- For: Those seeking metabolic benefits, not weight loss
- Cost: $169/month
- Supply: 8-week prescription in single shipment
βͺ Semaglutide Sublingual Tablets (Weight Loss)
- For: Those seeking weight loss
- Cost: $199/month
- Supply: 8-week prescription in single shipment
- Includes: Ondansetron for nausea (taken as needed)
π Compounded Semaglutide Injections
- Cost: $299/month (up to 1.25mg) | $399/month (2.0mg+)
- Supply: 8-week prescription in single shipment
- Enhanced with: Methylcobalamin + Glycine (may help with nausea and muscle preservation)
- Includes: Ondansetron for nausea
π Compounded Tirzepatide Injections
- Cost: $449/month (up to 8.5mg) | $549/month (11.0mg+)
- Supply: 8-week prescription in single shipment
- Enhanced with: Methylcobalamin + Glycine (may help with nausea and muscle preservation)
- Includes: Ondansetron for nausea
π·οΈ Wegovy (Brand Name Semaglutide)
- Cost: $1,600/month
- Supply: 4-week prescription per shipment
- Includes: Ondansetron for nausea
π·οΈ Zepbound (Brand Name Tirzepatide)
- Cost: $1,325/month
- Supply: 4-week prescription per shipment
- Includes: Ondansetron for nausea
π Dosing Unit Guide for Injections
If prescribed compounded injectable medication, use this guide to draw the correct amount:
π‘
Important Note: You may notice that the number of units doesn't always increase as your dose increases. This is because the pharmacy adjusts the medication concentration at different dose levels to keep injection volumes manageable. For example, 0.5mg requires 50 units while 1.0mg only requires 20 units. Always follow the unit guide below - the medication strength has been adjusted accordingly, so you're still getting the correct dose.
Semaglutide Units
|
| 0.25mg | 25 units |
| 0.5mg | 50 units |
| 1.0mg | 20 units |
| 1.25mg | 25 units |
| 2.0mg | 40 units |
| 2.4mg | 48 units |
Tirzepatide Units
|
| 2.5mg | 30 units |
| 4.25mg | 50 units |
| 7.0mg | 42 units |
| 8.5mg | 50 units |
| 11.0mg | 65 units |
| 14.0mg | 83 units |
| 17.0mg | 100 units |
π Your Treatment Timeline
- Complete your telehealth visit (5 minutes)
- Medication arrives at your door, make sure youβre home and refrigerate injectables immediately!
- Every 8 weeks complete a renewal assessment
- Email your care team at support@kiaora.com with any questions
π° Payment & Shipping Information
All medications come in 8-week supplies Choose to pay upfront or split into 2 monthly payments
π¦ Shipping Details:
- You'll receive 2 vials for compounded injectable medications
- Must discard each vial 28 days after first puncture
- Store in refrigerator immediately upon arrival - DO NOT FREEZE
π How to Administer Your Injection
Detailed dose information is included with your medication. Key points:
- Choose injection site: abdomen, thigh, or upper arm
- Rotate injection sites each week
- Can be taken with or without food
- Choose a consistent day and time each week
- View this PDF for full injecting instructions and video tutorial!
π Download Injection Instructions PDF
βͺ Sublingual Tablets
For optimal absorption and effectiveness:
- Place tablet under your tongue - do not swallow, chew, or crush
- Allow to dissolve completely - this typically up to 5 minutes, but usually faster
- Do not eat or drink for 30 minutes after - this ensures maximum absorption
- Take at the same time each day - consistency helps maintain steady levels
- Avoid talking while dissolving - minimize tablet movement for better absorption
- Morning administration recommended - taking before breakfast works well for most patients
- Store in a cool, dry place - moisture can affect tablet integrity
Tip: Set a timer for 30 minutes after taking your tablet to remind yourself when you can eat or drink
π Our Low and Slow Philosophy
At Kiaora, we believe in a gentle, caring approach to GLP-1 therapy. Our "low and slow" philosophy:
- Minimizes side effects - Gradual dose increases reduce nausea and discomfort
- Preserves muscle mass - Slower weight loss protects your metabolism
- Promotes sustainable results - Avoid the rapid loss/regain cycle
- Respects individual needs - No pressure to increase doses
Remember: You're never required to increase your dose. If you're losing 1-4 pounds per month and feeling good, you can stay at your current dose.
β οΈ Managing Side Effects
Common side effects and management strategies:
Nausea
- Take the included ondansetron as directed
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals
- Avoid fatty or spicy foods
- Stay hydrated with small sips of water
Constipation
- Increase fiber intake gradually
- Stay well hydrated (aim for 64oz water daily)
- Consider magnesium before bed
- Try Smooth Move tea or MiraLAX if needed
Fatigue
- Ensure adequate protein intake (aim 25-30 grams per meal)
- Maintain regular sleep schedule
- Consider B-vitamin supplementation
- Light exercise can help boost energy
β Frequently Asked Questions
How do I renew my prescription?
Renewals are not automatic. You'll be prompted through your patient portal every 8 weeks when it's time to renew and you will fill out a renewal assessment for the doctor to review.
Can I change medications or doses?
Yes! You can switch between medications or adjust doses based on your response and goals. Β You will be able to request this during your renewal assessment.
What if I need to pause treatment?
Simply don't renew at your next renewal period. If you restart within 30 days, you can resume your previous dose. After 30-60 days, you'll need to reduce by 1-2 dose levels. After 60 days, you'll restart at the beginning dose.
How do I message my doctor between visits?
Write into support@kiaora.com with your questions for our care team and the fastest help. You can also message your prescriber directly through your secure patient portal.
What if I miss a dose?
Life happens. If you forget a weekly injection and it's been less than 5 days, go ahead and take the dose when you remember. If more than 5 days have passed, skip it and resume your regular schedule on your next injection day. Don't take two doses close together. If you're unsure what to do or miss more than one dose, please reach out to our care team at support@kiaora.com
What are the possible risks of GLP-1 therapies?
Serious side effects are rare, but possible. Your provider screens for contraindications (such as a personal or family history of certain thyroid tumors or pancreatitis) before prescribing. Alert your care team if you experience severe abdominal pain, persistent nausea/vomiting, signs of gallbladder issues, or any new or worsening symptoms. Combining GLP-1 therapy with insulin or sulfonylureas can raise hypoglycemia risk, so doses of those drugs may need adjustment under your prescriber's guidance.
What are the side effects of GLP-1 shots?
Common, usually temporary side effects include mild nausea, bloating, heartburn, constipation, diarrhea, belching, or mild headache. Most fade after the first few weeks as your body adapts. Less common effects include slight redness or itching at the injection site and fatigue. Stop and go to the nearest emergency department if you develop severe abdominal pain, ongoing vomiting, swelling of the face or throat, trouble breathing, or any symptom that feels alarming.
What happens if I overdose?
Taking more than your prescribed dose can trigger severe nausea, vomiting, or low blood sugar. Call Poison Control (1-800-222-1222) or go to the nearest emergency department right away if you suspect an overdose.
π Contact Information
VIOS Compounding Pharmacy
π Bonus Resources
Don't forget to claim your bonus materials for meal planning and lifestyle support:
π― Access Bonus Resources
These resources include meal plans, protein guides, and strategies for maintaining muscle mass during your weight loss journey.
β οΈ Important Reminders
- Your telehealth visit will be approximately 5 minutes - be prepared!
- Review this entire guide before your appointment
- Have your questions written down and ready
- Store injectable medication in refrigerator immediately - DO NOT FREEZE
- You must discard each vial 28 days after first puncture
- Follow-up assessments occur every 8 weeks