As you begin the program, we’d like to share some useful information on what to expect when starting your GLP-1 medication (glucagon-like peptide-1s).
How the medication works
GLP-1s are powerful, naturally-occurring hormones in your body that send signals to your brain to improve your metabolic function and regulate your appetite and digestion. The GLP-1 medications that Calibrate clinicians prescribe work on the same receptors as the natural GLP-1 hormones.
The GLP-1s you’ll be taking through Calibrate will help your body to fight the natural increases in appetite and hunger that occur as you begin to lose weight. GLP-1s are different from older classes of weight loss medications (like phentermine) because they work on key underlying metabolic pathways to support sustained weight loss and are not a quick fix.
How to take it
Foundayo© (Orforglipron) is an oral GLP-1 medication taken daily. Unlike other oral GLP-1 medications, it DOES NOT have to be taken in a specific way to optimize absorption. This is great news--you can take it anytime of day without any food or water restrictions.
Tablets should not be cut, crushed, or chewed. Swallow the medication whole.
There are six Foundayo doses:
Foundayo doses increase every 30 days, up to a maximum of 17.2 mg.
Please compare the dose you receive from the pharmacy with the dosing schedule below to ensure you have received the correct dose next dose. If you have received the wrong dose, please do not take the medication but instead reach out to the Clinical Team through the Support Center in your Calibrate app for instructions.
What to expect
If you experience intolerable side effects after a dose increase, please message your clinical team via the Support Center in your Calibrate app. You may simply need to go back to the previous dose for another month or two prior to increasing the dose again, and your clinician will advise you on the best course of action based on your specific needs.
Side effects typically go away with time (usually by 3-4 weeks), so if side effects are mild, try to stick with it if you can. The most common side effects include nausea, constipation, diarrhea, and stomach discomfort. In case of an emergency (such as severe abdominal pain) please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room. If you experience a medical emergency, when you are able to do so, please also notify your Calibrate Clinical Team in your Calibrate app.
If you would like to learn more about your medication, please visit this page, and if you have any further questions about how to take your medicine, please message your clinical team via the Support Center in your app, and we’ll be glad to help.
How do GLP-1 medications work?
GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1) is a hormone naturally produced by your small intestine. GLP-1 medications work on the same receptors as your natural GLP-1 hormone to control feelings of hunger and fullness and regulate blood sugar. Mechanistically, GLP-1s address biology in a way that helps lower your weight set point.
What are common side effects?
Many individuals don’t have any side effects with this medication. However, for those who do, nausea is the most common. Usually nausea resolves after a few weeks as your body adapts to medication, but we encourage you to reach out to the Medical Team to discuss dosage modifications and for side effect management. Do not increase the dose faster than recommended, since the dosing schedule was designed to minimize side effects. Things that help reduce nausea are eating blander foods, eating smaller meals, and staying active.
You may also have changes in bowel movements (constipation being the most common). If this happens, you can take a fiber supplement (such as Metamucil or Benefiber) or increase your intake of vegetables and fruits.
If you’re worried about any side effects, you can also always message the Medical Team through the Support Center in the Calibrate app.
How long does it take for the medication to work?
It usually takes a couple of months of titrating up on the medication before you start losing weight, but for some significant weight loss may not start until you have reached a higher dose.
What if I forgot to take it one day?
If you miss a dose of Foundayo, restart it as soon as you remember and continue taking it daily as prescribed. Do NOT double up the next dose.
If you experience a lapse in Foundayo for more than 6 days, please send the medical team a message for guidance on restarting your medication as dosage adjustments might be needed to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal adverse reactions
Are there any special restrictions with Foundayo?
Even though Foundayo is a very convenient oral GLP-1 as it can be taken at any time of the day and does not have any restrictions around water or food, it can have interactions with certain other medications. That interaction can either cause Foundayo to be ineffective, or cause significant risk for side effects. This is why it is important that your clinical team has your accurate medication list.
During your intake appointment, your clinician will review your medication list to make sure there are no interactions. It is very important to let your clinical team know if you start any new prescription medication, over the counter medications, or supplements, even if temporary (such as antibiotics, steroids, etc).
Is there a risk of developing thyroid cancer?
We do not recommend GLP-1s if you have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN syndrome. But for everyone else, there are no human studies that show an increased risk of thyroid cancer.