GLP-1 Patient Care in Jamestown, Fargo, and Mandan, ND

GLP-1 agonists may be prescribed by medical practitioners to help patients lose weight. These medications can also help to reduce appetite, create insulin efficiency, and overall improve metabolism. To begin your weight loss journey and to see if you qualify for a GLP-1 medication or to renew a GLP-1 medication through Medallus Medical, please fill out this form. You also may contact us or see our business hours online. We have convenient locations to serve you in Jamestown ND, Fargo ND, and Mandan ND.

GLP-1 receptor agonists are a type of medication that helps regulate appetite, control blood sugar, and improve overall metabolic health. These medications may be prescribed by a licensed provider for:

• Type 2 diabetes blood sugar management
• Chronic weight management in adults with obesity (BMI ≥30), or overweight (BMI ≥27) with at least one weight-related health condition (such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol)
• In overweight or obese adults with a history of heart disease, this medication can reduce the risk of a major cardiovascular event, including heart attack, stroke, or cardiovascular-related death.

A healthcare provider must evaluate each patient individually to determine if a prescription is appropriate. This information is based on FDA-approved uses as of March 2024 and may be updated.

What does GLP-1 mean?

Produced in the gut in response to food, GLP-1 is a hormone that plays a key role in managing appetite, stimulating insulin release, and stabilizing blood sugar levels.

Why are GLP-1 medications prescribed?

Prescribed by healthcare providers, GLP-1 receptor agonists are medications that imitate the actions of a natural hormone in your body called GLP-1. They are used to:

• Improve blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes
• Support chronic weight management in adults with obesity (BMI ≥30) or overweight (BMI ≥27) with a related health condition (such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol)
• This medication is designed to lower the chances of a serious cardiovascular event—like a heart attack, stroke, or heart disease-related death—in overweight or obese adults with a pre-existing heart condition.

What is a compounded GLP-1 medication?

Compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide is a custom-prepared prescription created in a licensed compounding pharmacy for an individual patient. A compounded GLP-1 medication works in the same way as other GLP-1 medications — helping control appetite, improving blood sugar, and supporting weight management. The difference is that it is custom-prepared by a licensed pharmacy for an individual patient when an FDA-approved version isn’t the best fit.

Note: Compounded GLP-1 medications are not FDA-approved. They are only considered when an FDA-approved option is not suitable for a patient’s medical needs, based on provider evaluation. All prescriptions are individualized, not dispensed in bulk, not provided as a substitute for any FDA- approved medication, and follow federal and state regulations.

At Medallus Medical, providers prescribe compounded GLP-1s only when appropriate FDA approved measures are met and any individual medications are ordered through state-licensed or FDA-registered compounding pharmacies in the United States.

Why would a compounded GLP-1 medication be used?

Providers prioritize FDA-approved medications whenever possible. However, there are some situations where a compounded GLP-1 medication may be considered appropriate:

• Medical necessity: When a patient cannot tolerate an FDA-approved GLP-1 due to allergies, sensitivities, or specific formulation concerns.
• Access issues: If an FDA-approved option is not available or cannot be obtained in a timely manner (such as during a national shortage).
• Customized dosing: When a patient requires a dosing schedule or strength that is not offered by FDA-approved products.
• Lower starting dose: For patients who are very sensitive to side effects and need a gentler introduction.
• Slower titration schedule: For patients who require more gradual dose increases to improve tolerance.
• Intermediate dose strengths: If a patient cannot tolerate the next available commercial dose but still needs more than their current one.
• Unique medical considerations: Such as adjusting doses for patients with certain gastrointestinal conditions or multiple coexisting health issues.

Possible Side Effects of Compounded GLP-1 Medications
Similar to all other medications, compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide may cause side effects. While experiences vary from patient to patient, the most commonly reported include:
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Stomach discomfort or bloating

Less common but serious risks:
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• Gallbladder disease (including gallstones)
• Kidney problems (especially in patients with dehydration)

Important FDA Warning:
The FDA has issued a serious boxed warning for GLP-1 medications, including compounded versions, due to a potential risk of thyroid C-cell tumors. Because of this risk, these medications are not recommended for anyone with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)—a type of thyroid cancer—or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), which is a rare genetic disorder.

Every patient will be closely monitored by a Medallus provider to evaluate side effects, adjust dosing if needed, and ensure safe treatment.

Cost & Coverage FAQs

Will insurance cover GLP-1 medications?

• Some FDA-approved GLP-1 medications may be covered depending on your insurance plan and whether you meet eligibility requirements.
• Compounded GLP-1 medications are usually not covered by insurance and are typically an out-of-pocket expense.

Why can costs vary so much?

• Pricing depends on the pharmacy, employer contract prices, insurance benefits, the formulation, and the dose strength prescribed.
• FDA-approved medications may have manufacturer savings programs.
• Compounded versions are priced by the compounding pharmacy and may differ by location and formulation. Employer contracting prices may vary depending on the program they have elected to use.

Are compounded GLP-1s less expensive?

• Sometimes, yes — compounded medications may cost less than FDA-approved versions.
• However, compounded GLP-1s are not FDA-approved and are only prescribed when a provider determines that FDA-approved options are not appropriate for an individual patient.

How will I determine what my cost will be?

• Medallus GLP-1 specialists can discuss your available options with you after your consultation with the provider.
• Final costs are set by your pharmacy, insurance company, or your employer contract. We recommend checking with your insurance plan, pharmacy, or GLP-1 specialist for the most accurate, up-to-date pricing.

Note: Medication pricing is set by the dispensing pharmacy and may vary. Compounded GLP-1 medications are not FDA-approved and are typically not covered by insurance. Medallus Medical cannot guarantee costs; patients are responsible for verifying coverage and final price with their pharmacy and insurance provider.

GLP-1 Patient Care Process

Step 1: Contact Us
Call our clinic directly or connect with us online

Step 2: Patient Registration
Complete intake forms and provide health history.

Step 3: GLP-1 Specialist Evaluation

Qualifying Evaluation and Criteria:

• Patients with a BMI ≥30, or BMI ≥27 with a weight-related condition (hypertension, type 2 diabetes, high cholesterol, sleep apnea, osteoarthritis, etc.).
• Patient intake form completed, and patient meets criteria based off of FDA approved requirements for compounding GLP-1 medication management
• Patient does not have any Contraindications that would disqualify them automatically for an GLP-1 or compounded GLP-1 medications:
• Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
• Type 1 diabetes
• History of pancreatitis
• Active gallbladder disease
• Severe kidney disease (stage 2 or higher)
• Pregnancy or breastfeeding
• Age <18

Step 4: Provider Evaluation (Telehealth or in person visit)
A licensed provider will review your completed intake health history form and conduct a provider visit (in-person or via telehealth) to discuss your medical background, BMI, and overall health needs. Based on this full evaluation, your provider will determine whether GLP-1 therapy — including compounded options — is appropriate for you.

Step 5: Follow Up/Ongoing Plan:
• Schedule follow up calls every 2 weeks to discuss- adherence, questions, concerns, side effects, dosing
• Register to speak with a dietician as needed to help guide nutritional support
• Complete Evolt scan if near a clinic location
• Schedule provider visits every 90 days while taking any GLP-1 or compounded GLP-1 medication

Disclaimer: Compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide are not FDA-approved. They’re considered only when FDA-approved options aren’t appropriate for an individual patient, based on provider assessment