Getting Started
Compounded liraglutide
We're beyond excited you're here!
We’re excited to support you as you begin your treatment with compounded liraglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist that may help support weight management and metabolic health. This guide will help you understand how to use liraglutide, what to expect, and how to advocate for yourself throughout your treatment.
What you’ll learn in this guide:
- How to take liraglutide
- What to expect: benefits and side effects
- When and how to advocate for yourself in your treatment
- How to reach out to your provider with confidence
- FAQs and ongoing support
How Liraglutide Works
Liraglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that mimics natural gut hormones to regulate appetite, insulin secretion, and digestion. Liraglutide may:
- Slowing gastric emptying, leading to increased feelings of fullness and reduced calorie intake¹
- Enhancing insulin secretion while suppressing glucagon release, improving blood sugar control²
- Acting on brain receptors to reduce hunger and food cravings³
When used as part of a doctor-supervised plan, Liraglutide has been studied for its potential role in weight management and diabetes treatment. Clinical trials have shown it may support weight loss and metabolic health when combined with a healthy lifestyle.⁴. Individual results vary, and patients should consult their provider to determine if this treatment is right for them
How to Take Liraglutide
Liraglutide is a daily subcutaneous (under-the-skin) injection. Your provider will personalize your dosage, but most patients follow this gradual titration schedule:
Dosing Schedule
Month 1 (Weeks 1–4) – 3mL Vial
- Dose: 0.1 mL (10 units) = 0.6 mg
- Instructions: Inject 10 units (0.1 mL) once daily subcutaneously
Month 2+ (Weeks 5–8) – 6mL Vial
- Dose: 0.2 mL (20 units) = 1.2 mg
- Instructions: Inject 20 units (0.2 mL) once daily subcutaneously
Your provider may adjust your dose based on your tolerance and progress. It is important to take your injection at the same time each day for consistency.
Where to Inject
Liraglutide is injected under the skin in the:
- Stomach (abdomen)
- Thigh
- Upper arm
Rotate your injection site daily to prevent irritation.
What to Expect on Your Journey
Liraglutide interacts with GLP-1 receptors, which are involved in appetite regulation and blood sugar control. . Liraglutide may::
- Affect appetite regulation and feelings of fullness, which may contribute to reduced calorie intake.¹.
- May improve blood sugar control and support metabolic function as part of a comprehensive health plan.²
- May slow digestion, which could contribute to more stable energy levels over time.³
Everyone’s experience is different! Some people notice benefits within the first few weeks, while others see gradual changes over time.
Expected Weight Loss
- In a clinical trial, participants using liraglutide in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity lost an average of 8% of their body weight over 56 weeks, compared to 2.6% in the placebo group⁴.
- In a study comparing two GLP-1 receptor agonists, participants using liraglutide experienced an average weight reduction of 6% over 56 weeks⁵.
Individual results may vary depending on diet, exercise, and adherence to treatment.
Need Support? We’re Here to Help!
Our team is available to answer questions and ensure you have a smooth experience.
Customer Support: [email protected]Message Your Provider: Log in to your Eden account and use the secure messaging portal.
Frequently
asked questions
Some people may notice a reduced appetite within a few days, while weight loss results vary. Most people see gradual changes over several weeks. Individual results depend on factors such as diet, exercise, and adherence to the treatment plan.
Alcohol may increase the risk of low blood sugar, nausea, or stomach discomfort. If you choose to drink, do so in moderation and monitor how your body responds. Consult your provider if you have concerns about alcohol interactions.
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it’s close to your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one—do not double up. If you miss multiple doses, message your provider through the patient portal for guidance on how to resume safely.
Do not adjust your dose on your own. If you’re experiencing side effects that are difficult to tolerate, reach out to your provider through the patient portal. They can review your symptoms and determine if a dose adjustment is appropriate.
It can take time for your body to adjust to liraglutide, and results may vary. If you feel your current dose isn’t effective, contact your provider to discuss whether an adjustment is necessary.
Always consult your provider before stopping treatment. Suddenly stopping may lead to changes in appetite, blood sugar, or other metabolic effects. If you’re considering discontinuing liraglutide, your provider can help you transition off the medication safely.
If you decide to stop treatment, reach out to our Care Team for assistance with your account and subscription. If you have remaining medication, consult your provider about proper disposal or next steps.
Some individuals report changes in appetite after discontinuing liraglutide, which could contribute to weight fluctuations. Maintaining a balanced diet and healthy habits may help with long-term weight management. If you’re concerned about long-term weight management, discuss strategies with your provider before discontinuing.
You’re not alone on this journey. If you have concerns about your progress, side effects, or treatment plan, message your provider through the patient portal. If you need additional non-medical support, our Care Team is available to assist you.
We work really hard to make sure you get timely responses from our doctors and quick delivery of your medication. Typically, our doctors and pharmacy partners do a fantastic job. Our average turnaround times for prescriptions from the doctor are around 1-2 days. Our typical pharmacy fulfillment times are around 3-5 business days, but can take up to 14 days due to the custom-compounded nature of the medications. Our partners typically ship FedEx 2-day, Monday-Wednesday.
So, overall, a typical order takes between 6-10 days from the time you finalize your intake to you receiving your medication - excluding weekends. We are always working on ways to improve this timing, and will keep you up-to-speed every step of the way.
We're here for you whenever you need help. Whether it's a billing question, a shipping inquiry, or just need someone to brighten up your day, we're always just a message away. Log in to your HIPAA-secure customer portal and send us a message if you have any questions!
Important Information
Common Side Effects
Liraglutide is generally well-tolerated, but some individuals may experience:
- Mild nausea (typically improves with continued use)
- Upset stomach or bloating
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Fatigue
When to Seek Medical Attention
Contact your provider immediately if you experience:
- Severe nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain
- Difficulty swallowing
- Intense back pain
- Symptoms of pancreatitis, such as persistent abdominal pain that radiates to the back⁶
For a full list of side effects, visit: Mayo Clinic – Liraglutide Side Effects
Being Your Own Best Advocate: When & How to Reach Out to Your Provider
We know reaching out to your provider can feel overwhelming, but your care team is here to support you. You deserve to feel informed, comfortable, and confident in your treatment.
How to Get the Right Support
- For Medical Guidance & Dose Adjustments – Send a secure message to your provider through the patient portal. Your provider can review your concerns and offer personalized recommendations.
- For General Support & Assistance – If you need help navigating your treatment, understanding next steps, or troubleshooting non-medical concerns, our Care Team is here for you.
- For Urgent or Emergency Situations – If you experience a severe reaction, such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, or signs of a serious allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention by calling 911 or going to the nearest emergency room.
When to Contact Your Provider
- Your dose doesn’t feel right – If you're feeling excessive nausea, dizziness, or other uncomfortable side effects, your provider can adjust your dose or suggest ways to ease symptoms.
- You’re unsure about injection technique – If you’re not sure you’re injecting correctly or experiencing skin irritation, ask for guidance.
- Your symptoms don’t improve or get worse – If your appetite suppression or weight loss stalls, or if you feel significantly unwell, your provider can help troubleshoot.
- You have new or worsening side effects – If you develop unusual symptoms not listed in this guide, it’s important to check in.
- You need to discuss your long-term plan – If you're unsure about staying on liraglutide long-term, your provider can walk you through options.
How to Reach Out with Confidence
- Send a message to your provider through your patient portal – Keep it short and direct:
Example: "Hi, I’ve been experiencing nausea that isn’t improving. Is there a way to adjust my dose or manage this better?" - Call your care team – If you need help, don’t hesitate to call. If you need non-medical assistance or guidance, the Care Team is here to help.
- Ask for reassurance – It’s okay to say, “I want to make sure I’m doing this right. Can we go over my dose together?”
- Advocate for yourself – If something feels off, you have every right to ask questions and request adjustments.
We want you to feel empowered in your care. Whether you need guidance from your provider or extra support from our team, we are here to help you navigate your journey with confidence.
Storage & Handling
- Store in the refrigerator (36°F to 46°F / 2°C to 8°C).
- Protect from light and moisture.
- Beyond-Use Date: 45 days from compounding.
Your medication will be shipped frozen. Allow it to thaw in the refrigerator before first use.
What to expect...
When you’re expecting a delivery from us
At Eden, we prioritize a systematic approach towards achieving your health goals. Since you've made the decision to place your trust in us on this journey, we wanted to inform you of what's next.
Our streamlined process ensures a seamless transition towards better health, all from the comfort of your home.
Prescription Approval
Since you recently completed your initial intake consultation order with our healthcare professionals, they will begin the process to review your health-history in detail. They may have questions for you, so be on the lookout for any messages from your doctor. You can access your secure, HIPAA-compliant, patient portal at any time to respond back to the doctor.
Pharmacy Processing
If a physician deems treatment as appropriate, you may receive a tailored health plan with medication suited to your unique health narrative.
If a physician deems treatment as appropriate, you may receive a tailored health plan with medication suited to your unique health narrative.
Shipping
Once your prescription is ready to ship, you’ll receive a notification from us with the tracking information. Our partners ship FedEx or UPS, and you may receive your package Monday to Saturday.
- Mayo Clinic: Liraglutide: Drug information
- JAMA Network: Effect of Weekly Subcutaneous Semaglutide vs Daily Liraglutide on Body Weight in Adults With Overweight or Obesity Without Diabetes
- New England Journal of Medicine: A Randomized, Controlled Trial of 3.0 mg of Liraglutide in Weight Management