The information below outlines important safety considerations related to medications and therapies that may be prescribed through Options Medical. It includes intended use, potential risks, side effects, precautions, and possible drug interactions.
Patients are encouraged to report any side effects or adverse reactions to their medical provider.
If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek care at the nearest emergency department immediately.
Prescription Medications
All prescription medications require a consultation with a licensed medical provider.
A prescription is issued only if a provider determines it is appropriate based on your medical history, health status, and treatment goals. Access to medications or treatment plans is not guaranteed.
Prescription medications carry potential risks and side effects. Patients should review all safety information and discuss questions with their medical provider before starting treatment.
Compounded GLP-1 (semaglutide)
Compounded medications may be prescribed by licensed medical providers but are not evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or quality. FDA-approved medications containing semaglutide are available.
WARNING
Contact your medical provider immediately or seek medical care if you experience:
- Severe nausea or vomiting leading to dehydration
- Kidney problems or kidney failure, which may occur due to dehydration
- Symptoms of thyroid tumors, including difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, neck swelling, or shortness of breath
- Pancreatitis, including severe abdominal or back pain that does not resolve
- Gallbladder problems, including upper abdominal pain, fever, yellowing of skin or eyes, or persistent nausea
- Liver concerns, including elevated liver enzymes or jaundice
- Vision changes, particularly in individuals with diabetic retinopathy
- Severe gastrointestinal disease symptoms
- Symptoms of low blood sugar, such as dizziness, shakiness, sweating, confusion, or rapid heartbeat
- Increased heart rate
- Mood or behavioral changes, including worsening depression or suicidal thoughts
Never share prescription medication with another person.
Drug Interactions
Semaglutide may interact with alcohol, prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, and herbal supplements.
Important considerations include:
- Increased risk of hypoglycemia when used with insulin or sulfonylurea medications
- Delayed gastric emptying, which may affect absorption of certain oral medications
- Possible interactions with medications requiring precise blood levels (such as warfarin)
Patients taking thyroid medications should discuss dosing timing with their prescribing provider.
For a complete list of warnings and side effects, refer to pharmaceutical packaging or consult your provider.
BLACK BOX WARNING
GLP-1 medications are contraindicated in individuals with:
- A personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
- Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
In animal studies, semaglutide caused thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer. It is not known whether these effects occur in humans.
Notify your provider immediately if you experience:
- Difficulty swallowing
- Persistent hoarseness
- A lump or swelling in the neck
- Shortness of breath
Additional precautions:
- Do not use while pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy
- Discontinue at least 2 months before attempting pregnancy
- Avoid alcohol while taking this medication
- Inform your provider of any kidney, liver, or pancreatic conditions
Stop using the medication and seek medical care if you experience severe abdominal pain or symptoms of a serious allergic reaction such as swelling, breathing difficulty, or severe rash.
Compounded GLP-1+GIP (tirzepatide)
Compounded tirzepatide may be prescribed by licensed providers but is not reviewed or approved by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or quality. FDA-approved medications containing tirzepatide are available.
WARNING
Tirzepatide may increase the risk of thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer.
Notify your provider immediately if you experience:
- Neck swelling or lumps
- Hoarseness
- Difficulty swallowing
- Shortness of breath
Do not use tirzepatide if you have:
- A personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma
- MEN 2 syndrome
- A known severe allergic reaction to tirzepatide
Common Side Effects
Commonly reported side effects include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Abdominal discomfort
- Injection site reactions
- Fatigue
- Indigestion
- Heartburn
- Hair loss
- Belching
If side effects become persistent or concerning, contact your provider.
Serious Side Effects
Potential serious risks include:
- Severe gastrointestinal symptoms
- Kidney problems related to dehydration
- Gallbladder disease
- Pancreatitis
- Severe allergic reactions
- Low blood sugar when used with certain diabetes medications
- Vision changes
- Mood or mental health changes
Drug Interactions
Tirzepatide may interact with medications that affect blood sugar levels and may alter absorption of oral medications due to delayed gastric emptying.
Birth control pills may be less effective while using tirzepatide. Your provider may recommend alternative contraception for:
- The first 4 weeks after starting therapy
- 4 weeks after each dose increase
Compounded NAD+
Mild Side Effects
NAD+ injections are generally well tolerated by many patients, but, as with any injectable therapy, side effects are possible. Mild effects may include:
- Mild redness, soreness, or swelling at the injection site
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Nausea or stomach discomfort
More Serious Side Effects (less common)
- Allergic reaction (e.g., rash, swelling, shortness of breath, dizziness, or fainting—particularly shortly after injection.)
- Flu-like symptoms
- Flushing
- Rapid heartbeat
If you experience signs of an allergic reaction or have severe discomfort, stop product use and seek medical care immediately.
Contraindications (not recommended for)
- Individuals with known hypersensitivity to NAD+ or formulation components should not use the product.
- Anyone currently pregnant or breastfeeding should not use the product.
- Anyone with an active infection, uncontrolled chronic illness, or ongoing cancer treatment should not use the product without prior approval from their primary care physician and/or specialist medical provider.
- Use caution if you are taking medications that impact energy metabolism, including but not limited to insulin, metformin, or corticosteroids. Always disclose all prescription medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking to your medical provider prior to taking the product.
Other important safety information
- Store in the refrigerator
- Do not exceed the dose indicated on your product packaging
- Keep out of reach of children
- Do not use expired product
Compounded Glutathione
Mild Side Effects
Glutathione injections are generally well tolerated by many patients, but, as with any injectable therapy, side effects are possible. Mild effects may include:
- Mild redness, soreness, or swelling at the injection site
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Nausea or stomach discomfort
More Serious Side Effects (less common)
- Allergic reaction (e.g., rash, swelling)
- Trouble breathing or chest tightness
- Feeling faint, lightheaded, or sudden drop in blood pressure
- Flu-like symptoms
- Flushing
- Rapid heartbeat
If you experience signs of an allergic reaction or have severe discomfort, stop product use and seek medical care immediately.
Contraindications (not recommended for)
- Individuals with known hypersensitivity to glutathione or formulation components should not use the product.
- Individuals with a sulfite allergy or sensitivity.
- Individuals with G6PD deficiency (a genetic condition that affects red blood cells).
- Anyone who is currently pregnant or breastfeeding or planning to become pregnant in the near future.
- Anyone with an active infection, uncontrolled chronic illness, or ongoing cancer treatment should not use the product without prior approval from their primary care physician and/or specialist medical provider.
- Use caution if you are taking medications that impact energy metabolism, including but not limited to insulin, metformin, or corticosteroids. Always disclose all prescription medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking to your medical provider prior to taking the product.
Other important safety information
- Store in the refrigerator
- Do not exceed the dose indicated on your product packaging
- Keep out of reach of children
- Do not use expired product
Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT)
BLACK BOX WARNING
Estrogen therapy carries important risks including:
- Cardiovascular disorders
- Breast cancer
- Endometrial cancer
- Dementia in women age 65 and older
Estrogen used alone in women with a uterus increases the risk of endometrial cancer. Adding progesterone helps reduce this risk.
Hormone therapy should be used at the lowest effective dose for the shortest duration appropriate for treatment goals.
Possible Risks
- Blood clots
- Stroke
- Heart attack
- Breast cancer
- Gallbladder disease
Seek medical attention immediately if symptoms such as severe chest pain, vision changes, or sudden weakness occur.
Common Side Effects
Estradiol Patch
- Skin irritation at application site
- Breast tenderness
- Bloating
- Headache
- Mood changes
Estradiol Cream
- Vaginal irritation
- Discomfort
- Spotting
Progesterone Capsules
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Breast tenderness
- Bloating
- Mood changes
Contraindications (not recommended for)
Do not use hormone therapy if you have:
- Breast or estrogen-dependent cancers
- Active blood clots or clotting disorders
- Liver disease
- Unexplained vaginal bleeding
- Pregnancy
Testosterone Replacement Therapy (TRT)
BLACK BOX WARNING
Testosterone therapy carries important risks including:
- Cardiovascular disorders
- Blood clots
- Stroke
- Heart attack
Misuse or abuse of testosterone products has been associated with serious adverse health effects. Testosterone therapy should only be used under the supervision of a licensed medical provider and with appropriate medical monitoring.
Testosterone therapy should be used only when medically appropriate and at the lowest effective dose consistent with treatment goals and patient risks.
Possible Risks
- Blood clots
- Stroke
- Heart attack
- Elevated red blood cell count (polycythemia)
- Prostate enlargement or worsening urinary symptoms
- Reduced sperm production and fertility
Seek medical attention immediately if symptoms such as severe chest pain, sudden weakness, difficulty breathing, or vision changes occur.
Common Side Effects
Testosterone Cream
- Skin irritation at the application site
- Acne or oily skin
- Increased body hair growth
- Mild fluid retention
Topical testosterone may transfer to others through skin contact. Avoid direct skin contact with others at the application site until the medication has fully dried.
Testosterone Injections
- Injection site soreness or redness
- Acne or oily skin
- Mood changes
- Fluid retention
Rotating injection sites may help reduce local irritation.
Contraindications (not recommended for)
Do not use testosterone therapy if you:
- Known or suspected prostate cancer
- Known or suspected male breast cancer
- Untreated severe sleep apnea
- Elevated red blood cell counts
- Are trying to conceive, as testosterone therapy may reduce fertility
General Disclaimer
Some medications and therapies offered through Options Medical may include compounded formulations prescribed by licensed medical providers.
Compounded medications are not approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Statements on this page have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Patients should always consult their medical provider with questions regarding treatment, dosing, side effects, or risks.