Weight loss drug thread for usage advice (not debating)

What is your concern about refrigeration? Zepbound is ok at room temperature for 21 days

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Obviously check with your pharmacist regarding storage of your particular medication.

It does sound unbelievable, but many pen-filled injectables are formulated so that they can be stored at room temperature for 3-4 weeks once the use begins. It makes the medication more convenient and accessible. One example is my cat’s insulin Lantus. It would be a pain to bring it up to room temperature twice a day for repeated injections. Instead, the pen can be stored without regeneration for 28 days.

This site (no endorsement for me, it is what Google AI referenced, so please verify independently with your pharmacy ) has some information about GLP-1 drugs storage.

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If you scroll up or search by name, I posted an article about qualifying for this new program for GLP-1.

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I’ve traveled several times while on a GLP-1 and just take it with me in an insulated cooling case I found on Amazon for diabetes injectables. Refrigeration has not been an issue for me.

Talk to your doctor about the pill. I can see some instances where it is appropriate vs. the injection but the avg. percentage of weight loss is less with the pill. My understanding is that it’s not the same formulation as the shot. Of course, there are people who can’t self-inject and in those cases, can rely on the pill form.

It’s also important so he receiving crucial nutrients/vitamins. So when he does eat, he needs to “make it count”.

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Injection average weight loss was 14.9% from Wegovy’s step 1 study, pill average weight loss was 16.6% in Oasis 4 study. Probably not statistically significantly different, we would need a head to head trial for that.

With that said, some people may respond better to the pill formulation, some may respond better to the injection formulation. Some may see the daily pill as more convenient and therefore easier to be compliant, while others may see the weekly injection as more convenient.

Right, the pill and injectable are types of formulations. The pill contains much more semaglutide because oral drugs go through the digestive tract which decreases bioavailability. Said differently, the injection is much more readily absorbed by the body, so less drug is needed.

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Orforglipron, Brand name Foundayo, is another oral GLP1 drug, and it does not need to be taken on an empty stomach. Medicare will cover that one as well.

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Wow. Someone I know was prescribed a low dosage GLP drug to take three times a week. This person is ultra fit and only wants to lose 3-5 pounds. This makes zero sense. Is this something people are doing, who appear to be in perfect shape, but want to lose just a bit?

And here I sit with ten pounds of body fat I’d love to lose, which appear to be impossible. I’m guessing the doctor thinks there are other benefits for this person than weight loss(like higher than recommended A1C), but it sounds insane. I am, however, not well educated in this. What do you guys think?

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I see targeted ads for just that. Want to lose a small amount of weight? Let us prescribe a GLP-1.

I also suspect that there are many celebrities who partake.

There is a lot of disordered eating, that people would like to have medication to facilitate that is no surprise to me.

For reasons I don’t understand, novo care didn’t fill my husband’s prescription this month. He’s not as on top of things so now he’s out. He called last week but customer service is outsourced so he couldn’t understand if they are shipping him his medication or not. Maybe they are but maybe they aren’t. I wasn’t home. He says he will call this afternoon

Sigh

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Frustrating! My husband doesn’t fill things until he’s completely out (or tell me he needs more). And stuff doesn’t always arrive on your doorstep the next day!

Interesting, reading about GLP drugs, it sounds like there’s so many potential benefits other than weight loss. I was thinking that the GLP medications were just about losing weight and treating diabetes, but: lower diabetes risk, better heart health, kidney protection, better liver function, less joint pain, better sleep and boost brain health? Why isn’t everyone on them? This sounds too good to be true.

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Add to that list:

Reduced or eliminated substance abuse issues

Significantly fewer asthma attacks, and less need for asthma medications, including in some patients who are not overweight

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I asked my Dr for the prescription for Zepbound in hopes of lessening my symptoms of lipedema. There is some evidence that Zepbound has helped with inflammation. Some feel it’s helped their lipedema fat but that has no scientific evidence yet. I don’t qualify on weight or A1C level so I order from LilyDirecf and pay out of pocket. I’d be happy to lose 15 lbs.
I took my 3rd dose of Zepbound on Saturday. The side effects aren’t as bad as the first week. The reflux isn’t as bad but it’s still more than I’d like. Also still lagging energy wise. I’m hoping all will lessen as my body adapts. I’m finding I get full quickly. I split a turkey burger with my husband and I was full after 1/4. Desire for sugar is totally gone. One weird thing is my desire for unsweetened ice tea is gone. I don’t even come close to finishing a bottle.
I’m just back from a week of camping and I noticed that I had no pain going up and down the trailer stairs and getting into the bed. My legs also feel less heavy.

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I gained 10 pounds after medical menopause. It’s been 7 years and I can’t lose it. My BMI is in the ideal weight category. All my blood numbers are great except my thyroid and I’m on Levothyroxine - my only medication. I’m definitely stronger than ever from weight training. I would love to go on a medication to lose the 10 pounds, but as someone who had a serious issue with disordered eating for many years, I know it’s not a good idea. But it is absolutely an issue.

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I’m having my annual physical next week, and if my bloodwork still shows me as pre-diabetic I’ll discuss a GLP-1 with my doctor. My weight alone is probably enough to get me a prescription, but I don’t think I look that bad at my current weight. Ideally, I’d like to be 35 lbs or so lighter and get me to just overweight for my height

My husband likes the Fairlife chocolate protein drink, and it’s on special—$8 off at Costco this week.

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This is a cross post from the “I can’t believe I just” thread. I was reminded of it when I picked up my perscription today.

Set up: I haven’t had an Oreo in over a year. I don’t love Oreos, but was in the store and suddenly had to have them. I had also skipped breakfast so was starving (never shop hungry). I put the groceries in my trunk and realized I was ravenous. Took the Oreos into the car with me to have a couple on the ride home to hold me over.

On the way home from shopping I realized I had a Wegovy prescription to pick up at the pharmacy, so decided to hit the drive-thru perscription pick up. I have no idea what I was thinking, but just as I pulled up, I shoved an Oreo in my mouth. Of course, it was the one time I didn’t have to wait for someone to come to the window, and just as I was shoving it in whole, the pharmacist asked me what I wanted. I seriously considered just hitting the gas and driving away. She had to wait for me to shallow so I could ask for my Wegovy. I was like the biggest fat girl moment ever. And I SWEAR I haven’t had an Oreo in a year.

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it’s OK, there is no bad food. That Oreo didn’t hurt you I’m just sorry you couldn’t savor it.

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My husband had a heck of a time getting novo care to fill his prescription.

He had to call 3 different times and has been out for 1.5 weeks now. It’s finally coming Friday. He’s on the wegovy pill.

I’ve noticed that he’s had seconds of dinner the past 2 days. Frustrating

I’ve been shocked that LilyDirrct has gotten the Zepbound to me in just days. I reordered on Monday and it was here today.

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Lilly Direct shipping has been great for me. The only thing that bothers me is that they start bugging me with texts to reorder when I still have 2 doses left in my pen.

3 times a week seems like an odd dosage for a low-dose. Is it the shot or a pill, I wonder? I was thinking about asking my doctor if the new Foundayo pill might be a possible maintenance option in lieu of the shot - if it was possible to not have to take it daily in order to maintain.

If you only have a small amount to lose and you’re able to lose with calorie cutting & exercise, I would go that route first. The thing about the GLP-1 is once you’ve lost weight on it, you have to stay on it in some form or the weight comes back. My BIL went completely off and has gained back 20+ pounds.

The pharm companies are making millions off the GLP-1 so of course they are going to market it to as many people as they can including those who only have a “few” pounds to lose. It doesn’t help that we are absolutely bombarded by pharm commercials on TV with all the celebrity endorsements.

ETA: My MIL, who is 83 was given the option to go on a GLP-1 by her doctor. Seriously? Once I hit my 80’s, I’m going to eat ■■■ I want!

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