Using GLP-1s Safely

Using GLP-1s Safely

A lot of people are turning to GLP-1 medications to kick start the whole “new-year, new you.” While weight management can offer significant health benefits, it’s important that you’re going about it in a safe manner. Always consult your doctor for medical advice. 

Consider Speaking with a Doctor in Person

If you’re considering GLP-1s or other weight loss medications, it may be a good idea to consult with a licensed medical professional whom you’ve known for a while, such as your primary care physician. These days, there are a lot of ways to get prescriptions for medications such as Wegovy or Ozempic—you can even get them mailed right to you. While these mail-in medications may be all the rage, some might find it useful to talk to their primary care physician whom they’ve been seeing for years before deciding on whether or not these medications would be beneficial. These days, it’s becoming more and more apparent that in-person consultations can be extremely beneficial, especially when making large healthcare decisions.  

Don’t Lie to Get a Prescription 

You can get a lot of prescriptions mailed to you these days. In most cases, it works like this: you fill out a questionnaire on a website and a medical professional reviews your questionnaire and then provides you with a prescription. Unfortunately, there’s often no way to verify that those filling out the questionnaire were honest and accurately representing their medical history. Excluding details that may disqualify you from eligibility for a mail-in prescription may help you get the prescription, but it can also harm your health. For example, if you are battling anorexia and you lie about your weight in order to get a mail-in prescription for GLP-1s, that could put your health in serious jeopardy. Do not lie to get a prescription.

Use as Directed 

You may hear a lot about different influencers using medications in different ways. While many medications have off-label use, you should always consult with a doctor before using a medication in anyway that differs from the medication’s intended use. When taking a medication, you should always follow the doctor’s instructions. You may be tempted to take a double dose in order to improve a medication’s effectiveness. Alternatively, you may be tempted to modify your usage of a medication to better suit your needs—for example, a lot of people stopped taking their GLP-1s in order to more fully enjoy Thanksgiving dinner. It is important to use your medication only as directed by your doctor. If you have questions or concerns regarding a change in medication, you should contact your doctor and discuss those changes with your them. 

Work with Reputable Sources Only 

While Craigslist Ozempic may (or may not be) cheaper than and/or easier to get compared to what you’d get in the doctor’s office, you should never take any medication from a questionable source. All prescription medication that you’re taking should come from a pharmacy and it should be prescribed to you. You should never purchase medication from a person who’s selling their prescription. Taking medication that was not prescribed to you can be extremely dangerous. Not every medication was made for every person. You may have health issues that could affect the way your body handles the medication—which could in turn jeopardize your health. If you’re planning on using GLP-1 medications to meet your New Year’s weight loss goals, it’s important that you’re getting these medications via reputable sources. Even if you used to have a prescription but you can no longer afford the medication, getting GLP-1 medication from disreputable sources and using your prescribed dose is never a good idea. Remember, you don’t know for sure what you’re getting unless you’re getting it from a reputable source. Only take prescription medications that were prescribed to you and filled at a pharmacy. 

Follow Up with Concerns or Questions 

If you have any questions or concerns about your medications, it is important to follow up with a licensed medical professional such as a primary care physician. You should never rely on sources such as social media or ChatGPT, especially when you’re experiencing serious side effects that are impacting your day to day life. Questions about medication use, directions, and dosing should all be directed to a medical professional, not ChatGPT or social media. While the internet is full of useful information, questions about medications and your health should be saved for a doctor who’s familiar with your medical history and can give you information that’s tailored to your specific circumstances. 

Mistakes Happen, Even When You Did Everything Right

Even if you’ve taken all the precautionary measures possible, mistakes can still happen. Medical professionals are human beings who can make mistakes that cause patients to become seriously injured. Maybe there was a medication that shouldn’t have been prescribed given the patient’s medical history. Perhaps the dosing was off, or a medical professional prescribed you the wrong medication. These all can cause serious complications. If you suspect you have been the victim of medical malpractice, Moxie Law Group is here for you. Contact us today to schedule your free consultation.