I have received my medicine, what are my first steps in my journey?

In your package from the pharmacy, you will receive one of the following:

Compounded Medication 

• Injection: Medicine vial, insulin syringes, alcohol prep pads to take 1 injection per week as prescribed.
• Tablets: Oral tablets to take daily as prescribed.

Branded Medication 

• Injection: Metered dose pen and compatible needles 
• Tablets: Oral tablets to take daily as prescribed.

For further information, please refer to our Delivery and Packaging Category of articles

Step 1: Choose a Day to Start 

You’re excited to start! Before you do, we’ve compiled some information to consider. GLP-1 medications will have the strongest benefits and side effects closer to when you take the shot and will subside as days go by. We see most success when people start on a Thursday night. Doing so means you have the strongest benefits to ward off temptations over the weekend and similarly, if there’s side effects, more time to manage. Expected effects, such as feeling full and reduced food noise may start to have less effect come the following Tuesday or Wednesday, which most people find easier to manage while distracted at work during those days in the week.

Step 2: Managing Side Effects 

You may experience a varying degree of side effects. Most can be managed by following some helpful tips as well as listening to your body and being aware of your reactions. Note that side effects may vary with each dosage and may include the following: temporary sleepiness the day after injection, nausea, upset stomach, constipation, heartburn, gas, feeling of fullness, and change in sense of smell, etc. Many of these can be minimized by ensuring the following: When you take your shot, make sure you have something substantial in your stomach such as quality protein and that you are hydrated. Consider what you ate the days prior to injection— did you have a lot of carbs, sugar or greasy foods? If so wait another day or so before taking the medication to avoid stronger, less-than-friendly side effects.

Step 3: Injection

Injected under the skin of your abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Do not inject into a muscle or vein Change (rotate) your injection site with each injection. Do not use the same site for each injection. If you choose to inject in the same area, always use a different spot in that area.

For more information, please refer to our dedicated article on this process: 

How to give yourself your medicine

Step 4: Relax! You are in Good Hands 

We’re so excited you have decided to take this journey with us and are looking forward to supporting you. Please do not hesitate to contact us with any questions or comments.