Are there any BMI (body mass index) requirements?
- We do not have any BMI requirements to prescribe medicines associated with SLIM TLC®. However, the closer you are to an ideal BMI (i.e., the further below a BMI of 25, e.g., <22-23), the more we may encourage you to switch to the SLIM TLC® without Meds option.
What happens when I reach my goal weight?
- REMEMBER that every study has shown that any weight lost with the use of any medicine (or any weight loss program, for that matter) will return as soon as the medicine (or program) is stopped, UNLESS THE NECESSARY LIFESTYLE CHANGES ARE MADE - which is why we only prescribe medicine for weight loss as part of the SLIM TLC® lifestyle and weight management program (= instruction, support, accountability, guidance, troubleshooting), to give you the highest chance of maintaining the success you have achieved. From the beginning we try hard to teach you to follow SLIM TLC® System, which consists of the "Free Food? Whatever!" eating strategy and our goal-setting system, the SLIM TLC® Map - which are absolutely critical to being able to wean off the medicine without regaining the weight. CLICK HERE to learn more. Nonetheless, you do have the option of continuing the medicine (usually at a lower or less frequent dose) to help you maintain your goal weight.
Is the medicine compounded with anything else?
- The compounding pharmacy also includes L-Carnitine in the compounded formula, which may help move more fatty acids into your cells to be burned for energy – possibly assisting the weight loss process. The concentration of the compounded medicine is semaglutide 2.5 mg or tirzepatide 16.6 mg + L-Carnitine 100 mg/mL.
How do I know the compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide are the real thing, and that they're safe?
- We have taken every measure possible to ensure the legitimacy of the medicine. We use a compounding pharmacy that is ACHC (Accreditation Council for Health Care), NABP (National Association of Boards of Pharmacy), and PCAB (ACHC-associated Pharmacy Compounding Accreditation Board)-accredited, which obtains the API (active pharmaceutical ingredient) from an FDA-registered (but propietary) supplier. Some illegitimate compounding pharmacies have been found to provide untested and unproven versions, and we have assured that this is not one of those. That being said, it is important to know that although this medicine comes from an FDA-registered supplier, compounded drugs are not FDA-approved. This means that the FDA does not, nor can we, verify the safety or effectiveness of compounded drugs. Click HERE for more information
How is the compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide administered, and how can I obtain it?
- It is (self-) administered subcutaneously, once weekly, usually into the belly fat (after pinching it between your fingers). Most patients learn to do it themselves, but you may have someone else administer it. Once we send in the prescription, the pharmacy will reach out to you for payment, after which they will ship it to you, with all the necessary instructions. Remember, we will only prescribe the medicine as long as the brand name is on the FDA Drug Shortages list (one or the other is expected to stay there for quite a while, but no one can predict how long).
What will happen if/when the brand name(s) fall off the FDA Drug Shortages list, or if I don't tolerate the medicine?
- There are many options: Switch to the other compounded medicine, switch to SLIM TLC® without Meds, have the name brand prescribed, receive the generic components of Contrave®, receive other medicines within the same GLP-1 RA class (generics may soon be available for the daily-administered options), or continue the SLIM TLC® System (via SLIM TLC® Online) all by yourself (or with your "TLC Trio").
Might my insurance pay for the medicine?
- Insurance does not cover compounded medicine, but yours may cover other medicines for weight loss if your BMI (body mass index) is >30, or >27 if you have comorbid conditions like diabetes.
Are semaglutide and tirzepatide safe to take long-term?
Semaglutide and tirzepatide are FDA-approved for long-term use. However, before you decide whether or not you’d like to start taking one or the other, CAREFULLY read the Important Safety Information found HERE. The highlights:
- [They] may cause serious side effects, including pancreatitis (see below). It is not known if [they] can cause thyroid tumors or a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in people. Do not use [them] if you or any of your family have ever had MTC, or if you have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
- Before using [them], tell us if you have any other medical conditions, including problems with your pancreas or kidneys, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding or plan to become pregnant or breastfeed.
- Tell us about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbal supplements, and other medicines to treat diabetes, including [and especially] insulin or sulfonylureas.
- Possible serious side effects include inflammation of your pancreas (pancreatitis). Stop using the medicine and seek immediate care if you have severe pain in your stomach area (abdomen) that will not go away, with or without vomiting (you may feel the pain from your abdomen to your back).
- Stop using the medicine and get medical help right away if you have any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat; problems breathing or swallowing; severe rash or itching; fainting or feeling dizzy; or very rapid heartbeat.
- The most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach (abdominal) pain, and constipation. To help reduce nausea, try to avoid fried and greasy foods, and eat smaller and more frequent, blander meals (and only when hungry). Eating slowly and drinking clear, cool drinks can also help. The grand majority of patients who experience nausea will find that it slowly improves over time. Also increasing the dose of the medicine more slowly may help. And we can always prescribe nausea medicine if needed.
- In addition, there have been reports of gastroparesis, where your digestive system freezes up, and even suicidal thoughts. Please inform us and seek medical care immediately if you suspect or experience these.