Weight loss injections
Treatment & Medications
With NowPatient’s Private Treatment Plans you can lose weight safely and easily in a few simple steps. Get started by selecting the medication you are interested in or by hitting the start consultation button below.
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Available treatments
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Weight loss injections key facts
Obesity is a common problem across the world and research has continued to search for treatments. One breakthrough has been the discovery of semaglutide-based drugs. These injectable medications, include Ozempic, Wegovy, Saxenda, Mounjaro, and Zepbound. Here, we will take a closer look at the benefits and differences of these weight loss injections.
Understanding semaglutide medications
Semaglutide is classed as a GLP-1 receptor agonist. It is the active ingredient in medications, such as Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Zepbound. Semaglutide mimics glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) hormones in the body, helping individuals feel full and satisfied after meals, leading to a reduced food intake and weight loss.
Ozempic
Ozempic was originally developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes but has gained attention for its off-label use as a weight loss medication. Ozempic contains semaglutide as its active ingredient, which acts like the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) hormone in the body. Ozempic increases the production of insulin, which signals the feeling of fullness in the brain, helping individuals to effectively lose weight.
Wegovy and Saxenda
Wegovy (semaglutide) and Saxenda (liraglutide) are also brand-name injectable medications designed for healthy weight loss. Both contain a GLP-1 agonist and work by decreasing appetite, helping individuals reduce their calorie intake to achieve weight loss. Both Wegovy and Saxenda are used in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Wegovy
In June 2021, Wegovy was approved by the FDA in the U.S. specifically for chronic weight management. Wegovy contains higher doses of semaglutide compared to Ozempic and is used in adults and children 12 years of age and older with obesity, who have a BMI (body mass index) greater than or equal to 30, or excess weight, with a BMI greater than or equal to 27, and also have other weight-related medical problems. Wegovy is a once-weekly injection, used in combination with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise.
Saxenda
Saxenda is also a GLP-1 receptor agonist, containing liraglutide as its active ingredient. It is used in adults with obesity (BMI greater than or equal to 30) or excess weight (BMI greater than or equal to 27) who have other weight-related medical problems, as well as children, 12 to 17 years of age, with a body weight above 132 pounds (60 kg) and obesity. Saxenda is injected under the skin, subcutaneously, in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
How to use Wegovy and Saxenda?
Both Wegovy and Saxenda are administered as subcutaneous injections, once a week. You must follow the instructions provided in your medication guide and by your healthcare provider. Injection sites should be rotated to reduce the risk of pits and lumps forming under the skin.
Mounjaro
Mounjaro contains tirzepatide, but is used for the management of type 2 diabetes. Off-label however, Mounjaro has shown to cause significant weight loss. Mounjaro helps to regulate blood sugar levels and reduce food intake, and is an alternative weight loss medication for those with diabetes.
Zepbound
Zepbound also contains tirzepatide and is approved by the FDA in the U.S. for chronic weight management. In clinical trials individuals using Zepbound experienced significant weight loss, with some losing almost 20% of their body weight. Zepbound is a promising option for those seeking weight loss.
Comparing semaglutide medications
While Ozempic and Wegovy share the same active ingredient, they are approved for different uses. Ozempic is indicated for type 2 diabetes, while Wegovy is approved for weight management.
Mounjaro and Zepbound also contain the same active ingredient, tirzepatide, but Mounjaro is used for the treatment of diabetes and Zepbound is used for weight management. Speak to a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable medication based on your needs.
Dosage and administration
Dosages and administration will vary depending on the specific drug being used. Both Ozempic and Wegovy are administered once weekly. Ozempic dosing starts at 0.25 mg, gradually increasing to 1 or 2 mg to control blood sugar levels. Wegovy starts at 0.25 mg, increasing to 1.7 mg after four months, and finally to 2.4 mg from month five onwards. Mounjaro, Saxenda and Zepbound have their own guidelines for dosing, which should be followed by healthcare professionals and yourself.
Effectiveness and benefits
The benefits of weight loss can lead to a reduced risk of other health conditions, such as heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and other weight-related conditions. Semaglutide medications offer a potential solution for people struggling with obesity or being overweight.
Important safety information
Before using these weight loss treatments, it is important to understand the risks associated with these medications. Speak to a healthcare provider to determine if these are safe for you.
Thyroid tumours and cancer
These medications have been linked to an increased risk of thyroid tumours, including thyroid cancer. Symptoms include a lump or swelling in the neck, difficulty swallowing, or shortness of breath. These medications should not be used if you have a history of thyroid cancer or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
Allergic reactions
Symptoms of an allergic reaction include swelling of the lips, face, tongue, or throat, trouble breathing or swallowing; severe rash or itching; fainting; or rapid heartbeat. Seek medical help immediately, if you experience any of these symptoms.
Pancreatitis
Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) is a potential side effect of both Wegovy and Saxenda. Symptoms include severe pain in the abdomen that does not go away, with or without vomiting. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience these symptoms.
Gallbladder problems and gallstones
Symptoms of gallbladder problems may include nausea, vomiting, severe stomach pain, fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or clay-coloured stools. Speak to your healthcare provider if you experience any of these symptoms.
Risk of low blood sugar
GLP-1 receptor agonists may increase the risk of low blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes, especially when used with other diabetes medications such as sulfonylureas or insulin. Discuss how to recognize and treat low blood sugar, as well as how to monitor your blood sugar levels with your healthcare provider.
Kidney problems
You may be at an increased risk of kidney failure when using GLP-1 receptor agonists, if you have kidney problems. Kidney problems may become worse if you experience dehydration caused by diarrhoea, nausea, or vomiting. It is vital to stay hydrated and report any symptoms of kidney problems, such as decreased urine or swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet.
Other Precautions
Before starting treatment, inform your healthcare provider about any other medical conditions you may have, such as a history of depression or mental health issues, if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant. Also, disclose all medications you are taking to your healthcare provider, as certain medications may interact with GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Side effects and considerations
The most common side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, constipation, stomach pain, headache, tiredness, upset stomach, loss of appetite, bloating, belching, gas, heartburn, and respiratory symptoms.
These medications may also cause serious side effects, such as pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, low blood sugar, kidney problems, allergic reactions, changes in vision, increased heart rate, depression, and thoughts of suicide.
Additional lifestyle changes
These medications are most effective when used in conjunction with lifestyle changes. A healthy balanced diet, regular physical activity, and behaviour modifications can enhance weight loss with these medications.
Conclusion
By following a reduced-calorie diet, increasing physical activity, and following prescribing guidelines and injection regimens, you may be able to achieve and maintain weight loss. Speak to your healthcare provider when considering the risks and benefits of using weight loss injections and remember to stay informed about possible side effects and to report any concerns to your healthcare provider.
Service Guide
Everything you need to know about Getting Treated Privately
What does the Get Treated Privately service do?
The Get Treated Privately service is a private prescribing service which is designed for adults aged 18 years and over, who are experiencing health issues and who would like to receive a fast-track assessment and if applicable, a treatment plan from a qualified prescribing clinician. Treatments are dispensed and delivered to your home or workplace from our regulated online pharmacy.
Is this a safe service?
Yes. Our formulary of medications prescribed and conditions treated are controlled, governed, and continuously risk-assessed by our Medical Director, Dr. Aseel Hamoud. Unlike other prescribing services which operate using faceless questionnaires, our service is conducted through remote video consultations, also known as synchronous consultations. This builds patient safety and prescribing appropriateness into our service, ensuring our prescribing clinicians can be satisfied with who and what they are treating. There is no guarantee of supply of medications, and any prescriptions supplied are at the sole discretion of our clinician prescriber. There is no charge for the consultation.
What is a prescribing clinician and is it safe for me to use them on the NowPatient platform?
Our prescribing clinicians are board-certified pharmacists, nurses, or doctors who can also prescribe any medicine for any medical condition, subject to accepted accreditation and good clinical practice. They are all registered with their respective regulatory bodies. For example, a pharmacist independent prescriber is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). Each prescribing clinician undergoes an extensive background check including a disclosure and barring service check (DBS). In addition, they undergo a rigorous license verification process. When you book an appointment with our prescribing clinicians you will see their full name, license number, and any specialized credentials they have.
Is the service available worldwide?
Yes, the Get Treated Privately service is available worldwide.
Do I need to pay for this service?
Yes. This is a private service. You do not need to pay for the consultation. You only pay for the cost of the medication you are prescribed.
How do I book a consultation?
Once you have logged into your account, you will need to navigate to the Get Treated Privately quick action widget which is located at the bottom of your dashboard. You can then select one of the following actions – ‘Search Treatments’ or ‘Search Conditions’.
Depending on the search type, you will be taken to a consultation booking screen. You will then need to select a date and time that is convenient for you, along with the preferred language of the prescribing clinician you wish to choose. You will then see a list of all available clinicians. From this list, you can filter clinicians by gender and then select the clinician you would like to confirm for your booking.
Once you have approved this, you will see a summary of the appointment including preliminary information about the consultation. At this point, you will also be able to add a reminder to your calendar. Always ensure your account health profile is up to date before any consultation. This ensures that our clinicians have the most up-to-date information about your current health status and anything that may influence their prescribing decisions. You will receive a push notification and email reminding you of your consultation, 30 minutes before it is due to start.
You can ‘star’ the Get Treated Privately quick action widget to have it display in the ‘My Favourite Widgets’ section of your dashboard, for ease of future booking or checking active or past orders.
What happens during the remote video consultation?
During the consultation, the clinician will ask you a series of questions that will allow the clinician to diagnose your health condition and consider possible treatment options. At the end of the consultation, the clinician will decide if a treatment plan is a safe and appropriate option for you.
If it is, the clinician will discuss the various treatment options that may be available, so that you can jointly agree on the option that is most suited to you. Once you have jointly agreed on a treatment plan, the clinician will issue a prescription order which will be available in your ‘shopping cart’ at the end of the consultation.
Also, with your consent, the clinician may wish to inform your GP of the treatment that was prescribed. We recommend that you agree to this since your GP is responsible for your overall care and they should have a record of this consultation and medication prescribed. In addition, our clinician may take the opportunity to advise you on your overall health including advice on healthy living or stop smoking.
What happens at the end of the consultation?
At the end of the consultation, you will receive a notification which will summarise the outcome. It will also advise if any referrals were made to your GP, along with any other advice that was given to you by the clinician.
If a GP referral letter was issued, you will be able to view a copy of this in the ‘My Documents’ section of your dashboard.
If you were prescribed a treatment plan, it will now be available in your shopping cart. When you go to your shopping cart, you will be able to checkout and make payment. Once the checkout is complete, your prescription order will be sent to our regulated online pharmacy for processing.
What if the prescriber does not prescribe what I want?
We operate a safe and effective service. This means that our prescribing clinicians always exercise their clinical judgment when prescribing. Unfortunately, we do not operate a service where you can demand a certain medication. If you are not prescribed anything, then you will not be charged.
Will I get status updates for my order?
Yes. When you place an order with NowPatient, we will keep you fully updated with the status of your order. Every time the status of your order changes, you will be notified immediately. These notifications will appear in your ‘My Notifications’ section on your dashboard. You can click the notification and it will take you to your active orders screen which will give you a timeline overview of the progress of your order. This can also be accessed using the ‘My Orders’ quick action widget which is on your dashboard. Here, you can access active and past orders.
How will my order be delivered?
All orders are shipped in discreet and unmarked packaging. This means it is suitable for delivery wherever you require (home, work, or a neighbour). For thermo-sensitive orders (e.g. Insulin or weight loss injections) we use cold chain-validated packaging. Your parcel will normally receive an estimated delivery window from the courier on the day of delivery.
For your protection and safety, your first order can only be delivered to the address that is registered with NowPatient. Future orders can be delivered to any other address, for example, your workplace.
Do you ship cold-chain or temperature sensitive products?
Yes. We use a specialist courier service for all thermo-sensitive deliveries. This is to ensure that cold chain integrity is always maintained and thus the product quality, safety and efficacy.
Learn more about how we handle the delivery of temperature sensitive products.
Where do you deliver?
We currently deliver to all postcodes/zipcodes worldwide. Some postcodes in rural areas may have a slightly longer delivery time.
When will my order arrive?
- UK – Royal Mail Tracked 24 & Signed for Delivery – Next day delivery
- Europe – Royal Mail Tracked – Typical delivery of 3-5 working days
- Worldwide – Royal Mail – Typical delivery of 5-7 working days. If a tracked option is available for your country via Royal Mail, this service will be applied.
What should I do if my order has not arrived?
Delivery is normally made promptly after your dispatch notification is received. You can check the tracking details of your order in the ‘My Notifications’ section of your dashboard, at any point after dispatch.
Unfortunately, packages can sometimes get lost in the delivery system, if after 10 days you have not received your delivery, please contact us and we will do all we can to resolve the problem.
Can you prescribe GLP-1 weight loss injections?
Yes. However, with GLP-1 weight loss medications, the license requires that there are support resources put in place as part of the plan including coaching for a healthy lifestyle, exercise, and diet. Our clinicians will discuss this with you, if you are prescribed this type of treatment.
You can learn more on our Weight Loss Programs feature page.
About Telehealth
Everything you need to know about video consultations
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Why am I being asked to provide my Blood Pressure reading?
If I don’t have a Blood Pressure monitor, how can I provide my readings?
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What devices does the remote Blood Pressure monitor work on?
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WHY WE BUILT NOWPATIENT
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The NowPatient virtual care platform provides you with access to trusted health information, affordable treatments, management of chronic health conditions and continuous monitoring for health risks. NowPatient can be accessed by downloading the App or using your web browser.
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What does NowPatient do?
NowPatient is an online pharmacy & telehealth service that is available in the US and UK. Our service is FREE and packed with useful features that can help you save money on the cost of your medications, access virtual treatments, and provide tools that can help improve your overall health.
Get started today and benefit from medication reminders, Get Treated Privately, NHS online pharmacy, GP appointment booking, Rx savings card, Drug Coupons, US drug savings programs, health conditions information, genetic testing, home test kits, BMI Risks, Type 2 Diabetes Risks, pollen meter, air quality monitor, and lots more!
Our service is operated by experienced medical professionals in the United States and the United Kingdom. You can view the online services that we provide by clicking Features.
UK users can safely and securely buy medicines online that treat a wide range of medical conditions. UK customers can also order NHS prescriptions online with the benefit of free tracked delivery.
US customers, regardless of insurance coverage, can enjoy huge savings on prescription medications using our various drug savings programs including drug coupons, savings card and manufacturer-sponsored patient assistance programs.
Where is NowPatient located?
NowPatient has offices in the United Kingdom and United States.
In the UK, we are located at:
NowPatient
28 Chipstead Valley Road
Coulsdon
Surrey
CR52RA
In the US, we are located at:
NowPatient
8911 North Capital of Texas Highway
Suite 4200 #1263
78759
Austin, TX
How can I contact NowPatient?
To contact NowPatient, please use the contact form available on the Contact Us page.
Alternatively, if you need to speak to us, you can reach us on the following numbers:
UK telephone number – 020 388 51 500
US telephone number – 1-866-967-1977
Who owns NowPatient?
NowPatient is owned and operated by Infohealth Ltd, a licensed online pharmacy with services spanning the UK, US and Rest of the World. Infohealth Ltd is registered in England and Wales under company number 04004930 and our registered office is at Lynwood House, 373 – 375 Station Road, Harrow, England, HA1 2AW.
Our website is www.nowpatient.com. Our App is called “NowPatient” and can be downloaded from the App Store (for Apple devices) or Google Play (for Android devices).
Can you tell me more about your NHS online pharmacy?
NowPatient’s Pharmaceutical services in the UK are provided by Infohealth Limited trading as ‘Infohealth Pharmacy’.
Our dispensing pharmacy is regulated and authorized for internet sales by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), registration number 1036487. You can view our license credentials on the General Pharmaceutical Council website. Our superintendent pharmacist who is responsible for the safe and effective oversight of medicines supplies is Mr Amish Patel (Registration Number 2042705).
Medicines are not ordinary items of commerce. All medicines or healthcare product sales are made under the supervision of a registered pharmacist who is licensed by the GPhC. At all times, we endeavour to provide a professional and transparent service whose primary goal is to ensure that the best interests of the patient are served.
How do I make a complaint?
From time to time, we accept that our service levels may not be up to your expectations. NowPatient welcomes concerns, compliments and complaints as valuable feedback that will help us learn from your experiences and make improvements. Feedback can be provided via our clear and transparent Complaints Procedures.
Can you tell me more about NowPatient’s prescribing services for treatments offered?
Our prescribing services are regulated by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC). We provide the following regulated activity:
• treatment of disease, disorder, or injury
• transport services, triage, and medical advice are provided remotely
• caring for adults over 65 years old
• caring for adults under 65 years old
NowPatient prescribing services are run by Infohealth Limited. The Clinical Safety Officer and nominated individual is Mr Navin Khosla.
Can you tell me more about NowPatient’s US services?
Our head of US services is Dr. Jamie Winn.
You can lower the cost of your prescription medications using our various savings programs which include drug coupons, savings card and manufacturer-sponsored patient assistance programs.
We do not provide any prescribing services or dispensing services in the United States.
Is NowPatient legit and can I trust information from NowPatient?
Yes. NowPatient provides trustworthy and accessible clinical, health education and prescription services. We are also trusted by the NHS to deliver clinical and NHS repeat prescription dispensing across the whole of England. In the United States, we work with over 65,000 pharmacies to deliver considerable costs savings for our users.
NowPatient is operated by experienced licensed medical professionals in the United Kingdom and United States. Our Medical Team can be found here.
Our service is trusted by thousands of patients worldwide. You can read their reviews on our Trustpilot:
What are NowPatient’s opening hours?
Our office hours are:
UK – Monday-Friday 9am-6pm GMT
US – Monday-Friday 8am-5pm EST
Please note that we are closed at weekends.
In the event of a medical life-threatening emergency please call:
UK – 999
US – 911
In the event of a medical emergency which is not life-threatening please call:
UK – 111