Frequently Asked Questions on Weight Loss
Embarking on a weight loss journey can be both exciting and challenging. To support you every step of the way, we've compiled a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions.
From understanding different treatment options to managing dosage adjustments and navigating through potential side effects, our FAQs are designed to provide you with valuable information and guidance. Let's embark on this journey together, empowering you to make informed decisions and achieve your weight loss goals.
Ordering medication
When should I place my next order?
The best time to reorder your injectable weight loss medication, such as Wegovy or Mounjaro, is after your first two doses. This ensures you have time to adjust to the initial dose before moving to the next. We advise placing your order at least 2 weeks before running out of treatment or changing your dose.
How to adjust your dose:
Increase your dose each month until you reach the maximum maintenance dose. If you need to step down or maintain a specific dose, please contact our doctors for advice.
- More information about our Weight Loss service
- If you have any further questions on your treatment you can message us via your patient account.
Can I order more in advance?
Yes, you can order more of your weight loss injections in advance. This can help ensure you have a continuous supply without interruptions in your treatment.
How do I reorder for my next dose?
To place a repeat order (including orders where you wish to increase dose), you will need to complete our weight loss assessment as you would if ordering your first pen. You will be able to later choose a different strength. It is important to ensure you have specified the dose of medication you are currently taking to ensure the appropriate dosage continuity options are visible to you.
How it works:
- Complete a short assessment, which includes questions on which medication you are on and which dose you are currently on.
- Highlight your treatment preference; we will show you the next higher dose, the same dose you are currently on and the next lower dose.
- Our doctors review your answers, and approve your order if treatment is still suitable.
Why can I not see the product I need to order?
If the treatment you're seeking isn't visible after your consultation, it could be due to:
- An issue with filling out the questionnaire correctly.
- The treatment being temporarily unavailable or out of stock.
If this occurs, we suggest:
- Checking our treatments page periodically to see if it's back in stock.
- Considering filling out another questionnaire to ensure accuracy.
If you're unable to see your preferred weightloss treatment, it is recommended that you remain on your pre-existing dose for the next course and increase dosage when your desired dosage becomes available again.
We're here to support you in finding the right treatment.
Why is my order still pending?
Orders are usually pending because a doctor needs more information to process it. This can include:
- Questions about your health to ensure the treatment is suitable
- Photos of yourself to confirm your details for weight loss treatment
If your order is pending, please check your patient account for any messages from your doctor. Please allow at least 48 hours for our doctors to reply.
Why has my payment been refunded without explanation?
In some cases, your bank releases the funds before we have reviewed your order. This does not mean your order has been cancelled. Orders are only cancelled if you receive a clear message in your account.
How do I switch to a different weight loss medication?
To switch from Wegovy to Mounjaro:
- Request Mounjaro at the starting dose. This will let our doctors know you want to change medication
- Our doctors will review your questionnaire and advise you on what to do next
Please note:
- You can begin Mounjaro 7 days after your last Wegovy dose.
- Even if you were taking the highest dose of Wegovy, you cannot begin Mounjaro on a high dose. Our doctors will confirm the right starting dose for you.
Learn more about switching from Wegovy to Mounjaro
To switch from Mounjaro to Wegovy:
- Request Wegovy at the starting dose. This will let our doctors know you want to change medication
- Our doctors will review your questionnaire and advise you on what to do next
Please note:
- You can begin Wegovy 7 days after your last Mounjaro dose.
- You do not need a full washout period.
- You do not need to restart from the lowest dose unless your doctor recommends it.
Can I order more than one pen or a treatment pack?
Yes. You can order up to 3 single pens or a 3-month treatment pack, depending on your treatment plan. Our doctors will review your request and decide if your request is suitable for you, based on your medical information.
Treatment packs are only shown to patients when it’s medically suitable and in line with our doctors’ guidelines. This is to make sure your treatment stays safe and effective.
We’ll confirm shortly if this process will change after the price increase.
I want to order multiple pens but it's only allowing me to order one at a time
For some patients, it may only be possible to order one pen at a time, depending on medical suitability. If you’d like three pens, you’ll need to place three separate orders. This allows our doctors to review each order properly and helps avoid situations where only part of a larger order can be approved.
Are there any other payment options available?
Yes. If you’d prefer not to pay the full amount at once, you can use PayPal’s Pay in 3 or Pay Later to spread the cost over time. We also accept Google Pay, Visa Electron, Debit or Credit Card, and Mastercard Debit or Credit Card.
I've placed my order and not heard anything back
Each request is carefully reviewed by one of our doctors. At the moment, processing can take up to 24 hours due to high demand. While you wait, we’ll keep you informed by email about any changes to processing times or delivery, and you’ll be notified as soon as your order has been reviewed.
Why can't I see Mounjaro treatment packs?
Treatment packs are only shown to patients who are eligible according to our guidelines.
If you can’t see a treatment pack when requesting treatment, it may not be suitable for you right now. You can still order up to 3 single pens by placing a separate request for each.
Our doctors will then review your request to decide if your request is right for you.
We’ll share an update soon on whether pack availability will change.
Why has my payment been refunded without explanation?
When you place an order, your bank puts a temporary hold on the funds. Sometimes this hold expires before we review your order, which can make it look like a refund. Your order is still active and will only be cancelled if you receive a clear message in your account. Once approved, payment will be taken and you will be notified by email and in your patient account.
Dosage information
How do I know to increase my dose?
After 4 weeks on your current dose, you may increase your dose. But if you’re still suffering from side effects, or you feel you need to stay on the current dose for any other reason, you can do so and move up at a later date.
Mounjaro only: There are three licensed maintenance doses for Mounjaro: 5mg, 10mg and 15mg. This means that once you get to one of these doses, you can stay on that dose rather than moving up to a higher dose if you feel it’s working well for you.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
If you forget to take your Mounjaro or Wegovy injection:
If it's been 4 days or less: Take the injection as soon as you remember. Then, take your next dose on your regular schedule.
If it's been more than 4 days (but less than a full missed week): Skip the missed dose. Just wait and take your next dose on your regular day. (If it has been more than a full week missed you might need to restart at the lowest dose. See our doctor advice in your patient account specific to your treatment).
This way, you stay on track with your treatment plan.
What if I have lost or misused a dose?
If you lose or misuse a dose of your Mounjaro or Wegovy injection, you have two options:
Option 1: Ideally, you should use each dose for at least 4 weeks before moving to the next one. We recommend getting the same dose again and continuing with another pen for another 4 weeks. There's no harm in staying on a lower dose longer than 4 weeks. Many people do this to allow any side effects to settle.
Option 2: If you don’t want to stay on the same dose and have not had any side effects, you can consider moving up to the next dose after your 3 doses are finished. However, this is not the recommended use of the pen and may cause more side effects at the higher dose.
If you lose or misuse more than one dose, you should order another pen of the same dose to continue for at least 4 weeks in total. We do not recommend moving up to the next dose if you've had fewer than 3 doses at your current level.
How should I adjust my dosage?
You should only ever adjust your dose as instructed by your doctor. Always follow your doctor's instructions and check your treatment plan in your patient account before changing your dose.
The time between doses is usually 4 weeks. But this can change depending on how you're responding to your treatment.
What should I do, if I mistakenly took an extra dose?
If you mistakenly took an extra dose, you may experience more intense side effects, but these will settle over time. If the side effects are troublesome, delay your next dose by a few days. If the side effects are too difficult to manage or are not getting better, speak to a healthcare professional.
Medication use, storage & efficacy
How long will my treatment last?
Each Mounjaro and Wegovy pen contains 4 weekly doses. This means each pen should last 28 days (4 weeks).
Mounjaro is a pen injection that you use once a week. In each box, you will receive one pen (4 doses). This means that each pen will last 4 weeks.
How should I store my medication?
Unopened: Both Wegovy and Mounjaro should be stored in the fridge between 2°C and 8°C. Keep them in their original packaging until ready for use. Do not freeze them.
After First Use: Once the pen has been used, it can be stored at room temperature (not exceeding 30°C) for up to 30 days, or you can continue storing it in the fridge. Each pen should last 21 days (4 doses in total) after their first use. When not in use, keep the pen cap on to protect it from light.
Please note:
- Wegovy must be used within 6 weeks of being exposed to temperatures above 8°C
- Mounjaro must be used within 30 days of being exposed to temperatures above 8°C
How do I switch to a different weight loss medication?
To switch from Wegovy to Mounjaro:
- Request Mounjaro at the starting dose. This will let our doctors know you want to change medication
- Our doctors will review your questionnaire and advise you on what to do next
Please note: You must stop taking Wegovy for at least 5 weeks before you can start Mounjaro.
Learn more about switching from Wegovy to Mounjaro
To switch from Mounjaro to Wegovy:
- Request Wegovy at the starting dose. This will let our doctors know you want to change medication
- Our doctors will review your questionnaire and advise you on what to do next
Please note:
- You can begin Wegovy 7 days after your last Mounjaro dose.
- You do not need a full washout period.
- You do not need to restart from the lowest dose unless your doctor recommends it.
How can I get more needles?
You can get more needles from your pharmacy or directly from us through ASDA. We recommend 32G/4mm screw fit needles. Compatible examples include BD Micro-Fine Ultra, GlucoRx Ultra Carepoint, and GlucoRx Finepoint.
How do I dispose of my needles and sharps bin?
If you need to dispose of your needles, we recommend selecting a sharps bin during any of your consultations. You can then dispose of your used needles in the sharps bin until it is full or you wish to stop treatment. You can contact your local Council for collection and safe disposal of your finished sharps bin. Or you can visit your local pharmacy, which may be able to take this and dispose of it for you, each pharmacy has its own provision for this service.
We would recommend waiting until your sharps bin is more full or you are terminating treatment before requesting a collection, as you may not have several collections in a year. Each council will have different provisions and collection is ultimately up to them. If you need our support with a Clinical Waste collection, once you have contacted your Council, please send us a message in your patient account.
Why does the syringe look like it has more doses?
If there is more fluid in your pen, this may be caused by the small amount of 'surplus fluid' left in each pen. This fluid helps the pen function correctly and is nothing to be concerned about.
Why aren't I losing more weight?
You may notice that you suddenly stop losing weight after a period of weight loss. This is called a weight loss plateau, and it's a natural part of the process.
When you increase your dose, you also might notice that it doesn't work as well as before. This is normal, as your body gets used to the new dose. At first, you might also lose water weight instead of fat, which is why your weight may stabilise.
If you keep taking your medication as directed, eat healthy and exercise regularly, you should continue losing weight after your plateau.
How long does it take for the medication to work?
It depends on the person. Some people see results within a few weeks, while others might need a few months.
You might start feeling fuller after a few doses, but it can take time for the medication to fully work in your body. If you don't see any changes after a few months, you can talk to your doctor about other options.
What are alternative treatments for weight loss? Would something else work better?
For weight loss injections, options include Wegovy, Mounjaro, and Saxenda. Wegovy contains semaglutide, mimicking GLP-1 to signal fullness. Mounjaro contains Tirzepatide, mimicking hunger and satiety hormones. Saxenda, containing liraglutide, also signals fullness and aids weight loss with diet and exercise.
For weight loss tablets, Orlistat/Xenical blocks fat absorption, while Mysimba acts on brain areas controlling appetite and food cravings. alli, an over-the-counter tablet, contains a lower dose of Orlistat.
Regular weight reviews are essential with any treatment, alongside a healthy diet and exercise plan.
Deliveries
When will my order be delivered?
After your order has been dispatched, the delivery provider will send you tracking information and an estimated delivery time.
Want to track your order? Log into your account here
How do you send out these orders?
All of our weight loss injection orders are sent via direct courier in temperature-controlled packaging. This ensures your treatments arrive at the correct temperature and on time.
What happens if my order is delivered late?
If your medication arrives late, refrigerate it immediately and send us a message to let us know via your patient account.
Please check that the liquid in your pen is clear, and not cloudy and do not throw away any packaging.
All deliveries do include cooling packs to keep medication at the right temperature during delivery.
Need to let us know about a delay? Log into your account here
Can I collect my order from a pharmacy?
Due to fluctuating stock issues it is not always possible to collect your weight loss medication from a pharmacy. If this is possible for your medication, this will be displayed as an option after selecting your product.
Photo submissions
What photos may you require?
When submitting photos as part of your consultation for weight loss injections, it is important to follow our guidelines. Providing clear and accurate photos helps our doctors ensure that your treatment is safe and suitable for you, and allows them to monitor your progress. Our photo guidelines change on a regular basis, please make sure your photos match our latest guidelines.
Will I always need to upload photos after placing an order?
No, you will only be asked for photos:
- When you first order weight loss treatment
- Every 3 months. This may change and will be determined by your doctor.
- On your annual review
Ready to place your next order? Log into your account.
Why are my provided photos not adequate?
As we do not do face-to-face consultations, we require photos as evidence to make sure the information submitted during consultations is accurate. This is to make sure treatments are safe and suitable for our patients.
- We have strict criteria regarding photos that need to be met for our doctors to make sure treatment is safe and suitable for you. If your photos are not accepted, it is most likely because they do not meet this criteria.
Our photo guidelines change on a regular basis, please make sure your photos match our latest guidelines.
We understand that taking photos can be a sensitive issue, and we appreciate your effort in providing them. However, if your photos do not meet the above criteria or our doctors cannot verify their integrity, we may need to ask for further photos.
What if I don't want to submit photos?
We can not provide treatment if you can not submit photos. We do this to ensure treatment is safe and suitable for you. Using weight loss medication incorrectly can have dangerous side effects, and we want to guarantee we are prescribing safely and appropriately for our patients.
If incorrect photos or photos that don’t match our guidelines are submitted, there may be delays to your order as we will request new photos.
Travelling with treatment
How do I get a letter for my GP or to be able to travel with the medication?
We understand the importance of having proper documentation for your treatment or travel needs. Once your treatment is approved, we provide a GP letter. You can quickly download it via your patient account in your "order history".
Will I need to drop back to the starting dose if I travel?
If you're travelling and need to adjust your dosing schedule, you can do so as long as there are at least 4 days between any two doses. You will need to go back to your starting dose if you have more than a 2-week gap between doses.
How can I change my dosing days if I'm going on holiday?
If you're planning a holiday and need to adjust your dosing schedule, you can do so as long as there are at least 4 days between any two doses.
However, if you have more than a 2-week gap between doses, you must go back to the starting dose of your treatment and work your way up again.