In Springfield, Missouri, there’s a good chance that you or someone you know is trying the newest trend in weight loss – those self-injections done weekly. According to doctors on On Your Side, these injections are effective and likely to stick around. However, there’s a catch – not all injections are created equal.
Meet Alex, a new mom who found herself emotionally eating and knew she needed a boost. She openly admits, “I need help. I need a leg up. I need a hand.”
She encountered insurance issues while attempting to access well-known semaglutide options such as Wegovy and Ozempic. Instead, she opted for an unapproved alternative from a local med spa, which asserts to contain the same active ingredient. Trusting her provider, she administers weekly injections herself.
You might be asking yourself how a med spa can offer unapproved medicine. Well, the FDA oversees drug manufacturers after thorough testing. Ozempic is a sanctioned diabetes drug, and Wegovy is approved for both diabetes and weight loss. Although the supply has improved, doctors mention that during shortages, pharmacies or labs may create similar versions. However, it’s important to note that the FDA does not endorse these alternatives.
“It’s a medication intended for research purposes and is not meant to be prescribed for human use. Its intended use is in laboratory rats,” explained Dr. James Bonucchi, an Endocrinologist at CoxHealth.
Dr. Bonucchi advises caution for consumers.
“You can’t be sure about what you’re getting unless it’s tested in a lab. Each batch needs thorough lab testing,” he emphasized.
With no generics available for these popular FDA-approved medicines, the brand names can be costly. Dr. Bonucchi suggests that if you’re interested, your initial step should be a conversation with your healthcare provider.
“They have the best resources to obtain the medication if you meet the criteria,” he explained.
When insurance doesn’t cover it, many people seek solutions at places like Nurse V Beauty+Tox in Springfield and Republic.
“It’s legitimate. They’re getting the real deal,” assured Victoria Verheyen, a nurse practitioner. “It’s not some random thing. I personally prepare four weeks of medications for them.”
Patients under Verheyen’s care need to go through a process to obtain these compounds. This involves a consultation, lab work, and meeting specific criteria such as having a BMI and body mass index of 27 or higher.
“If their BMI is within the normal range and they just want to lose a few pounds for a vacation, this drug might not be the right fit for them,” explained Verheyen.
The same applies to The Crafted Clinic on the Marshfield square.
“I tell my patients, if your insurance takes care of it, go ahead for your botox. You don’t have to come to me for that,” shared Amanda Hyde, a nurse practitioner.
Hyde also added, “Our patients, together in the last year and a half, have shed over 20,000 pounds.”
Her patients administer their own dosage. Some doctors express concerns about potential errors, ranging from application mistakes to accidental overdose.
“How can we guarantee safety?” questioned Dr. Rani Nair, an Endocrinologist at Mercy. “Reusing needles or sharing pens is risky and can lead to the transmission of diseases and illnesses.”
Having experience in family practice, Hyde commented, “I worked in family practice for many years, and patients were drawing up insulin. We just teach them.”
A brief online search reveals various places and websites that sell these compounds.
“If you search online, anyone can get these medications by answering a few questions,” warned Dr. Nair.
Here are some key points to remember:
- Some clinics may deliver the medication to your home; ensure proper storage.
- Be cautious of promises for rapid results.
- Understand the total cost; anticipate a monthly expense in the range of a few hundred dollars.
- Watch out for red flags like initially low costs followed by additional fees or an unusually cheap price.
“If someone is offering you the medication for $100-$200, I can’t guarantee what you’re getting,” cautioned Verheyen.
To get a prescription for a compound in Missouri, you need to have a consultation.
“If you’re not consulting with a provider like a nurse practitioner, physician assistant, or doctor, it’s advisable to rethink your options,” suggested Verheyen.
You might believe you’re getting the genuine product, but here’s an example of a fake Ozempic found on the FDA website.
The website warns: Counterfeits could have incorrect ingredients, inadequate or excessive amounts, or even no active ingredient. They might also contain harmful substances.
If you take the shot without making lifestyle changes, you might end up gaining more weight.
“These medications aren’t meant for quick fixes. They’ve been researched for long-term weight loss and are considered safe for extended use. However, when people stop taking them, we often observe the regained weight, and sometimes even more,” explained Dr. Bonucchi.
On a positive note, there’s good news coming. Generic versions are on the horizon.
“The older versions of these medications will lose their patents in the next few years. After that, we’ll have genuine generic options available,” added Dr. Bonucchi.
However, the weight loss may not be as impressive.
“With some of the older ones, you might see around 10-15% weight loss,” explained Dr. Bonucchi.
Like any medications, there can be side effects.
Although there’s a lengthy list, the health experts we talked to highlighted potential side effects like pancreatitis, nausea, and constipation.
Not everyone should use it. This includes those with a history of thyroid cancer or a risk of it. It’s a no-go if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding.
If you choose a compound, make sure to inquire about its ingredients and origin.
The FDA website offers a helpful tool. Enter the lab’s name to check for reported problems and see if the lab has fixed them.
Recently, The American Academy of Pediatrics endorsed weight loss drugs like Wegovy for teenagers following FDA approval for individuals aged twelve and older.
