treschic, I agree that the portion sizes are generally large. I'm going to keep that in mind for sure in the future. I'm trying a liquid diet for today (I' not hungry but I haven't eaten since 6 last night so DH got me a nutritional shake when he went to fill my Rx.
And on that note, even with the $25 coupon, CVS said we needed to pay $525 because I have ExpressScripts insurance. She said Express Scripts prefers Ozempic. I want Mounjaro if I want blood sugar help (I'm waiting to find out from my endo if my pre-diabetes has shifted to full on Type 2) and significant weight loss, correct? I thought I saw something on TikTok about CVS being weird about Mounjaro? Should I try a different pharmacy?
Ozempic is also for glycemic control and weight loss. I have been taking it for about 10 months and lost 30% of my body weight (essentially bringing me back to my weight pre-insulin resistance - I'm not pre-diabetic yet). You could always start on ozempic and switch later to another option.
raleighnc , I was able to get my 5 mg filled eventually at Walgreens using my coupon code for $570, they wouldn't do $25 without a PA. My insurer doesn't cover it, Ozempic or Wegovy but this is a game changer. I don't think about food at all and, honestly can comfortably go a day or more without eating at all (which I've figured out I have to do more or less the day after injection to avoid gnarly side effects.) I have no sugar or carb cravings. None. It is totally wild. I've had very steady weight loss for the past month or more but I'm also pre-diabetic with hashimoto's so I'm also looking for nonscale victories.
ETA: My bio dad was a T1D and died from it only a little older than I am now so I'll do whatever I can do avoid becoming diabetic. I've been hovering in the pre-diabetic zone for about the same amount of time as my thyroid burning out, both after DS was born. I was fine during pregnancy but in retrospect, I think I went hyperthyroid afterward and things sort of went downhill after that. Low carb/keto, intermittent fasting haven't done anything.
raleighnc , I was able to get my 5 mg filled eventually at Walgreens using my coupon code for $570, they wouldn't do $25 without a PA. My insurer doesn't cover it, Ozempic or Wegovy but this is a game changer. I don't think about food at all and, honestly can comfortably go a day or more without eating at all (which I've figured out I have to do more or less the day after injection to avoid gnarly side effects.) I have no sugar or carb cravings. None. It is totally wild. I've had very steady weight loss for the past month or more but I'm also pre-diabetic with hashimoto's so I'm also looking for nonscale victories.
ETA: My bio dad was a T1D and died from it only a little older than I am now so I'll do whatever I can do avoid becoming diabetic. I've been hovering in the pre-diabetic zone for about the same amount of time as my thyroid burning out, both after DS was born. I was fine during pregnancy but in retrospect, I think I went hyperthyroid afterward and things sort of went downhill after that. Low carb/keto, intermittent fasting haven't done anything.
I'm glad you got it! Hopefully your insurance will start covering it or your doctor can do the PA. I have had the same experience on ozempic - it's like a filter of hunger and food thoughts has been lifted and I am no longer exhausted after eating (I'm insulin resistant and pump out a ton of insulin for a long time after eating, so it makes me feel crappy). I used to delay eating lunch until after picking up my older daughter because it's 35 minutes each way and I was afraid I would fall asleep. It's crazy how messed up your metabolism can get. I agree about doing everything possible to avoid progressing to diabetes - I am so glad I found an endo (from a poster on here!) who is proactive and not making me wait 10+ years until my pancreas is shot. Good luck!
For anyone having issues, I just read that Walmart pharmacies were told to run the coupon and not ask questions about type 2 diagnoses so it might be worth a try. I’ve also found that our local, non chain pharmacy has been much better about dispensing without issue.
I so hope the supply issues get sorted out. Soon. The higher doses of Ozempic and Wegovy have been approved in Canada for ages but we can't get any supply here. It sucks being a diabetic who desperately needs it and can't get it. My insulin dosages are insane and I know that increasing my Ozempic will help. /rant
Post by expectantsteelerfan on Dec 18, 2022 20:21:59 GMT -5
I'm sorry for those who are struggling to get the meds. I have *knocks on wood* not had any trouble continuing to get Wegovy from Express Scripts. I get a 3 month supply for about $125 with a Prior Auth through my insurance, but my A1C has been in the pre-diabetic range for years. I just had it checked again, and it was 5.7, which is right at the cusp of normal (according to my doctor's guidelines, <5.7 is normal), so I wonder if I go below 5.7 if I will have continue to be able to get it if I move into the normal range. My weight loss has really slowed though. My BMI is still just over the threshold for the obese range as well though.
Has anyone ever accidentally left their unused pen out at room temp? I know this is fine after first use but I’m unsure of the rationale.
My husband picked up my prescription and forgot it needs to go in the fridge. It’s been out at room temp (67ish degrees) for about 5 hours. I’m inclined to use it anyway since it didn’t heat up, provided it’s not cloudy. Maybe less effective but I can’t imagine harmful. Anyone have any experience with this?
You can call to get specific temp excursion data from the manufacturer but as a pharmacist I would still use this pen myself.
Has anyone ever accidentally left their unused pen out at room temp? I know this is fine after first use but I’m unsure of the rationale.
My husband picked up my prescription and forgot it needs to go in the fridge. It’s been out at room temp (67ish degrees) for about 5 hours. I’m inclined to use it anyway since it didn’t heat up, provided it’s not cloudy. Maybe less effective but I can’t imagine harmful. Anyone have any experience with this?
If you review the packaging, there is a lengthy bit about it staying out of refrigerator for up to 21 days. When in doubt, though, call your pharmacist!
Mounjaro can last unrefrigerated for up to 21 days. Just make sure the temperature does not get any higher than 86°F (30°C). Keep your pen in its original carton to protect your pen from light."
I so hope the supply issues get sorted out. Soon. The higher doses of Ozempic and Wegovy have been approved in Canada for ages but we can't get any supply here. It sucks being a diabetic who desperately needs it and can't get it. My insulin dosages are insane and I know that increasing my Ozempic will help. /rant
So sorry you’re dealing with that. Definitely seems like a huge problem Possibly will improve in 2023?
Here’s an article titled "As the market for new weight loss drugs soars, people with diabetes pay the price."
I so hope the supply issues get sorted out. Soon. The higher doses of Ozempic and Wegovy have been approved in Canada for ages but we can't get any supply here. It sucks being a diabetic who desperately needs it and can't get it. My insulin dosages are insane and I know that increasing my Ozempic will help. /rant
So sorry you’re dealing with that. Definitely seems like a huge problem Possibly will improve in 2023?
Here’s an article titled "As the market for new weight loss drugs soars, people with diabetes pay the price."
These articles are completely unfair imo. People who are on these drugs for weight loss by and large are on the medication for serious health-related reasons, not to get from a size 2 to a size 0 to fit into a cute dress. Are there people using these meds who probably don't need them, sure (like Mindy Kaling) - but most people who are taking this for weight loss have obesity and are taking it to drastically improve their health and PREVENT diabetes. The manufacturer is the one who needs to fix their supply issues. It isn't fair to blame people who are doing everything they can to improve their health.
It all goes back to the idea that being overweight is some kind of moral failing. The assumption is that people who are overweight or obese are lazy, and they just want to take a pill or shot and not do anything else and have the weight magically come off. That isn't how any of this works.
These articles are completely unfair imo. People who are on these drugs for weight loss by and large are on the medication for serious health-related reasons, not to get from a size 2 to a size 0 to fit into a cute dress. Are there people using these meds who probably don't need them, sure (like Mindy Kaling) - but most people who are taking this for weight loss have obesity and are taking it to drastically improve their health and PREVENT diabetes. The manufacturer is the one who needs to fix their supply issues. It isn't fair to blame people who are doing everything they can to improve their health.
It all goes back to the idea that being overweight is some kind of moral failing. The assumption is that people who are overweight or obese are lazy, and they just want to take a pill or shot and not do anything else and have the weight magically come off. That isn't how any of this works.
You know wanderback is a physician, yes?
And people taking these meds to lose weight without a diagnosed medical condition seem to be the ones who see being fat as a problem.
Being fat does not equal being unhealthy. Being thin does not equal good health.
These articles are completely unfair imo. People who are on these drugs for weight loss by and large are on the medication for serious health-related reasons, not to get from a size 2 to a size 0 to fit into a cute dress. Are there people using these meds who probably don't need them, sure (like Mindy Kaling) - but most people who are taking this for weight loss have obesity and are taking it to drastically improve their health and PREVENT diabetes. The manufacturer is the one who needs to fix their supply issues. It isn't fair to blame people who are doing everything they can to improve their health.
It all goes back to the idea that being overweight is some kind of moral failing. The assumption is that people who are overweight or obese are lazy, and they just want to take a pill or shot and not do anything else and have the weight magically come off. That isn't how any of this works.
Fwiw I generally follow the moto of "health at every size," so being obese doesn’t automatically mean one is unhealthy or going to get diabetes. I’m obese myself. There are people in this thread who said they are taking mounjaro purely for weight loss. I’m not judging them at all, I just think it really sucks for the people who have diabetes and it is truly a life saving medication but aren’t able to get their refills because of supply issues due to off label use. 2/3 of people who have pre diabetes don’t go on to develop diabetes. I’ve read some of the trials of the medications but didn’t see a clear answer in my reviews, did the trials show that they prevent diabetes? I’m the first to hate hate insurance companies, but there is a reason that some things do require a prior authorization.
Post by sofamonkey on Dec 29, 2022 10:41:41 GMT -5
I’m one of those that’s technically taking it for weight loss, as I “only” have pre-diabetes, but my blood sugars were getting into the 140s so it was time to do something. I don’t technically qualify, and get mine from a compound pharmacy. Honestly, I have a love/hate relationship with posting about it. I feel super judged, and probably it is warranted, so then I just feel awful for taking medication from those that are deserving. Idk. It’s a lot to process, which isn’t all weight related things?
My concern though is that it really does reduce appetite. Some days, I barely eat. Is my metabolism going to be messed up? Like, will there be long term damage similar to the diets of yesteryear that messed up your metabolism by not eating much.
My concern though is that it really does reduce appetite. Some days, I barely eat. Is my metabolism going to be messed up? Like, will there be long term damage similar to the diets of yesteryear that messed up your metabolism by not eating much.
This is what I’ve been wondering re: these drugs. Is it causing weight loss by any mechanism other than lowering appetite, therefore leading you to take in less calories more easily?
My concern though is that it really does reduce appetite. Some days, I barely eat. Is my metabolism going to be messed up? Like, will there be long term damage similar to the diets of yesteryear that messed up your metabolism by not eating much.
This is what I’ve been wondering re: these drugs. Is it causing weight loss by any mechanism other than lowering appetite, therefore leading you to take in less calories more easily?
Yes, this is not just about calories in calories out. The idea that if fat people just ate less they'd lose weight is part of the stigma.
This is what I’ve been wondering re: these drugs. Is it causing weight loss by any mechanism other than lowering appetite, therefore leading you to take in less calories more easily?
Yes, this is not just about calories in calories out. The idea that if fat people just ate less they'd lose weight is part of the stigma.
I’m aware of that. That’s why I was wondering if this med was truly different than other treatments we’ve seen in the past.
This is what I’ve been wondering re: these drugs. Is it causing weight loss by any mechanism other than lowering appetite, therefore leading you to take in less calories more easily?
Yes, this is not just about calories in calories out. The idea that if fat people just ate less they'd lose weight is part of the stigma.
The idea that folks just need to lose weight is also part of the stigma.
Yes, this is not just about calories in calories out. The idea that if fat people just ate less they'd lose weight is part of the stigma.
I’m aware of that. That’s why I was wondering if this med was truly different than other treatments we’ve seen in the past.
Yes, it changes how your body processes things. It slows your digestion down a bit, it helps regulate your blood sugars, (I think, but I’m not 100% sure on this, it keeps them from going too high or low).
I just don’t know the long term effects of this drug. I was hoping someone might be able to be helpful. I see flippant is on the table though. Lol. (PP, not tr)
I’m aware of that. That’s why I was wondering if this med was truly different than other treatments we’ve seen in the past.
Yes, it changes how your body processes things. It slows your digestion down a bit, it helps regulate your blood sugars, (I think, but I’m not 100% sure on this, it keeps them from going too high or low).
I just don’t know the long term effects of this drug. I was hoping someone might be able to be helpful. I see flippant is on the table though. Lol. (PP, not tr)
I don’t know if you are referring to me, but I’m not trying to be flippant. I’m just brief.
Yes, it changes how your body processes things. It slows your digestion down a bit, it helps regulate your blood sugars, (I think, but I’m not 100% sure on this, it keeps them from going too high or low).
I just don’t know the long term effects of this drug. I was hoping someone might be able to be helpful. I see flippant is on the table though. Lol. (PP, not tr)
I don’t know if you are referring to me, but I’m not trying to be flippant. I’m just brief.
I’m aware of that. That’s why I was wondering if this med was truly different than other treatments we’ve seen in the past.
I see flippant is on the table though. Lol. (PP, not tr)
Because I know how these things go, I didn't mean to be flippant to TR. These drugs have gone through rigorous trials. There is a lot of information out there about how they work, and it's not just about decreasing appetite.
People are welcome to be happy at whatever weight that they are. But acting like morbid obesity isn't a health issue that is treated as a moral failing is a bit obtuse.
I have huge amounts of respect for wanderingback and what she brings to the abortion and women's health care community. But many other doctors do see being overweight as an issue that can be solved by diet and exercise, and this isn't always the case.
These articles are completely unfair imo. People who are on these drugs for weight loss by and large are on the medication for serious health-related reasons, not to get from a size 2 to a size 0 to fit into a cute dress. Are there people using these meds who probably don't need them, sure (like Mindy Kaling) - but most people who are taking this for weight loss have obesity and are taking it to drastically improve their health and PREVENT diabetes. The manufacturer is the one who needs to fix their supply issues. It isn't fair to blame people who are doing everything they can to improve their health.
It all goes back to the idea that being overweight is some kind of moral failing. The assumption is that people who are overweight or obese are lazy, and they just want to take a pill or shot and not do anything else and have the weight magically come off. That isn't how any of this works.
You know wanderback is a physician, yes?
And people taking these meds to lose weight without a diagnosed medical condition seem to be the ones who see being fat as a problem.
Being fat does not equal being unhealthy. Being thin does not equal good health.
No I didn't know she was a physician and I'm not meaning to address her in particular. I do think the people who write these articles are being unfair. I think people who want to take these drugs for obesity are just as worthy of taking them, and the drug companies need to do what they need to do to make them available.
FWIW I'm not losing weight because I was unhappy with my appearance. My bp, cholesterol, etc were all fine. But I was still not feeling good - lots of stiffness, back pain, hip pain, knee pain, difficulty getting moving in the morning, struggling to do certain physical activities, bending over, etc. For me personally, losing weight is about mobility as well as lowering risks for health conditions that obesity can contribute to. I'm not on Ozempic or Mounjary (I'm on a different weight loss med) but if someone wants these medications and their doctor feels it's the right decision to prescribe it, I think that person should be able to be on it and isn't less worthy of taking it because they're taking it for obesity.
Personally I am ALL FOR body positivity, and absolutely believe you can be healthy at any size. I'm also not against people wanting to change their body size for reasons that are important to them. If being fat is a problem *for that person* it's ok for them to want to change that. I've been working on changing my body size and that's ok. I'm pretty sure that's what this post is all about.
Post by sproctopus on Dec 29, 2022 11:54:29 GMT -5
I would love for anyone with weight issues to take these drugs when they want to-- but there aren't enough of the drugs to help those who the drug was intended to help currently.
I was only able to try 2 samples from my doctor's (endocrinologist) office. I have PCOS and my hormones and issues are all tied together with weight and insulin resistance. It helped significantly. My period came back. I felt better. I lost weight. For me, personally, I wasn't willing to continue with a prescription that meant I was taking it from someone who needed it. The social media push from TikTok to skirt using your doctor (because they wouldn't give it to you) and tricks for getting around it are a bit wild to me. Idk if it's just because I've had an endo for so long, but hormones are complicated and if the experts are saying, "Wait, it's not approved yet for that" or "Let's do bloodwork and rule out other things (thyroid, adrenal gland, etc)" -- I don't know why so many are willing to go around that.
There are a few other weight-loss drugs approved specifically for weight-loss that are not in short supply. I am hopeful that Mounjaro will be approved for weight loss or diabetes-adjacent diseases.
Also, both things are true-- weight is complicated and not just calories in, calories out but these drugs work in large part by altering body and brain chemistry that results in reduced appetite. When people stop taking them, they regain appetite and gain weight. My endo was pretty clear that this was a "for life" drug (maybe not for everyone in the same way some diet habits stick for some and they're able to maintain).
My feeling on the supply issues is that in a shortage situation, the medication should be used for the reason for which it was approved by the FDA. In the case of Ozempic, that is diabetes. I know this sounds like I'm gatekeeping, but at this point, my life is at risk daily. We're not talking about blood sugars creeping up to the 140s. We're talking so high my sensor can't read it. That means it is over 400. I take massive amounts of insulin, so high that every doctor but mine believes it's a mistake. Even with the extreme insulin, the super high blood sugar is doing immediate damage to my eyes among so many other things. My insulin resistance is so strong my body basically acts like insulin is water. Ozempic 1.0 was amazing for me. I just need a higher dose.
I truly get the argument that obesity is a disease in itself. I haven't been able to think up any reason though that it is more deadly every day than what a diabetic like me goes through. I hear all of the arguments about mobility, chronic pain and obesity leading to high BP, cholesterol and the like. I might die today though.
I'm not trying to be shitty, I promise I'm listening to everyone. I'm just tired of barely eating and having to walk the thinnest of lines.
Post by sofamonkey on Dec 29, 2022 16:39:30 GMT -5
Alex it’s ok. You’re not a jerk or anything, and I’m truly sorry for what you’re going through. Are you able to use a compounding pharmacy at all? That’s what I’ve been doing. Although a PP did mention that it’s not a great solution, as it’s less regulated and the quality is lower.
It’s ok to gatekeep here. I already feel like an asshole, so nothing anyone has said has made anything worse in that regard. I also really truly appreciate that people are willing to have the entire discussion.
My BP was dangerously high. My mom, her mom, my sis, my mom’s sis, and maternal cousin (my age) all have or had diabetes. Most of these women, were diagnosed with diabetes in emergent type situations, and had no idea that was a real possibility. I will admit fear is a big factor for me in truly not wanting full diabetes, and the acceptance of that eventuality is also terrifying.
I also understand that I do not have a diagnosis. I also understand that I was very close to getting that diagnosis, and that has influenced my decision to seek treatment.
Maybe that’s a crap answer rife with privilege and lame excuses for bad behavior. And that’s something I wrestle with every time I refill my meds. And I really don’t know what I should be doing. Probably just stop the meds. So, I guess I’ll have that discussion with my doctor soon and see what I decide after that.
Post by suburbanzookeeper on Dec 29, 2022 16:41:37 GMT -5
My endo recommended a "lutide" family medication to try and address the wide array of issues I have (PCOS/IR/thyroid disease/Crohns/had GD with both pregnancies/etc. all supported with bloodwork and diagnostic testing). My insurance will not cover the Saxenda prescription that was written for me without six months of "successful work" through their weight program, despite the fact I brought my Apple watch data and my logs and showed them that working out with a trainer, eating macro balanced diet to multiple appointments. I was told I must be faking it. They'd consider WLS but I don't have issues with overeating and their prescribed 900-1100 calorie diet is not feasible unless my goal is to become bed ridden.
I will also say my endo recommended a very, very slow ramp up in any dosage so I'd still have an appetite to eat as the goal was not to lose muscle mass or cause other additional damage. It seems like there are other differing opinions with a quick ramp up.
I stopped Mounjaro a month ago once it became impossible to find 5mg locally through an affiliated pharmacy. I took my second compounded semaglutide shot last night. I care way less about the weight loss as I do the GI issues. The slowing down of the GI tract has meant this is the first time in my adult life my body is processing food normally. I literally used to plan when I'd eat anything so I'd have nearby access to the bathroom within 20-30 minutes.
This recent discussion is useful for me, as my insurance will cover weight loss meds starting in January. I joked with my PCP that I would have an appointment on Jan 3. But, I am really second guessing myself. I think for me, it’s the long-term unknowns. The adverse events we don’t know about yet. Not that is works like phen-phen, but there have been so many new meds that years down the line have issues. Add that to the “how much do I really need it?” question. So much to contemplate.
I'm so sorry, Alex. I can't imagine dealing with everything that you have had to go through. It's ridiculous that insurance can't make some kind of accommodation so that you can get double the lower dose to equal the higher dose.
I'm so sorry, Alex. I can't imagine dealing with everything that you have had to go through. It's ridiculous that insurance can't make some kind of accommodation so that you can get double the lower dose to equal the higher dose.
Thank you. It's a Canada thing. It's approved at the higher doses here but just not available from the company. If it's not on the available formulary, it can't be prescribed. I only pay a fraction of med costs so it's not insurance, it's what a doctor is legally allowed to prescribe (ie the max dosage).
Thank you for attending my TedTalk on how medication approval works in Canada
So I've been chatting with my doctor about the possibility of this medication. Does anyone who takes it, also take synthroid/levothyroxine? If so, any side effects?