Frequently Asked Questions

Tirzepatide is a typically a once-weekly injectable prescription medication used for weight management in adults with chronic weight-related conditions, intended to be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

Tirzepatide is a medication approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and weight loss. It has shown significant potential for weight loss in individuals with obesity or diabetes. Tirzepatide works by mimicking the GLP-1 and GIP hormones, which help in reducing appetite and promoting a feeling of fullness, leading to weight loss. Clinical trials have demonstrated that Tirzepatide can lead to a 20% reduction in body weight over 72 weeks, and it has been associated with significant improvements in BMI, lipid levels, diabetes indicators, and blood pressure. Individual results may vary from patient to patient and results are not guaranteed. However, it's important to note that the weight loss effects may not persist beyond the period of active treatment, and discontinuation of the medication can lead to weight regain. The medication has also been associated with side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. It's essential to consult a healthcare professional to determine if Tirzepatide is suitable for your individual circumstances.

Tirzepatide mimics natural hormones that control appetite and food uptake, leading to reduced calorie consumption. It also improves insulin regulation, which helps manage blood sugar levels. Be sure to watch the videos at the bottom of this page for more detailed information.

Effectiveness: Several studies suggest that Tirzepatide may offer greater weight loss benefits compared to Semaglutide, especially in individuals with type 2 diabetes. However, it's important to note that research is ongoing, and definitive conclusions are yet to be drawn. Mechanism of Action: Tirzepatide is a dual agonist of the GLP-1 and GIP receptors, potentially offering an extra weight loss boost by acting on two pathways. In contrast, Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, targeting only one pathway. Cost-Effectiveness: Some analyses suggest that Tirzepatide may provide better value for money in terms of the cost needed to achieve a certain percentage of weight reduction compared to Semaglutide. Improved Glycemic Control: In comparative studies for type 2 diabetes, tirzepatide lowered A1C levels by about 2% to 2.5%, while semaglutide lowered A1C by about 1% to 2%. This indicates that tirzepatide may provide superior glycemic control.

Initial Weight Loss: Most people who follow a healthy diet and exercise routine begin reporting some weight loss within a month to two months of starting the medication. Substantial Weight Loss: After 12 weeks of intensive lifestyle intervention, Tirzepatide showed an additional 21.1% weight loss, for a total mean weight loss of 26.6% from study entry over 84 weeks. Sustained Treatment Benefits: A controlled clinical trial demonstrated that Tirzepatide led to a 20% reduction in body weight over 72 weeks. Those who continued on the drug lost another 5%, so their overall weight loss was about 25%. Long-Term Results: With consistent use and combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise, substantial weight loss can be observed 6 months and beyond. It's important to note that individual results can vary based on factors such as adherence to the prescribed diet and exercise regimen, starting weight, metabolic rate, and other health conditions. Additionally, Tirzepatide's effectiveness in weight loss is significantly enhanced when combined with lifestyle modifications, including a healthy diet and regular physical activity.

Tirzepatide has undergone rigorous clinical trials and is considered safe when taken under medical supervision.

The side effects of Tirzepatide can include both common and more serious effects. The most common side effects are usually temporary and include: Nausea Diarrhea Stomach pain Decreased appetite Vomiting Constipation Indigestion Upset stomach Bloating Loss of appetite Burping Flatulence (gas) Facial changes Vivid dreams Hair loss More serious side effects, such as gallbladder problems, pancreatitis, and allergic reactions, are rare but possible. It's important to consult a healthcare provider if any side effects seem excessive or severe.  Additionally, Tirzepatide may cause acute kidney injury. Tirzepatide is not be suitable for individuals with a personal or family history of Medullary Thyroid Cancer or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndrome (MEN2).

Store Tirzepatide in the refrigerator when not in use. If traveling, it is recommended to take ice packs with you during travel to keep it cold but not to have the ice packs touch any vials directly. Upon arrival at your destination place it in the refrigerator.

Tirzepatide is administered as a once-weekly injection. There are certain circumstances where your physician will make recommendations to inject more of less frequently and/or titrate your dosage.

It is recommended to stay on a particular dose for at least 4 weeks before increasing to the next dose. Most individuals will start out at 2.5MG injections each week for 4 weeks, then 5.0MG injections each week for 4 weeks, and then 7.5MG injections each week for 4 weeks. If you notice you are losing weight too quickly or are having too many side effects (e.g. nausea/vomiting), it is recommended to step down to the previous dose. Your Provider will help guide you to see if 7.5MG is what is recommended to continue at or if increasing is a better and safe option for you. Please note that getting to the 15MG vial is not the ultimate goal. It is achieving your weight loss goals in a controlled, slow but steady, and safe manner. Please contact your Provider if you have any questions along your weight loss journey.

If you miss a dose and are within 4 days of your dosing date, take it as soon as possible. If you are 5 days past your dosing date, please contact us and we will help you get back on this medication. Starting and stopping this medication may have significant side effects like nausea and vomiting especially if at higher doses.

Discontinuing Tirzepatide may lead to weight regain if lifestyle modifications are not maintained.

As long as you are an established patient with SlimDownRx, the easiest way is communicating your prescription request through www.slimdownrx.com/prescription. If you have questions about your refill or going up or down in dosage, please email us your weight loss of pounds per week and what you are requesting for a refill. Please be sure to include dosage and number of months as well (e.g. 3@Once - 7.5, 10 and 12.5mg OR 3@Once - 12.5mg OR Month To Month 7.5mg).

While not common, diarrhea may occur. Stay hydrated and contact your provider if you experience diarrhea.

To prevent constipation, stay hydrated, exercise regularly, consume dietary fiber, and consider using over-the-counter remedies like Metamucil or stool softeners if needed. C. S. Mott Children’s Hospital Michigan Medicine*** has a helpful PDF to help choose high fiber foods.

If you're constipated, increase your fiber and water intake. If constipation continues consider start taking over-the-counter Miralax and follow the prevention recommendations once regular bowel movements resume.

Weight loss varies by individual, but studies have shown significant reductions in mean body weight, with some patients experiencing a weight loss of 20% or more. Again, Individual results may vary from patient to patient and results are not guaranteed.

The duration of Tirzepatide treatment varies from person to person, but it may be a long-term commitment to maintain weight loss.

The Pharmacy should send you a shipment confirmation email when your medication ships. Please contact them to check on the status of your medication. If you cannot find that email or they do not respond to your inquires, please contact us and we are more than happy to check on the status of your medication.

Tirzepatide is used to treat type 2 diabetes and is not known to cause diabetes. It helps regulate blood sugar levels.

Tirzepatide, a synthetic peptide, acts as a dual agonist at the GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide 1) and GIP (gastric inhibitory polypeptide) receptors. By stimulating insulin release from the pancreas, reducing glucagon secretion, and increasing adiponectin levels, Tirzepatide helps in lowering hyperglycemia and promoting weight loss. Its dual agonism at the GIP and GLP-1 receptors contributes to its glycemic and weight control effects. The medication works by mimicking the natural hormones GLP-1 and GIP, which are involved in glucose homeostasis and insulin secretion.

Tirzepatide is contraindicated in certain individuals and should not be taken by: Patients with a personal or family history of Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC) or in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) Individuals with known serious hypersensitivity to Tirzepatide or any of the ingredients in the medication Additionally, Tirzepatide has not been studied in patients with severe gastrointestinal disease and is not recommended for these patients. It should be used with caution in patients with a history of pancreatitis or gallbladder disease, as it has been reported to cause acute pancreatitis and gallbladder problems in clinical trials. Patients should also be monitored for signs of acute kidney injury. Patients who are pregnant or planning to become pregnant should NOT take Tirzepatide, as Tirzepatide may harm the unborn baby. Additionally, it is not recommend to take Tirzepatide while breastfeeding. It is also important to discuss with a healthcare provider before starting Tirzepatide if there are any concerns about thyroid tumors, as the medication may increase the risk of thyroid C-cell tumors. Before starting Tirzepatide, it is crucial to discuss with a healthcare provider to ensure it is safe and appropriate based on individual health conditions and history.

Yes, Tirzepatide can be used in combination with other diabetes medications. It has been evaluated and approved for use as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). In the phase III SURPASS trials, once-weekly subcutaneous Tirzepatide was tested as monotherapy or as add-on therapy to oral glucose-lowering medications and insulin. It was found to be superior to the GLP-1 receptor agonists dulaglutide and semaglutide, as well as basal and prandial insulin, when used in combination with these medications. Tirzepatide has been shown to achieve better glycemic control in terms of glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c) reduction and improved insulin sensitivity. It was generally well tolerated, with a safety profile consistent with that of GLP-1 receptor agonists (RAs) and was associated with a low risk of clinically significant or severe hypoglycemia. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate combination of medications for individual patients, as combining medications can increase the risk of certain side effects and requires careful monitoring.

Tirzepatide should not be used in combination with certain diabetes medications due to the increased risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Specifically, caution is advised when using Tirzepatide with: Insulin: Combining Tirzepatide with insulin can significantly lower blood sugar levels. If used together, a healthcare provider may need to adjust the insulin dosage to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia. Sulfonylureas (such as glimepiride, glyburide, and glipizide): These medications also lower blood sugar, and using them in combination with Tirzepatide may further increase the risk of hypoglycemia. Dosage adjustments of the sulfonylurea may be necessary. Meglitinides (such as nateglinide and repaglinide): Similar to sulfonylureas, meglitinides can cause hypoglycemia, and combining them with Tirzepatide may enhance this effect. Patients should closely monitor their blood sugar levels and watch for symptoms of hypoglycemia, such as dizziness, shaking, headache, and sweating, when Tirzepatide is used in combination with these medications. It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting or adjusting any diabetes medication regimen.

Yes! There are two great videos by Harvard** that dive into how GLP-1 medications work. Please be sure to watch both to understand these medications.

Yes! We offer a Prescription Transfer ONLY to SlimDownRx option. This is meant for patients who are ALREADY INJECTING TIRZEPATIDE and well versed in tirzepatide usage, dosage, and side effects. This will be via email/text only communication. Your appointment time is the time/date to have all forms, consents and information in. You will NOT have a visit at that time. Your information will be reviewed during the week it is received. If all forms and credit card processing are completed by Friday, the shipment of tirzepatide will occur the following week. This is available for patients ONLY in: AL, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, IL, IN, IA, KY, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NY, NC, OH, OK, PA, SD, TN, TX, WA, WI, WY If you are not in one of those states above, then you will still have to do a video visit with us. Additionally, for those who want to do a video visit and switch over to SlimDownRx, you can still make a video visit with us! We love to see and connect with our patients.

SlimDownRx offers a weight loss consultation with a provider to discuss weight loss goals and discussing options such as GLP-1 injections for weight loss and weight maintenance goals.

We currently have providers licensed in the lower 48 States and Washington DC. If you live in Alaska or Hawaii, then we cannot see you at this time nor have the pharmacy ship to your home. We are working on shipping logistics to those two states and will hopefully be able to see you soon. Please check back often for updates.

At this time we do not take any governmental or commercial insurance but have worked on the best cash pricing for memberships and medications delivered directly to you. Specifically, those with CMS Insurance (Medicare, Medicaid or Tricare) cannot submit any claims to your insurance companies.

Absolutely can go over this. To be clear the total cost of what you are being charged is NOT just for the cost of the medication alone. It includes our membership to get these prices as well as various other overhead costs. We try to include all costs together so that there aren’t any extra surprises or extra charges along the way.

Technically you do not need laboratory evaluation, but we do recommend to get blood work done so that we can monitor your progress and make sure that there are no other issues while taking this medication.

Compounded Tirzepatide is a patient-specific medication created by either a state Board of Pharmacy or FDA licensed compounding facility from a prescription written by a Medical Provider. Compounded drugs are required to exclusively use ingredients from FDA-licensed facilities, and test sterile compounds for sterility, purity, and potency. While compounded drugs are legal, they do not undergo pre-market approval from the FDA as they are not made in large batches for the public. Compounded medications are made based on specific orders from a Medical Provider. Due to this the dose, route of administration, and efficacy can differ from commercially available brand-name drugs.

Depending on when you were seen, your prescription is typically sent the following business week (due to high volume shipments have been 1-2 weeks from being seen/refill request). Compounded tirzepatide shipments go out via FedEx at this time.

The below instructions go over how to perform a subcutaneous injection. Please let us know if you have any questions or concerns with regards to giving yourself this injection. Here are some basic steps for injection process Materials Needed: Tirzepatide medication vial Syringe and needle Alcohol swab Sharps Container Procedure: Wash Hands: Thoroughly wash your hands with soap and water. Prepare the Medication: Check the vial for any signs of contamination or damage. Clean the rubber stopper on the vial with an alcohol swab. Withdraw the prescribed amount of medication into the syringe. Follow your healthcare provider's instructions on drawing the correct dose. Prepare the Injection Site: Choose an injection site as directed by your healthcare provider (typically your abdomen or thighs, be sure to rotate injection sites) Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab. Administer the Injection: Hold the syringe with one hand and pinch the cleaned skin at the injection site with the other. Insert the needle into the skin at a 90-degree angle or as instructed by your healthcare provider. Inject the medication slowly and steadily. After the medication is injected, wait for 10 seconds with the needle in the skin and then remove the needle Remove the Needle: Withdraw the needle gently. Apply slight pressure to the injection site with a clean cotton ball or gauze. Dispose of the Syringe: Safely dispose of the used syringe and needle in a sharps container. Observe for Reactions: Keep an eye out for any adverse reactions or side effects. If you experience anything unusual, contact your healthcare provider. Always follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider and the medication's prescribing information. If you have any doubts or concerns, seek guidance from a healthcare professional.

Prescription Transfer (RX Transfer) Program: If you are enrolled in the Prescription Transfer (RX Transfer) program, which operates solely via email/text communication, you acknowledge that the $99 intake fee is non-refundable upon booking. Telemedicine Video Visit: If you are scheduled for a Telemedicine Video Visit with one of our physicians, you agree that canceling within 72 hours of the scheduled visit will result in a non-refundable intake fee. Intake fees are non-refundable, even if you decide not to purchase a membership after seeing a physician. Membership Payment and Duration: By signing below, you acknowledge that PAYMENT FOR THE ENTIRE MEMBERSHIP PERIOD WILL BE COLLECTED BEFORE THE START OF YOUR MEMBERSHIP AND SHIPMENT OF MEDICATION. Membership duration aligns with the prescribed time for medication use. For instance, the “starter pack” or intial 3-Month Membership includes prescription for 12 weeks (e.g., 2.5 mg for 4 weeks, 5.0 mg for 4 weeks, and 7.5 mg for 4 weeks), totaling $750. This amount will be charged after your Telehealth Visit or after your physician approves your prescription transfer and before the shipment of your vials. If you prefer month-to-month payments, please refer to our pricing at slimdownrx.com/pricing. Cancellation and Refund Policy: If an order for a Membership (Month-to-Month or 3@Once) is canceled BEFORE medication compounding or shipping preparation, a refund may be issued minus a 3% credit card fee. IF COMPOUNDING OR SHIPPING PREPARATION HAS ALREADY COMMENCED, THE ORDER IS NON-CANCELLABLE AND NON-REFUNDABLE, as medications are compounded or prepared for your specific treatment plan. Estimated Delivery and Delays: While we strive to ship orders promptly, we cannot guarantee specific delivery dates. Estimated delivery windows are provided for your convenience. BY SIGNING BELOW YOU AGREE THAT DELAYS DO NOT CONSTITUTE GROUNDS FOR CANCELLATION OR REFUND. Inspection Upon Receipt: All packages must be inspected immediately upon receipt. Any issues must be reported to SlimDownRx within 24 hours of delivery. Issues reported beyond 24 hours after delivery are non-refundable.

Your Information. Your Rights. Our Responsibilities. This notice describes how your protected health information (“PHI”) may be used and disclosed and how you may get access to your PHI. Please review this notice carefully. Your Rights. You have the right to: Get an electronic or paper copy of your medical record: · You may ask to see or to get an electronic or paper copy of your medical record and other PHI. Ask us how to obtain this copy. · We will provide a copy or a summary of your PHI, usually within 30 days of your request. We may charge a reasonable, cost-based fee. Ask us to correct your medical record: · You may ask us to correct any PHI about you that you think is incorrect or incomplete. Ask us how to make a correction. · We may approve or deny your request to correct your PHI, and/or add information about that request to your medical record. · If we deny your request, we will tell you why in writing within 60 days. Request confidential communications: · You may ask us to contact you in a specific way (for example, by home telephone or by email) or to send mail to a different address. · We will agree to all reasonable requests. · You are responsible for providing us with the physical address, phone number, and/or email address at which you would prefer to be contacted, and with any changes to that contact information. Ask us to limit what we use or share: · You may ask us not to use or share certain PHI for treatment, payment, or our operations. We are not required to agree to your request, and may deny it if it would affect your care. · If you pay for a service or health care item out-of-pocket in full, you may ask us not to share that information with your health insurer for the purpose of payment or our operations. We will generally agree to such a request, but may not agree if a law requires us to share that information or if we conclude that failing to do so would be illegal or fraudulent. Get a list of those with whom we have shared information: · You may ask for a list (also called an “accounting”) of the times that we have shared your PHI in the six years prior to the date of your request, with whom we have shared it, and why. · We will include all of the disclosures except for those regarding treatment, payment, and health care operations, and certain other disclosures (such as any that you asked us to make). · We will provide one accounting per year for free, but we will charge a reasonable, cost-based fee if you ask for another accounting within 12 months. Get a copy of this privacy notice: · You may ask for a paper copy of this notice at any time. We will provide you with a paper copy upon request. Choose someone to act for you: · If you have given someone a medical power of attorney or if someone is your legal guardian, that person may exercise your rights and make choices about your PHI. · We will make reasonable efforts to see that the person has the authority to act for you before we take any action that may concern your PHI. File a complaint if you feel your rights are violated: · If you feel that we have violated your rights, you may complain by contacting us using the information on page 1. · You may also file a complaint with the U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services Office for Civil Rights, by sending a letter to 200 Independence Ave. S.W., Washington, D.C. 20201; by calling 1-877-696-6775; or by visiting www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/complaints. · We will not retaliate against you for filing a complaint. IF YOU HAVE COMMENTS OR QUESTIONS ABOUT OUR PRIVACY PRACTICES, PLEASE EMAIL INFO@HEALTH-DRIP.COM. Your Choices. If you have a clear preference regarding how we share your PHI in communicating with your family and friends about your condition, providing disaster or emergent relief, and/or including you in a hospital directory, tell us what you want us to do, and we will try to follow your instructions. If you are unable to tell us your preference (for example, if you are unconscious), we may share your PHI with others if we believe that sharing it would be in your best interests. We may also share your PHI as needed to lessen a serious and imminent threat to health or safety. Our Uses and Disclosures. We typically use or share your PHI in the following ways: To treat you: · We may use your PHI and share it with other professionals who are treating you. For example, we may disclose your PHI to a doctor treating you for an illness or an injury. To run our organization: · We may use and share your PHI to run our practice, to improve your care, and to contact you when necessary. For example, we may use your PHI to manage your treatment and services. To bill for your services: · We may use and share your PHI to bill and obtain payment from health plans or other entities. For example, we may give PHI to your health insurer so that it will pay for services rendered to you. We are allowed or required to share your PHI in other ways – usually in ways that contribute to the public good, such as public health and research. We have to meet many conditions under the law before we may share your PHI for these purposes. For more information, please visit: www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/understanding/consumers/index.html Some of the other ways in which we may use your PHI include: To help with public health and safety issues: · We may use and share your PHI in certain situations, such as to prevent the spread of disease, to report an adverse reaction to medication, and to prevent a serious threat to anyone’s health or safety. To comply with the law: · We will share your PHI if required by law to do so. For example, we will use your PHI if the Department of Health & Human Services wants to see that we are complying with federal privacy laws. To respond to organ and tissue donation requests: · We may share your PHI with organ procurement organizations, if applicable. To work with a medical examiner or funeral director: · We may share your PHI with a coroner, a medical examiner, or a funeral director if you die. To address workers’ compensation, law enforcement, and other government requests: · We may use or share your PHI in connection with workers’ compensation claims, in response to a request for PHI from a law enforcement official, with health oversight agencies for activities authorized by law, and for special government functions such as military or national security. To respond to lawsuits and legal actions: · We may share your PHI in response to a court or administrative order or to a subpoena. Our Responsibilities. We are required under the law to: · Maintain the privacy and security of your PHI; · Notify you promptly if a breach occurs that may have compromised the privacy or security of your PHI; and · Give you a copy of this Notice of Privacy Practices and follow the duties and privacy practices described in it; and We may not use or share your PHI other than as we have described unless you give us written permission to do so. You may change your mind at any time regarding the use or disclosure of your PHI, but you are required to notify us in writing if you do so. For more information, please visit: www.hhs.gov/ocr/privacy/hipaa/understanding/consumers/noticepp.html Other Important Information about Our Privacy Practices. Here are a few other things you should know about our privacy practices: Changes to the Terms of This Notice: · We may change the terms of this notice, and any changes will apply to all of your PHI. We will notify you if changes are made to our privacy practices. Effective Date of This Notice: · This notice shall be effective as of January 1, 2024. No Sale of PHI: · We never market or sell PHI. I acknowledge receipt and agree with the foregoing.

Most shipments go out on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday. Tracking numbers are received by end of day that it shipped from FedEx. If you have any issues with your shipments, please notify us within 24 hours and email us at info@slimdownrx.com.