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Frequently Asked Questions
When starting, or even considering a new medicine, you are bound to have questions. While your health care provider is always the best source for answers, you may also find some helpful information below...
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Q: What is Northern Colorado Medical?A: Northern Colorado Medical is a family owned and operated telehealth weight loss clinic in Fort Collins, Colorado. Our aim is to provide the latest in high-quality medications geared towards weight loss. Today, these medications are personalized and compounded GLP-1/GIP medications.
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Q: Once ordered, how long does it take to receive my prescription?A: At Northern Colorado Medical, we understand the urgency of receiving your medication promptly. After you place your order for our compounded GLP-1/GIP medication, it typically takes 1-2 business days for our order fulfillment team and partner pharmacies to prepare your prescription. Following this, shipping times may vary, generally taking an additional 1-3 business days. Thus, you can expect to receive your prescription within 3-6 business days from the time of order. We advise our patients to download the UPS app or otherwise create a UPS account online so you can track your shipment.
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Q: How quickly can I expect to lose weight?A: There is no set time for you to begin seeing results because people respond to our compounded medication, differently. Ask your health care provider about what a realistic expectation is for you.
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Q: How much weight can I lose?A: Results vary, but in a 68-week medical study of 1,961 adults living with obesity or excess weight with a related medical problem, adults lost ~35 lbs. (or ~15% body weight). People taking placebo lost an average of 6 lbs. (or ~2.5% body weight). The average starting weight for both groups was ~232 lbs. Results are from a 68-week medical study of adults with obesity (BMI ≥30) and adults with excess weight (BMI ≥27) who also had weight-related medical problems including high blood pressure or high cholesterol. People with type 2 diabetes were excluded. Both groups were instructed to take the medicine along with a reduced-calorie meal plan and increased physical activity. 7% of people taking Wegovy™ (92 people) left the medical study due to side effects, compared to 3.1% of people taking placebo (20 people).
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Q: Are there any side effects?A: GLP-1 medications can have potential side effects to be aware of. Understanding these side effects and their potential treatments is crucial for anyone considering or using this medication. Common side effects: Common side effects may include gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation, particularly when starting treatment. You might also experience injection site reactions, decreased appetite, and, rarely, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) or pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). To alleviate nausea, individuals can try getting fresh air, sipping cold drinks, and consuming small, frequent meals. If these common side effects persist, it’s essential to stay hydrated and seek guidance from a healthcare provider. Reactions around the injection site and headaches, other common side effects, can generally be managed with over-the-counter remedies. For severe or worsening symptoms, professional medical advice is recommended. Uncommon and rare side effects: Uncommon side effects, affecting 1 in 100 individuals, may involve an increased pulse rate, a general feeling of being unwell, dehydration, gallbladder inflammation, and delayed stomach emptying. It’s important to speak to your healthcare provider about any concerns or adverse reactions. Rare side effects, seen in fewer than 1 in 100 people, include kidney-related issues, such as reduced function and failure, with signs like a metallic taste, reduced urine volume, and easy bruising. Recognizing these symptoms and seeking prompt medical attention is essential. While serious side effects are rare, they may include severe allergic reactions or pancreatitis. Immediate medical attention is crucial if symptoms like difficulty breathing, swelling, or severe abdominal pain occur.
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Q: Can I take it at any time of the day?A: Yes, it's recommended that you take it on the same day every week at the most convenient time for you.
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Q: Can I change the day I take my medication?A: You can change the day of the week you take it as long as your last dose was given 2 or more days before.
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Q: Am I able to travel with my medication?A: The short answer is yes! When traveling by air, it's recommended to carry your medication vial in your carry-on in a travel mug, or other container where you can put ice or an ice pack in to keep your medication cold. Check with your airline to see if they have specific baggage rules.
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Q: Does Northern Colorado Medical accept insurance?A: We do not accept any public or private insurance plans, cost-sharing plans or any other similar methods of payment. Patients are solely responsible for the cost of all services and medications. We do offer a financing option with CareCredit. Details can be found on our financing page. Here.
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Q: What do I do if I miss a dose?A: Don't worry if you miss a dose and the next scheduled dose is more than 2 days away (48 hours), take the missed dose as soon as possible. If you miss a dose and the next scheduled dose is less than 2 days away, don't administer the dose. Wait until your next scheduled dose. If you miss doses for more than 2 weeks, call your health care provider to talk about how to restart your treatment. You can take your next dose on the regularly scheduled day.
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Q: Do I need to eat before or after taking my medication?A: That is entirely up to you, you can take your medicine with or without food.
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