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The demand for weight-loss injectable medications is still causing supply issues. The popularity of these medications has led to a nationwide shortage, leaving many users wondering what to do if they can’t get their prescriptions filled. Don’t worry – there are steps you can take to navigate this tricky situation. Here are some tips on what you should and shouldn't do if you can’t get your prescription filled.
While oral and injectable weight-loss medications can be an effective short-term strategy, the long-term success and safety are still being researched and are unknown.
What’s Causing the Shortage?
Simply put, the demand for weight-loss injectables has skyrocketed and outpaced supply in 2024. These medications have proven to be effective, so more and more people want them. The FDA has even created a Drug Shortages page on its website to provide information on availability. Earlier in the year, production hiccups and supply chain issues made it difficult for pharmacies to keep these medications in stock.
In recent months, shortages, as well as the high costs of the medication, have even led people to take matters into their own hands. For instance, some patients have resorted to breaking open their weight-loss injectable pens to split doses, which is an example of a “Don’t.”
Unsure What to Do? Here Are Some Options
1. Talk to Your Doctor
- Reach Out for Advice: Your first move should be to contact your healthcare provider. They know your medical history and can suggest alternatives or temporary solutions that fit your needs.
- Explore Other Options: There might be other medications or treatment plans that could work for you during this shortage. Your doctor can help you find the best path forward.
2. Shop Around
- Check Different Pharmacies: Most of us have a go-to pharmacy, but don’t let that limit your search! Call around to other local pharmacies and even check online. Sometimes smaller or less busy pharmacies might have what you need.
- Use Pharmacy Networks: Big pharmacy chains often have a networked inventory. Ask if they can check stock at other locations or put you on a waitlist.
3. Stay Updated
- Get on Waitlists: Many pharmacies will let you join a waitlist for your medication. This can help you get your hands on it as soon as it’s back in stock.
- Follow the News: Keep an eye on updates from the drug manufacturers or the FDA. Knowing when the shortage might ease up can help you plan better.
4. Stick to Healthy Habits
- Diet and Exercise: Keep up with your healthy eating and exercise routines. These habits are crucial and can help you maintain your weight-loss progress, even without the medication.
What You Shouldn’t Do
1. Don’t Panic
- Stay Calm: It’s easy to feel stressed when you can’t get your medication, but try to stay calm. Trust your healthcare provider and focus on what you can control.
2. Avoid Unverified Sources
- Watch Out for Scams: Unfortunately, shortages often bring out scammers. Stick to buying from reputable pharmacies to avoid counterfeit medications.
- Skip the Black Market: Buying medication from unauthorized sources can be dangerous. These products might be fake, expired, or harmful.
3. Limit Drastic Changes
- Keep Steady Habits: Sudden changes in diet or exercise can be harmful. Maintain your usual routine and consult your healthcare provider before making significant adjustments.
Medication shortages can be challenging, but there are smart ways to manage it. New York Bariatric Group’s medical weight-loss team is there every step of the way for their patients. They help patients figure out a plan to stay on their weight-loss journey, especially through temporary medication shortages.
New York Bariatric Group: The Weight-Loss Leader
NYBG is the leader in comprehensive weight-loss solutions. We are a one-stop shop, offering long-term weight-loss surgery as well as medically-supervised weight loss with oral and injectable medications. There is no one-size-fits-all solution to losing weight. At NYBG, we work with you to customize a weight-loss program that will work best for you.
Oral and injectable weight-loss medications have been shown to be an effective short-term strategy, but the long-term effects and safety is still unknown. With our Medical Weight Loss Program the ongoing supervision allows doctors to make necessary adjustments to a patient’s treatment plan based on their progress and changes to their health.
Weight-loss surgery is the only proven long-term weight-loss solution. With decades of research, patients have seen sustainable weight loss. We offer multiple weight-loss surgery procedures and our doctors will work with you to find the right option.
Our practice is the best around:
- Over 30 surgeons who are leaders in bariatrics, plastic surgery, and medical weight loss.
- 42,000 successful procedures performed with more being performed every day
- The #1 gastric balloon practice by volume – most balloons placed in the United States
- Access to online seminars, support groups, cooking demos, and Q-and-A sessions
- 100s of videos for patients explaining procedures, answering common questions, and showcasing previous patients
- Multiple offices located in three states; NY, NJ, CT
- Offering in-person and virtual consultations
- Since 2000, we boast over 23 years of success!
All of our hospitals are Metabolic Bariatric Surgery Accreditation and Quality Improvement Program (MBSAQIP) accredited facilities, which is a prestigious designation bestowed upon only the top-quality bariatric programs.
Stop waiting; start achieving better health today. Together, we’ve got this!
