Frequently Asked Questions

LIV by WellNow providers may prescribe a compounded GLP-1/GIP medication, when determined to be medically appropriate for the patient. These compounded medications will be prepared by a licensed 503A Compounding Pharmacy. Compounded medications have not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, efficacy, or quality, and have not been approved by the FDA.

These compounded medications, including semaglutide and tirzepatide, are customized to meet the individual needs of the patient. Not all patients are candidates for compounded medications. Your provider will assess the risks, benefits, and alternatives before prescribing.

LIV by WellNow contracts exclusively with licensed 503A Compounding Pharmacies in the United States.

Compounded GLP-1/GIP medications, when combined with a healthy diet and moderate exercise, can help reduce your appetite and unhealthy cravings, increase the feeling of fullness after meals, and support weight management.

Semaglutide is a medication known as a GLP-1 RA. It works by mimicking the hormone GLP-1, which helps regulate blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin release.

Tirzepatide is a medication known as a dual GIP/GLP-1 RA. It works by mimicking both the GIP and GLP-1 hormones, which together help regulate blood sugar levels by boosting insulin release and reducing glucagon secretion.

Both medications slow gastric emptying, which may help you feel fuller, longer.

The clinical studies supporting these medications evaluated FDA-approved versions of these drugs in specific patient populations, at specific doses, and over defined treatment periods. LIV by WellNow prescribes compounded formulations of these medications. Compounded medications have not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, efficacy, or quality, and individual results will vary. Your provider will assess whether a compounded GLP-1/GIP medication is appropriate for you based on your individual health needs.

Compounded GLP-1/GIP medications are self-administered via subcutaneous (under-the-skin) injection once a week. The dosage may vary depending on individual patient factors and response to treatment. Your virtual care team will provide detailed instructions to ensure you feel comfortable with the process. An Injection Instruction Booklet is also provided in every LIV by WellNow monthly shipment delivered to your door. Our providers are always available to answer any questions or even walk you through the injection process. Schedule a virtual appointment anytime.

You may be eligible for a compounded GLP-1/GIP medication if you are 18 years or older and have an initial body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher, or if you are 18 years or older with an initial body mass index (BMI) of 27 or higher WITH the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid condition (e.g., high cholesterol or hypertension).

Get started with the eligibility questionnaire.

You will not qualify if you are pregnant or trying to become pregnant, if you have a personal or family history of pancreatitis or if you have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia. If you are diabetic, we recommend seeking more information with your primary care doctor as medications may be covered by your insurance.

Everyone is different, but studies show you can achieve significant weight loss with a compounded GLP-1/GIP medication compared to diet and exercise alone. According to The STEP 3 Randomized Clinical Trial, patients taking semaglutide lost an average of 16% body weight.¹ According to the SURMOUNT-1 trial, patients taking tirzepatide lost an average of 21.4% (10 mg dose) to 22.5% (15 mg dose) body weight.² These studies evaluated FDA-approved products, not compounded formulations. Compounded medications have not been evaluated by the FDA for safety, efficacy, or quality. Individual results will vary.

_{¹ Wadden TA, Bailey TS, Billings LK, Davies M, Frias JP, Koroleva A, Lingvay I, O'Neil PM, Rubino DM, Skovgaard D, Wallenstein SOR, Garvey WT; STEP 3 Investigators. Effect of Subcutaneous Semaglutide vs Placebo as an Adjunct to Intensive Behavioral Therapy on Body Weight in Adults With Overweight or Obesity: The STEP 3 Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA. 2021 Apr 13;325(14):1403-1413. doi: 10.1001/jama.2021.1831. PMID: 33625476; PMCID: PMC7905697.
² Jastreboff AM, Aronne LJ, Ahmad NN, et al; SURMOUNT-1 Investigators. Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity. N Engl J Med. 2022 Jul 21;387(3):205-216. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2206038. PMID: 35658024.}

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room immediately. Common side effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation. These symptoms often improve over time as the body adjusts to the medication. Other side effects may include but are not limited to:

Black Box warning: Risk of thyroid tumors (including medullary thyroid cancer). Don't use if you or a family member has had MTC or MEN 2. Watch for: neck lump, hoarseness, or trouble swallowing/breathing.

Other serious risks but not limited to: Pancreatitis, Vision loss (NAION), Gallbladder disease, dehydration / kidney injury, severe GI effects, aspiration risk under anesthesia, low blood sugar, allergic reaction, mood changes and increased heart rate.

Avoid if: personal/family history of MTC or MEN 2, pregnant or planning pregnancy soon, history of pancreatitis. Seek emergency care for: severe abdominal pain, signs of allergic reaction, thyroid lump with breathing/swallowing trouble, suicidal thoughts.

If you are experiencing side effects such as persistent vomiting/diarrhea, dehydration symptoms, new depression, unusual fatigue or any health issues from your weight loss medication, please schedule a virtual visit with a LIV by WellNow provider today.

You will see the best results if you use the medication in addition to a healthy diet and increased physical activity. With a LIV by WellNow membership, your provider is also a certified nutritional coach who will analyze your health history, metabolism and lifestyle to build a nutrition strategy around your food preferences and habits. They will also help you identify triggers, overcome plateaus and build habits that last long after the weight drops.

LIV by WellNow weight loss results vary by individual. A healthy lifestyle, exercise and consistent use of the medication are key factors in your progress. Your provider will monitor your treatment and adjust your plan as needed to help you achieve your goals.