GLP-1 misuse: are we the problem?

S

Snack-Progress

Well-known member
I've been lurking here since I began treatment over two years ago and have now switched to a different medication that works better for me.

As a nurse, I'm seriously worried about the number of posts I see daily about people changing their dosages without talking to their doctors, using leftover medication from family, or getting it from unregulated sources without proper medical supervision or baseline testing. Incredible.

This is why it's so hard for people who genuinely need these meds (for both diabetes and weight management) to get them. It also affects those of us who are compliant about medication.

I know there aren't any anti-bullying rules, but you all really need to stop. It's not just for my sake (it took me nearly a month to get my last refill), but for your own well-being. GLP-1s are great, but they aren't miracle drugs. You have such unrealistic expectations that you're willing to risk your health by ignoring instructions. You're misusing these drugs and admitting it openly here. These medications go through trials to determine safety and effectiveness for a reason! That's my job.

Please get the medication through proper channels (a licensed practitioner), get baseline labs, monitor your labs regularly, and follow dosing instructions. Maintain open communication with your provider.

Edit/update:

I appreciate the thoughtful and rational responses from those engaging in good faith. This isn't about gatekeeping. It's about clinical safety, access, and respect for the science. I work in this system and know it's flawed, but individual choices matter. Misuse makes things worse. I'm speaking as a nurse AND a patient, and I'll always support doing things the right way.
 
I am significantly overweight and get a full blood and urine workup every year. All my numbers are great (except BMI), and my NP won't prescribe a GLP because I don't have underlying conditions. Since retiring in 2019, I've gained about 3 pounds per year. So, I took matters into my own hands, researched online providers, accepted the non-FDA version I paid for, and am 10 days into a 10-12 month experiment.
 
The reason folks are going against medical advice is because insurance often denies coverage, and going through official channels is crazy expensive (like $1200 a month). Fix that, and fewer people will seek alternatives.
 
Not saying you're wrong, Snack-Progress, but in the US, health insurance dictates everything. Many won't approve unless you have diabetes. As a nurse, you know how high meds cost. Desperate people do desperate things. Maybe reconnect with people outside your tax bracket. You're blaming the wrong folks.
 
The medical field is gatekeeping these meds and hurting those who need them. I doubt many are abusing it, it'll just make you super sick if not monitored. I was prescribed the wrong dosage once by my doctor's office. They said I increased my meds on my own and was abusing it. Some doctors don't even know how to prescribe it correctly, and insurance companies make it even harder to get. Stop accusing folks of misusing, because you'll get sick. No one is going after celebrities with their endless supply. There are also socioeconomic issues. If you're poor, you're abusing it? Awful gatekeeping.
 
This has been happening with GLP-1s for a while, but now everyone's heard of this one. I remember when Byetta came out and became popular as a weight loss injection. That's when using GLP-1s for weight loss really started. I agree that getting it without medical supervision can cause issues and have long-term effects for those who actually need it, because of the few who find a way around the system.

I'm all for those who need a GLP-1 to have access to it.
 
When my doctor prescribed it, I asked about dosages, and he honestly didn't know what to tell me. I was surprised. I ended up talking to the pharmacy instead.
 
I have so many thoughts... I work with pharma companies, including some involved in this.

People should follow their doctor's instructions. Always. Reddit and social media are not replacements for a doctor. That being said...

GLP-1 users have wildly different experiences. Some are denied when they need it, others get it when they don't. Some doctors give great instructions, others just hand out the script. Users may rely on the medication insert, which may not be tested or sufficient. This leads to social media posts, bad advice, and health issues.

This doesn't even address the socioeconomic status needed to access GLP-1s. You need insurance to see a doctor, get labs, get medication, and follow up. Being poor means being sick, which is expensive. Social media is free, and compounded versions are cheaper, so this may be the only option for some. Combine this with low literacy, low wages, and mistrust of science, and you have a systemic issue.

People misusing the drug isn't the only reason for access issues. Some reasons include:

- The manufacturer can't supply enough. This isn't the fault of the demand, but the supplier.

- Insurance doesn't cover it because of Pharmacy Benefit Managers.

Misuse can indirectly lead to lack of availability. People getting sick from improper use is ammunition for manufacturers to lobby the FDA to restrict compounding access. However, people use compounded forms because of pricing and insurance limitations. This opens the door for people to access off-label medication without proper instructions. It's a vicious cycle created by greed.

Adjusting doses without a doctor's permission is a result of a messed-up healthcare system. It's a problem, but it will continue as long as this system is in place.
 
I've been on for a while, and I've dropped about 10%. At first, I didn’t notice, I was on the lowest dose for a month, then upped it a bit. Now I’m on the maintenance dose… it's like night and day compared to before!
 
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