Happy Sunday, and welcome to this week's waffle, which finds us on the last lap of January, and quite possibly observing a traditional post-Christmas period of belt tightening. All well and good, unless your health aims include literal belt tightening, and you would like to use Mounjaro to help you. With the level of financial investment involved in purchasing the medications, it’s only natural and indeed sensible to explore ways of managing costs. Read on as we share two common strategies that we would absolutely avoid, and two other options that could really help.
1. AVOID: Falling for an incredibly low price for the medication.
As a practice we are in regular direct contact with the reps at Lilly, the manufacturer of Mounjaro. We can categorically confirm that they go to enormous lengths to control their supply chain. This enabled them to avoid the supply issues experienced when Wegovy first launched several years ago. So if you see something advertised as Mounjaro (or tirzepatide) at a fraction of the usual price per month, steer well clear. The chances of the substance in the pen being tirzepatide or indeed anything even closely resembling it are slim indeed- AVOID If you would like us to send you the latest pricing from Signature RX use the enquiry button at the bottom of this email.
2. AVOID: Buying the meds but skimping on medical support.
Yes, there are low-cost services that give you a quick ‘once over’ via online form and then send you on your way, pen in hand. To use a motoring metaphor this is the medical equivalent of passing your driving theory test, and then hopping behind the wheel of a Bugatti Chiron. Yes the acceleration is thrilling but oh, my, what happens when you hit your first corner...
Our advice: source your medications from a reputable pharmacy that charges fairly but realistically. Then prioritise your safety by pairing this with consistent, personalised and medically qualified support and advice.
At Winchester GP we have two options that set you up for safety and success at the best possible price.
1. Use our weight loss support package
First book an initial consultation - £225 for a 40 minute in-depth consultation in which you and your doctor will fully explore your efforts thus far, any other health conditions you may have and ensure that the other founding pillars for sensible sustainable weight loss are also in place. If you decide to proceed with medications, you can then start a weight loss subscription - 3 x 20 minute consultations, plus free month by month repeat prescription requests and up to two short email queries over the course of the next 6 months for £299. Total cost £524 for over 6 months of support, and saving you at least £100.
2. Use our solo subscription.
Just £48 per month for 12 months gets you immediate access to up to 6 x 20 minute consultations as needed. Combine two of them to make your initial 40 minute consultation (as outlined above) and then you have the remaining 4 to use as necessary - for weight loss support or any other heatlh concerns that crop up. You also get free repeat prescription requests and priority booking, including same-day appointments. And if by next January you haven't used all the appointments, you benefit from a lower cost on renewal, or money off a health check- so that you can see the benefits of your weightloss efforts in your general health markers, as well as in your belt notches! Total cost of a solo subscription = £576 for 12 months of support.
Wishing you all a great week, Gemma, Tom and all at Winchester GP xx