General Medication Risks

All medications carry potential risks and side effects. Before starting any treatment, your healthcare Provider will review your medical information to determine whether the treatment is appropriate for you. You should carefully review any medication guides, instructions, or information sheets provided with your medication.

Common risks associated with prescription medications include, but are not limited to: allergic reactions, gastrointestinal symptoms (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation), headache, dizziness, injection site reactions (pain, redness, swelling), and interactions with other medications or supplements.

Injectable Medications

If your treatment involves self-administered injections, additional risks include: bruising, pain, or swelling at the injection site; infection if proper injection technique or sterile practices are not followed; and accidental needle-stick injuries. You will receive instructions on proper injection technique, storage, and sharps disposal. It is your responsibility to follow these instructions carefully. Never share a pen, needle, or syringe with another person, even if the needle has been changed, as this can pose a risk of infection.

GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Medications

(e.g., semaglutide, tirzepatide, liraglutide, retatrutide, cagrilintide)

These medications carry specific risks including but not limited to:

• Gastrointestinal effects (nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, indigestion) - the most common side effects, especially during dose escalation. These can sometimes be severe; GLP-1 medications are generally not recommended for patients with severe gastrointestinal disease
• Dehydration and acute kidney injury - vomiting, diarrhea, and reduced fluid intake can lead to a loss of fluids (dehydration), which may cause new or worsening kidney problems. Drink plenty of fluids to help reduce this risk
• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) - seek immediate medical attention for severe, persistent abdominal pain that may radiate to the back, with or without vomiting
• Gallbladder problems, including gallstones and acute gallbladder disease - tell your Provider right away if you have pain in the upper stomach, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), fever, or clay-colored stools
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), particularly in patients taking insulin or other diabetes medications - watch for dizziness, blurred vision, mood changes, sweating, or a fast heartbeat
• Kidney problems, including worsening of chronic kidney disease
• Thyroid tumors - GLP-1 receptor agonists carry a boxed warning regarding thyroid C-cell tumors observed in animal studies. Patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) should not use these medications. Tell your Provider if you notice a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath
• Allergic reactions, including serious reactions such as anaphylaxis - stop use and seek emergency care for swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, severe rash or itching, very rapid heartbeat, trouble breathing or swallowing, or feeling faint or dizzy
• Changes in vision (diabetic retinopathy) - tell your Provider right away about any changes in vision, particularly if you have type 2 diabetes or a history of diabetic retinopathy
• Pulmonary aspiration during anesthesia or deep sedation - these medications slow stomach emptying, and there have been reports of food or liquid from the stomach entering the lungs during procedures requiring sedation. Tell your Provider and your surgical or anesthesia team that you take a GLP-1 medication before any planned surgery or procedure requiring sedation

Do not combine GLP-1 medications. Do not use more than one GLP-1 medication at the same time, and do not combine a GLP-1 with another product that contains the same active ingredient.

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and contraception. GLP-1 medications should not be used during pregnancy and are not recommended while breastfeeding. Tell your Provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. These medications may reduce the effectiveness of oral (pill) birth control; if you use oral contraceptives, talk with your Provider about switching to a non-oral method or adding a barrier method of contraception for 4 weeks after starting treatment and for 4 weeks after each dose increase.

Most common side effects. The most commonly reported side effects of GLP-1 medications include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, stomach (abdominal) pain, indigestion, heartburn, belching, injection site reactions, feeling tired (fatigue), hair loss, and allergic reactions.

Compounded Medications

Some medications available through our platform are compounded preparations - custom-prepared by licensed pharmacies. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved products and are not evaluated by the FDA for safety or efficacy, though they are prepared in accordance with applicable pharmacy compounding regulations and standards (including USP 795/797/800 as applicable). You acknowledge that compounded medications may carry different risks than commercially manufactured products.

Hormone Replacement Therapy

(testosterone, estrogen, progesterone, thyroid hormones, DHEA, pregnenolone)

Hormone therapy carries specific risks that vary by hormone type, dose, route of administration, and individual patient factors. These may include cardiovascular events, blood clots, liver effects, mood changes, and other hormone-specific risks. Your Provider will evaluate your individual risk profile before prescribing.

Peptide Therapy

(e.g., BPC-157, sermorelin, GHK-Cu, and other peptides)

Peptide therapies are compounded preparations and are not FDA-approved for the conditions for which they may be prescribed. Risks may include injection site reactions, headache, flushing, dizziness, and other effects specific to the particular peptide. Your Provider will discuss the specific risks and benefits of any peptide therapy before prescribing.

Sexual Health Medications

(e.g., sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil, PT-141, oxytocin)

These medications carry risks including but not limited to: headache, flushing, dizziness, visual disturbances, sudden hearing loss, priapism (prolonged erection requiring emergency medical attention), and dangerous interactions with nitrate medications. Do not use these medications if you take nitrates for chest pain or heart problems.

Your Responsibilities

• Report any side effects or adverse reactions to your Provider promptly
• Seek emergency medical care (call 911) for severe reactions, difficulty breathing, chest pain, or other urgent symptoms
• Do not adjust your dose without consulting your Provider
• Do not share your medication, pens, or needles with anyone else
• Store medications according to label instructions
• Dispose of needles and sharps properly
• Use medications within their stated expiration or Beyond-Use Date (BUD)

Important: This page provides general information and does not replace the individualized medical advice of your Provider. If you have questions about the risks of a specific treatment, contact your Provider or our support team.

Please refer to our Telehealth Consent and Terms & Conditions for additional information.