Weight Loss Medications#

1. Select our 'Weight Loss Start' panel.
2. Check out if you meet our qualifying criteria.
3. Complete a brief intake form and select your preferred medication.
4. Complete a messaging consultation (< 3 minutes) to obtain a requisition for bloodwork.
5. Once we have your bloodwork, you're invited for a follow-up messaging chat.
6. The doctor will review any questions, and side effects and issue a 3-month prescription.

1. You can request a same-day messaging consultation for your bloodwork.
2. You can visit the lab immediately after your consultation, and bloodwork is uploaded typically within 24 hours.

In general, qualifications are:

1. A BMI > 30 or
2. A BMI > 27 and one of the following obesity-related health conditions:
   1. High Blood Pressure
   2. High Cholesterol
   3. Diabetes
   4. Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS)
   5. Sleep Apnea
   6. Fatty Liver Disease

However specifics are at the discretion of the individual clinician.

You can obtain your BMI any of the following ways:

1. As your doctor for a copy of your most recent height/weight.
2. Visit a PC Health Station and obtain your weight.
3. Provide a photo of your driver's license or government document that lists your height.

At the time of your messaging consultation, you can upload a photo of your height and weight measurements.

Use one of the following options:

1. PC Health Station

OR

2. Healthcare provider confirmed weight:
   • Provide a copy of a weight confirmed by your local pharmacy on their scale, signed by their pharmacist.
   • Provide a copy of a weight confirmed by your local doctor's office.

1. Provide a photo of your driver's license or government document (e.g. Ontario photo ID) that lists your height.

OR

2. Healthcare provider confirmed height:
   • Provide a copy of a height confirmed by your local pharmacy and signed by their pharmacist.
   • Provide a copy of a height confirmed by your local doctor's office (family doctor or at a walk-in clinic).

1. We do not ship prescriptions directly to your home. but you can select a pharmacy that delivers to your home.
2. Your prescription is sent to your preferred pharmacy address. If you don't have one, you can use our pharmacy finder to find one close to your home.

We can send your prescription to any pharmacy to deliver your prescription. We've included a few options for online pharmacies, but you do not need to use these providers. Importantly, most local pharmacies offer a delivery program.

1. Pocket Pills
2. Pillway
3. Pharmex
4. Telus Virtual Pharmacy
5. Mednow
6. Well.ca

You can use any local pharmacy or online pharmacy to obtain your prescription. For example, you can select a local Costco, Pharmasave, Shoppers Drug Mart (SDM), or Rexall.

Yes, TeleTest can renew existing prescriptions obtained from other providers. You can choose 'Weightloss Medication Renewal' from the Weight Loss category. During your chat, you'll be required to upload a photo of any of the following as proof:

• A pharmacy receipt
• Prescription box with your health details
• Digital copy of your prescription
• Photocopy of a prior prescription

Yes, we treat international patients, including those from the United States, and can prescribe weight loss medications. However, it is required that you are physically located within the province of Ontario at the time of your consultation. This means that you cannot be in the United States or any other location outside Ontario when your messaging chat with the doctor occurs.

TeleTest provides a prescription for weight loss medication that typically lasts for a 3-month supply. However, the duration may also depend on your medical history and the doctor's discretion.

To renew the prescription, you can request a consultation with the doctor via our 'Weight Loss Renewal' panel, complete the intake form and arrange a time to speak with the doctor. Usually a 3-month supply is prescribed at that appointment.

When you switch to TeleTest from a different provider, you can select the "Weight Loss Medication Renewal" panel. The prescription is issued for 12 weeks (3 months). Repeat blood testing is not required if you are already on weight loss medication. The fee associated with TeleTest covers the consultation only; you will need to pay for the medication separately at the pharmacy you select.

No, TeleTest physicians do not stop your weight loss medication if it is appropriate for your ongoing treatment. Some patients require a continued dose to maintain weight loss, though you can request to stop at any time. If you are using a weight loss medication for long-term weight management, your prescription can typically be renewed as long as it remains safe and effective for you. TeleTest physicians assess your medical history, response to treatment, and any potential side effects before issuing a renewal. If adjustments are needed, they will discuss alternative options to support your weight management goals.

In order to have any paperwork completed, you must select the weight loss 'Insurance Authorization Form' panel and complete payment for the paperwork. You will be able to attach it at the time of your consultation and the doctor may ask you follow up questions based on what is requested in the paperwork at the time of the messaging consultation. You will see this panel to select in the Weight Loss Category.

If your insurance provider requires additional information for your weight loss authorization form, you will need to select the "Insurance Authorization Form" panel in the Weight Loss category and complete the payment again for the paperwork. Once this is done, you can request the additional information during your consultation.

The doctor may ask follow-up questions based on the insurance provider's requirements during the messaging consultation. This ensures that the necessary details are addressed accurately. Please note that the panel for the "Insurance Authorization Form" is available in the Weight Loss Medication category.

If your insurance denies coverage for a specific medication, you may request the doctor to prescribe an alternative medication. To do so, select the Weight Loss Medication Renewal panel from the Weight Loss category.

Please note that TeleTest physicians provide episodic care, similar to a local walk-in clinic. Our service does not mandate monthly follow-ups, allowing for a more affordable 'a-la-carte' experience.

Please note that you can request a Weight Loss Medication Renewal panel as frequently as you wish, whether for medication changes, side effect guidance, or monthly check-ins. This flexibility ensures that you receive care tailored to your individual needs.

OHIP does not cover the cost of medication for weight loss at this time.

As of mid-2024, a price comparison of Shoppers Drug Mart, Rexall and Costco finds that Costco has the lowest dispensing fees and medication cost.

The coverage for weight loss medications can vary significantly between different insurance plans.

We recommend:

1. Review Your Insurance Policy
2. Contact Your Insurance Provider

Obesity is a health condition where a person has an excess amount of body fat, which poses risks to their health. It's more than being just overweight; it affects how the body functions and increases the risk of various health problems.

Obesity is typically diagnosed using the Body Mass Index (BMI), which calculates body fat based on a person's weight and height. A BMI of 30 or higher is classified as obese.

The causes of obesity are varied and include genetics, dietary habits, physical inactivity, and certain medical conditions. Lifestyle choices such as consuming high-calorie foods and not engaging in enough physical activity are significant contributors.

Managing obesity is crucial because it helps reduce the risk of various health issues like heart disease, diabetes, and certain cancers. It also improves overall quality of life, including better mobility, mood, and self-esteem.

Common risks include cardiovascular diseases, type 2 diabetes, certain types of cancer, hypertension, and respiratory problems like sleep apnea, as well as mental health issues such as depression.

According to current research, including statistics from organizations like the American Cancer Society and the World Health Organization, obesity is associated with an increased risk of several specific types of cancer. This link is believed to be due to the effects of high amounts of body fat on inflammation, hormone levels, and cell growth.

1. Breast Cancer: Postmenopausal women who are obese have a 20-40% higher risk of developing breast cancer compared to those with a normal weight. The risk increases due to higher estrogen levels produced by fat tissue.
2. Colorectal Cancer: There is about a 30% increased risk of colorectal cancer for those who are obese compared to those of normal weight. The risk is higher in men than in women.
3. Endometrial Cancer: Obese women are about two to four times more likely to develop endometrial cancer than women of normal weight, especially if the obesity occurs after menopause.
4. Esophageal Adenocarcinoma: Obesity increases the risk of esophageal cancer, particularly adenocarcinoma, which has been linked to gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) which is more common in obese individuals.
5. Pancreatic Cancer: Each 5-unit increase in BMI is associated with about a 10% increase in the risk of pancreatic cancer.
6. Kidney Cancer: Obesity could be linked to as much as 40% of kidney cancers. The risk of renal cell carcinoma, the most common type of kidney cancer, is higher in obese individuals.

No, TeleTest does not offer a monthly check-in service. If you need further assistance related to a medication side effect or have questions about your treatment or medications, you can request a new consultation with our healthcare team.

At TeleTest, we kindly ask you to check in with your weight and join a follow-up every three months to help monitor your treatment. If it's more convenient, you're welcome to renew your prescription at any local walk-in clinic. This way, you can continue your current treatment without the need for extra follow-ups with TeleTest.

Please note that TeleTest does NOT authorize prescription renewal requests sent directly by pharmacies.

If you have any questions or concerns about your treatment plan, please feel free to chat with your doctor during your next follow-up.

Currently, we do not provide automatic notifications for prescription renewals. You will need to keep track of your prescription timeline. When your renewal is due, you can select the "weight loss medication renewal" option from the weight loss medication category to proceed with your renewal.

TeleTest physicians provide episodic care, similar to what you would experience at a local walk-in clinic. Our doctors cannot make changes to a prescription outside of a consultation.

If you would like to adjust your dose or change the medication, you can request a consultation with a physician through our “Weight Loss Renewal” panel. Please complete the intake form and submit it for a review and/or arrange a time to speak with the doctor, who will review your side effects or desired dose changes with you.

If you're experiencing a side effect or require advice about your medication regimen, and are not experiencing a medical emergency, you have few options:

• You can request a consultation with the doctor via our 'Weight Loss Renewal' panel, complete the intake form and arrange a time to speak with the doctor and review your side effects or desired dose changes.
• You can speak to your dispensing pharmacist to obtain guidance about next steps.
• You can reach out to a local walk-in clinic for guidance about managing side effects and advice on dose changes.

TeleTest physicians provide episodic care, similar to what you would experience at your local walk-in clinic. Our service does not mandate monthly follow-ups as some weight loss providers do, to permit you to have a cheaper 'a-la-carte' experience. You can access our physicians via our 'Weight Loss Renewal' panel for a conversation about medication changes or guidance about side effects after your initial consultation is complete.

Please note that you can request a 'Weight Loss Renewal' panel as frequently as you wish, and some of our patients request monthly check-ins.

Yes. You can travel with GLP-1 pen injectors. It’s best to keep it in your carry-on bag (not checked luggage), so they aren’t exposed to extreme heat, cold, or pressure changes.

Check the specifics of each medication, but in general for GLP-1 medications:

Before first use:
Should be stored in the refrigerator (2 °C to 8 °C / 36 °F to 46 °F).

After first use:

Once opened, can be stored either in the fridge or at room temperature (up to 30 °C / 86 °F) for up to 56 days (8 weeks).

Check the specifics of each medication, but in general for GLP-1 medications:

Yes. If you’ve gone more than 2 weeks without your injection, we advise restarting at the lowest starting dose and then gradually re-titrating upwards. This helps reduce the risk of stomach-related side effects (like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea) that are more likely if you restart suddenly at a higher dose.