AIBU to wish there was a cheaper, support-less Mounjaro provider?

[JMSA]

Maybe there is, I don’t know. They all promise after-care support but I have never needed it. I’ve never had to ask them anything. If I’m unsure, I find out the answer on here. I just want to get my pen and get on with it.
AIBU to wish there was a cheaper alternative with no middle man? I also don’t need add-ons like sharps bins or weighing scales! A no-frills, basic option would suit me and my budget better 🙂

Which ones have you used so far? I’ve not used any providers that offer additional support, there are loads that pretty much just supply the medication and that’s all.

None of the providers I've used have provided anything other than the pen,wipes and needles, none of them are particularly cheap though because the medication is what you're really paying for isn't it.

Ive not been with any that provide scales, after care etc.. I just get the pen and off I go.. Who have you been using?

Who are you using? I had the option of a sharps bin when I first started, that’s normal. But don’t use any of the ones who want to talk to you offer scales etc, mine is I order, provide images when required, job done.

Do I assume you’re using Juniper as you mention scales?

There are plenty of other prescribers who don’t charge a premium for ‘support’. Have a look on monj.co.uk to find the cheapest one for your current dose.

Personally I'd rather there was at least some after care and advice even if just at the beginning.
There are side effects and risks and not everyone will be aware of them all without the right support.(And that doesn't come from asking randoms on MN!)

I'd avoid anywhere that gives any medication without at least a basic support package.

Every pharmacy that I've used either has plenty of information on their website and/or sends emails with detailed advice and information. Side effects are detailed in the paper leaflet that comes with the medication. Any GPhC regulated pharmacy will be providing sufficient information when prescribing.

I think the OP is talking about companies like Juniper, Numan, maybe Voy, Shemed etc who provide additional "support" and services on top of the usual level of information you'd expect from any pharmacy.

The Pharmacy I use posts out the pens via DPD and I haven’t seen any online support on their website, but I don’t feel I need it as my GP provides my prescription.

I’m using a no add on service - swift. I used Shemed before, they had own app and weekly weigh in. It was more expensive. I came to the Same conclusion.

@Chopsy123 I think it's different if you are being prescribed by your GP, via the NHS, as you will be able to talk to the GP about the medication, so it's not the pharmacy that is directly prescribing it to you. The pharmacies that are being discussed here are the online ones where you get a private prescription directly from them, so they are in charge of the prescribing rather than a GP.

It’s a prescription only medication. You cannot ‘DIY’ it. You are paying for them being responsible for any side effects or risks that result from their prescribing not for scales or gimmicks.

I do find it bizarre that in this specific field it is considered OK to dick around with prescription meds on the say so of randomers on the internet (not to mention lie to get it in the first place). Would you do the same with medication for heart disease or if you were taking these same meds for diabetes? Everyone’s an expert these days via Dr Google.

When Oushk failed their first inspection they said they were picked up on for things such as robust documentation of evidence and prescribing decisions by prescribers, independent validation of evidence (height/weight) and no evidence on sharing lifestyle and nutritional support to patients etc.

Providers need to be providing all these "service" elements (that most of us don't think we need) to meet the new GPhC guidelines and pass inspections. "Free" scales etc are gimmicks that I think only one provider does, but a lot of the other things are not optional for them to do/have available - and it all costs money, mostly prescribers/staff costs - a set of £10 scales or a £3 sharps box doesn't even touch the surface of the costs.

mosf people diy it, it’s hardly complex. But I do agree that people shouldn’t mess around based on social media.

You literally can’t DIY it. You need a registered professional to prescribe it. They are the ones responsible for anything that happens and not you unless they can show that you are using it outside their instructions. You may feel it should be off label like paracetamol as it’s ‘hardly complex’ but it isn’t.

Plenty of people get snippy on here that their GP doesn’t want to engage over private WLIs but that’s because they are not the prescriber and queries should be directed to the responsible prescriber. That would imply that at least some people at some times do have medical queries that they don’t just resolve via Facebook.

Yes - robust take on procedures are needed. And perhaps also a face to face call - with a charge - at take on and - and whenever the dose is increased (most don’t do this and I think it’s a failing).

But fancy add on like WiFi scales, weekly in person check ins, an own brand app etc are not.

do you know someone who’s got issues? I really don’t think this is remotely necessary to be honest. And neither do the regulatory authorities.

It is very necessary, I don’t know many people in general but know two who have lied and got very ill.

I only used a ‘support’ service for my first month as I’d read all sorts of horror stories and wasn’t sure what to expect with side effects. I never used the support or the check-in calls, just didn’t need them.

From what I can see, I think Bolt appears to currently be the cheapest but monj.co.uk is really your friend when it comes to finding the right price.

Yes - even on here so many not taking medicine as prescribed, not eating well. Not sure what to do if miss dose. Going up a dose too soon. The list is endless.

I get mine from a pharmacy - probably pay more than getting it online but every month, I see the pharmacist in person who is very knowledgeable- I've been on the same dose for a few months (could do with going up to the next dose but can't justify the price) but he still insists on seeing me to check everything is OK and nothing has changed re side effects.

There’s never going to be an option where they sell you prescription medicine…well, prescribe you prescription medicine and then tell you to sink or swim.

They have to say that they offer support. I’ve never needed any support either. I’ve never had a single side effect or anything.