Here are things to consider:

1. The newly-available pill form of the medication is not cheaper.

2. The pill form of the medication is not more effective than the injection.

3. The pill form of the medication does not have fewer side effects than the injection.

For my 2 cents – for what it is worth – when patients on injected or infused treatments for any disease (whether monthly or weekly), there are discussions to be had around changing over to tablets (or vice versa). The discussion should involve: cost, travel, convenience, side-effects, and what is most effective.

My major concern is that daily pills usually mean more skipped doses. It’s not the patient’s fault – life just gets in the way! But whether it’s blood pressure, thyroid, or birth control – missed doses mean it doesn’t work as well!

Many patients with the disease of obesity do not have the opportunity to have the discussions on their treatment that they deserve. Obesity is a complex, chronic, progressive, and recurrent disease with 200+ complications that requires long-term care.

If you have had treatment abroad or using online dispensing services – that’s the most important change I would consider – talking to your GP or finding an in-person, SCOPE or obesity certified doctor.