Losing weight can be a challenging journey, and many individuals seek support through medical interventions. Nurx offers telehealth services for weight management, providing personalized treatment plans that may include lifestyle counseling and prescription medications. This article delves into the specifics of Nurx's weight loss programs, including the medications they prescribe, associated costs, potential side effects, and customer reviews.
Nurx Weight Management Services: An Overview
Nurx provides expert healthcare services, tailoring treatment and care to individual schedules and health histories. The process begins with an online consultation, where you'll answer questions about your health history, weight goals, and medication preferences. A trained and licensed member of their medical team will evaluate your health profile and ask any follow-up questions to confirm that they can safely and appropriately treat you via telehealth. If deemed appropriate, your provider will create a personalized weight management treatment plan that may include injections or oral medications.
Treatment Plans and Medications
Nurx providers can prescribe both oral medications and GLP-1 injectables, depending on your medical history and weight loss goals. For best results, combining your prescribed treatment with a healthy diet and regular physical activity is recommended.
Oral Medications
Commonly prescribed oral medications through Nurx include:
- Bupropion: Bupropion HCL SR is a prescription pill that can help reduce appetite and cravings. It affects the neurotransmitters dopamine and norepinephrine.
- Naltrexone: Naltrexone is thought to target the brain’s reward system to reduce cravings and increase feelings of fullness.
- Metformin: While Metformin HCL ER is not FDA-approved for weight loss, studies suggest it can aid in weight management.
- Topiramate: Similarly, Topiramate is not FDA-approved for weight loss, but some studies indicate it may help.
Often, patients will be prescribed a combination of medications, starting with naltrexone and bupropion. Studies have shown that combining these medications is more effective for weight loss than using either medication alone. Additional medications can be added, if needed, to help you reach your goals. If prescribed, most patients will start with bupropion and Naltrexone as the foundation of their oral weight Management treatment plan. If appropriate, your provider may also recommend adding metformin and/or topiramate to your treatment plan.
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GLP-1 Injectables
Nurx providers may prescribe GLP-1 injections, if medically appropriate. Branded GLP-1s are not available for shipment via their pharmacy. Some of the GLP-1 medications include:
- Zepbound® (Tirzepatide): Combined with a reduced-calorie diet and exercise, Zepbound® helps reduce excess body weight and maintain weight reduction in adults with obesity or overweight and at least one weight-related condition, as well as moderate to severe obstructive sleep apnea.
- Wegovy®: Indicated for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight and at least one weight-related condition. It is also indicated to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with overweight or obesity and established cardiovascular disease.
- Saxenda®: Helps with chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight and one weight-related condition as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and exercise.
- Ozempic®: While not FDA-approved for weight loss, studies have shown that it may be associated with weight loss in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
- Mounjaro®: Similar to Ozempic®, Mounjaro® has not been approved by the FDA for weight loss but may be associated with weight loss in individuals with type 2 diabetes.
- Victoza®: Also not FDA-approved for weight loss, Victoza® has shown potential for weight loss in individuals with type 2 diabetes in some studies.
It's important to note that Nurx includes disclaimers stating that they do not endorse the use of Ozempic®, Mounjaro®, and Victoza® for conditions they are not approved for, and that only a licensed clinician may prescribe these drugs if medically appropriate.
The Nurx 3-in-1 Pill
Nurx offers a custom-made medication called the Nurx 3-in-1 Pill, which combines medications commonly prescribed for weight management into a single capsule. It is available in two formulations:
- Naltrexone HCl 5 mg / Bupropion HCl 50 mg / Metformin HCl 250 mg capsule: This formulation aims to reduce hunger and appetite and promote weight loss.
- Naltrexone HCl 5 mg / Bupropion HCl 50 mg / Topiramate 25 mg capsule: Similar to the previous formulation, this one also targets hunger and appetite to support weight loss.
It's crucial to recognize that the Nurx 3-in-1 Pill is a compounded drug and has not been FDA-approved or evaluated for safety, efficacy, or quality.
Dosage and Usage
Dosage adjustments may involve increasing how frequently pills are taken and/or increasing the number of pills taken at one time. Always follow your provider’s exact prescribing instructions and titration instructions carefully. Weight loss medications work best when combined with a low-calorie diet and regular physical activity.
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Costs and Fees
Anyone who requests weight management treatment will be charged a $49 consultation fee. This fee covers a Nurx affiliated provider reviewing your consultation, medical history, and weight loss goals to create and prescribe your treatment plan, if medically appropriate.
- Nurx 3-in-1 Pill: If you are prescribed either version of the Nurx 3-in-1 Pill, a 1-month supply of treatment will start at $75.
- Oral Medication Plan: If you are prescribed an oral medication plan of multiple medications, the cash price for your treatment will cost $60-329/month depending on your medications, and you may be able to use insurance for certain medications.
- GLP-1 Pen: If you are prescribed a brand-name GLP-1 pen, pricing typically ranges from $650-1300/month on average for the lowest dose without insurance coverage (ask your local pharmacy to confirm the price).
- Zepbound® single-dose vial: the starting 2.5mg dose is $349/month and the 5mg dose is $499/month. The 7.5mg and 10mg doses are also available for $499/month if you refill your prescription within 45 days of your previous delivery. If more than 45 days have passed, standard pricing applies: $599 for 7.5mg and $699 for 10mg.
- Monthly Provider Support Fee: If you receive weight management treatment from Nurx, you will pay a recurring monthly $59 provider support fee. This fee covers a Nurx provider managing your medication needs on an ongoing basis, as well as support for side effects.
The care fee is cash pay only, but patients may be able to use their insurance for some weight management medications. Medication cost may vary based on prescribed treatment and applicable insurance coverage, price not guaranteed. Not all insurance plans are accepted. Medications are shipped and billed monthly.
Potential Side Effects and Risks
Each medication prescribed through Nurx carries its own set of potential side effects and risks.
- Bupropion: May cause nausea, constipation, headache, dry mouth, and changes in mood or behavior. In rare cases, it may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts, hepatic dysfunction, and decreased seizure threshold. Stop taking Bupropion and let your healthcare provider know immediately if you develop agitation, hostility, depressed mood, or changes in thinking/behavior that are not typical for you.
- Naltrexone: Common side effects include nausea. Serious side effects include liver injury, increased risk for opioid withdrawal, and life-threatening opioid intoxication. Naltrexone can increase the risk of an opioid overdose if you take opioid medications while using it. Do not take this medication if there is a chance you will take opioid pain medication. This medication may increase your blood pressure or cause hypertension.
- Metformin: The most common side effects are diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, flatulence, abdominal discomfort, loss of appetite, and metallic taste. Rarely, metformin can cause lactic acidosis, a life-threatening medical emergency. Metformin is safe for most people. However, you should get medications containing metformin from an in-person provider if you have liver or kidney disease, heart failure, low blood pressure, alcohol dependence, or a history of lactic acidosis. Do not take this medication if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or plan to become pregnant. Additionally, metformin is safe to use with most medications but it's a good idea to talk to your primary care provider before combining Metformin with Fenofibrate or Colchicine as the combination may increase your risk for muscle damage. Additionally, combined with metformin, medication such as Topiramate, Zonisamide, and Valproic Acid may increase the risk of lactic acidosis.
- Topiramate: Common side effects include somnolence (feeling tired), difficulty concentrating, tingling sensations, dizziness, difficulty sleeping, and depression. Serious side effects are possible including acute secondary angle closure glaucoma, decreased sweating and increased boy temperature, metabolic acidosis, suicidal ideation, kidney stones, and fetal toxicity. Topiramate is safe for most people. However, you should not take medications containing Topiramate if you have kidney or liver disease, history of glaucoma, history of kidney stones, or serious depression. If you have history of depression and/or suicide, reach out to your care provider before starting Topiramate. Do not get pregnant or breastfeed while taking this medication, as studies show that it can be associated with birth defects. Additionally, Topiramate may cause your birth control to be less effective.
It’s important to ensure that your entire care team, including other healthcare providers, know you are taking any of these medications, as they may interact with other medications or treatments.
Managing Side Effects
Nurx provides support to help you manage side effects. A Nurx medical provider will check in with you about two weeks after treatment begins and ask you questions about how treatment is working and any side effects you may be experiencing. The Nurx provider will provide any support needed and may adjust the treatment plan as necessary. They can also prescribe certain medications to manage side effects if appropriate. If you experience side effects, be sure to let your provider know as they can provide personalized guidance and educational content. For any serious or severe side effects, please seek immediate in-person medical care.
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To help mitigate any side effects you might experience from these medications, your provider will likely have you start with a low dose of treatment and gradually increase it over time to reach the target dose.
Expected Results and Timeframe
It’s possible to see weight loss in the first month of treatment. However, because everyone responds differently to medication, it may take some time to find the dose that works best for you. Most people lose weight with continued treatment after a few months. You may notice a change in your weight in the first few months of treatment. However, for most people, it can take a few months to notice a change in weight. We generally recommend aiming for 1-2 pound weight loss per week. Your healthcare provider will provide personalized guidance based on your individual response. Consistency is key!
Importance of Lifestyle Changes
Medications like Bupropion and Naltrexone are not magic bullets. To get the best results with these medications, you need to consistently take the medication, eat a healthy diet, and engage in physical activity. Weight loss medications work best when combined with a low-calorie diet and regular physical activity. Overweight and obesity medication efficacy increases with the addition of diet and exercise.
Customer Reviews and Experiences
Many users have reported positive experiences with Nurx, particularly praising the convenience and affordability of the service.
- One user mentioned using Nurx for over five years for medication needs and appreciated the affordability, especially without insurance. They also highlighted the quick response from doctors and same-day antibiotics delivery.
- Another user praised the excellent customer service and timely delivery of products, noting the convenience of auto-shipments.
- Customers appreciate that Nurx always makes things easy, answers all their questions and replies promptly.
However, it's important to remember that “Each individual will have a unique experience with weight loss treatment." Individual results may vary, and weight loss may be associated with other symptoms including but not limited to muscle loss, fatigue, menstrual changes, gallstones, and mood changes. Extreme/rapid weight loss may result in nutritional deficiencies that lead to hair loss, anemia, weak bones or increased risk of infection.
Important Considerations and Disclaimers
Several disclaimers and considerations are essential when considering Nurx for weight loss:
- FDA Approval: It's important to note that many of the medications prescribed by Nurx for weight loss, such as Bupropion, Naltrexone, Metformin, and Topiramate, are not FDA-approved for this specific purpose.
- Compounded Drugs: The Nurx 3-in-1 Pill is a compounded drug and has not been evaluated for safety, efficacy, or quality by the FDA.
- Not a Substitute for Medical Advice: The information provided by Nurx and in this article is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
- Services Not Available in Every State: Nurx's services and treatments may not be offered in every state.
- Weight Regain: Many people with overweight or obesity who lose weight have a tendency to regain all or some of the weight over time.
- Mental Health Crisis: If you’re experiencing a mental health crisis, please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency department. If you are contemplating suicide, call 911 or call/text the National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.