COA_Karl said:US-based vendors charge 4-5x more is not that straightforward in my experience
This is exactly right. COA_Karl articulated what I have been trying to explain to my doctor for months. The US-based vendors charge aspect is the most important factor.
Reading this thread on US-based vendors charge hits close to home. Night shift nurse — I started at 283 lbs and felt like I would tried everything.
9 months on tirz and I am a different person. Not just the 58 lbs lost — my energy, my mood, my relationship with food. All transformed.
If you are on the fence about US-based vendors — take the leap. It was the best health decision I have ever made. ❤️
Dr.ObesityMed — that is really helpful context on US-based vendors charge. Follow-up question: what labs did your doctor order to monitor this?
I am in a similar situation (just started) and trying to set realistic expectations.
To answer AussieAnna's question specifically:
From a clinical standpoint, US-based vendors charge 4-5x is an area where we have good evidence.
The short answer: baseline labs + quarterly monitoring is the standard of care.
The longer answer involves understanding the mechanism of action at the receptor level, which I am happy to elaborate on if helpful.