Dosage adjustments often result from changes in concentration, provider assessments, or treatment updates. If you have questions about your dose, you can check your documents center for the prescription information or reach out to support for more help.
Legitimate dosage changes may be directed due to reasons such as Body Mass Index (BMI) adjustments, missed treatments, or side effect management, ensuring that the medication aligns with clinical best practices and safety protocols.
Understanding and Addressing Medication Dosage Changes
If you believe there is an issue with your medication dosage or quantity, the following steps may help resolve your concern effectively:
Check your prescription: Cross-reference the details on the medication label with your provider's instructions to ensure alignment.
Inspect the vial and label: Verify that the amount, concentration, and units match your prescription.
Review your records: Check for clear discrepancies between your prescription documents and the medication received.
Identify concentration and dosage equivalencies: Prescriptions often specify the dosage in mg, but syringes or vials may use units or milliliters. For example, a high-concentration medication may require fewer units to achieve the correct dosage.
Use this conversion formula: Units (mL) × Concentration (mg/mL) = Weekly Dose (mg). Confirm that your prescribed dose reflects this calculation. For instance, a 2.5mg weekly dose in a vial with 5mg/mL concentration would require 0.5mL (or 5 units). This example illustrates that apparent dosage discrepancies can stem from concentration variations.
Understand adjustments in medication concentration: For example, a medication previously prescribed at 2.5mg/mL might become 3.4mg/mL, reducing the volume while maintaining the dosage. For instance, a 1mL weekly dose at 2.5mg/mL equals 2.5mg, while at 3.4mg/mL, the same dosage requires only 0.71mL.
Pre-fill your syringes to verify quantity: If you suspect your medication supply is insufficient, pre-fill all syringes to confirm whether the remaining supply matches your prescribed dosages.
2. Provide Documentation and Evidence
If you confirm that there is a discrepancy or are unsure, gather documentation to provide evidence for further investigation.
Take clear photos of: - The medication label- The vial
Note down any observed issues (e.g., incorrect volume, dosage units, or medication concentration).
Reply to your care team's support messages in your patient portal to share your findings. This will help expedite a solution.
3. Seek Guidance from a Provider
If the issue requires further clarification or a change in medication dosage, we may ask you to schedule a consultation with a healthcare provider:
Log in to your patient portal.
Navigate to the 'Consultations' tab in the sidebar.
Select 'New Consultation' and choose the option for a video consultation.
Complete any preliminary questions to provide context.
Book an appointment at your earliest convenience, or select your preferred provider if applicable.
Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding Prescription Timing and Refill Processes
Adhere to 4-Week Dispensing Intervals: Medications are usually dispensed in 4-week intervals. To ensure you do not run out of medication, keep track of your dosages and monitor refill timings. Tracking information for the next prescribed dose can be found in the ‘My Meds’ page of your patient portal or through email notifications.
Requesting A Refill: If you are nearing the end of your supply and only have one injection left, you must request a refill. This can be done through your Fridays patient portal:
Log in and navigate to the 'My medications' section on the sidebar.
Find the 'Request new medication' button.
Answer questions about your medication and submit the form to notify the provider.
If you are on automatic payment, note that charges may process even if the refill form has not been completed.
How do I confirm dosage concentration in case of differences? - Verify the concentration on the vial and prescription. If unclear, request clarification through the patient portal.
Why does the medication seem less compared to my previous prescription? - Variations due to concentration changes or differing vial sizes are common. Verify the weekly dosage aligns with your prescription before raising a concern.
What if I did not receive enough medication for 4 doses? - In cases where your medication dosage or quantity appears low, submit clear photos and explain how much is missing. To ensure you have all the necessary medication for your treatment, we kindly ask that you pre-fill all four syringes as a test. This will help confirm that your medication supply is complete and that there are no issues.
Why would dosage volume change but the dose remains the same? - For example, a 2.5mg dose might require 1mL at 2.5mg/mL concentration but only 0.71mL at 3.4mg/mL concentration, demonstrating consistent dosing across different vial concentrations.
Why might my dosage change based on BMI? - Adjustments are often made when BMI reaches certain thresholds to optimize treatment effectiveness and safety.
Could missed treatments affect my dosage? - Yes, providers often reduce dosages for safe re-initiation after missed doses.
How do vial concentrations impact my prescribed dosage? - The strength mentioned on vials reflects concentration, not the dose. Proper calculations ensure the correct dosage.
What should I do if I've taken an incorrect dose? - If you've miscalculated or taken an incorrect dose, adjust subsequent doses to your prescribed amount. Always consult with your provider about any dosing changes.
How do I know when my next refill will be available? - Medications are typically dispensed in 4-week intervals. Once you ahve taken your 3rd dose of medication please request your next order.
What happens during provider-directed adjustments? - Healthcare providers may modify dosages based on health metrics or treatment goals. For instance, if your BMI approaches a threshold, your dosage might be decreased accordingly.
Following these steps will allow you to resolve most medication dosage concerns effectively. If issues persist, the Fridays team will assist you further in ensuring the accuracy of your treatment and prescriptions.