How Are Dosage Adjustments and Refills Determined?
Dosage adjustments and refills are personalized decisions made in collaboration with your healthcare provider based on your progress, lab results, and how your body responds to the medication. Below, we explain how the process works, addressing common questions about dosage changes and medication refills.
GLP-1 medications are prescribed to aid weight loss and appetite management, though immediate effects may not always be noticeable. This introductory guide explains the gradual process of dosage adjustments and the expectations for treatment outcomes.
Are Dosages Automatically Increased with Refills?
No, dosages are not automatically increased during refills. This approach ensures that adjustments are made only after careful consideration of the patient's progress and unique treatment goals.
Dose adjustments may be requested on your refill form, but it will ultimately depend on your healthcare provider's assessment of your health status and progress.
Providers will only recommend increases if they believe it will benefit your treatment. If your current dosage is effective, they may maintain it. Additionally, gradual dose escalation helps in achieving the desired therapeutic effects while minimizing potential side effects.
Step-by-Step Guide to Requesting a Dosage Increase
Submitting a Request Through the Patient Portal
Log in to your Fridays patient portal at Fridays Portal.
Navigate to the Consultations Tab: If a consultation is required, click “New Consultation” to schedule a video appointment with a healthcare provider. Follow the prompts provided.
Alternatively, navigate to the "My Meds" section and click "New medication request." Complete the required details and submit your form for provider review.
If eligible, your dosage request will be reviewed, and applicable adjustments made.
Additional Notes:
If you are already mid-treatment, you may also submit a medication request through your provider’s portal after your third injection.
Ensure you remain consistent with your current regimen until your consultation and any subsequent adjustments.
Required Documentation for Dose Adjustment
Proof of previous prescription: This includes medication name, dosage, frequency, patient’s name and birth date, and the date the prescription was filled (within the last seven weeks).
Lab Results: These may include essential tests such as CMP, TSH, or A1C, depending on your provider’s requirements.
Use the "Documents Center" in your patient portal or email support@joinfridays.com to securely upload these documents.
Dosage increases typically become eligible after the third injection to ensure optimal effectiveness of the current medication level.
Providers will evaluate submitted documentation and clinical progress before determining approval.
FAQs on Common Concerns
Why Doesn’t My Dosage Automatically Increase?
Automatic dosage increases do not occur because adjustments must consider your unique health status, goals, and progress.
Providers strive to avoid unnecessary dosage changes to prevent potential side effects. Keeping your dose the same may be recommended if you are achieving optimal results.
Why am I still feeling hungry or not losing weight after two months?
Extended timeframes without significant changes in appetite or weight are within the expected range for some patients during GLP-1 treatment. Greater patience may be required as results are most noticeable with continued treatment and proper dosage escalation.
Should I increase the dosage on my own?
No. Any potential dosage increase should be supervised by a healthcare provider to ensure safety and effectiveness. Self-administering higher doses can lead to unwanted side effects and may not yield the desired results.
What steps should I take if I feel my current dose is ineffective?
If you believe that your current dosage is not providing the desired effects, discuss it with your healthcare provider. They may decide to adjust your dosage based on your feedback and specific case history. It’s important to allow sufficient time for your body to adjust to the current dose before making any changes.