Medicated Weight Management - Injection Pens
What is the Medicated Weight Management Service?
The Medicated Weight Management Service can help you achieve healthy and sustainable weight loss with support and health advice from your local pharmacist at Kennedy’s Pharmacy. In addition, we can privately prescribe an injectable medication and provide you with all the necessary components to the programme such as pen needles and a yellow sharps bin to dispose of the medication safely.
We provide a patient support pack with thorough information about the treatment and a patient journal to help you take control of your weight goals and jot down your thoughts and feelings.
Please call us to express your interest with the button below or use the form at the bottom of the page.
Making an Appointment
Information on this service can be sought from both Rasharkin and Dunloy pharmacies, however, at present, appointments are available in Dunloy only. You can use the form at the bottom to leave your details.
The pharmacies can be contacted as below:
Tel: 028 2765 7803 (Dunloy)
Tel: 028 2957 1124 (Rasharkin)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does it work?
This medication is used for weight management in adults with obesity or overweight due to a weight-related condition. The treatment meant to be administered once a week by injection, and comes in a pre-filled pen.
This is a prescription-only medication and should only be used as part of a weight-loss treatment programme, with the oversight of a qualified pharmacist or other qualified healthcare professional.
The medication used is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor antagonist (GLP-1R) receptor agonist, which means it works by mimicking the effects of the naturally occurring hormone, GLP-1. GLP-1 is produced in the gut and stimulates the release of insulin, which helps to regulate blood sugar levels. It also reduces appetite and promotes feelings of fullness, which can lead to a reduction in calorie intake.
Is the Medicated Weight Management Service suitable for me?
You’re eligible for the Medicated Weight Loss Service if:
- You are aged 18 to 75
- You have a BMI of over 30
- Or a BMI of over 27 but have been diagnosed with a condition that is made worse by weight gain such as a heart condition or high cholesterol
If you are unsure of your BMI it can be checked here:
BMI calculator | Check your BMI - NHS | Please fill in your details (www.nhs.uk)
You are not eligible for the service if your BMI or age falls outside the indicated ranges above, if you are pregnant/breastfeeding, if you are hypersensitive to any of the listed ingredients, if you are currently prescribed another GLP-1 receptor agonist or if you have certain health conditions. Your pharmacist can provide advice regarding eligibility.
What happens at the first consultation?
At your first consultation, the pharmacist will perform a risk assessment taking into account current medications and health conditions. The pharmacist will calculate your BMI by measuring your current weight and height and your blood pressure and “central” fat distribution will also be measured and recorded. The pharmacist will discuss the dosing regimen and demonstrate how to use the injection pen, providing advice on storage and side effects as well as providing dietary and lifestyle advice and supporting materials. Patients are encouraged to visit the pharmacy weekly initially whereby we can provide additional weight measurements and encouragement.
How much does the service cost?
The initial consultation costs £30.00.
Price for each pen varies depending on strength therefore cost will fluctuate throughout the course. Please contact us for more information.
Do I need to book an appointment?
Booking an appointment is encouraged as it is an agreed time that suits both the patient and pharmacist and free from distractions within the pharmacy. However, please feel free to call the pharmacy at any time to determine appointment availability or seek advice from the pharmacist.
The pharmacies can be contacted as below:
Tel: 028 2957 1124 (Rasharkin)
Tel: 028 2765 7803 (Dunloy)
Are there any side effects from this medication?
As with most medications, there are some side effects reported with use. These side effects normally go away after a few days or weeks and there are certain ways to alleviate these. The most common side effects are nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, vomiting and headache.
Are there any drug interactions with this medication?
The pharmacist will conduct a thorough medication history and advise if the patient is unsuitable for treatment. Some medications that may interact include diabetic medications and treatments used to thin the blood.
What other weight management options are available?
If you are deemed unsuitable for treatment, we have other medicated weight management options that you may be eligible for.