Question 1

What should I ask before starting a GLP-1 medicine?

Accepted Answer

Which licensed product is being prescribed? For what indication? What's the dose-titration plan? What side effects should I expect, and which are red flags? How often will we review? What's the plan for stopping? Are there contraindications in my history (MTC family history, pancreatitis, pregnancy)?

Question 2

How do I ask my GP about an unlicensed peptide?

Accepted Answer

Be upfront: 'I'm considering / I'm currently taking X. What do you think? Are there licensed alternatives for my goal? What risks should I know about? Could it interact with my other medications?' Honest disclosure is essential — clinicians can't help you safely without it.

Question 3

What if my doctor won't discuss peptides?

Accepted Answer

Some clinicians are uncomfortable discussing unlicensed compounds; some are simply unfamiliar. You can ask for referral to a clinician with relevant experience (endocrinologist, sports medicine, pain medicine) or seek a second opinion. Print our doctor discussion sheet to focus the conversation.

Question 4

What questions should an athlete ask?

Accepted Answer

Is this compound on the WADA Prohibited List? What's the detection window? Could I unknowingly take something that triggers a positive? Do I need a TUE? Contact UKAD or your sport's anti-doping officer for the authoritative answer, not the supplier.

Question 5

What should I ask a private clinic before paying?

Accepted Answer

Who is the GMC-registered prescriber? Which GPhC-registered pharmacy dispenses? What's the licensed indication? What evidence supports this for me specifically? What's the side-effect profile? What's the review schedule? What's the refund / discontinuation policy?

Question 6

What should I ask a pharmacist about a new prescription?

Accepted Answer

What does this medicine do? When and how do I take it? What should I watch for? What should I avoid (alcohol, other medications, foods)? When should I report problems? How do I store it? When should the next prescription be?

Question 7

Can I ask for a Yellow Card report?

Accepted Answer

Yes — patients, carers, and clinicians can report adverse drug reactions via yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk. You don't need confirmation that the medicine caused the problem; suspicion is enough.

Question 8

What should I ask before stopping a medicine?

Accepted Answer

Is it safe to stop suddenly or do I need to taper? What symptoms should I expect? What's the plan if symptoms return? When should we review? Is there a safer alternative?

Question 9

What questions should I ask if I think I have a fake pen?

Accepted Answer

I bought this pen and I'm worried it's not genuine — can you help me check? What lot numbers should the genuine product have? Should I stop using it? Can you check the serialisation database? Should I report this to the MHRA?

Question 10

When should I see a specialist rather than my GP?

Accepted Answer

When the question is outside primary care scope: complex endocrinology, sports medicine, fertility, chronic pain, mental health beyond Talking Therapies. Your GP can refer. For NHS specialist referral pathways see your GP first; private referrals can usually be self-referral.

Questions to ask a doctor — frequently asked questions

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Questions to ask a doctor — frequently asked questions

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