Gray RETA and your Doctor / PCP

gimmeshelter

gimmeshelter

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Morning. I am curious what others are doing in terms of going on Reta and their private healthcare provider - meaning your doctor. I am in the sourcing phase have tons of bookmarks etc and am slowly narrowing it down (it's been a journey........). My next step is to get a blood panel to see what's up then start RETA next 4-6 weeks.

I am curious......are folks telling their doc they are taking a gray market product? Are most getting bloodwork first then starting a protocol?

If you did tell your doc, what was the response? Thanks !
 
Funny that you should ask that. Just a week ago I informed my doctor that I had stopped Ozempic, and had been taking Reta. He had no idea what it was, and Googled it on the spot. He read me his findings, and we discussed it a bit. Ge started to freak out when he realized that I wasn't going to stop taking it. He told me about not finishing phase three testing and not being FDA approved like it would change my mind. I let him know that I had thoroughly researched it, that I felt it was worth the risk. Then he pulled the "he can't take responsibility for what it might do" I let him know that I take responsibility for my actions, that I just wanted to be honest with my doctor. Then he asked, "where do you get it" I had started with a local supplier until I discovered China, so I answered "China". OMG, the sh*t hit the fan then....
 
I'd say you're taking compounded tirzepatide, or something similar, prescribed by a doctor through a telehealth company. Since you're in the U.S., be aware that having any health complications arising from 'grey market' peptides noted in your medical file gives insurance companies an easy excuse to deny coverage if something goes wrong later down the line
 
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I am seeing my local PCP in a few weeks. This is the same PCP that prescribed me Zepbound and then we both understood I would not be taking that due to the price.
Same PCP then suggested (without knowing what we know) that I should explore options like Hims. (and we all know how THAT works)
So I am planning on sharing with them my telehealth journey I have been on this year, Share with them my telehealth research, CAUTION them about recommending Hims, and leave it at that.
I will not share about the grey research for reasons mentioned already in this thread.
 
gimmeshelter said:
Morning. I am curious what others are doing in terms of going on Reta and their private healthcare provider - meaning your doctor. I am in the sourcing phase have tons of bookmarks etc and am slowly narrowing it down (it's been a journey........). My next step is to get a blood panel to see what's up then start RETA next 4-6 weeks.

I am curious......are folks telling their doc they are taking a gray market product? Are most getting bloodwork first then starting a protocol?

If you did tell your doc, what was the response? Thanks !
Click to expand...
I just tell them I'm taking tirzepatide thru a telehealth. He didn't even blink over it. I imagine it is very common nowadays.
 
AcadiaPeptides said:
I am seeing my local PCP in a few weeks. This is the same PCP that prescribed me Zepbound and then we both understood I would not be taking that due to the price.
Same PCP then suggested (without knowing what we know) that I should explore options like Hims. (and we all know how THAT works)
So I am planning on sharing with them my telehealth journey I have been on this year, Share with them my telehealth research, CAUTION them about recommending Hims, and leave it at that.
I will not share about the grey research for reasons mentioned already in this thread.
Click to expand...
I have heard of HIMS , so it is a total scam? Inform me, I'm an idiot !
 
I didn't tell mine when I went 3 weeks ago for the yearly deal. Had blood work and went in for a follow up to that. Everything was spot on normal including BP and HR. My weight was down 3lbs, but he knew I cut back on beer, carbs and was eating less and better.
 
I did not and I will not. I wasted a lot of time trying it his way--now we are doing it mine. The two liver enzymes that started the conversation ("I know you seem healthy now, but this is going to catch up with you eventually") are no longer an issue.

Maybe one day, I will tell him. More likely though, I will tell just how unhelpful and exhausting some of the hoops he had me jump through were. Nothing like being told to gain weight to qualify for a surgery or sitting in a room full of people being weighed like cattle before they all watch the same video or reducing your consumption to an ever-changing allotment of "points" in a process that becomes nearly algebraic for a home cook like me.

For the first time, since I was 8 years old, I am not on a diet. I eat real food, in appropriate amounts without obsession. IMO this medication has done as much for my mental health as it has my waistline, and I am not debating it with anyone who has not physically experienced obesity or deeply loved and respected someone who has.

Sorry if that was a downer. I guess the idea hit a nerve.
 
Told both my PCP and cardiologist that I was on Reta during my visits. I printed out medical articles about reta for my PCP and he told me that it had already been talked about at the Internal Medicine convention he attended. He was very pleased as all my metabolic values had normalized and A1C had come down to normal range. When I went to my yearly visit for the cardiologist,the first thing he said when he walked into the room was "what the hell happened to you". He couldn't believe that I was down 100lbs since my last visit. Told him about the reta and exercise and he told me to keep up the great work and took me off my blood pressure pills. Just went for a repeat sleep study and was told I no longer needed to use the CPAP. Both asked me about where I got the reta and told them a chinese manufacturer produces it. They were not surprised as many of the generic drugs we have in the US come from chinese factories.
 
I told my provider I was interested in Zepbound. She ordered me labs at my last physical and told me that I should try the pill form since it is cheaper. The funny thing is that my primary provider is now running a "Weight Loss Clinic" that she suggests I try.

I thanked them for the brochure and went on my merry way.

1772558323547.png
 

What do you tell your Doctor

Assuming you go in for regular check ups and get blood work done. Do you tell him what you're taking? Do you keep it a secret? I've also read you shouldn't hid anything from your doctor but when I told him I like to have a smoke every once in a while I got charged a smoking cessation...
glp1forum.com glp1forum.com
 
I haven't bothered to tell mine. My yearly visit for the last decade has essentially been "your bloodwork is fine, you seem healthy as a horse, but you're over weight. Work on that. Have a nice day, thanks for the $$$."

I'm doing quarterly blood work that is more comprehensive than they order for 1/4 the price, I monitor heart rate, sleep, etc through my watch and check blood pressure regularly. I'm not too fussed with them not knowing and don't really think it would make a difference for my specific situation.
 
Birdie said:
I did not and I will not. I wasted a lot of time trying it his way--now we are doing it mine. The two liver enzymes that started the conversation ("I know you seem healthy now, but this is going to catch up with you eventually") are no longer an issue.

Maybe one day, I will tell him. More likely though, I will tell just how unhelpful and exhausting some of the hoops he had me jump through were. Nothing like being told to gain weight to qualify for a surgery or sitting in a room full of people being weighed like cattle before they all watch the same video or reducing your consumption to an ever-changing allotment of "points" in a process that becomes nearly algebraic for a home cook like me.

For the first time, since I was 8 years old, I am not on a diet. I eat real food, in appropriate amounts without obsession. IMO this medication has done as much for my mental health as it has my waistline, and I am not debating it with anyone who has not physically experienced obesity or deeply loved and respected someone who has.

Sorry if that was a downer. I guess the idea hit a nerve.
Click to expand...
"Maybe one day, I will tell him. More likely though, I will tell just how unhelpful and exhausting some of the hoops he had me jump through were." THIS!

AND THIS
"For the first time, since I was 8 years old, I am not on a diet. I eat real food, in appropriate amounts without obsession. IMO this medication has done as much for my mental health as it has my waistline, and I am not debating it with anyone who has not physically experienced obesity or deeply loved and respected someone who has."

MENTAL HEALTH YES!!!!
 
Birdie said:
I did not and I will not. I wasted a lot of time trying it his way--now we are doing it mine. The two liver enzymes that started the conversation ("I know you seem healthy now, but this is going to catch up with you eventually") are no longer an issue.

Maybe one day, I will tell him. More likely though, I will tell just how unhelpful and exhausting some of the hoops he had me jump through were. Nothing like being told to gain weight to qualify for a surgery or sitting in a room full of people being weighed like cattle before they all watch the same video or reducing your consumption to an ever-changing allotment of "points" in a process that becomes nearly algebraic for a home cook like me.

For the first time, since I was 8 years old, I am not on a diet. I eat real food, in appropriate amounts without obsession. IMO this medication has done as much for my mental health as it has my waistline, and I am not debating it with anyone who has not physically experienced obesity or deeply loved and respected someone who has.

Sorry if that was a downer. I guess the idea hit a nerve.
Click to expand...
Ohh no, great response. I'm so happy for you !!!
 
gimmeshelter said:
Morning. I am curious what others are doing in terms of going on Reta and their private healthcare provider - meaning your doctor. I am in the sourcing phase have tons of bookmarks etc and am slowly narrowing it down (it's been a journey........). My next step is to get a blood panel to see what's up then start RETA next 4-6 weeks.

I am curious......are folks telling their doc they are taking a gray market product? Are most getting bloodwork first then starting a protocol?

If you did tell your doc, what was the response? Thanks !
Click to expand...
I just had a physical last week and told my doctor I was on reta. He just looked at me and said, "I hope you've got a good source."
I assured him I did and he went on to say the data is extremely promising and to be careful with BP meds because as I lose weight, those need to be adjusted. Been my primary for 25 years. That's why.
 
I have an appointment this Friday with my PA. I was going in to request and extensive set of blood tests and an ecg as I am on TRT and I plan on trying a TRT+ sometime in future and I want to see where I'm currently at. I hadn't thought of how to answer her questions about my weight loss and I do not want my Chinese Reta usage documented. I think I'll borrow the zepbound telehealth "white lie".
 
Lovedog100 said:
Funny that you should ask that. Just a week ago I informed my doctor that I had stopped Ozempic, and had been taking Reta. He had no idea what it was, and Googled it on the spot. He read me his findings, and we discussed it a bit. Ge started to freak out when he realized that I wasn't going to stop taking it. He told me about not finishing phase three testing and not being FDA approved like it would change my mind. I let him know that I had thoroughly researched it, that I felt it was worth the risk. Then he pulled the "he can't take responsibility for what it might do" I let him know that I take responsibility for my actions, that I just wanted to be honest with my doctor. Then he asked, "where do you get it" I had started with a local supplier until I discovered China, so I answered "China". OMG, the sh*t hit the fan then....
Click to expand...
Same with my dr; she couldn't even look at me she was so mad. This was last year.
 
Birdie said:
I did not and I will not. I wasted a lot of time trying it his way--now we are doing it mine.
Click to expand...
Oh PREACH sister! The System <tm> is a shit show of treating “very” sick people and if you’re not sick enough then you get a shrug.

Or landing on my symptom as a diagnosis instead of asking: what could cause this?

I’ve lived in three states, 8+ doctors a hand full of mental health professionals and the only thing they do is what everyone else has done.

“Why don’t you test for Vitamin D?”
“Oh, everyone’s low in this region.” 🤦‍♀️
And that one basic add on test got the ball rolling toward improvement… and could have been done in 2011 or earlier. It’s maddening.
.

I hear you very clearly. I’ve done it the “right way” and it gave me sadness and misery. I’m not signing up for the rest of my life to be like that.
 
In addition to seeing my GP a few weeks ago, I see my cardiologist in April. He gave me shit for gaining weight last year when I went from 190 to 209. He'll be happy this time when I guess I'll be around 185-190lbs. I know he'll ask me how, and I'll probably tell him low carb. He' s a sharp shit, so he might figure it out.
 
ambot88 said:
I never got any blood work and didn't tell my doctor - I sort of wish I'd gotten initial bloodwork though just to see the difference.
Click to expand...
Im in same boat wish i had waited to get initial blood work of course i could not wait got blood work 4 weeks into reta and nad and blood
Work show low iron. Borderline anemia. Not sure if peps would cause that. Did have aquablation of prostate surgery back on Dec 22 and had heavy blood clotting. Well see well keep doing labs and see if iron levels come up.
 
I had my yearly check-in with my PA a month ago. I did not mention Reta, I was about 20lbs lighter but it didn't come up. We had the usual "Anything you want to discuss? How is everything going? Any concerns/issues? Any questions for me?...". Asked him to do a bunch of blood tests (I had a list prepared) in addition to the usual one we do, and he had no problem with it. Next day got my results and his feedback that everything looks great and results are better then last year, carry on.
 
Vash_ said:
I tell my doctor everything I take. He just wants me to keep up on bloodwork and keep him in the loop.

Definitely get bloodwork done before you start anything.
Click to expand...
This is my approach. My docs don’t care too much if things seem reasonable and they’re not the one signing the prescription (liable).
 
After 30 years of adulting, one thing has been quite clear from the medical profession. Most patients Primary Care provider are a Pharmaceutical liaison. They are compensated by Big Pharma to write scripts for specific medicines. This is never disclosed to the patient. So when your Doctor disagrees with patients using off-label or compounded drugs, the resistance is based on profit margin, not personal care. Always follow the money....
 
chewonmysac said:
After 30 years of adulting, one thing has been quite clear from the medical profession. Most patients Primary Care provider are a Pharmaceutical liaison. They are compensated by Big Pharma to write scripts for specific medicines. This is never disclosed to the patient. So when your Doctor disagrees with patients using off-label or compounded drugs, the resistance is based on profit margin, not personal care. Always follow the money....
Click to expand...
Many doctors are influenced by BP, but many are also not, to be fair. I went to a new doctor one time and these people (patients) were bringing in literal backpacks and small cases of Rx. I was amazed at how many meds some of these people were taking.

When I had my appointment, he looked at my meds and labs, and immediately recommended 3 new brand name medications, and 2 of them had generics as I found out later. When I mentioned the cost, he opened this walk-in closet with what had to be 500 different medications in it and handed them both to me. It was the size of a small pharmacy. I found a new doctor after that and was put on only one new med, and it was generic. Live and learn.
 
chewonmysac said:
After 30 years of adulting, one thing has been quite clear from the medical profession. Most patients Primary Care provider are a Pharmaceutical liaison. They are compensated by Big Pharma to write scripts for specific medicines. This is never disclosed to the patient. So when your Doctor disagrees with patients using off-label or compounded drugs, the resistance is based on profit margin, not personal care. Always follow the money....
Click to expand...
True follow the money but not for the reasons you are putting forth. As a physician, I can tell you there are no kick backs for these meds. All payments to any physicians from a drug company have to be listed on the government website. easy to check out. they usually just want to cover their ass in case they get sued for medical malpractice by money hungry lawyers who will blame them for not recommending that you stop grey market. On the other hand, it is important for them to know as they had me stop the reta 2 weeks prior to my neurosurgery
 
I plan to tell mine without telling him.

He's a good doctor, because I only see good doctors, and I define those as "a doctor who understands that I am engaging him as a subject matter expert on medicine and health, and that ultimately I and NOT he own decisions about my own health, and that his role is to make sure I am fully informed and supported so I can make the decisions that are right for me; who will not attempt to exert some kind of weird directoral control over my decisions or even presume the right to scold or lecture."

I also understand that he has responsibilities to our health system's insurance contracts, and I will not openly state I'm using tirzepatide and possibly retatrutide later that I did not obtain a prescription for, because then he'd be bound to note that in my chart, which could cause issues down the line. But he has no repsponsibility to note hypotheticals I broach to him, which he will know full well are not hypothetical because he is not an idiot, and will understand are not intended to be believed hypothetical, and I doubt he'll be confused about why I'm phrasing it that way because I don't see doctors who are idiots.

Basically, I'll have the same conversation with him as I would if I were using cocaine or amphetamines regularly and were not ready to stop. I expect that he'll let me know how that may possibly change which considerations apply to me when managing my health, and we'll go from there.
 
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