FAQs WEI8HT Release
Everything You Need to Know
+How does WEI8HT Release work?
WEI8HT Release provides tailored medical weight loss therapy. Initial consultation takes into consideration complete medical history, previous weight loss attempts, and individual physiology. You can begin your journey for a lighter, brighter you in 3 easy steps.
- Complete a simple, online medical intake form.
- Discuss your weight loss journey with a clinician who cares about you
- If medically appropriate, receive your medication in the mail every 30 days from our associated pharmacy. *
*We use Hallandale and/or Empower Pharmacy, compounding pharmacies.
+Who can use WEI8HT Release?
WEI8HT Release is open to anyone who meets the below criteria:
- 18 years old or older.
- A resident of South Carolina, in an area we provide service(s) to.
- Have a demonstrated medical need for treatment. For some conditions this means recent laboratory results (we provide diagnostic lab work and the results).
+What states is WEI8HT Release available in?
WEI8HT Release is concierge, medical weight loss that is currently available in the Myrtle Beach, and surrounding, area(s) of South Carolina.
New locations will be coming soon, so check back to see if a state or area near you has been added!
+What if I’m having a medical emergency?
In the event of a medical emergency or mental health crisis, dial 9-1-1 or your local equivalent immediately.
+How do I get my medication and/or supplies?
WEI8HT Release works with you and utilizes your insurance if coverage is provided, or a third-party compounding pharmacy to process prescriptions (if approved) and supplies (if needed). Medication will be mailed directly from the pharmacy to your address on file. WEI8HT Release partners with Hallandale and Empower pharmacies due to their safety, standards, and willingness to provide high-quality medications for WEI8HT Release members.
Hallandale Pharmacy
http://www.hallandalepharmacy.com/
2666 SW 36th Street
Fort Lauderdale, FL 33312
Email: infor@hallandalerx.com
Tel: 954.455.3822 or 1.866.537.4557
Empower Pharmacy
https://www.empowerpharmacy.com/
7601 N Sam Houston PKWY W, STE 100
Houston, TX 77064
Phone: (832) 678 4417 (patient line)
Toll Free: (877) 562 - 8577
+Is using medication from a compounded pharmacy safe and effective?
According to the U.S. FDA pharmacy compounding is a practice by licensed pharmacists to create tailored medication to meet the needs of individual patients. Pharmacy compounding serves an important public health need if a patient can not be treated with an FDA-approved medication. This vital service can be provided for those who need tailored medications including, but not limited to the reasons below:
- For allergies to inactive ingredients or dyes,
- Medication forms/doses that are not commercially available, i.e. liquid or suppository form, or combination medications, or
- Drugs that are listed on the FDA drug shortage
They note that consumers be aware that compounded medications are not “FDA-Approved” meaning the FDA has not verified their quality, safety and effectiveness.”
Compounding pharmacies are required to meet rigorous quality standards, and all ingredients are required to be obtained from FDA approved suppliers according to Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding.
+Are compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide legal while they are under a drug patent?
Ozempic/Wegovy, and Mounjaro/Zepbound, respectively, are currently under patent by Novo Nordisk and Eli lilly and Co., correspondingly. These medications are used for the treatments of diabetes and are or are pending to be ON label for weight loss treatment in obesity. Both semaglutide and tirzepatide remain on the FDA drug shortage list as: ”currently on shortage,” as of September 12, 2024.
According to the FDA one of the conditions of section 503A restricts compounded drugs that are copies of commercially available drugs, but FDA does not consider a drug to be commercially available when it appears on FDA’s drug shortages list. In short, during a drug shortage, outsourcing facilities may compound identical, or nearly identical, FDA-approved drugs on the FDA drug shortage, and this is not limited by a drug being currently under a patent according to the Alliance for Pharmacy Compounding.
As an aside, GoodRx notes that if the regulatory requirements for compounding semaglutide are met, only pharmacies with proper equipment, training and facilities are legally able t make the injections. Moreover, sterile compounding requirements are in place to help protect from serious problems. Finally, noting that the FDA does allow pharmacies to compound versions of FDA-approved medications in certain situations.
Moreover, according to APC "compounded drugs are not ’knock-offs,’ as they have been referred to in recent media stories. Rather, they are legitimate therapies created from pure bulk ingredients by pharmacies that adhere to rigorous compounding standards of the US Pharmacopeia,are licensed by state boards of pharmacy, and are inspected by those state boards as well as FDA".
+What will happen when semaglutide and tirzepiatide are no longer on the shortage list?
The future of compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide are uncertain as there is is no known end date for their shortages. When their medication shortage criteria ends, according to FDA the drug will be commercially available again to meet demand. At this time, “copies” of FDA-approved medications can be compounded under 503-A as long as it is NOT done “regularly or in inordinate amounts.” This may mean switching to commercially available medication Ozempic/Wegovy and/or Mounjaro at that time. As a result the FDA drug shortage should be monitored routinely.
+Do I have to pay separately for the medication?
WEI8HT Release has NO HIDDEN FEES! That means everything you need is included and billed the same day of the initial or follow up consultation! Visit the pricing page for more details.
You are billed according to the medication therapy, dose and visit type during the consultation, and receive monthly medication shipment. Super bills are available upon request for submission to private insurance. WEI8HT Release accepts all major credit cards and health savings accounts HSAs for your convenience. *You must check with your HSA about reimbursement for weight loss therapy.
+What if I’m not approved for a medication?
Similar to a traditional clinic your payment is for the provider’s service and the providers time spent with you in a telehealth appointment. Payment does not guarantee the writing or dispensing of a prescription medication.
In the event you are not approved for one weight loss therapy, WEI8HT Release has several options that may be recommended alternatively, which you potentially be medically qualified for.
+How much does WEI8HT Release cost?
The value for our services is unmatched here in South Carolina! Medical assisted weight loss therapy that’s right for you and fits any budget. Visit our pricing page for more details. Services include initial consultation, medication, shipping, supplies, and routine follow up, as well as 24/7 access to the portal. There are NO hidden-fees or long-standing contracts, and NO insurance needed!
+What if I need a higher dose of medication than the subscription provides?
In the event that an individual requires high dose therapies, WEI8HT Release offers high-dose semaglutide therapy, cost varies based on market prices.
The cost increase is primarily due to an increase in the compounded medication market price.
+How often will I receive a shipment?
This is weight loss tailored to the individual, and includes shipment every 30 days of your medication, if medically approved.
+What if I need to cancel?
You may cancel anytime via the portal. Refunds are at the descretion of the provider and in accordance with current policies. **
**Refunds are for the cost of provider services only and will not be granted for medications or supplies shipped, or laboratories obtained, as these services are paid for by the clinic and as such can not be refunded once completed.
