Medicines can help — but only when used safely.
Here’s how we think about medication safety at SendSlim, and what we ask from you as our patient.
Medicines are just one part of your plan
At SendSlim, medication is never the whole plan. Your care may include:
- Food and nutrition changes
- Movement and activity goals
- Sleep and stress support
- Checking and treating other health problems
- Possible weight-loss medicines — only if safe for you
Not everyone will be a good candidate for medication. Not everyone will need it. No specific drug is promised.
How we decide if a medicine is right for you
Before we talk about medicine, your clinician will:
- Review your health history and current conditions
- Review your current medications and allergies
- Ask about past side effects and reactions
- Check or order labs if needed (for example, sugar, liver, kidney, or thyroid function)
- Talk with you about your goals, lifestyle, and concerns
Only then will we decide together whether a medicine might be a safe and useful part of your plan. Sometimes the safest choice is no medication, or a different type of treatment.
Important safety rules we follow
- We do not prescribe medicines that we believe are unsafe for you
- We do not continue a medicine if it appears to be harming you or not helping at all
- We follow clinical guidelines, state laws, and our own best judgment as licensed providers
- We will not give extra medicine or larger doses just to move faster if we think it raises your risk
If you ever feel we are saying “no” to something you want, it is because we are putting safety first.
Your role in medication safety
You are an important part of keeping medications safe. Please:
- Tell us about all medicines you take:
- Prescription drugs
- Over-the-counter medicines
- Vitamins and herbal supplements
- Tell us about allergies or bad reactions you’ve had in the past
- Take your medicine exactly as prescribed — do not change your dose on your own
- Do not share your medicine with anyone else
- Let us know if you miss doses or stop a medicine
- Tell us right away (portal or visit) if you notice new or worsening side effects
Never take medicine from online sellers, friends, or unknown sources. Fake or unsafe products can cause serious harm.
Possible side effects and risks
Every medicine has possible side effects and risks. The exact risks depend on the specific drug, dose, and your health. Common types of side effects for many weight-loss medicines can include:
- Nausea, vomiting, or upset stomach
- Changes in bowel habits (constipation or diarrhea)
- Headache or dizziness
- Changes in appetite
- Tiredness or trouble sleeping
Some medicines have more serious possible risks, such as effects on the heart, blood pressure, or mood; effects on the kidneys, liver, or pancreas; and rare but serious allergic reactions.
At your visit, your clinician will explain the most important possible side effects for any medicine they recommend, explain what is normal and what is not, and tell you when to contact us versus when to call 911. If you start a new medicine and feel something is not right, it’s better to reach out early than to wait.
When to call us vs. when to call 911
Call or message SendSlim (non-emergency)
Use the portal or schedule a visit if you:
- Have mild or moderate side effects that bother you (e.g. nausea or mild stomach upset)
- Feel the medicine is not helping at all
- Have questions about how or when to take your medicine
- Need a refill and are not out yet
We usually respond during normal business hours. We are not a 24/7 service.
Call 911 or go to the ER right away if you have
- Chest pain or trouble breathing
- Severe allergic reaction (swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; trouble breathing; hives with trouble breathing)
- Sudden, severe headache, confusion, or trouble speaking
- Sudden weakness, numbness, or trouble moving part of your body
- Vomiting that will not stop and you cannot keep down fluids
- Thoughts of harming yourself or others
- Any symptom you believe is severe, scary, or life-threatening
Do not wait for a portal reply or telehealth visit in these situations.
Medicines, pregnancy, and breastfeeding
Weight-loss medicines are not safe for everyone. You must tell us if you are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, think you might be pregnant, or are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. In these cases, many weight-loss medicines are not appropriate, and we may recommend a different approach.
If you become pregnant while taking any medicine from SendSlim: stop the medication (unless your clinician has told you otherwise) and contact your clinician as soon as possible. For concerning symptoms, call your OB/GYN or go to urgent care/emergency as needed.
Other health conditions
Certain health problems may affect what medicines are safe for you, such as:
- Heart disease or rhythm problems
- Uncontrolled high blood pressure
- Kidney or liver disease
- Pancreatitis
- Certain types of cancers or family history of specific cancers
- Heavy alcohol use
- History of eating disorders
- History of certain mental health conditions
This is why we ask so many questions in your intake forms and during visits — the more we know, the better we can protect you. Always keep us updated if you’re diagnosed with a new condition, another doctor changes a medicine, or you have surgery or are hospitalized.
Medication refills
To refill your medication safely:
- Make sure you’ve completed your recommended follow-up visits
- Request refills early enough so there’s time to review your chart
- Use your patient portal or pharmacy request option where available
We may sometimes need new labs, an updated visit, or more information about side effects or changes before we can safely continue a medicine. We do not refill medicines forever without proper follow-up.
Honest conversations
We understand that weight and health are emotional topics. You can always talk honestly with us about:
- Side effects you don’t like
- Fears about medicines
- Times when you over- or under-took a dose
- Financial worries about medication costs
- When you feel like quitting or giving up
We will not judge you. Our job is to work with you, adjust the plan, and keep you as safe as we can.
Questions about medication safety?
Current patients: use the portal or ask at your next visit. New patients: learn more on Program, How It Works, and FAQs, then start with a visit.
Start for $49