HOME DELIVERY

The benefits of having medication delivered

Non-adherence to medication is a major reason why treatments shown to be effective in trials are often less effective in clinical practice.​

Medicine home delivery helps improve care by ensuring patients have their medication when they need it. This increases treatment adherence and saves unnecessary trips to traditional pharmacies like Chemist Warehouse.

That’s why 92% of users of the Chemist2U app report that the app is a helpful tool to maintain their healthcare.*

Learn more about the benefits of home delivery of medication in this article reviewed by our medical team.

Some important information about weight loss tablets

Weight loss tablets are sometimes a component for managing weight. This article offers some important information about how these tablets work, their appropriate use, and who might be able to use them. We’ll guide you through their potential side effects and interactions with other medications.

Make your medication easy and order home delivery of your weight loss tablets through Chemist2U.

1. How do weight loss tablets work?

Weight loss tablets are sometimes used as part of a weight loss program. Some tablets are appetite suppressants, making you feel fuller with less food to reduce your calorie intake.¹

Others minimise the absorption of certain nutrients, like fats, contributing further to a lower calorie count.²

Moreover, certain medications are fat burners. More accurately, they enhance your body’s ability to burn fat and facilitate the calorie-burning process.³

An example is GLP-1 agonists, which activate receptors linked to insulin production and increased feelings of fullness.⁴

Remember, options to assist weight loss are personal and unique to each individual. It’s crucial to use these medications under the watchful eye of a doctor, combining them with important lifestyle changes such as a balanced diet and regular exercise.

2. How do you take weight loss tablets?

It depends on what kind of weight loss pills are prescribed. You should carefully follow your doctor’s instructions and the instructions on the medication label when using weight loss tablets. For phentermine and topiramate, your doctor will direct the specific dosage. Generally, it’s taken once a day in the morning, with or without food. Taking it in the evening might disrupt your sleep.⁵

Orlistat, available as Xenical or Alli, should be taken orally with a liquid, either during a meal containing fat or within an hour afterwards, typically three times a day. If you happen to miss a meal or eat a fat-free meal, skip that dose. Remember, to reduce side effects, ensure no more than 30% of your diet’s calories come from fat.⁶

In general, medications used for weight loss, such as Saxenda or Contrave, should be taken as part of a broader weight loss plan that incorporates exercise and a calorie-controlled diet for long-term benefits.

3. Who can take weight loss tablets?

Weight loss tablets are primarily prescribed for those with a BMI of 30 or higher or a BMI of 27 or more accompanied by obesity-related conditions.⁷ They are prescribed when diet and exercise alone don’t yield the desired results.

Their suitability and efficacy vary from person to person, which is why a doctor should be consulted before using them. We encourage you to talk to your doctor to see if prescription weight loss medications could be a beneficial part of your health management plan.

4. Side effects of weight loss tablets

The side effects of weight loss tablets can vary depending on the specific medication prescribed. Here are some commonly observed ones.⁸

Stimulant-type medications, such as phentermine or diethylpropion, may result in insomnia, increased blood pressure, a rapid heart rate, and restlessness. They are also generally advised for short-term use due to the risk of dependence issues.

Some medications, including GLP-1 receptor agonists like liraglutide (e.g. Saxenda) and semaglutide (e.g. Rybelsus), may cause gastrointestinal side effects such as diarrhea, nausea or vomiting, heartburn, gas, or constipation.

Medications that affect fat absorption, like orlistat, may cause symptoms such as oily spotting (faecal leakage), gas, and soft stools.

If you experience any adverse reactions while taking weight loss tablets, discuss them with your doctor to find the best way forward.

5. Weight loss tablets and other medications

Non-prescription weight loss supplements and herbal medicines are available in some pharmacies and supermarkets. These products often claim to promote easy weight loss. However, it’s important to approach these alternative diet pills with a discerning eye. Despite their widespread consumption, there is a lack of evidence supporting their effectiveness for weight loss.⁹

Talk to your doctor before incorporating any non-prescription supplements into your weight loss plan.

6. Medicines you should not use with weight loss tablets

The specific drugs to avoid can vary depending on the type of weight loss tablet you are considering.

For instance, if you’re taking orlistat, it’s important to be cautious with certain medications, including blood thinners like warfarin, various HIV medications (such as atazanavir, efavirenz, emtricitabine, lopinavir, tenofovir), ritonavir, and triheptanoin.¹⁰

Notably, for individuals on seizure medications, orlistat may impact their effectiveness. If you experience more frequent or worsening seizures while taking orlistat, immediately inform your doctor.

Additionally, for those prescribed phentermine-topiramate, refrain from taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs, e.g. isocarboxazid, linezolid, metaxalone, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, tranylcypromine) during and two weeks before starting treatment.¹¹

7. How to order weight loss tablets through Chemist2U

Ordering prescription medications, such as weight loss tablets and weight loss injection solutions, through Chemist2U is easy and convenient.

Experience the ease of managing your prescriptions with us. Download our user-friendly app or visit our website to shop and upload your prescription. You can also add any over-the-counter items you need, all from the comfort of your home.

Rest assured that a trusted pharmacist in your local community will meticulously prepare your order. You can also enjoy the benefit of same-day delivery in metro and major regional areas across Australia. Just place your order before the cutoff time (typically 2:00 p.m. but may vary in some locations) and receive your medications and goods before the day ends.

Have your medication home delivered by Chemist2U today!

References

[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK482165/

[2] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542202/

[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36862833/

[4] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9945324

[5] https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a612037.html

[6] https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a601244.html

[7] https://www.niddk.nih.gov/health-information/weight-management/prescription-medications-treat-overweight-obesity

[8] https://www.drugs.com/article/side-effects-weight-loss-drugs.html

[9] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31984610/

[10] https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-17218/xenical-oral/details

[11] https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-162311/qsymia-oral/details

Disclaimer

Chemist2U does not endorse the therapeutic benefit of any medication. Any decision to administer a therapeutic good should be taken in consultation with your doctor.