discussing the side effects--which for some people can be extremely significant and in some cases irreversible. While many will see nothing (or mostly nothing) but beneficial effects, I would highly recommend that you ask your physician to discuss complications with you or research them yourself-- just so you can make an informed decision and/or know what to look for.

I see the serious complications in my work. So, I just urge you to realize the hype is masking that information from being discussed.

Best wishes.

I've been using this drug for years and have lost 185 pounds.

severely compromised gastrointestinal motility, pancreatitis in some cases, and potentially deadly bowel obstruction often requiring intestinal resection surgery and possibly temporary or permanent colostomy.

Even mild gastric paresis (which is part of the physiological mechanism that allows the drug to work) is quite uncomfortable for quite a few patients--so for those commonly and consistently impacted, many find it incompatible with staying on the drug.

Most have good success with the drug, but there is little to no pre-screening for those who might be more at risk for these serious complications. The hype has won out. Still, I'm pleased these drugs are available and working for many. But the medical community owes it to patients to inform them fully. And, in many cases, they are NOT.

I have heard of people not being "right" to go onto it but thankfully I've had zero side effects and if I can lose another 15 to 25 pounds I'll probably start coming off it.

Definitely work with your prescribing physician on the best strategy when you get to the point of wanting to wean down your dosing. I suspect recommendations will change as more patients have reached that point.

I know Pharma likes to scare patients into only taking their brands but it is still wise to be cautious before trying to get another formulation.

It is $1200 a dose. Those others are around the same price.

So, side effects won't be an issue for myself, since I will never be able to afford such a thing. Neither will a substantial portion of the population, which would really find help in using that drug. But of course, capitalism.

At a much lower price, if you have a doctor who will work with you.

But, lower prices mean nothing when you have nothing to offer. They will have to be free if they want me to take them. Because I cannot afford even a 90% reduction in the price.

Secondly, why are they being offered at any price other than a reasonable one? You and I both know why. And, it isn't just 'development costs'.

Good old capitalism. Like the air we breathe.