Questions to Ask a Licensed Provider

Use this as preparation, not as a substitute

Nothing in this library is medical advice, and no page here creates a clinician–patient relationship. What a reference library can legitimately do is help you arrive at an appointment able to ask precise questions and understand the answers. Bring your current medication and supplement list, your relevant history, and recent labs.

Suitability

• Given my history and goals, is this compound a reasonable option — and what are the non-peptide alternatives?
• What is the actual evidence base in a population like me, and how strong is it?
• What is the realistic magnitude and timeline of benefit, and what would tell us it is not working?
• Is the approved product available, and if you are recommending a compounded preparation, why?

Contraindications and interactions

• Do any of my existing conditions make this unsafe — personal or family history of cancer, thyroid disease, pancreatitis, retinopathy, cardiovascular disease, kidney or liver impairment?
• How does this interact with my current prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements?
• Are there pregnancy, breastfeeding, or fertility considerations?
• Does this affect glycemic control, blood pressure, or anesthesia if I need surgery?

Follow-up and monitoring

• What baseline labs and measurements should we take before starting?
• What are we monitoring, how often, and at what threshold do we stop or adjust?
• Which side effects warrant a call, and which warrant urgent or emergency care?
• How long is the intended course, and what is the plan for tapering, cycling, or discontinuation?

Sourcing

• Where will the product come from, and is that pharmacy licensed in my state?
• Is it an FDA-approved product or a compounded preparation, and who is accountable for its quality?
• Can I see documentation of potency and sterility testing for a compounded preparation?
• Do you or your practice have a financial relationship with the supplier?

Emergency guidance

Call 911 (or your local emergency number) for chest pain, difficulty breathing, signs of a severe allergic reaction, severe or persistent abdominal pain, fainting, or confusion. Contact Poison Control (1-800-222-1222 in the US) for suspected overdose or accidental exposure.