Weight Loss Medication: Common FAQs

What do I do if I am experiencing side effects?

Any suspected side effects should be reported to our customer care team by telephone on

0333 358 0200, or by emailing care@privatedoc.com. Our clinical team will then advise on the best next steps.

What do I do If I think my side effect is more severe or an allergic reaction?

Reactions which affect your breathing, or are continuing to get worse, should be reported immediately to 999/NHS 111.

Can I travel with medication?

In the majority of cases, you are permitted to take prescription only medication with you when travelling abroad for a holiday and this should be carried in your hand luggage.  

Below is some advice which should be followed:

Medication in tablet/capsule form

Where possible the medication should be carried in the original packaging which will have the pharmacy label attached to it.  A copy of your prescription should also be carried as proof these tablets/capsules have been prescribed to you by a registered healthcare professional.  Care should be taken not to expose the medication to temperatures above 30C.  No other special storage or transport requirements are needed.

Medication in cream/liquid form

Where possible the medication should be carried in the original packaging which will have the pharmacy label attached to it.  A copy of your prescription should also be carried as proof this medication has been prescribed to you by a registered healthcare professional (most airports will allow containers greater than 100mls if these conditions are met, however containers less than 100mls should be used if this is possible).  Care should be taken not to expose the medication to temperatures above 30C.  No other special storage or transport requirements are needed.

Medication in injection form

Where possible the medication should be carried in the original packaging which will have the pharmacy label attached to it.  A copy of your prescription should also be carried as proof these injection pens have been prescribed to you by a registered healthcare professional.  Once an injection pen has been removed from your fridge, there is no requirement it must be stored in a fridge whilst it is being used.  Saxenda and Mounjaro pens can be kept out of the fridge for 30 days, whereas Wegovy pens are fine for 42 days.  Care should be taken not to expose the medication to temperatures above 30C.  No other special storage or transport requirements are needed.

Note: if in doubt it is always best to check with your airline about specific rules they may have in place for carrying medicines especially sharps bin and needles for injections.  It is also recommended to check the rules for the country you are visiting as certain medication may not be allowed into particular destinations.

What diet should I follow?

Whilst on any of our prescription weight loss treatments we recommend following a calorie controlled diet to support your goals. As this can be a confusing area with lots of mixed messaging, we partnered with leading nutritionist Glen Matten to bring to you our very own PrivateDoc diet guide. You can find out more here: PrivateDoc Diet Guide