Do I need to buy syringes for my GLP-1?

It depends on how your medication is dispensed. FDA-approved pens typically do not require syringes. Vial-based medications may require syringes—ask your provider or pharmacy directly.

What if my medication looks cloudy or discolored?

Do not use it. Contact your provider or pharmacy right away.

How do I pick the right injection day?

Choose a day you can keep consistent. Follow your provider’s instructions for timing.

Are compounded GLP-1s the same as FDA-approved medications?

No. Compounded versions are not FDA-approved and their safety and effectiveness have not been established.

What to Know Before Your First GLP-1 Dose | GLP Winner | GLP Winner

Starting a GLP-1 medication is a meaningful step toward better health. If you’ve never used a telehealth service before—or you’re new to prescription treatments like semaglutide or tirzepatide—this guide breaks down the essentials. You’ll learn how the process works, what you may need to prepare, and how to set your mindset for success.

This information mirrors the vetted language used in our provider-selection guide, so everything here reflects evidence-based advice, clear FDA distinctions, and real-world expectations.

What GLP-1 medications do (and what they’re approved for)

GLP-1 medications act like a natural hormone your body uses to help control appetite and blood sugar. Licensed healthcare providers prescribe them for adults with type 2 diabetes and for chronic weight management when medical criteria are met.

The FDA has approved two GLP-1 options for weight management:

Semaglutide 2.4 mg (Wegovy®) — FDA-approved for chronic weight management (FDA)
Tirzepatide (Zepbound®) — FDA-approved for chronic weight management (FDA)

Always follow your provider’s instructions. Your dose, timing, and plan should come directly from the clinician who assessed your medical history.

How starting with a telehealth provider actually works

Telehealth is designed to be accessible, but the process is structured. Expect to complete:

A health questionnaire
A medical history review
A consultation through video, audio, or secure chat
A discussion about goals, risks, side effects, and expectations

Your provider determines whether you qualify based on medical guidelines—not hype, social media trends, or shortcuts.

Some providers may attempt insurance coverage for FDA-approved medications. Others may discuss compounded formulations only when medically appropriate and during FDA-noted shortages. Remember:

Compounded GLP-1 medications are not FDA-approved.
Pharmacies may be licensed or inspected, but the compounded drug itself is not FDA-approved.

If you want a refresher on how providers differ, read our vetted guide: How to Find a GLP-1 Provider Online

Supplies: What you might need—and how to find out for sure

This is one of the most common points of confusion. Here’s the clean breakdown.

If you receive an FDA-approved branded product

Wegovy® and Zepbound® come in pre-filled auto-injector pens. You do not need separate syringes.

You may still need:

Alcohol prep pads
Sharps disposal container (see FDA guidance: Sharps Disposal)

Some telehealth providers include these supplies. Others don’t.

If your medication comes in a vial

Vial-based products are typically associated with compounded formulations. Because compounded medications are not FDA-approved, instructions and included supplies vary by pharmacy.

You may need:

Sterile syringes
Alcohol pads
A sharps container

To stay safe, always follow your provider’s instructions and contact them if anything seems unclear.

How to find out what your shipment includes

Ask these specific questions before your order ships:

“Is my medication coming as a pre-filled pen or a vial?”
“Do you include syringes or alcohol pads?”
“Should I purchase a sharps container?”
“Where can I review the official instructions?”

Telehealth providers are used to these questions. Don’t hesitate to ask.

For provider comparisons, explore our provider listings with real user reviews.

Choosing your injection day

Consistency helps more than perfection.

Pick a weekly time when:

You’re typically home
You’re not rushed
You can pay attention to how your body feels afterward

Follow your provider’s recommended timing. This guidance is based on how the FDA-approved medications were studied.

Preparing for side effects without panic

Not everyone experiences side effects. When they do occur, the most common ones are:

Nausea
Decreased appetite
Constipation
Fatigue

These effects are documented in clinical studies for FDA-approved products (see Wegovy® and Zepbound® prescribing information). They can vary from person to person. You don’t need to “push through” anything uncomfortable. Contact your provider if something feels wrong.

More detail here: Top 10 ways to ease nausea while on a GLP-1

Mindset matters more than you expect

Starting a GLP-1 is both a physical and emotional adjustment. Healthy mindset shifts can help you feel grounded:

Expect to eat smaller portions
Plan lighter meals on your dose days
Give yourself patience if your energy feels different
Communicate with the people you live with
Remind yourself this is a long-term journey, not a sprint

You’re building new habits. It’s normal to feel hopeful and nervous at the same time.

Setting yourself up before your first dose

A few small preparations go a long way:

Drink water throughout the day
Have simple foods available (lighter meals are often easier early on)
Make space in your schedule
Tell one trusted person you’re starting a new medication
Set reminders for dose day

These are practical ideas—not medical instructions—and they help make the adjustment smoother.

When to contact your provider

Your provider is there to guide you. Reach out if:

You feel severe nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain
Your medication looks cloudy, discolored, or damaged
You’re confused about your dose or timing
Any unexpected symptoms appear

Do not change your dose, timing, or schedule without clinical guidance.

Starting a GLP-1 isn’t just about getting a prescription—it’s about stepping into a care plan that fits your life. When you understand what’s FDA-approved, what support your provider offers, and how to prepare your routine, you give yourself a smoother, safer path forward. Stay curious, ask questions, and keep communication open with your clinician. With clarity and preparation on your side, you’ll be ready for your first dose—and every step that follows—with confidence.

If you enjoy posts like these, you can subscribe to receive newsletter updates.

GLP-1 Basics: What to Know Before You Start Your First Prescription

What GLP-1 medications do (and what they’re approved for)

How starting with a telehealth provider actually works

Supplies: What you might need—and how to find out for sure

If you receive an FDA-approved branded product

If your medication comes in a vial

How to find out what your shipment includes

Choosing your injection day

Preparing for side effects without panic

Mindset matters more than you expect

Setting yourself up before your first dose

When to contact your provider

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