Before starting a GLP-1 medicine, the most useful questions are the ones that clarify suitability, risks, monitoring, and what to do if problems occur. A consultation is not just about whether the medicine can be prescribed. It should also cover whether it is appropriate for your health history and whether you understand the safety plan.
Ask what the medicine is called, including both the brand name and active ingredient. Ask what it is licensed or prescribed for in your situation, what form it comes in, and how follow-up will work. If the product is compounded or supplied outside standard branded packaging, ask exactly who prepares it, what the concentration is, what ingredients are included, and how dosing instructions will be made clear.
Medical history questions
Ask whether anything in your history changes the risk-benefit discussion. This may include diabetes medicines, pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, kidney disease, diabetic eye disease, severe reflux, gastroparesis or other significant digestive symptoms, thyroid cancer history, MEN2, pregnancy, breastfeeding, fertility treatment, eating disorder history, depression, or suicidal thoughts.
Ask what symptoms should prompt routine contact, same-day advice, or emergency care. It is better to know this before symptoms happen.
Practical questions
Ask how records will be shared with your usual doctor if relevant, what monitoring is expected, how side effects should be reported, and who to contact if instructions are unclear. If injections are involved, ask for device-specific teaching from an appropriate professional source.
If the answer is not yes
Do not use these questions to pressure a prescriber into a particular answer. The safest outcome may be more assessment, delay, referral, or a decision that the medicine is not suitable.
Do not start a medicine if you do not understand what you have been prescribed, how it is supplied, or who to contact with concerns. If you experience severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, dehydration, severe allergy symptoms, fainting, or low blood sugar symptoms, seek urgent help rather than waiting for the next scheduled review.