Weight Loss Medication Disclaimer

Effective Date: July 3, 2025

Last Updated: July 3, 2025

Medical Weight Loss Program Disclaimer

This disclaimer pertains to medical weight loss services provided through Virtual Concierge MD, TessMD Health, Tess Washington, MD, and Dr. Tess of Beverly Hills, a California-based virtual medical practice operated by Theressia L. Washington, MD, P.C.

Consultation Requirements

Mandatory Medical Evaluation

1. All weight loss medications require consultation with a licensed healthcare provider
2. Medications are not sold directly through our website
3. Prescriptions are issued only after clinical evaluation
4. Medical necessity must be established

Program Eligibility

Our weight loss program is available to residents of:

1. California
2. Illinois
3. Indiana
4. Montana
5. New York
6. Nevada

Program Components

Comprehensive Approach

Our medical weight loss program includes:

1. Thorough health history review
2. Risk factor assessment
3. Lifestyle evaluation
4. Customized treatment plans
5. Dietary modification guidance
6. Exercise recommendations
7. Prescription medications (when appropriate)
8. Ongoing medical supervision

Important Medication Updates (July 2025)

GLP-1 Agonist Availability

CRITICAL NOTICE: Due to FDA resolution of drug shortages:

1. Semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy): Compounding prohibited as of February 21, 2025
2. Tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound): Compounding prohibited as of December 19, 2024

We only prescribe FDA-approved versions of these medications.

FDA-Approved Weight Loss Medications

We may prescribe:

1. Semaglutide (Wegovy) - FDA-approved for weight management
2. Tirzepatide (Zepbound) - FDA-approved for weight management
3. Liraglutide (Saxenda) - FDA-approved for weight management
4. Phentermine/Topiramate (Qsymia)
5. Naltrexone/Bupropion (Contrave)
6. Orlistat (Xenical/Alli)
7. Phentermine (Adipex-P)

Black Box Warnings and Safety Information

Thyroid C-Cell Tumors (GLP-1 Agonists)

WARNING: Semaglutide and tirzepatide cause thyroid C-cell tumors in rodents. Unknown if these medications cause thyroid tumors in humans. Contraindicated in patients with:

1. Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
2. Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)

Common Side Effects

Most frequent adverse reactions include:

1. Nausea (up to 44% of patients)
2. Vomiting (up to 25% of patients)
3. Diarrhea (up to 30% of patients)
4. Constipation (up to 24% of patients)
5. Abdominal pain
6. Decreased appetite
7. Injection site reactions

Serious Risks

Potential serious adverse events:

1. Pancreatitis
2. Gallbladder disease
3. Kidney problems
4. Allergic reactions
5. Hypoglycemia (especially with other diabetes medications)
6. Increased heart rate
7. Suicidal thoughts (with certain medications)

Results Disclaimer

No Guaranteed Outcomes

Individual results may vary. No specific weight loss amount is guaranteed.

Factors Affecting Results

Success depends on:

1. Adherence to prescribed treatment plan
2. Following dietary recommendations
3. Regular physical activity
4. Individual metabolic factors
5. Concurrent medical conditions
6. Medication compliance
7. Genetic factors

Typical Results

1. Average weight loss varies by medication and individual
2. Clinical trials show 5-15% body weight reduction
3. Results require continued medication use
4. Weight regain common after discontinuation

Commitment and Compliance Requirements

Patient Responsibilities

To maximize benefits, participants must:

1. Attend all scheduled telehealth appointments
2. Follow prescribed medication regimens
3. Implement dietary modifications
4. Engage in recommended physical activity
5. Report side effects promptly
6. Maintain communication with medical team

Non-Compliance Impact

Failure to follow program guidelines may result in:

1. Reduced effectiveness
2. Increased side effects
3. Program discontinuation
4. No refunds for non-compliance

Medication Interactions

Disclosure Requirements

You must inform us of all:

1. Prescription medications
2. Over-the-counter drugs
3. Dietary supplements
4. Herbal products
5. Recent vaccinations

Contraindications

Weight loss medications may not be suitable with:

1. Pregnancy or breastfeeding
2. Certain psychiatric medications
3. Heart conditions
4. Uncontrolled hypertension
5. History of eating disorders

Long-Term Considerations

Lifestyle Modifications

Sustainable weight loss requires:

1. Permanent dietary changes
2. Regular physical activity (150+ minutes weekly)
3. Behavioral modifications
4. Stress management
5. Adequate sleep
6. Ongoing medical monitoring

Maintenance Phase

After achieving weight loss goals:

1. Continued medication may be necessary
2. Regular follow-up recommended
3. Lifestyle habits must persist
4. Weight monitoring essential

Financial Considerations

Insurance Coverage

1. Coverage varies by plan and medication
2. Prior authorization often required
3. Off-label use typically not covered
4. Patient responsibility to verify benefits

Program Costs

1. Consultation fees apply
2. Medication costs separate
3. No guarantee of insurance coverage
4. Payment plans available through approved vendors

Informed Consent

By participating in our weight loss program, you acknowledge:

1. Understanding of risks and benefits
2. No guarantee of specific results
3. Commitment to program requirements
4. Financial responsibilities
5. Need for ongoing medical care

Communication and Monitoring

Reporting Requirements

Immediately report:

1. Severe side effects
2. Allergic reactions
3. Unusual symptoms
4. Pregnancy
5. Hospitalization

Contact Information

Emergency: Call 911

Urgent Concerns: (310) 275-8377

Non-Urgent: support@virtualconciergemd.com

Legal Compliance

Prescribing Practices

Virtual Concierge MD:

1. Follows all DEA regulations
2. Complies with state medical boards
3. Maintains proper documentation
4. Adheres to standard of care

Controlled Substances

Some weight loss medications are controlled substances requiring:

1. Valid DEA registration
2. Proper prescribing protocols
3. Regular monitoring
4. No early refills

Questions and Additional Information

For questions about our weight loss program:

Virtual Concierge MD

Theressia L. Washington, MD, P.C.

9663 Santa Monica Blvd, Suite 957

Beverly Hills, CA 90210

Phone: (310) 275-8377

Email: support@virtualconciergemd.com

This disclaimer may be updated as necessary to reflect regulatory requirements and practice policy changes. Continued participation in the program indicates agreement to current terms.