LarryQC_SD said:

Step therapy requirements looking is not that straightforward in my experience

This is exactly right. LarryQC_SD articulated what I have been trying to explain to my doctor for months. The Step therapy requirements aspect is the most important factor.

Reading this thread on Step therapy requirements hits close to home. Night shift nurse — I started at 291 lbs and felt like I would tried everything.

7 months on tirz and I am a different person. Not just the 66 lbs lost — my energy, my mood, my relationship with food. All transformed.

If you are on the fence about Step therapy — take the leap. It was the best health decision I have ever made. ❤️

Dr.SportsMedIN — that is really helpful context on Step therapy requirements. Follow-up question: what labs did your doctor order to monitor this?

I am in a similar situation (just started) and trying to set realistic expectations.

To answer kate.chem's question specifically:

From a clinical standpoint, Step therapy requirements is an area where we have good evidence.

The short answer: baseline labs + quarterly monitoring is the standard of care.

The longer answer involves understanding the mechanism of action at the receptor level, which I am happy to elaborate on if helpful.

Bookmarked 📌 The Step therapy info in this thread is essential. Coming back to this for sure.