Understand your care.
When to message SVH vs call 911
Mild stomach symptoms can wait for a portal message. Persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids or protein: message the clinic and do not change your dose. Severe abdominal pain, chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or a serious allergic reaction: call 911. SVH is not emergency care.
Download this sheet01
Understanding your treatment
Educational overview of telehealth weight-loss care. This is not a promise of results.
How these medicines work
These medicines act on gut hormones that help regulate appetite and fullness. Individual responses vary.
Brand-name medications only
We prescribe only FDA-approved brand-name medications (Zepbound®, Foundayo™, or Wegovy®) when a clinician decides they are appropriate. These are obtained through manufacturer cash-pay programs and shipped to your home. We do not use compounded versions. Medication cost is separate from membership.
Alabama residency
You must live in Alabama, remain in Alabama for the duration of treatment, and be physically in Alabama at each visit.
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Starting medication
General guidance if a clinician prescribes a brand-name medicine. Follow the instructions from your visit.
Slow dose increases
Doses increase gradually. Do not change your dose unless your clinician tells you to.
How it is taken
Injectable medications are typically taken once weekly on the same day. Oral medications, including Foundayo™ and oral Wegovy® if prescribed, are taken as directed. Foundayo™ is generally taken once daily.
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Managing side effects
Common effects and when to call. This is not emergency care. Call 911 for a medical emergency.
Common effects
Nausea, early fullness, constipation, diarrhea, mild abdominal discomfort, and fatigue are common while the dose is increasing.
What helps
Smaller meals. Stop at the first feeling of fullness. Stay hydrated. Contact SVH if you cannot keep fluids or protein down.
Call 911
Severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or a serious allergic reaction.
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Nutrition and lifestyle
Educational nutrition notes. Targets are individualized.
Protein and the plate
Protein first, then non-starchy vegetables, then measured carbohydrates and fats as tolerated. Avoid extremely low-calorie diets without medical guidance.
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Physical exercise and movement
Consistency matters more than intensity.
A simple pattern
Daily walking and strength work two to three days a week. Stop for chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or dizziness. Call 911 if needed.
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Ongoing care and follow-up
Visits at month 1 and month 2, then every 3 months — sooner if needed.
Preparing for visits
Note side effects, energy, appetite, weight trend, and questions. Confirm current medications and Alabama residency. You must be physically in Alabama at each visit.
Local provider communication
Continue care with your primary care physician and specialists. Keep them informed of medications prescribed through Southern Virtual Health.
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Long-term care
Individual responses vary. SVH does not guarantee a specific outcome.
If plans change
Your clinician may discuss continuing a medicine, adjusting the dose, or a careful transition. Do not stop without a plan.
Who should not start
Use the same rules as the eligibility screen, Home, and FAQ. Screening is not a visit. Final eligibility is decided by an Alabama-licensed clinician.
Program requirements
Do not start if you:
- Do not live in Alabama, will leave Alabama during treatment, or cannot be physically in Alabama at each visit
- Are under 18
- Have a BMI under 27
- Have a BMI of 27.0–29.9 and none of these weight-related conditions: high blood pressure; high cholesterol or triglycerides; type 2 diabetes; obstructive sleep apnea; or coronary artery disease, prior heart attack, or stroke
- Want compounded medication, or a guaranteed prescription before a clinician visit
Medical reasons a clinician usually will not prescribe
Do not start if you:
- Are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding
- Have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or MEN2
- Have had pancreatitis or a serious reaction to a GLP-1 medicine
- Have type 1 diabetes
- Have an active eating disorder, severe psychiatric illness, or severe kidney or liver disease
SVH is not emergency care. Call 911 for a medical emergency.
Brand-name vs compounded
Zepbound®, Foundayo™, or Wegovy® only when appropriate. The prescription goes to LillyDirect or NovoCare. You pay the manufacturer. We do not use compounded semaglutide, tirzepatide, or orforglipron.
Labs and documents
Photo ID. Alabama residency proof (license, utility bill, or lease). Labs from the last 90 days through the portal only — not email. Your clinician confirms the panel. It often includes CMP, A1c, lipids, TSH, and CBC.
Manufacturer checkout
The clinician sends the prescription. The manufacturer emails you. You pay them. They ship to your Alabama address. Message SVH if the email or the box never arrives. Membership and medication are two separate charges.
Education FAQ
Will I be prescribed a medication?
Only if a licensed clinician decides it is appropriate after review. Screening and intake are not a guarantee of treatment or a prescription.
Is the drug included in membership?
No. Membership is cash-pay clinical care. You pay Eli Lilly or Novo Nordisk for brand-name Zepbound®, Foundayo™, or Wegovy® mailed to your home.
What if I am already on a compounded GLP-1?
Tell us in the portal. Compounded product is not continued through SVH. A clinician decides whether a brand-name option is appropriate.
What if I feel sick on the medicine?
Use the conservative tips in Managing side effects and email support@southernvirtualhealth.com or message the portal. For emergency symptoms, call 911.
Wegovy® is a registered trademark of Novo Nordisk A/S. Zepbound® is a registered trademark of Eli Lilly and Company. Foundayo™ is a trademark of Eli Lilly and Company. Southern Virtual Health is not affiliated with, sponsored by, or endorsed by Novo Nordisk or Eli Lilly.