Frequently Asked Questions

Clear answers to common questions about using Tees Online Doctor.

General Questions

What is Tees Online Doctor?

Tees Online Doctor is a UK-based online medical service for adults aged 18 and over. We provide consultations with qualified, UK-registered clinicians for a range of common conditions that are safe to manage online.

Is this service a replacement for my GP?

No. We do not replace your NHS GP. Our service complements existing healthcare by offering convenient access for certain conditions. We may advise you to contact your GP or another service if your needs are better met elsewhere.

Who can use the service?

Anyone aged 18 or over living in the UK can use the service, provided their condition is suitable for online assessment.

What conditions do you treat?

We treat a range of common conditions, including men’s and women’s health issues, skin conditions, hay fever, ENT and digestive problems, lifestyle and weight management, travel medicines, and other uncomplicated conditions. If a condition is not suitable for online care, we will explain why.

Can you prescribe medication?

Yes, where clinically appropriate. Prescriptions are only issued following a proper medical assessment and in line with clinical guidelines. Not all consultations result in a prescription.

Are your clinicians qualified?

Yes. All consultations are carried out by appropriately qualified, UK-registered doctors or prescribers who follow clear clinical pathways and governance processes.

Is the service safe?

Patient safety is our priority. We work within defined clinical limits, use structured assessments, and have clear escalation processes for emergencies and safeguarding concerns.

What happens in an emergency?

Tees Online Doctor is not an emergency service. If you have severe or urgent symptoms, you should call 999 or attend A&E. Our clinicians are trained to recognise emergencies and will advise you accordingly.

How do you protect my personal information?

We handle your data in line with UK data protection law. Your information is stored securely and only shared when necessary for your care or where legally required.

Will you inform my GP?

For your safety and with your consent, we may inform your GP about treatment or prescriptions, particularly for ongoing or higher-risk treatments. You’ll have the option to enter your GP details while placing an order.

Can people with disabilities use the service?

Yes. We aim to make our service accessible and can offer reasonable adjustments. If you need support, please contact us before or during your consultation.

What if I’m not happy with the service?

We welcome feedback. If you have a complaint, you can contact us directly and we will investigate it fairly and promptly, using it to improve our service.

Do you offer refunds?

Refunds are handled in line with our terms and conditions. Please review these before booking or contact our support team for help.

Is Tees Online Doctor an NHS service?

No. We are a private online medical service. We do not replace your NHS GP but can complement existing healthcare.

How will my medication be delivered?

Your medication is dispensed by a registered pharmacy and delivered securely to the address you provided during checkout.

How will my medication be packaged?

All medications are packaged discreetly and securely to protect your privacy.

Will I receive a message when my delivery is due?

You’ll receive delivery confirmation once your treatment has been approved and dispatched.

How long does delivery take?

Estimated delivery times will be confirmed once your prescription is approved. Order before 4pm for next day dispatch, subject to clinician review and approval.

Additional safety checks are required for some treatments, including weight loss injectables, so delivery times may vary.

  • Standard: estimated within 24 to 72 hours on approval and dispatch.
  • Express: estimated within 24 hours on approval and dispatch.
Are delivery fees included?

Applicable delivery fees will be clearly shown before you complete your payment or purchase.

  • Standard: estimated within 24 to 72 hours on approval and dispatch, £2.85.
  • Express: estimated within 24 hours on approval and dispatch, £4.75.
What should I do when my medication arrives?
  • Check that the packaging is intact.
  • Read the patient information leaflet included.
  • Follow the instructions provided by your clinician.
  • Contact us if anything doesn’t look right.
Is delivery available outside the UK?

No. Medication delivery is available within the UK only.

How will my weight loss injectable medication be delivered?

Medication is delivered in insulated packaging with cooling packs. This helps keep the medication within the required temperature range during delivery.

We strongly recommend that someone is available to receive the delivery.

The delivery method available for you will be displayed at checkout when placing your order.

Can I change my delivery address?

No. We can only deliver to your registered address on our record.

How should I store my weight loss injection?
  • Store in the refrigerator unless advised otherwise.
  • Do not freeze.
  • Keep out of reach of children.
Can GLP-1 medication be returned?

For safety reasons, injectable medicines cannot usually be returned once dispatched. This does not affect your statutory consumer rights.

Please note: delivery or estimated delivery timescale will be confirmed once your prescription is approved and dispatched, not at the point of order placement or checkout.

What are GLP-1 medicines and what are they used for?

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, also known as GLP-1s or GLP-1RAs, are medicines that help people feel fuller by mimicking a natural hormone released after eating.

Some newer medicines, such as Mounjaro, Wegovy, Ozempic and liraglutide, also act on hormones involved in appetite and blood sugar control. They are commonly referred to as weight loss injections or skinny jabs.

Are GLP-1 medicines licensed in the UK?

Yes. There are several licensed GLP-1 medicines in the UK, including semaglutide, sold under brand names such as Wegovy, Ozempic and Rybelsus, tirzepatide, sold as Mounjaro, and liraglutide, sold under various brand names.

Licensed means the medicine has been assessed by the UK medicines regulator, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, and approved as safe and effective for certain uses.

Will I lose weight straight away?

Weight loss varies from person to person. Most people notice gradual changes over several weeks to months. These medicines support long-term weight management rather than rapid weight loss.

How long will I need to take the medication?

GLP-1 medicines are usually intended for long-term use. Stopping treatment may lead to weight regain. Your clinician will review this with you regularly.

Can I switch between GLP-1 medicines?

Yes, but you should consult a healthcare professional before switching from one GLP-1 medicine to another, including between brands containing the same type of GLP-1.

Switching without medical advice may increase the risk of side effects or make the treatment less effective. Our clinicians can guide you on how switching between weight loss medications works.

Can I take GLP-1 medicines while breastfeeding?

GLP-1 medicines should not be taken by people who are breastfeeding. This is because there is not enough safety data to know whether taking a GLP-1 medicine can cause harm to the baby.

Do GLP-1 injections affect contraception?

They may reduce absorption of oral contraceptive pills, especially when starting treatment or increasing the dose.

If you are using Mounjaro, also known as tirzepatide, and take an oral contraceptive pill, you should add a non-oral barrier form of contraception, such as a condom, for four weeks after starting GLP-1 medicines and for four weeks after any increase in dose.

Alternatively, you may wish to switch to a non-oral form of contraception, such as the coil or implant, which are not affected in the same way by GLP-1 medicines.

I am pregnant or trying to become pregnant, can I use GLP-1 medicines?

GLP-1 medicines should not be taken during pregnancy or just before trying to get pregnant. This is because there is not enough safety data to know whether taking a GLP-1 medicine can cause harm to the baby. You should use contraception while taking GLP-1 medicines and for a defined “wash-out” period after (the length of time the medicine should be stopped before trying to get pregnant).

How many months to stop GLP-1 before pregnancy?
Semaglutide (Wegovy, Ozempic and Rybelsus) At least 2 months
Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) At least 1 month
Liraglutide (All brands) Saxend, Victoza, Nevolat, Biolide, and Diavic 0 months
Can I use GLP-1 medicines around the time of surgery or an operation?

If you are taking a GLP-1 medicine, make sure you inform your healthcare team, including the anaesthetist, before your surgical procedure. Your pre-procedure instructions or anaesthetic technique may need to be modified.

What are the most common side effects?

Common side effects include:

  • Nausea.
  • Vomiting.
  • Diarrhoea or constipation.
  • Stomach discomfort.
  • Reduced appetite.

These are more common when starting treatment or increasing the dose and often improve over time.

Are there serious side effects?

Serious side effects are uncommon, but you should seek medical advice urgently if you experience:

  • Severe or persistent stomach pain.
  • Signs of pancreatitis.
  • Symptoms of an allergic reaction.
  • Ongoing vomiting or dehydration.
Do I need to change my diet?

Yes. GLP-1 medicines work best alongside healthy eating and lifestyle changes. Your clinician may give guidance on meal size, hydration and food choices.

I have a lump at the injection site. What should I do?

Some people may notice a lump or mild swelling at the injection site. This is usually harmless and should resolve on its own. Rotating your injection site and using proper technique can help minimise irritation.

If a lump at the injection site persists, worsens or becomes painful, please contact your GP.

Can I drink alcohol while using GLP-1 injections?

Alcohol is not forbidden, but excessive alcohol can worsen side effects such as nausea or dehydration. Moderation is advised.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, follow the instructions provided with your medication or contact us for advice. Do not double doses.

  • For Mounjaro: if you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible within 4 days. If more than 4 days have passed, skip the missed dose and take your next dose on the usual day.
  • For Wegovy: if you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible within 5 days. If more than 5 days have passed, skip the missed dose and take your next dose on the usual day.
I am ill with a cold or the flu while on weight loss medication. What should I do?

If you become unwell with a cold or flu while taking weight loss medication such as Wegovy or Mounjaro, treat your illness as you normally would. Stay hydrated, rest and take over-the-counter medications such as cold and flu tablets if needed.

If you are experiencing severe diarrhoea that lasts longer than a few days, or vomiting that prevents you from keeping down food or fluids, you should stop taking your weight loss medication and call 111 or 999 for medical advice. You must inform your healthcare provider that you have been taking weight loss medication.

Why are my weight loss injections not working?

Weight loss with medications such as Wegovy and Mounjaro is usually a gradual process.

Meaningful weight loss typically requires several months of consistent treatment. Clinical trials show progressive weight reduction over 12 to 16 weeks or longer. On average, patients may expect 10 to 15% weight loss with semaglutide and 5 to 10% with liraglutide after one year of treatment.

These medicines begin working soon after your first dose by reducing appetite and regulating blood sugar levels. They stay in the body for about a week, which is why they are usually taken once weekly.

Some people may experience weight loss within the first few weeks, but Wegovy and Mounjaro are designed as long-term treatments for obesity rather than quick fixes.

Suboptimal response may be linked to treatment duration, dose escalation, lifestyle factors, other medications, underlying medical conditions or injection technique. Your clinician can help review these factors and set realistic expectations.

There is no single right dose for everyone. Your clinician will work with you to find what feels best, balancing comfort, side effects and results. Please contact us to discuss further if needed.

Should I stay on my current dose if my medication is working?

If your current dose is working and you’re happy with your progress, you can stay on that dose.

You always have the option to increase your dose when you feel ready, but you should never adjust your dose independently or exceed the maximum licensed dose.

If side effects prevent you from increasing or adjusting your dose, please contact your clinician about dose titration or possible alternatives.

When should I speak to someone about weight loss injections not working?

Contact your prescribing clinician if you experience no weight loss after 12 to 16 weeks at maintenance dose, significant side effects preventing dose escalation, weight regain after initial loss or concerns about injection technique.

Seek urgent medical care for severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting or signs of pancreatitis.

What lifestyle factors can influence treatment outcomes?

Several lifestyle factors can influence treatment outcomes, including:

  • Dietary composition and quality: choosing nutrient-dense, lower-calorie foods can maximise weight loss. Ultra-processed foods, excessive alcohol or high-sugar drinks can reduce progress.
  • Portion control: some people eat less often but consume large portions when they do eat, which may reduce the calorie deficit needed for weight loss.
  • Physical activity: regular activity helps preserve lean muscle mass during weight loss and improves metabolic health.
  • Sleep quality and duration: poor sleep can disrupt hormones that regulate hunger and metabolism.
  • Stress and emotional eating: chronic stress can affect eating behaviour and make weight management harder.
  • Alcohol consumption: alcohol contains empty calories and may stimulate appetite or reduce judgement around food choices.

Keeping a food diary or using a nutrition tracking app can help reveal patterns that may be limiting your progress. Some patients may also benefit from support from a registered dietitian, physiotherapist, qualified exercise professional or an NHS exercise referral scheme.