Summary of Key Points
This article shares the author's personal experience using tilipressin, a GLP-1 class weight loss injection. The author sought to摆脱 a ventilator due to sleep apnea and, despite the limited indications in China, obtained the medication through a clinic. After a 76-week treatment course (including a buffer period), they successfully lost between 18 to 20 pounds and saw improvement in their sleep apnea symptoms, although the condition was not completely cured. The process involved various challenges such as changes in drug prices (from expensive to more affordable with insurance coverage) and issues with the dosage form, which led to incorrect shipments. The author also experienced side effects like constipation and muscle loss, and had to deal with the risk of weight rebound after stopping the medication. They provided practical advice for those considering using this treatment.
1. Why Use This Medication? What Was the Treatment Process Like?
The author's main goals were to treat sleep apnea and lose weight. Previously, they needed to use a ventilator while sleeping, which was inconvenient for business trips. Their spouse mentioned that this medication in the United States could address both issues and even affected the stock price of the ventilator manufacturer. The medication was introduced in China at the beginning of 2025, but the approved indication was only for weight loss (with a specific weight requirement). Since the author's weight did not meet the criteria, they purchased it online through a clinic and sought consultation.
The treatment regimen was as follows:
- Start with 2.5 mg per week for 4 weeks, then switch to 5 mg and 7.5 mg for another 4 weeks each, and finally maintain a dose of 10 mg per week for a total of 72 weeks (about 1.5 years).
- The author temporarily reduced the dose to 5 mg but experienced weight rebound, so they returned to 10 mg; they then received 4 additional injections of 2.5 mg as a buffer period, for a total of 76 weeks.
2. What Were the Results?
Weight Loss: There was a significant weight reduction—from 141 pounds before treatment to around 120-124 pounds after 5 months (a loss of about 18 pounds), with the BMI returning to a normal range. The author had previously struggled with weight loss efforts because their body would trigger cravings, but the injections helped control appetite, allowing them to lose weight without deliberate dieting.
Sleep Apnea: The condition improved, with blood oxygen levels remaining stable for most of the night (compared to 93% when using a ventilator), although it still recurred occasionally. Therefore, the medication provided symptomatic relief rather than a complete cure, and the author still needed to use a ventilator during business trips.
3. Drug Prices and Insurance Coverage: From Expensive to More Affordable
Initially, the prices were high: 2,500 RMB for 2.5 mg, over 3,000 RMB for 5 mg, over 4,000 RMB for 7.5 mg, and over 5,000 RMB for 10 mg (one injection per week).
In early 2026, when the medication became covered by insurance, the price of the 10 mg version dropped significantly to around 1,000 RMB, making it more affordable.
Dosage Form Issues: The manufacturer changed the packaging from four separate injections to one that could be used for four doses. However, this transition caused errors in shipments (the clinic sent 2.5 mg injections instead of 10 mg). Since the author could not return the incorrect doses, they kept them as a buffer during the treatment.
4. Side Effects: Common and Less Common Ones
The author experienced the following side effects:
- Constipation: Not severe.
- Slight Hair Loss: This was barely noticeable due to their thick hair.
- Deterioration of Pancreatic Function: Detected during a health check-up.
- Possible Mood Changes: The author did not notice this, but colleagues and friends reported similar effects.
- Worsened Floaters: Improved significantly after stopping the medication (not mentioned in the official instructions).
- Muscle Loss: Americans often consume protein powders to counter this effect, leading to increased prices for these products.
- Increased Sensitivity to Cold: Reduced body fat decreased the ability to stay warm.
- Back and Neck Pain: The author suspects this might be related to reduced muscle mass and sensitivity to cold (not confirmed).
5. Precautions After Stopping the Medication
High Risk of Weight Rebound: Studies show an average weight rebound of 30% after stopping the medication (for example, a 20-pound loss could result in a 6-pound rebound). The author emphasizes completing the full 72-week treatment and developing healthy eating habits to prevent weight regain.
Advice for Using the Medication:
- It is recommended to consult an endocrinologist at a hospital.
- For those who do not want to go to the hospital, read the official Lilly instructions carefully (including indications, side effects, and contraindications).
- Purchase the medication from a reputable clinic and seek professional advice.
6. The Benefits of Technological Progress... But Not a Miracle Drug
GLP-1 medications like tilipressin represent advancements in medical technology, with 20% of Americans using them for weight loss. While the author sees this as a benefit, they also warn that it is not a one-time solution. Maintaining weight after stopping the medication requires effort, and individual differences in side effects should be taken into account.
Overall, this article provides a realistic perspective on the effectiveness and potential challenges of tilipressin, making it a useful reference for those interested in this type of treatment.