Semaglutide Reviews: Benefits, Risks, and Results

When work, workouts, family responsibilities, and health goals compete for your attention, it’s understandable to look for honest accounts before considering a new treatment. Semaglutide reviews may describe appetite changes, weight loss, blood sugar improvements, or side effects that made treatment harder. But a review rarely tells the full story. It may not explain someone’s health history, other medications, dose changes, or how long they used the medicine. Those details can shape the experience. Use reviews as a starting point for questions, not as a promise of results. We’ll look at what personal stories can and cannot tell you, what clinical studies show, and how to discuss your options with a clinician.

Key Takeaways

• Semaglutide results vary: Reviews and clinical studies can offer context, but neither can predict your individual weight loss, blood sugar changes, or side effects.
• Check the details before comparing treatments: Product, dose, treatment length, health history, costs, and follow-up needs all matter when weighing your options.
• Work with a licensed clinician: Review your health and medications, ask about risks and alternatives, and get guidance before starting, changing, or stopping treatment.

What Do Semaglutide Reviews Say?

Common reports: less appetite and cravings, weight loss, and better blood sugar

Many people who review semaglutide say they feel less hungry, have fewer cravings, or think about food less often. Some describe gradual weight loss over several months. People taking it for type 2 diabetes may report better blood sugar control, while others mention changes in measures such as blood pressure or joint discomfort. Personal accounts can’t confirm what caused these changes, though, and not every person has the same experience.

Reviews may also describe nausea, fatigue, or other effects that make treatment harder to continue. The medication, dose, reason for taking it, and length of treatment can differ from one reviewer to another. Use these accounts to identify questions you’d like to ask, not as a promise of what will happen in your own case.

Why reviews can’t predict your results

A review captures one person’s experience, often without all the details needed to understand it. Health conditions, other medications, dose, treatment length, and day-to-day habits may influence how someone responds. A brief post may leave out these factors or focus on a particularly positive or difficult period.

Clinical studies offer a broader view by tracking outcomes across groups, but they can’t predict an individual’s results either. A long-term analysis of semaglutide use in people with obesity without diabetes found variation in participants’ weight outcomes. The Nature Medicine analysis is a reminder that results vary, even in research settings. A clinician can help you consider how study findings and personal accounts relate to your health history and treatment goals.

Assess a review’s credibility, context, and bias

Before putting weight on a review, check whether it names the medication, dose, and treatment timeline. Details about why the person took it, other health conditions, and changes to eating or activity habits can help you judge whether their experience is relevant to your questions. Without that context, it’s hard to make a fair comparison.

Consider the source and purpose of the post, too. One person’s unusually positive or difficult experience may not reflect what most people experience, and promotional content may not present a balanced view. Look for consistent themes across independent sources, but remember that several personal accounts still don’t establish how well a treatment works. Be wary of claims that guarantee a specific result. If a review raises a concern, save the claim and ask a licensed healthcare professional whether it applies to you.

Compare personal reports with clinical trial evidence

Reviews can explain how treatment feels in everyday life. Clinical trials, by contrast, measure outcomes across groups under planned conditions. A personal account may describe how appetite changes affected someone’s work or exercise routine, while a trial can estimate average changes in weight or health measures. These sources can complement each other, but they answer different questions.

In a trial that paired semaglutide with lifestyle changes, participants had greater average reductions in body weight, waist circumference, and blood pressure than those who received a placebo. Researchers also reported improvements in blood sugar and other health measures. The trial findings summarized by AJMC provide context, not a guarantee of personal results. When comparing a review with research, check the treatment details and timeline, then discuss any questions with your clinician.

What Is Semaglutide, and How Does It Work?

How GLP-1 treatment affects appetite, digestion, and blood sugar

Semaglutide is a prescription medicine in a class called GLP-1 receptor agonists. It mimics glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone your body releases after eating. By acting on appetite-regulating areas in the brain, semaglutide can reduce hunger and help you feel satisfied with less food. It also slows the movement of food through the stomach, which may help you feel full for longer.

Semaglutide affects blood sugar, too. When glucose levels are high, it helps the body release insulin and reduces glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar. These effects can help some people with type 2 diabetes manage their glucose. Its effects on appetite and food intake may also support weight loss, though results vary. Read the FDA prescribing information for Wegovy for more about how the medication works.

Compare Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus: uses and formulations

Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus contain semaglutide, but they have different approved uses, forms, and dosing instructions. Ozempic is an injection used to improve blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes. Wegovy is an injection prescribed for chronic weight management for certain people with obesity or overweight, alongside reduced-calorie eating and increased physical activity. Rybelsus is a tablet used to help manage blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes.

These medicines are not interchangeable just because they contain the same active ingredient. Their dosing schedules and instructions differ, and a healthcare professional can help determine which option, if any, is appropriate for you. Don’t switch products or change your dose without medical guidance. The FDA’s semaglutide medicine overview provides more details about these products.

Clear up common misconceptions about semaglutide

Semaglutide is not insulin, and it does not guarantee a specific amount of weight loss. People respond differently based on factors such as their health, dose, treatment duration, side effects, and daily habits. It’s a prescription treatment that should be used with guidance from a licensed healthcare professional, not as a replacement for ongoing care.

Stopping semaglutide does not cause immediate weight gain for everyone, but some people regain weight after treatment ends as appetite and other biological drivers of weight return. In a study extension, participants regained some of the weight they had lost after stopping treatment. That finding does not predict what will happen to every person, but it highlights the value of planning for weight maintenance with your clinician. The study on weight changes after semaglutide treatment stopped offers more context.

How Effective Is Semaglutide?

Semaglutide can lead to meaningful weight loss and improve blood sugar for some people, but results vary. Clinical trials provide helpful benchmarks, not a guarantee of what you’ll experience.

What STEP trial weight-loss averages mean

In the STEP 1 trial, adults with overweight or obesity who took semaglutide alongside lifestyle support lost an average of 14.9% of their body weight over 68 weeks. Those who received a placebo and the same lifestyle support lost an average of 2.4%. These figures describe groups, not individual outcomes. Some participants lost more, some lost less, and not everyone stayed in the trial for the full study period. The results also shouldn’t be interpreted as a promise that each person will lose a specific percentage. Your starting weight, health, treatment response, and ability to continue care can all affect your progress. The STEP 1 trial results offer a useful reference to discuss with your clinician.

Blood sugar results from SUSTAIN trials

The SUSTAIN trials studied semaglutide in adults with type 2 diabetes. Across these studies, semaglutide lowered A1C, a measure of average blood sugar over about three months. The amount of change depended on factors such as the dose, starting A1C, study length, and other medications participants used. Some SUSTAIN studies compared semaglutide with other diabetes drugs, so results should be considered in the context of each trial rather than treated as a prediction for every patient. Semaglutide may also increase the risk of low blood sugar when taken with insulin or certain other diabetes medications. Reviewing the SUSTAIN 2 findings with a healthcare professional can help you understand how the evidence relates to your treatment plan.

How dose, treatment length, and lifestyle affect results

Semaglutide is generally started at a low dose and increased gradually according to the product instructions and your clinician’s guidance. The gradual schedule can help your body adjust, and the right dose depends on the medication and your response. Weight changes also take time: clinical trials measured outcomes over many months, not just a few weeks. In the SELECT trial, participants taking semaglutide 2.4 mg had greater weight loss than those taking a placebo, with weight reduction sustained during follow-up of up to four years. Eating habits, movement, sleep, and other health factors can also influence progress. The SELECT trial analysis provides longer-term evidence, but it cannot predict an individual result.

Why weight or blood sugar may change after treatment stops

After semaglutide is stopped, its effects on appetite and blood sugar may diminish. In a STEP 1 follow-up, participants regained, on average, about two-thirds of the weight they had lost during the year after treatment ended. Individual experiences differ, but the findings show why it’s helpful to plan for ongoing weight-management support. Blood sugar may also rise after stopping semaglutide, especially for people using it to manage type 2 diabetes. Don’t stop treatment or change your dose without speaking with your clinician. They can help you consider other medications, lifestyle support, and follow-up monitoring. The STEP 1 extension study details the average weight changes after treatment ended.

What Side Effects and Safety Risks Should You Consider?

Semaglutide can cause side effects, and its risks depend in part on your health history and other medications. Before starting, ask your prescriber what to watch for and how to reach your care team. Read the medication guide for your specific product, since instructions and warnings can vary by formulation.

Common digestive effects and how to discuss managing them

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and stomach pain are among the most commonly reported side effects of semaglutide. Some people also experience fatigue or low energy, particularly as the dose increases. The type and severity of symptoms vary, so your experience may not match someone else’s review.

Tell your clinician what symptoms you notice, when they started, and whether they affect eating, drinking, sleep, or daily activities. This information can help your care team decide whether you need an assessment or a change to your treatment plan. Don’t adjust your dose or stop taking the medication without first contacting your prescriber. The Wegovy side effects guide provides product-specific information to discuss with your care team.

How nausea or fatigue can affect work, exercise, and caregiving

Nausea or low energy can make it harder to focus through a workday, complete a workout, or keep up with caregiving. If symptoms interfere with your usual routine, make it difficult to eat or drink, or affect your ability to exercise safely, let your clinician know. Be specific about when symptoms occur, including whether they began after a dose increase or seem connected to meals.

It may help to keep a brief record of symptoms, energy levels, and fluid intake before your follow-up. Your care team can use that context to advise you on next steps and whether your activity plan needs attention. Avoid pushing through severe symptoms, and seek medical advice if you’re unable to keep fluids down.

Follow your clinician’s instructions when increasing doses

Semaglutide is generally started at a low dose and increased gradually, following the schedule for the specific medication you’ve been prescribed. Gradual increases give your body time to adjust and may help limit side effects. Your schedule may differ depending on the product and why you’re taking it, so follow your prescriber’s instructions and the medication guide.

Don’t increase your dose early, take extra medication after a missed dose, or change your schedule on your own. If side effects become difficult to manage, contact your care team before taking your next dose. The Wegovy prescribing information outlines dose escalation and missed-dose instructions for Wegovy; check the prescribing information for your own medication.

Recognize symptoms that need prompt medical attention

Contact a healthcare professional promptly if you have severe, ongoing abdominal pain, especially if it spreads to your back or occurs with vomiting. These symptoms may need assessment for pancreatitis. Pain in the upper abdomen, fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or pale stools can be signs of a gallbladder problem.

Persistent vomiting or diarrhea can lead to dehydration. Seek medical advice if you can’t keep fluids down or are urinating much less than usual. Get emergency help for signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as trouble breathing or swelling of the face or throat. Ask your clinician which symptoms require urgent care based on your health history. The FDA’s semaglutide safety information can help you prepare questions about risks.

Review key risks: pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, thyroid warnings, low blood sugar, dehydration, kidney concerns, and vision changes

Semaglutide prescribing information includes a warning about thyroid C-cell tumors observed in rodents. It’s not known whether this risk applies to people. Wegovy should not be used by people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, or with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2. Tell your prescriber about your medical and family history before treatment.

Other risks include pancreatitis and gallbladder problems. Low blood sugar is more likely when semaglutide is taken with insulin or certain diabetes medicines, including sulfonylureas. Vomiting or diarrhea can cause dehydration, which may contribute to kidney problems. If you have type 2 diabetes, ask about vision changes and diabetic retinopathy, particularly if your blood sugar improves quickly. Review your medications and health conditions with your clinician, and check the prescribing information for the full safety details.

Who May Be a Candidate for Semaglutide?

Whether semaglutide may be appropriate depends on the reason for treatment, the specific product, and your health history. A licensed healthcare professional can help you understand the options and decide whether the potential benefits and risks fit your needs.

Review approved uses and general eligibility for weight management or type 2 diabetes

Different semaglutide products have different approved uses. Some are prescribed to help manage type 2 diabetes; others are approved for chronic weight management in eligible people. For weight management, a clinician may consider a person with obesity or someone who is overweight and has a weight-related health condition. The exact criteria depend on the product and its prescribing information, so online reviews cannot determine whether you qualify. The Wegovy prescribing information outlines its approved uses and eligibility criteria. Your clinician can also explain how medication may fit into a broader plan that includes nutrition, physical activity, and ongoing support.

Discuss health conditions and medications with a clinician

Before starting treatment, tell your clinician about your medical history and share a full list of prescription medicines, over-the-counter products, and supplements. A personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, or a diagnosis of multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2, may rule out certain semaglutide products. Digestive conditions, planned procedures, and medicines that affect blood sugar can also influence the decision. For example, people taking insulin or sulfonylureas may need a plan to reduce the risk of low blood sugar. Review the Ozempic prescribing information with your provider and ask how your individual health factors affect treatment.

Consider pregnancy planning, pregnancy, and breastfeeding

If you’re pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or breastfeeding, speak with a healthcare professional before starting or continuing semaglutide. Weight-loss treatment is not intended during pregnancy. The Wegovy prescribing information advises stopping the medication at least two months before a planned pregnancy. Recommendations may differ by product and formulation, including between injections and tablets, so don’t assume the guidance for one applies to another. Let your clinician know if pregnancy is possible or if your plans change. Together, you can discuss timing, potential risks, and other care options that may be more appropriate.

Prepare questions for a licensed healthcare professional

A little preparation can make your appointment more useful. Bring your health history, medication and supplement list, treatment goals, and questions about cost or insurance. Ask which semaglutide product, if any, may suit your needs; what benefits are realistic; how dose changes and follow-up visits work; and which symptoms should prompt a call. You can also discuss alternatives and support for nutrition, physical activity, and long-term weight management. Choose a licensed provider who reviews your health information and monitors your care. Avoid unverified sellers, and ask your clinician to explain the source and oversight of any medication they recommend.

How Does Semaglutide Compare With Other Weight-Loss Options?

Compare semaglutide and tirzepatide

Semaglutide works on GLP-1 receptors, while tirzepatide acts on both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. In a direct 72-week trial of adults with obesity, participants taking tirzepatide lost more weight on average than those taking semaglutide. The SURMOUNT-5 trial reported average weight changes of about 20% with tirzepatide and 14% with semaglutide.

Those results can help frame a conversation with your clinician, but they don’t predict your personal outcome. The trial involved a specific group of participants and treatment plan, and individual responses vary. Your health history, goals, side-effect concerns, coverage, and access to ongoing care all matter. Both medications can cause digestive side effects, so ask a licensed clinician to explain the potential benefits and risks of each option.

Consider other prescription medications

Semaglutide is one of several prescription medications that may be used for chronic weight management. Depending on your health and goals, a clinician might also discuss tirzepatide, liraglutide, phentermine-topiramate, naltrexone-bupropion, or orlistat. These medications work in different ways, and each has its own possible side effects, precautions, and eligibility criteria.

It can be tempting to compare medications by looking at weight-loss percentages alone, but results from separate trials may not be directly comparable. Studies can involve different participants, treatment periods, and levels of lifestyle support. The NIDDK’s guide to prescription weight-management medications can help you understand the available options. Ask your clinician how each one fits your health history, other medications, preferences, and budget.

Compare lifestyle-based care and bariatric surgery

Nutrition, physical activity, sleep, and behavioral support are important parts of weight care, whether or not you take medication. Semaglutide may be used alongside these measures, not as a substitute for them. The right plan should be realistic for your daily routine, including work, exercise, and caregiving responsibilities. Progress can vary, so be cautious of anyone promising a particular result.

Bariatric surgery may be an option for some people with obesity, particularly when other approaches haven’t provided enough benefit or weight-related health conditions are present. Surgery requires an assessment of potential benefits and risks, and it comes with recovery and long-term follow-up needs. The NIDDK overview of weight-loss surgery describes common procedures and factors to consider. A clinician can help you compare surgery, medication, and nonsurgical care based on your circumstances.

Weigh benefits, risks, costs, and ongoing treatment needs

Look beyond the number on the scale when comparing treatments. Consider potential effects on blood sugar and other health measures, possible side effects, and whether the plan fits your schedule and budget. Semaglutide commonly causes nausea, diarrhea, or constipation. Discuss your medical history and any concerns with your clinician before starting, and ask what symptoms should prompt a call.

Coverage and out-of-pocket costs vary, so check your insurance benefits and any savings-program requirements before making a decision. Also ask what follow-up care will involve and how long treatment may be recommended. Weight regain can happen after stopping medication. In an extension of the STEP 1 trial, participants regained some of the weight they had lost after semaglutide was discontinued. Work with your prescriber on a plan for ongoing treatment, check-ins, and next steps if the medication isn’t a good fit.

How Much Does Semaglutide Cost, and How Can You Access It?

Semaglutide costs depend on the product, dose, pharmacy, insurance plan, and reason it’s prescribed. Your out-of-pocket price may also include separate costs for appointments or lab tests. Before starting, ask your provider and pharmacy for a clear estimate, and check what follow-up care is included. A licensed healthcare professional can help you understand your options and whether semaglutide fits your health needs.

Get a prescription and ongoing care from a licensed provider

Semaglutide is a prescription medication. Before prescribing it, a licensed healthcare provider should review your medical history, current medications, treatment goals, and any relevant health conditions. This conversation helps determine whether the medication is appropriate and which product, if any, may suit your needs.

Care should continue after you receive a prescription. Follow-up visits give your provider a chance to check how you’re responding, discuss side effects, and guide any dose adjustments. Ask who you can contact with questions between appointments, especially if you experience symptoms that concern you.

If you use an online service, find out who will evaluate you, whether the clinician is licensed to practice where you live, and which pharmacy will fill the prescription. Be cautious of sellers that offer semaglutide without a prescription or don’t clearly identify the clinician and pharmacy involved. The FDA’s BeSafeRx guidance can help you check whether an online pharmacy is legitimate.

Review insurance coverage, out-of-pocket costs, and savings programs

Insurance coverage can vary by plan, medication, and prescribed use. A plan may cover a semaglutide product for type 2 diabetes but not cover another product prescribed for chronic weight management. Call your insurer to ask whether the specific medication is covered, whether prior authorization is required, and how your deductible or copay affects the price. Your pharmacy can often provide an estimate before you fill the prescription.

If you’re prescribed Ozempic, review the manufacturer’s savings and patient assistance information. Programs have eligibility requirements, and savings offers may not apply to every insurance plan or patient. You can also ask your provider or pharmacist about other assistance options. Compare the full expected cost, including visits and monitoring, rather than relying on a promotional price alone.

Approach compounded semaglutide, online pharmacies, and discount claims carefully

Compounded medications are not FDA-approved, and the FDA does not review them for safety, effectiveness, or quality before they are marketed. If a provider discusses compounded semaglutide, ask why it’s being considered, where it will be prepared, how the dose will be measured, and what follow-up is available. The FDA outlines safety concerns with compounded semaglutide, including dosing errors that have led to serious side effects.

Be wary of unusually low prices, guaranteed weight-loss claims, or websites that sell prescription medication without requiring a prescription. Verify that the pharmacy is licensed, and ask your clinician or pharmacist to review the product and its source before you use it. A trustworthy service should clearly explain what medication you’ll receive, what it costs, and how your care will be managed.

What Should You Know About Long-Term Semaglutide Use?

Semaglutide may be part of an ongoing care plan rather than a short-term treatment. How long you use it depends on your health, goals, response, side effects, and preferences. Regular check-ins help you and your clinician decide whether your plan is still right for you.

Attend follow-up visits, complete lab tests, and track symptoms

Follow-up visits give your clinician a chance to review your progress, appetite, blood sugar, side effects, and overall health. They can also help determine whether your dose or treatment plan needs adjusting. Your clinician may order lab tests based on your health history and treatment goals. Ask what each test is checking and when you should expect results.

Between appointments, keep a simple record of your dose and symptoms. Note changes that affect daily life, such as nausea that makes it hard to eat or fatigue that interrupts exercise. Bring your notes and questions to your next visit. Long-term research, including the SELECT trial analysis of semaglutide, assesses outcomes over time, which can help inform discussions about continued treatment.

Continue treatment, manage missed doses, or stop with clinical guidance

Don’t change your dose, take extra medication, or stop semaglutide without talking with your clinician. If you miss a dose, follow the instructions for your specific medication and ask your care team if you’re unsure what to do. Recommendations can vary by product and by how much time has passed. For example, the Wegovy prescribing information includes product-specific instructions for missed doses.

If you’re thinking about stopping, discuss your reasons and next steps with your clinician. Together, you can review your goals, side effects, other treatment options, and any follow-up you may need. If you’ve had a break from treatment, ask before restarting or changing your dose. Your clinician can advise whether resuming is appropriate and how to do so safely.

Plan for weight maintenance and possible weight regain

Weight management often requires ongoing attention, whether or not you take medication. Before changing or ending semaglutide, ask your clinician how to support your progress with habits that fit your life, such as regular meals, manageable movement, and consistent sleep. Your plan should account for your health needs and daily schedule.

Some people regain weight after stopping semaglutide, so it’s worth discussing maintenance early. In an extension of the STEP 1 trial, participants regained some weight after treatment ended. Study results can’t predict exactly what will happen to you, but they can help guide a conversation about continuing treatment, considering alternatives, and planning for changes in appetite or weight. Ask your clinician what signs to monitor and when to schedule a follow-up.

How Can You Evaluate Reviews and Prepare for a Clinician Visit?

Semaglutide reviews can offer a glimpse into other people’s experiences, but they can’t tell you exactly what to expect. Look for details that make a review useful, then bring questions and relevant health information to a licensed clinician.

Check a review’s medication, dose, duration, and treatment context

Start by checking which semaglutide product the reviewer used. Brand, formulation, and approved use can differ, so an experience with a tablet may not match one with an injection. Look for the dose, how long the person took the medication, whether the dose changed over time, and whether they also made changes to eating or physical activity.

Be cautious with reviews that promise quick or guaranteed results but leave out these details. Clinical studies can provide helpful context: in a 64-week trial of Wegovy tablets, adults with overweight or obesity who did not have type 2 diabetes lost an average of 14% of their starting weight, compared with 2.4% in the placebo group. These are averages from a study, not a prediction for any one person. The trial results can help you compare personal accounts with clinical evidence.

Bring your health history, goals, budget, and questions to an appointment

Before your appointment, make a list of your health conditions, medications and supplements, previous weight-management treatments, and relevant family health history. Tell the clinician about your goals and what feels realistic alongside work, exercise, and caregiving. If you’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy, include that in the conversation.

Ask about the full cost of care, including medication, appointments, and any recommended monitoring. Write down your questions in advance so you can make the most of your visit. For example, ask whether semaglutide may be appropriate for you, what information the clinician needs to assess your health, and what other options are available. A clinician’s individual assessment can help guide that decision.

Ask about expected benefits, side effects, alternatives, and follow-up care

Ask what changes you may reasonably expect, how your progress will be assessed, and when you should follow up. Discuss common side effects such as nausea, diarrhea, and constipation, and ask what to do if they affect meals, workouts, work, or daily responsibilities. These common side effects can vary from person to person, so ask which symptoms need prompt attention and how to handle dose changes.

You can also ask about alternatives, ongoing support, and what may happen if you stop treatment. Studies have reported improvements in measures such as waist circumference, BMI, and blood pressure, but the relevance of those outcomes depends on your health. Research on semaglutide alongside lifestyle support can give you useful context for discussing your care plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can semaglutide reviews tell me how much weight I’ll lose?

No. Reviews describe one person’s experience, and results depend on factors such as dose, treatment length, health history, and daily habits. Clinical study averages offer broader context, but they can’t predict your individual outcome.

How long does semaglutide take to work?

The timeline varies. Doses are often increased gradually, and studies track changes over many months. Ask your prescriber what progress to expect and when you’ll review how treatment is working.

What should I do if semaglutide side effects interfere with my routine?

Tell your clinician what symptoms you’re having and how they affect eating, drinking, exercise, or daily responsibilities. Don’t change your dose or stop treatment without medical guidance. Seek prompt help for severe symptoms, such as ongoing abdominal pain or an inability to keep fluids down.

Are Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus interchangeable?

No. They contain semaglutide but have different approved uses, forms, and dosing instructions. A licensed healthcare professional can explain which product, if any, is appropriate for your health needs.

What should I ask before starting semaglutide?

Ask whether you’re a suitable candidate, what benefits and risks may apply to you, how follow-up care works, and what the full cost may be. Share your health history and medication list, and discuss what to expect if you later stop treatment.