Mounjaro

If you are ordering Mounjaro for first time, each pen will have 4 weekly doses (one dose per week) lasting for 28 days. It is important to keep it refrigerated at 2-8C between uses, however, if kept outside of refrigerate conditions, the pen will be stable for at least 4 weeks before its effectiveness begins to be affected. Each pack of Mounjaro consist of: · Four needles · One Mounjaro Pen (4 doses) · Patient information leaflet and Instruction leaflet

Mounjaro must be injected under the skin (Subcutaneously) in your stomach (abdomen), thigh or upper arm part of your body. Make sure the selected injection site area is clean before inserting the needle. · Remove the pen cap and clean the end (where needle will be inserted) with a swab. · Take one needle from the pack, peel off the paper cover, and firmly push and twist the needle cap until it is securely attached to the Mounjaro Pen. Now remove the plastic cap. · Twist the pen until the first line appears in the Window. Hold the pen upside down and twist until a small liquid drop appears at the tip of the needle. · Twist the plunger until the number one appears in the treatment window. · Once the injection site is chosen, insert the pen at a 90-degree angle and push down the plunger gently until the zero appears again in the treatment window. Hold the needle in place for 10 seconds to make sure the full dose is administered. · Remove the needle and close the Mounjaro pen with plastic cap. Safely dispose of the needle. · Keep the pen stored safely for your next dose. Important Instructions: · Always check the expiration date and ensure it is not frozen or damaged before opening the pen. · A new needle needs to be inserted each time.

The best place to inject Mounjaro are the fleshier areas of your body. This includes your stomach (at least 5 cm away from belly button), thigh or upper arm area. It is important to rotate the injection site as inserting the needle in same place every time can cause irritation.

Like any other medications, Mounjaro also can cause side effects. The most common side effects of Mounjaro include: · Diarrhoea · Feeling sickness or fatigue · Nausea and Vomiting · Constipation · Rashes or Pain in injected body areas These symptoms are more likely to disappear over the time since your body slowly gets adjusted to the medication. If the symptoms remain same or becomes severe, please consult your clinician or local healthcare provider immediately.

Like Mounjaro , there are other GLP- 1 medicines available for weight loss treatment in the UK. See the list of options below: Injectable Medications: Wegovy is considered as one of the best alternatives for Mounjaro. Wegovy contains active ingredient semaglutide which belong to the same category of GLP-1 receptor agonist. Wegovy does have a more well-known counterpart, known as Ozempic. However, Ozempic is only licensed for use for patients with Type 2 Diabetes. You can compare Mounjaro vs Wegovy and Ozempic Vs Mounjaro to understand their mechanisms, dosages and effects to help choose the right medication for you.

Mounjaro (weekly injectable pen), is usually prescribed for patients who fit the following criteria: · Has to be aged 18-75 years old. · Is diagnosed with obesity or has a BMI that is 30 or above. · BMI of 27 – 30 with at least one weight related condition like prediabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol or heart problems Mounjaro is not recommended or prescribed if you are: · Below 18 years. · Pregnant or breastfeeding. · Having any kidney or liver related conditions · Suffering from Inflammation of the pancreas (Pancreatitis), diabetic retinopathy, macular oedema, or other eye problems. · History of thyroid issues or medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), or if there is a family history of MTC. · Diagnosed with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). · Allergic to any of the ingredients used in Mounjaro.

• Shed Pounds: : Clinical trials reveal Tirzepatide's remarkable potential for weight loss. Participants lost an average of 11.5% of body weight after just 26 weeks.
• Better Blood Sugar Management: Originally designed for type 2 diabetes treatment, Mounjaro not only aids weight loss but also enhances blood sugar control. This reduces the risk of complications like nerve damage, kidney disease, and heart issues.
• Less Reliance on Medications: With improved weight and blood sugar control, Tirzepatide may lessen the need for other medications, such as those for hypertension or cholesterol.
• Enhanced Quality of Life: Weight loss can alleviate symptoms like joint pain and fatigue while boosting energy levels and overall well-being.

Common side effects caused by Mounjaro should not be severe and starts disappearing over time. Side effects like Nausea, diarrhoea and heart burn can be resolved by following the tips below:

• In case of diarrhoea, acid reflux and heartburn, consume small portions of meals and avoid spicy or strongly flavoured foods. This should help with reducing the level of gastric discomfort and get you back to normal in no time.
• For vomiting and nausea, make sure to stay hydrated. Becoming dehydrated can cause other symptoms that can be distressing. Having adequate amounts of water, even in small sips, can help settle the feeling of nausea.

Once you stop taking Mounjaro , the appetite is expected to be back to normal gradually. Also, weight regain is possible if you don’t follow healthy diet and involve in regular physical exercises. Remember, Mounjaro is not a medicine you take for life. It is designed to help the user develop a healthier, sustainable lifestyle. Once you come off of this medicine, it is important to stay consistent with diet and exercise.

You can take Mounjaro at any time of the day. But it is important inject on the same day each week to ensure you receive the dosage regularly and to minimise potential side effects.

If you are using Mounjaro for the first time, you may start to notice weight loss within your first few weeks of the initial starting dose. The rate of weight loss in any individual depends on their age, physical activity and diet. However, if you haven’t lost 5% of your body weight within the first 6 months, then a discussion with your clinician should be had to consider alternative treatment options.

Mounjaro (GLP-1s) can reduce the risk of Cancer

Emerging research has highlighted the cancer-preventing potential of GLP-1 receptor agonists, commonly used in weight loss injections. These medications, already popular for their role in managing obesity and type 2 diabetes, are now showing promising results in reducing the risk of obesity-linked cancers. The study, led by Clalit Health Services, involved 6,356 adults undergoing treatment for obesity and type 2 diabetes. Participants were split into two groups: one group received bariatric surgery, while the other was treated with first-generation GLP-1-based injections such as liraglutide, exenatide, or dulaglutide. Over a follow-up period of 7.5 years, 298 individuals from across both cohorts were diagnosed with cancers associated with excess weight. Interestingly, when researchers accounted for weight loss outcomes, GLP-1 treatments emerged slightly more protective, cutting cancer risk by 41% compared to a 38% reduction seen in the surgery group. Based on this combined evidence, scientists suggest that GLP-1 medications alone may reduce the likelihood of developing obesity-related cancers by nearly 50%.

Mounjaro (GLP-1s) Can Affect Contraceptive Pill Absorption

If you’re using Mounjaro® (tirzepatide)—a GLP-1 weight loss injection available in the UK—it’s important to know it may reduce the effectiveness of oral birth control. This happens because Mounjaro can delay the absorption of the oral contraceptive pill, meaning your body might not absorb enough to prevent pregnancy. To stay protected, you should use a barrier method of contraception, such as condoms or an IUD, for four weeks after starting Mounjaro and after each dose increase. This guidance is specific to tirzepatide, which acts differently from other GLP-1 medications. Alternatively, you may want to switch to a non-oral form of contraception while using Mounjaro. For more details, refer to the official NHS guidance on weight loss injections .