Mounjaro Pen - Weight Loss Injection

Mounjaro is a medication licensed for the treatment of high blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes, as well as for weight loss in patients with obesity and certain weight-related health conditions. It is administered weekly via a subcutaneous injection, similar to Ozempic and Wegovy.

Mounjaro is manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company, and contains the active compound tirzepatide. Mounjaro is also marketed as Zepbound in the US, however in the UK it is called Mounjaro. It belongs to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptor agonists (GIP). Tirzepatide is being studied for the treatment of type 2 diabetes as well as for weight loss.

GLP-1 drugs, such as exenatide and liraglutide, are commonly used to manage type 2 diabetes as they mimic the action of the hormone GLP-1, which helps regulate blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin secretion and reducing glucagon production.

Tirzepatide, as a dual GLP-1 and GIP agonist, has the potential to provide additional benefits in glucose control by activating both the GLP-1 and GIP receptors. GIP is another hormone involved in the regulation of blood sugar levels. By stimulating both receptors, tirzepatide can enhance insulin secretion and reduce glucagon levels even further than traditional GLP-1 medications.

Clinical trials have shown promising results for tirzepatide in terms of glucose control, weight loss, and cardiovascular outcomes. It has demonstrated superior efficacy compared to other GLP-1s, and it has also shown significant potential as a weight loss treatment.

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is expected to be available for weight loss in the UK started in late February 2024. Most patients will need to purchase Mounjaro privately, however some patients may be able to access treatment via the NHS. To check whether you're eligible for treatment covered by the NHS, speak with your GP.

Unlike Wegovy and Ozempic, which mimic a hormone that acts on a single receptor (GLP-1), Mounjaro simultaneously activates two receptors, both glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP).

In the research, this has been shown to contribute to more significant weight loss among individuals using Mounjaro compared to those using other weight loss medications, however research trials comparing these medications are ongoing.

In practice, what the action of these hormones translates to is an increased feeling of fullness, reduced hunger and cravings, and ultimately lower calorie intake and increased rates of weight loss.

Mounjaro is taken as a weekly injection, similar to Ozempic and Wegovy. It can be taken at any time of day, with or without food.

Mounjaro is available in six different strengths: 2.5mg, 5mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, 15mg. It is important to slowly titrate your dosage upwards, as the body needs to get used to the medication. With a Habitual Mounjaro plan, we'll ask you to check in via our app once every four weeks, and at that point you'll be given the option to indicate whether or not you'd like to escalate your dosage. Some people choose to remain on lower doses due to pricing, or because they are already experiencing significant appetite-suppressing effects on the lower dose.

The key difference between Wegovy and Mounjaro lies in their composition. Wegovy contains a compound called semaglutide, whereas Mounjaro contains tirzepatide.
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Both semaglutide and tirzepatide fall under the category of GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) analogs. GLP-1s imitate incretin, a natural gut hormone released post-meal. This imitation brings about various effects, such as appetite suppression, prolonged feelings of fullness, and a decrease in the perceived pleasure of eating. These qualities have made them popular choices for effective weight loss medications.
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Now, here's where Mounjaro sets itself apart. While Wegovy contains only GLP-1s, Mounjaro (and tirzepatide) includes both GLP-1 and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). GIP adds extra benefits, such as reducing fat accumulation, boosting bone formation, increasing glucagon production, and decreasing stomach acid secretion.

As with all medications, it's crucial to be aware of potential side effects before commencing a new medication.The most frequently reported side effects include:
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- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Decreased appetite
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Indigestion
- Stomach Pain
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If you find these side effects difficult to manage, it's important to inform your prescriber and consider discontinuing treatment. Although Mounjaro is generally considered very safe, individual reactions can vary.
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Side effects of Mounjaro are often more noticeable with dosage increases but typically diminish within a few days. Should you experience unexpected or challenging side effects, please consult your GP for guidance on the best course of action.

Mounjaro is recommended as a weight-management treatment for individuals with a BMI over 30 or a BMI over 27 with weight-related conditions like hypertension. It's advised to take Mounjaro alongside a calorie-restricted diet and increased physical activity to enhance and support your weight loss journey.

Mounjaro is not recommended for:

- Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding; it's advised to discontinue treatment at least two months before attempting to conceive.
- Individuals with BMIs outside the suitable range.
- Those taking specific medications.
- Individuals with a history of certain conditions, such as pancreatitis.
- Those with type 1 diabetes.
- Individuals who have previously discontinued GLP-1 treatment due to side effects.

Please note that this list is not exhaustive, and each patient should undergo an individual assessment by a licensed prescriber.

This medicine should not be used during pregnancy. It is strongly recommended to use contraception while on this medication. If you are planning to become pregnant, it is advised to discontinue this medication at least two months before attempting to conceive. In the event of pregnancy, suspicion of pregnancy, or plans to conceive while using this medication, it is crucial to promptly consult with your doctor, as the treatment may need to be halted.

Additionally, this medication should not be used while breastfeeding, as its passage into breast milk is uncertain.

For best results, it's recommended to include a balanced diet and maintaining regular exercise. Prioritise the inclusion of lean proteins, healthy fats, non-starchy vegetables, and high-fibre carbohydrates. Strive to limit the consumption of sugary foods, fried items, refined carbohydrates, and alcohol.

If you're struggling with symptoms like ongoing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea after titrating your Mounjaro dosage, it's crucial not to tackle this alone. Get in touch with our customer care team immediately. Based on your experience, they might suggest either maintaining or reducing your current dose. We can also provide practical tips to help you manage side effects effectively, ensuring you continue to benefit from your treatment. If symptoms persist or cause considerable distress, consult the patient information leaflet provided with your medication and seek advice from a healthcare professional.

Some research indicates that there might be a decreased effectiveness of birth control pills when used concurrently with Mounjaro, especially after an increase in dosage. It is recommend that individuals of who are using oral contraceptives alongside Mounjaro should think about implementing an additional form of contraception to ensure adequate protection.

To ensure the effectiveness and safety of Mounjaro®, it's crucial to store the medication correctly. Mounjaro must be kept in a refrigerator at a consistent temperature ranging from 2°C to 8°C. When traveling, maintain the medication within the recommended temperature range by using a cooler or ice pack. Never allow Mounjaro to freeze. If the medication accidentally freezes, it should not be used as its efficacy could be compromised.

After using all four doses from your Mounjaro pen, remove the needle and then you can simply place the pen into your regular household waste. It’s important not to include the needle in your household waste; instead, store it safely in a sharps bin. When you begin your treatment, you will receive a sharps bin to safely collect and store used needles. Once this bin is full, you should contact your local council for proper collection and disposal. If needed, additional sharps bins can be obtained with subsequent orders of Mounjaro.

Mounjaro is expected to be available to purchase privately from the end of February 2024.