Mounjaro®
Mounjaro®
Mounjaro®
- Weekly injection that suppresses appetite and reduces cravings
- With lifestyle changes around 96% of people lose weight
- Suitable for adults with a BMI of 30 or above, or 27 and above with a weight related condition
What is Mounjaro®?
Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) is a weekly injection for adults trying to lose weight. It helps people with high BMIs (body mass indexes) lose weight. It contains the active ingredient tirzepatide. If prescribed, it’s important that Mounjaro® is used alongside healthy lifestyle changes, such as more physical activity and a reduced calorie diet. Mounjaro® is also known as Zepbound.
Is Mounjaro® available in the UK?
Mounjaro® has recently been approved as a weight loss treatment in the UK. It is now available on prescription at LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor.
How does Mounjaro® work?
The active ingredient, tirzepatide, activates two hormonal receptors (GIP and GLP-1). When these naturally occurring hormones are mimicked, your appetite is suppressed, blood sugar is better regulated and the rate at which food leaves the stomach is reduced. All of these actions result in weight loss.
How do you take Mounjaro®?
You inject Mounjaro® once a week into your tummy, thigh or upper arm. Mounjaro® comes in several doses. Depending on where you are in your treatment journey, you will need to take a different dose.
The starting dose is 2.5mg. This increases in increments of 2.5mg until you reach 15mg. The dose is gradually increased to make sure you can cope with any side effects. You will need to stay on each dose for four weeks before you increase it.
If all goes to plan and you can tolerate the treatment, your dosing schedule will look like this:
- Weeks 1-4: 2.5mg weekly
- Weeks 5-8: 5mg weekly
- Weeks 9-12: 7.5mg weekly
- Weeks 13-16: 10mg weekly
- Weeks 17 onwards: 15mg
Mounjaro® dosing schedule:
What happens if you miss a dose of Mounjaro®?
If you’ve missed a dose of Mounjaro® you should take the missed dose within 4 days after the missed dose. Try to take it as soon as possible after you’ve realised you’ve missed it.
If more than 4 days have passed since the missed dose, then skip it and take your next dose on your scheduled day. Make sure not to take 2 doses within 3 days of each other.
What is the best time to inject Mounjaro®?
You should inject Mounjaro® on the same day every week. You can take it at any time of day. You might want to set a reminder on your phone, so you don’t forget what day you normally take it.
How effective is Mounjaro®?
Clinical trials have shown that on average, patients lost up to 21% of their original weight on the highest dose of Mounjaro® (15mg). Most adults (96%) can also expect to lose at least 5% of their body weight when using Mounjaro®.
Potential side effects of Mounjaro®
Like with all medications, some people will experience side effects. Very common side effects include:
- Feeling sick (nausea) and being sick (vomiting)
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
Learn more about the side effects of Mounjaro® in our article, or visit the patient information leaflet.
How long do Mounjaro® side effects last?
Mounjaro® side effects often get better over time as your body gets used to treatment. You might find that you only experience side effects while your dose is being increased.
How to manage the side effects of Mounjaro®
Side effects are usually mild. As your body gets used to the treatment any side effects are likely to lessen and disappear. Give your body a regular break between each treatment by injecting Mounjaro® on the same day every week.
To manage side effects:
- Eat smaller meals
- Eat more regularly
- Stop eating when you feel full
- Stay hydrated
- Avoid fat fatty foods
- If you feel sick sip water and eat plain foods like toast, crackers or rice
- Increase your fibre intake if you’re constipated
- Exercise regularly
- If you’re experiencing headaches, you can take paracetamol
What foods can't you eat whilst taking Mounjaro®?
If you experience nausea while taking Mounjaro® you may want to avoid foods with strong tastes or smells. Instead choose bland foods like crackers, rice or toast. You may also want to avoid fats and fatty foods while using Mounjaro®.