What is Mounjaro?
Mounjaro, which contains the active ingredient Tirzepatide, is a clinically proven medication designed to support weight loss.
It works by mimicking two natural gut hormones, GLP-1 and GIP, which help control appetite, hunger and feelings of fullness. By slowing digestion and reducing cravings, Mounjaro helps you lose weight when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise.
How does Mounjaro work?
In short, Mounjaro can help:
- Curb your appetite, so you feel less hungry.
- Reduce cravings, so it’s easier to make healthy food choices.
- Lower your weight "set point," so you continue losing weight without hitting a plateau.
Mounjaro is a new weight loss treatment that activates two key hormones, GLP-1 and GIP, which are produced naturally after we eat. Together, they help you feel full for longer. Mounjaro gently reduces sensations of hunger and cravings, making it easier to choose healthier foods, reduce your calorie intake, and reach your weight-loss goal sooner.
How effective is Mounjaro?
Mounjaro (Tirzepatiede) is proven to support long-term weight loss, and studies suggest it is one of the most effective medications available. An 88-week clinical trial involving 806 patients achieved an average weight loss of over 25% of their body weight. All patients received lifestyle/physical activity counselling and followed a reduced-calorie diet during the trial.
How much weight can you lose on Mounjaro in a month?
The amount of weight you can lose on Mounjaro in a month will depend on several factors, including your starting weight, the lifestyle changes you make, and how your body responds to the medication.
While everyone’s journey is different, many people start to see results within the first month, with an average of 3-5 pounds lost in this time. As you continue with Mounjaro alongside healthy habits like diet and exercise, you may experience even more significant progress.
Remember, it’s all about gradual, sustainable changes, and we’re here to support you every step of the way on your journey to a healthier you!
What are the Side Effects of Mounjaro?
Before using Mounjaro, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects and precautions. Rest assured that any side effects are usually mild and tend to appear when you first start the medication or increase your dose. This is because your body is adjusting to the medication, but side effects should clear up on their own.The most common side effects of Mounjaro are:
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhoea or constipation
- Headaches or dizziness
- Abdominal pain
- Fatigue
- Burping and flatulence
- Irritation, itching or bruising around where you have injected the medication
How long does Mounjaro take to work?
Mounjaro starts working immediately, but it can take a few weeks before you notice your appetite reducing or any significant weight loss. Some people may need higher doses to get the best results, and that's completely normal too. Your coach and clinical team will help you find the right dose for your weight loss goal.
What are the long-term effects of using Mounjaro?
Because Mounjaro contributes to weight loss, the long-term effects of the medication are largely positive, as you’re likely to lead a healthier lifestyle. Some of the long-term effects of Mounjaro include:
- Sustained weight loss: Mounjaro can lead to significant weight loss, which improves heart health and cholesterol, and reduces obesity-related risks
- Improved metabolic health: Better insulin sensitivity can lower your risk of diabetes.
Mounjaro shows strong potential for sustainable weight loss and health benefits for people with obesity. However, given the limited long-term data, it’s essential to continue to weigh risks and benefits with a healthcare provider and incorporate lifestyle changes for the best results.
How many doses are in a Mounjaro pen?
Each Mounjaro pen provides four weekly doses, including a flow check before each dose. You’ll receive a new pen every four weeks to stay on schedule with your treatment. Note that some liquid will remain in the pen after the fourth dose—this is designed to ensure there’s enough for all flow checks. Once the four doses are used, the pen will lock, and you won’t be able to access the remaining liquid.
Mounjaro dosage
Month 1: The starting dose
For the first four weeks of taking Mounjaro, you will be taking a starting dose of 2.5mg. Following this, your dose will increase to reflect your treatment plan.
Month 2
Your dosage will increase to 5mg and you can expect to see and feel significant progress.
Month 3
Your dosage again will increase to 7.5mg
Month 4
If tolerated, your dosage will further increase to 10mg
Month 5
You will be offered an increase to 12.5mg
Month 6
Your dosage will again increase to 15mg
The maintenance dose
The maintenance dose is the one that best supports you in the long-term, effectively reducing hunger and cravings while minimising side effects. This dose should also allow you to focus on nutrition and maintain the energy you need for exercise. We’ll work with you to find the ideal maintenance dose for your needs.
Where should I inject Mounjaro?
You can choose between a few spots to inject. We advise you to change your injection sites each time to minimise discomfort:
- Abdomen (5cm away from your belly button)
- Thighs
- Upper arms - if administering in the arm, we recommend asking another person to give you the injection in the back of your upper arm
How to inject Mounjaro?
You self-inject Mounjaro once a week (on the same day each week), under your skin, in the subcutaneous fat. Don’t worry, the needle is very small, and most patients describe it as a pin-prick feeling. When you inject Mounjaro, you should always follow the instructions and make sure you’re in a safe, clean environment.
Prepare for the injection
- Wash your hands with soap and water before preparing your pen.
- Check the solution inside the pen is colourless or slightly yellow.
- Wipe the red inner seal with a swab.
- Attach the needle and remove both needle caps safely.
Only use this medication if the solution is colourless or slightly yellow. If the solution is cloudy or you can see various particles, discard it and speak to your doctor. Never reuse or share needles with others.
Check the flow
- Dial your Mounjaro pen to the flow check symbol.
- You will need to complete this step each time you inject a dose.
- Hold your pen horizontally with the needle pointing upwards.
- Press the dose button until the pointer is lined up with “0 mg”.
- At this point, a drop of solution will appear at the tip of your needle.
If the solution does not appear at the needle tip, repeat these steps up to two more times. If the solution still does not appear, do not use the pen and contact your healthcare provider.
Select your dose
- Turn the dial until it stops and the number 1 is shown in the dose window.
- Do not inject more than your prescribed dose. Always follow your healthcare professional’s instructions.
Inject your dose
- Insert the needle into your abdomen, upper arm or thigh.
- Press and hold the dose button to administer the solution until the pointer is aligned with “0 mg.”
- Keep holding the dose button for an additional 5 seconds to ensure the dose is fully administered.
- Gently remove the injection.
- Do not release the dose button until the needle has been removed from your skin.
Only inject into the areas mentioned in the patient information leaflet (abdomen, thigh and upper arm). Make sure to rotate the injection site with each dose to avoid discomfort.
Discard your needle
- Carefully attach the outer needle shield back on the needle and remove your needle from the pen.
- Dispose of the needle in the yellow sharps bin provided.
- Do not throw your used needles away in your household rubbish bin. Keep them out of reach of children and pets.
Store your Mounjaro pen
- After every use, be sure to place the pen’s cap back on. This protects the medication from light.
- You should store your pen without needles attached.
- Store Mounjaro for up to 30 days at room temperature (so long as this is not above 30˚C) or in a refrigerator cooling element (2˚C to 8˚C.)
- Ensure this medication is stored somewhere others cannot reach it, particularly children and pets.
What should I do if I miss a dose?
If it’s been 4 days or less since you should have taken the dose, take your missed dose as soon as you remember.
If more than 4 days have passed since your missed dose, skip it and continue with your dosing schedule, taking your next scheduled dose as planned.
Why do you have to increase the Mounjaro dose?
The dose is gradually increased each month to help your body adjust and achieve the best results, with the maximum dose being 15mg for optimal weight loss based on clinical trials. However, if you're satisfied with your progress on a lower dose, you can continue at that level. The goal is to find what works best for you!
Is it legal to use Mounjaro in the UK?
Yes, Mounjaro is completely legal in the UK. It's licensed by the MHRA, the UK's regulatory body that ensures the safety and effectiveness of medications. So, you can trust that Mounjaro meets all the necessary standards for weight loss use.
How does Mounjaro compare to other weight loss medications?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are injectable weight loss medications, both taken weekly.
Mounjaro acts on both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, with clinical trials indicating it is slightly more effective, with average weight loss up to 20-22% of body weight. Wegovy targets only GLP-1 receptors and typically results in around 15-18% weight loss.
Both can cause nausea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal issues, but these are common as you start on treatment, and typically subside as your body adjusts to the medication. Certain medical conditions or medications may make one treatment more suitable than the others, so please complete the medical questionnaire on our website thoroughly. This helps us recommend the safest and most effective treatment option for you.
What lifestyle changes should accompany Mounjaro treatment?
For effective, lasting weight loss, lifestyle changes are essential.
Start by following the balanced plate model: aim for each meal to include half a plate of non-starchy vegetables (like leafy greens, broccoli and peppers), a quarter plate of lean protein (such as chicken, fish, tofu or beans), and a quarter plate of whole grains or complex carbohydrates (like brown rice, quinoa or sweet potatoes).
Prioritise regular physical activity, incorporating both cardiovascular and strength exercises to improve fitness and maintain muscle. Hydration, adequate sleep and stress management are also important to support healthy metabolism and overall well-being.
What are the ingredients in Mounjaro?
Mounjaro contains the following ingredients:
- Tirzepatide (active and medicinal ingredient)
- Sodium phosphate dibasic heptahydrate
- Sodium chloride
- Concentrated hydrochloric acid, and sodium hydroxide (for pH adjustment)
- Glycerol
- Phenol
- Benzyl Alcohol
- Water