Mounjaro

Mounjaro is a weight management medication that contains tirzepatide. Tirzepatide is a dual-action drug that works on both GLP-1 and GIP receptors in the body to control blood sugar levels, reduce appetite, and support weight loss efforts when combined with a reduced calorie diet and exercise regimen.

Mounjaro operates by enhancing the body's natural insulin response and slowing down the rate at which the stomach empties, making you feel fuller for longer. This dual mechanism helps in reducing hunger and curbing cravings, facilitating a decrease in calorie intake and promoting weight loss. The treatment is most effective when combined with a lifestyle of healthy eating and physical activity.

Mounjaro is designed for weight loss and should only ever be used by an individual who’s overweight or obese. A clinician will carry out an assessment and determine whether it’s a safe and effective treatment for you. They’ll ask you about your lifestyle, any medications you’re taking, and treatment preferences. You can do a consultation online.

Successful weight loss with Mounjaro involves more than just medication. Adopting healthy lifestyle habits is a key component to improving overall health and losing weight. This includes a balanced diet, regular physical activity, adequate sleep, and stress management. Combining Mounjaro with these lifestyle changes can significantly enhance weight loss and your overall health.

Clinical trials have demonstrated that Mounjaro leads to significant weight loss by reducing appetite and increasing feelings of fullness. Participants in these studies experienced notable weight reduction, making it an effective tool for weight management when used alongside diet and exercise.

The effects of Mounjaro on appetite reduction and weight loss tend to happen within the first few weeks of treatment. However, the timeline can vary from person to person. For many, a noticeable difference in weight and appetite control is evident within the first three months.

The duration of Mounjaro treatment depends on individual health goals and response to the medication. Implementing lifestyle changes alongside the treatment is crucial for sustained weight management. By building healthier habits you should be able to sustain your weight beyond taking the medication. Your healthcare provider will guide you on the appropriate duration based on your progress and overall health.

While Mounjaro is generally well-tolerated, some people may experience side effects, primarily gastrointestinal, such as nausea, diarrhoea, and vomiting (may affect up to 1 in 10 people), especially during the initial phase of treatment. These side effects are usually mild to moderate and tend to decrease over time. It's important to read the Patient Information Leaflet and consult your healthcare provider for a comprehensive list of side effects and advice on managing them.

Wegovy contains semaglutide which mimics the GLP-1 hormone to suppress appetite. Mounjaro works similarly but targets both GLP-1 and GIP receptors.

Results in clinical trials:

Semaglutide (Wegovy): Up to 15% body weight loss over 68 weeks with lifestyle changes.

Tirzepatide (Mounjaro): Up to 21% body weight loss over 72 weeks with lifestyle changes.

The price of Mounjaro depends on the strength of the dose. The market price of the higher strength pens is more than the lower strength pens, and this is dependent on the manufacturer.

The following prices are per month, and exclude potential discounts:

2.5mg: £229

5mg: £229

7.5mg: £249

10mg: £249

12.5mg: £299

15mg: £299

Please see this article for more information on the price of other Weight Loss treatments.

Each Mounjaro KwikPen contains 3 ml of liquid. It's designed to deliver 0.6 ml per dose, providing a total of 4 doses per pen. The pen holds more than 2.4 ml of usable liquid to ensure there is enough for priming before each dose.

After you’ve used all 4 doses, it’s normal to see some liquid left in the pen. This leftover medicine means the pen worked correctly. You won’t be able to dial another full dose, so it’s time to throw the pen away, even if there’s some liquid still inside.

To get all four doses from your Mounjaro KwikPen, follow the priming and dosing instructions in the leaflet inside your medication box or the Patient Information Leaflet. Priming helps get rid of any air in the pen and makes sure it's working correctly. After each dose, you can check the plunger position to confirm the dose was delivered properly.

If the dose knob on your KwikPen is hard to push, try these steps:

• Prime the pen before each injection to remove any air. Never apply pressure to the dose knob without a pen needle attached as there’s no path for the medication to go. 

• Push the dose knob down more slowly; this can make it easier to inject.

• Make sure you’re using a new, properly attached pen needle each time. If the new needle is faulty or blocked, put on another new needle and prime the pen.

• Store the pen in a clean, dry place to prevent any dirt or damage.

If these steps don't solve the problem, contact one of our clinicians in the app for assistance.