Mounjaro: The New Diabetes Drug And Its Weight-loss Impact

Many people look forward to a simple and long-lasting weight loss plan. Mounjaro is Eli Lilly's latest drug, regarded as an antidote.

It follows in the footsteps of Mounjaro vs Ozempic a weight loss injection that took the world by storm in 2022. 

Mounjaro has been approved in the US since 2022 by EMA (The European Medicines Agency). 

However, it has not made its way into the UK, but it may be available in England and Wales from 2024 onwards.

Here, you can get more information you need concerning Mounjaro, which is a Weight loss injection.

Mounjaro® is a groundbreaking medication for adults dealing with type 2 diabetes and those looking for ways to manage their weight. 

It contains an active ingredient called Tirzepatide, which works by:

• Lowering high blood sugar levels
• Regulating appetite to promote weight loss and maintenance

Mounjaro can be used in two ways:

1. On its own: When you're unable to take metformin
2. In combination with other Diabetes medications: When you need extra control over your blood sugar levels

It's important to note that Mounjaro is more than a standalone solution. It should always be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

Who Can Benefit From Mounjaro?

• Adults with obesity or overweight who have weight-related health issues
• Adults with type 2 diabetes who need help managing their blood sugar levels

Mounjaro comes in pre-filled pens, making it easy to administer through injections.

With its unique combination of diabetes management and weight control properties, Mounjaro offers new possibilities for a healthier lifestyle.

What Is Mounjaro and How Does It Work?

Mounjaro is an innovative medication with the active ingredient Tirzepatide, which helps patients with type-2 diabetes regulate blood sugar levels and stimulate insulin release.

The active ingredient mimics two important intestinal hormones (GLP1 and GIP), which also delay gastric emptying, contributing to prolonged satiety, which can lead to the added effect of weight loss.

Having a more stable blood sugar level also reduces cravings, which can be a reason for overeating.

The long-term result can, therefore, lead to weight loss. But medication like Mounjaro works best alongside lifestyle changes, involving healthy eating and regular exercise.

How To Use Mounjaro Pen Injector

Mounjaro is an injectable solution that diabetes patients administer to themselves once a Mounjaro weight loss week.

In the approval studies, a small dose was started, and the active ingredient dosage was increased weekly to 2.5mg to the final Mounjaro dosage, which is also now recommended in practice.

• Read the Medication Guide and Instructions For Use provided by your pharmacist before you start using mounjaro tripeptide each time you get a refill. Learn all preparation and usage instructions. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
• Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid.
• Before injecting each dose, clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol.
• Change the injection site each week to lessen injury under the skin.
• Inject this medication under the skin in the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm as directed by your doctor, usually once every seven days.
• The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment.
• Your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase it to reduce your risk of side effects. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
• This medication may be used with or without meals.
• Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it every seven days. It may help to mark your calendar with a reminder.
• If needed, the day of weekly use may be changed as long as the time between two doses is at least three days.
• Carefully follow the medication treatment plan, meal plan, and exercise program your doctor has recommended.
• Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.
• Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or worsen (your blood sugar is too high or too low).

Is Moujaro For Weight Loss Approved in Europe?

Various studies on type-2 people with diabetes have demonstrated the positive effect of Mounjaro compared to placebo groups.

Having assessed the side effects, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Mounjaro in 2022 as a medication for type-2 diabetes patients.

The EMA has also already approved Mounjaro in Europe for people with diabetes.

However, the medication is prescription-only for people with diabetes, like comparable injections, while weight loss injections Mounjaro is not an approved use of the drug.

Currently, the medication is unavailable in the UK, even for diabetes patients.

However, the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has published draft guidance to approve the use of tripeptide.

Once the final guidance is published, the NHS will start rolling out the drug's use, but only for diabetes patients and not as a general weight-loss injection. Note that this will only apply to England and Wales.

Eligibility For Treatment

Mounjaro for weight loss is suitable for individuals who are medically classed as overweight or obese and have a BMI of 27-30 upwards (additional eligibility criteria apply).

It's not intended as a quick fix but is designed to improve overall health and reduce the health-related risks associated with being overweight or obese.

Here are the main eligibility criteria for Mounjaro:

• You're between 18 and 75 years old.
• You have a BMI above 30 or a BMI above 27 and a weight-related accompanying condition (e.g., high blood pressure or cholesterol, amongst others) that would benefit from weight loss.
• You do not have diabetes (or pre-diabetes requiring treatment)
• Meet all other clinical criteria, subject to your medical history.

During the consultation stage, we'll ask you for more specific information to ensure Mounjaro is the right option for you.

Mounjaro's side effects

Common side effects of this medication may include:

• Nausea
• Headaches
• Stomach upsets (diarrhea and vomiting)
• Constipation
• Tiredness
• Acid reflux and indigestion symptoms
• Gallstones
• Dizziness
• Hair loss
• Reactions at injection sites

Some uncommon and rare side effects may occur, although they are less common:

• Increased heart rate
• Increased gastric enzyme levels
• Pancreatitis
• Angioedema
• Anaphylactic reactions

While we anticipate that the common side effects will diminish within the first few weeks of treatment, we must be aware of the rarer side effects.

If you experience any of these uncommon or rare side effects, it is crucial to discontinue the injections immediately and seek medical assistance.

Dosage instructions

Mounjaro comes in 2.5mg, 5mg, 7.5mg, 10mg, and 15mg.

When you start taking Mounjaro, your initial dose will be 2.5mg once a week for the first four weeks.

After that, your dose will be increased to 5mg once a week for the next four weeks.

Depending on how well the treatment works for you, your doctor may decide to increase your dose each month to a maximum of 15mg. 

It's important to understand that only some people need the higher Mounjaro doses to get the desired results, and you and your doctor will make this decision.

Storage information

Before initial use, Mounjaro should be stored in a refrigerator between 2 °C and 8°C.

Once the pen is in use, it can be stored at room temperature (8 to 30°C) for up to 30 days. To maintain its effectiveness, it's crucial to avoid freezing the medication.