Description
It is available in the following strengths: 2.5mg, 5mg, 7.5mg, 10mg, 12.5mg, 15mg
What is Mounjaro?
Mounjaro is a weight loss treatment that is available in the form of weekly self-injectable pens.
Active Ingredient of Mounjaro
- Mounjaro contains Tirzepatide as its active component. It is used to assist adults in managing their weight, especially those who are overweight or obese.
- Tirzepatide is used by around a quarter million obese people for their weight loss when followed by a low-calorie diet and regular exercise.
- It helps your body’s natural hormones regulate appetite as well as blood sugar levels.
- It also helps prevent other serious long-term conditions like strokes and heart attacks.
How it works
The main component of Mounjaro, Tirzepatide, works in a dual-action mechanism.
It works on the two most important hormonal receptors, one is GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide), and the other is GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). These hormones play a role in regulating insulin secretion and managing appetite.
You might have heard or seen this GLP-1 on several other weight loss injections.
- GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1). When you eat, your blood sugar levels rise. Tirzepatide acts by stimulating the pancreas to release insulin, which in turn helps lower blood sugar levels effectively. Moreover, it reduces the release of the glucagon hormone, which increases blood sugar, and helps maintain balanced levels.
- GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide), Tirzepatide slows down the stomach’s emptying. It results in prolonged feelings of fullness after meals, suppressing appetite, and helps consume fewer calories.
Furthermore, Tirzepatide increases the body’s ability to break down stored fat and utilize it for energy, resulting in improved metabolic health and weight loss.
Who can use Mounjaro?
Mounjaro is suitable for adults who meet one of the following conditions:
- Body Mass Index (BMI) of 30 (obesity) or higher
- BMI between 27(overweight) and would have one weight-related health issue, such as prediabetes, High blood pressure (hypertension), high cholesterol levels, or Cardiovascular issues.
These criteria are based on guidelines from health authorities, including the FDA and EMA.
Dosage and Administration of Mounjaro
Starting Dose
- Initially, you will start with a 5 mg dose injected subcutaneously once a week for the first 4 weeks.
- This lower dose helps your body adjust to the medication regardless of previous weight-loss injection experience.
Dose Escalation
- After the initial 4 weeks’ dosage, your dose will be increased to 5 mg once weekly. Or you can gradually increase the dose only as instructed by the doctor or prescribing pharmacist to minimize the side effects, you may experience.
Administration Method
- Mounjaro comes in a very easy-to-use and self-administered subcutaneous (under the skin) form.
- You can easily inject an injection into common sites that include the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm, particularly those that have more fat.
- It is recommended to use Mounjaro injections at the same time and day of each week, with or without a whole meal.
- If you want to change your dosing day, you have to make sure there are at least 3 days, or 72 hours, between doses.
- It is important to follow the detailed guidelines on the leaflet that accompanies your medication.
Important Notes
- Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding dosage and administration.
- It is advisable to inform your prescriber about any underlying health conditions, family history of chronic diseases.
- Do not share your injection pen with others, even if the needle has been changed.
- There are reports online of people trying to gain a so called “golden dose” or “Mounjaro 5th dose”, where users try to get an additional dose out of the pen, rather than the usual 4 doses. We recommend that you do not do this as it can result in inaccurate doses, in turn jeopardising your safety.
