What is Mounjaro?

Mounjaro is a medicine used for the management of type 2 diabetes and weight loss. This dual-acting prescription drug mimics the GLP-1 and GIP receptors, which are responsible for glucose metabolism and appetite regulation. It is therefore an innovative treatment compared to other anti-diabetic drugs that generally only target the GLP-1 receptor.

It is designed to promote weight loss in obese adults with a BMI of 30 kg/m² or more, and overweight people with a BMI between 27 and 30 kg/m² who have associated health problems such as high blood pressure, cholesterol, heart disease and pre-diabetes.

Overweight and obesity are defined as excess fat mass.

Obesity raises the risk of type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, some cancers, and can impact bone health and fertility. In 2022, 2.5 billion adults were overweight worldwide, with over 890 million classified as obese. In the UK, about 1 in 4 adults are obese.

The World Health Organization defines someone as overweight with a BMI of 25 or more, and obese with a BMI of 30 or more.

Diet pills and injections can accelerate weight loss in overweight and obese people when used in conjunction with a weight management program that includes realistic goals, healthy lifestyle changes and regular monitoring. In this article, we introduce Mounjaro (Tirzepatide), a new weight loss treatment, the first injectable drug that targets two hormones.

How does Mounjaro work?

Mounjaro works by targeting key hormones that control appetite and blood sugar. It slows digestion, helping you feel fuller longer and reducing hunger. It also helps your body use food more efficiently for energy. It is taken once a week using the Mounjaro KwikPen.

Mounjaro Dosage

Mounjaro is available in six different doses. The starting dose is 2.5 mg, which is then increased to a maximum dose of 15 mg.

Always start with a dose of 2.5 mg, administered once a week for 4 weeks. This allows your body to get used to the drug and reduces the risk of side effects.

After 4 weeks, you can increase your dose to 5 mg once a week, if needed.

You can increase your Mounjaro dose every 4 weeks if needed, up to a maximum of 15 mg per week, as directed by your doctor. However, if your current dose helps control hunger and cravings, there’s no need to increase it.

We recommend that you consult our “How to Use Mounjaro” guide, which provides detailed information on dosage, administering the injection, and troubleshooting common issues such as pen malfunctions.

Why do I need to increase my Mounjaro dosage?

Everyone responds differently to weight loss medications. Low doses are effective at suppressing appetite and minimizing gastrointestinal side effects but may not be sufficient for significant weight loss. Clinical studies have shown that Mounjaro improves fat metabolism and reduces fat mass. Therefore, increasing the dosage, if recommended and tolerated, can help speed up the fat burning process.

How long does Mounjaro take to start working?

Some people may experience moderate weight loss within the first few weeks of using Mounjaro. However, as the dosage is gradually increased, it will take about 3 to 6 months before you see any significant changes in your weight. It is important to keep in mind that weight loss takes time and there is no quick fix. The drug is most effective when combined with a weight management program that includes a healthy, balanced diet and regular exercise.

How long do Mounjaro side effects last?

Not everyone experiences side effects. If symptoms do occur, the most common last for a few days to a few weeks and usually subside on their own. This usually happens as your body gets used to the medicine. The most commonly reported side effects are those that affect the intestines, such as vomiting, diarrhea, nausea and upset stomach. The duration and intensity of symptoms may vary depending on your tolerance to Mounjaro, the dose you take and how long you have used it.

How long does Mounjaro stay in your body?

How long the medicine stays in your body depends on how well your kidneys and liver work, your age and your overall health. After your last dose, it takes about 5 days for half of the medicine to be eliminated from your body and about 20-25 days for the majority of Mounjaro to be eliminated. However, it may take longer for some people.

Is Mounjaro safe?

Mounjaro is considered safe and is approved by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and weight management in adults.

The approval is based on evidence of the efficacy and safety of tirzepatide for weight management in overweight and obese adults with or without diabetes. Trials showed that overweight or obese adults who received tirzepatide lost more weight compared to placebo, regardless of gender, age, ethnicity, body mass index, or blood sugar status.

The MHRA is closely monitoring the safety and effectiveness of Mounjaro. Therefore, if you buy Mounjaro online, we recommend that you always buy it from a pharmacy that is licensed by the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC), as these pharmacies have the authority to regulate and sell Mounjaro.

Mounjaro vs Wegovy

Both Mounjaro and Wegovy are effective weight loss injections that can help manage weight and type 2 diabetes. However, there are some key differences.

The active ingredient in Mounjaro is tirzepatide, which activates two types of receptors. This improves blood sugar control, increases insulin sensitivity, reduces hunger, and slows bowel movements, promoting weight loss.
The active ingredient in Wegovy is semaglutide, which mimics the action of the receptor, a hormone that lowers blood sugar levels, slows gastric emptying, and reduces appetite.
Both drugs have demonstrated significant weight loss effects in clinical trials.
Both are administered by weekly injection, with gradually increasing doses.
Mounjaro, due to its dual mechanism of action and strong blood sugar-lowering effects, may be suitable for people with type 2 diabetes who want to lose weight while managing their blood sugar levels.
Wegovy is specifically approved for chronic weight management and may be suitable for non-diabetic patients for whom weight loss is a primary concern.

Mounjaro vs Ozempic

Both Mounjaro and Ozempic regulate blood sugar levels, slow digestion, and suppress appetite by making you feel full. Their mechanisms of action are different:

Ozempic mimics the action of hormones that regulate blood sugar levels and slow digestion. This increases insulin secretion in cases of high blood sugar, reduces the amount of glucose produced in the liver, and slows stomach emptying.
Mounjaro activates two types of receptors. This dual action improves blood sugar control, increases insulin sensitivity, and promotes weight loss.
In clinical trials, Mounjaro has been shown to produce greater weight loss than Ozempic.
Both drugs have similar side effects, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
Both are given by weekly injection.
Mounjaro is a relatively new drug on the market, and its dual action may improve blood sugar control and weight loss, but it may also cause more significant side effects.
Ozempic is a single-acting drug with established effects on blood sugar control and weight loss.