Meet the Other Phone. Protection built in.

Meet the Other Phone.
Protection built in.

Buy now

Please or to access all these features

Weight loss injections/treatments

Discuss weight-loss injections and treatments, including personal experiences. Mumsnet hasn't checked the qualifications of anyone posting here. You may wish to speak to a medical professional before starting any treatments.

Continuing Mounjaro...part 6

1000 replies

ObsidianTree · 19/04/2024 11:50

Please note: Mounjaro can only be taken if your BMI is above 30.

Pointers for newbies:

1 - For taking your first dose you need to twist the pen a lot to get to 1! The instructions say prime each time you take a dose, but actually Eli Lilly have confirmed you only need to prime for the first ever use of a pen. (The video posted says every use, but this isn't true!)

2 - When injecting, hold down the button until the number goes back to 0. Once at 0, keep holding down the button and count to 5 with the needle still in so no medication is lost!

3 - Your first dose may not have an immediate effect. For some people the effects build slowly. It could take 3 or 4 days to notice anything, it could take a few weeks. Some people don't feel the meds working until they get to 5mg. See titration chart which shows how the medication builds up in your system.

4 - 2.5mg isn't a therapeutic dose, meaning you aren’t meant to lose on 2.5mg. You need to start on 2.5mg to get your body used to the drug and gradually introduce it into your system and get used to any side effects.

5 - Not everyone loses a lot in the first few weeks. Don't feel discouraged if you don't lose a lot initially. Again, you might need a higher dose to start losing. Also, inches can be lost without anything showing on the scales. Start your journey by taking measurements and check them as you go along.

6 - If you do lose a lot in the first few weeks, please don't assume you will continue losing at this rate. The first few weeks it is usually water weight that is lost, after than a good weight loss is about 2lbs a week. Some weeks you might not lose anything, but this is ok too…again, taking measurements might show inches lost instead.

7 - Constipation, coldness, nausea, diarrhea, headaches, aches, are side effects. There may be be other side effects also. Read info here :

www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/15481/pil#about-medicine

8 - Once you take your first dose you can choose to keep your pen in the fridge or somewhere else. It's up to you.

9 - Don't reuse any needles as this could risk infection. If you damage a needle or one isn't working, you can buy a pack of about 100 spares. https://www.chemist-4-u.com/carepoint-pen-needles-31g-4mm-pack-of-100?gclid=Cj0KCQjwiYOxBhC5ARIsAIvdH51rLZBVFQxuvS7mDJooegtK8BMiyT0PwREMRHhH_1atfQIo8TEbsmkaAkA0EALw_wcB

10 - Protein is important as eating less protein can cause muscle wastage and hair loss. Try to have at least 100g a day. There are protein supplements you can take. Myprotein have a good range. Ask for a referral code if you want to buy some.

11 - Some natural sources of protein:
https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/best-sources-protein
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321522#high-protein-foods

12 - You can use supplements, some that people use are magnesium(for sleep and constipation), protein(to reduce muscle wastage), collagen (skin elasticity), aloe vera(for constipation), electrolytes.

13 - Drink lota of water. Water helps with the weight loss. Drink at least 2ltrs a day. Preferably 3ltrs.

14 - Don't be afraid to feel hungry. It is entirely normal and healthy to feel hungry. Just eat something. Treat it as an opportunity to start good habits around hunger. Eat a nice balanced snack or a meal if it's a meal time. It's ok.

15 - Does it makes any difference where you inject? yes it does! Drugs get absorbed at different rates depending on injection site

In order of fastest absorption, it goes:
• Tummy
• Arms
• Thighs
furthet reading about injection sites and the effects: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316618

16 - Abdominal side-effects are much easier to control with smaller meals. For example, having 4 small meals in the day vs 2 big meals can have an improvement in nausea and burps.

17 - You can track your calories / protein on apps such as My fitnessPal, Carb Manager or Nutracheck. Nutracheck is quite useful and easy to find foods /build recipes.

18 - Some of the places you can order from are:

  • MedExpress £149.99 - Sometimes there are codes that can be used for a discount. Ask for a code on here or do a Google search to try and find one.
  • Voy - £114.99 for first month then £229 after. Need a referral code (ask on here for one if needed)
  • The Family Chemist -£149
  • Simple online pharmacy - £159 2.5mg £179 for 5mg
  • Bolt pharmacy 2.5mg £125, 5mg £179. Or starter pack with 2.5mg and 5mg pen £319
  • Asda £184
  • Boots £219
  • Chemist4U £179

19 - If you want to switch suppliers, make sure you have pics of your Mounjaro box with your name and dose. This will come in useful when other suppliers ask for evidence.

1st thread:

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/weight_loss_chat/5007744-mourjano-starting-soon?page=1

2nd thread:

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/weight_loss_chat/5028495-continuing-murnjaropart-2?page=1

3rd thread:

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/weight_loss_chat/5037623-continuing-mounjaropart-3?page=1

4th thread:
https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/weight_loss_chat/5044316-continuing-mounjaropart-4?page=1

5th thread:
https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/weight_loss_chat/5048290-continuing-mounjaropart-5?page=1

Thread for newbies just starting out:

http://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/weight_loss_chat/5057475-mounjaro-and-wegovy-newbies-april-2024

Continuing Mounjaro...part 6
Continuing Mounjaro...part 6
OP posts:
Thread gallery
41
Choux · 25/04/2024 18:16

RunningAndSinging · 25/04/2024 17:22

My 7.5 mg from Bolt has arrived too. I also have five needles and five wipes. Maybe it is a spare in case something goes wrong or perhaps they are being practical based on reality! So relieved it’s here before my next dose is due.

My daily weigh this morning was the first under 80kg since the end of January. Finally a bit of a drop down - let’s hope it continues in that direction.

Bolt are spoiling you! With each of my first two pens they only sent 4 needles and 4 wipes.

Am surprised people are saying Asda sent no wipes though. The instructions actually say that the end of the pen needs wiping with an alcohol wipe and Asda are not the lowest priced provider so you don't mind buying your own.

Letsgoogogo · 25/04/2024 18:23

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

GlueNoGlue · 25/04/2024 18:37

Wait are we supposed to get wipes? I’ve ordered twice and not received any, I’ve been using baby wipes!

Moanranger · 25/04/2024 18:40

Well this is interesting. Following my post this morning, in which
I decided to take my bonus dose(using insulin needle) a day & a bit early, by lunch time (6hrs) my appetite fell away. Normally, it takes more than a day after my jab for the results to kick in. Going forward, I plan to pay attention to when appetite starts returning (day 5 onwards) and take next jab.
Posters seem to be reporting quite different responses to MJ, so it may make sense to adjust dosing schedule according to your own response, which won’t necessarily be the standard one.
So far in a stall ATM

lurkylurk · 25/04/2024 18:56

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

I wondered the same thing! You could always then extract the rest with syringes though (not suggesting you do, just that's the obvious answer).

DownWithThisKindOfThing · 25/04/2024 18:57

Mine is still in the fridge. I still keep finding reasons to put off injecting it.

lurkylurk · 25/04/2024 18:58

GlueNoGlue · 25/04/2024 18:37

Wait are we supposed to get wipes? I’ve ordered twice and not received any, I’ve been using baby wipes!

For anyone whose pharmacy don't send wipes!:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/RELIANCE-MEDICAL-Pre-Injection-Swab-Wipes/dp/B09TM2VW26

https://www.amazon.co.uk/RELIANCE-MEDICAL-Pre-Injection-Swab-Wipes/dp/B09TM2VW26?tag=mumsnet&ascsubtag=mnforum-weight-loss-injections-5057916-continuing-mounjaropart-6

NextPrimeMinister · 25/04/2024 19:01

I'm coming up to my 9th week and not used a wipe yet. I did a couple of desultory wipes with my dressing gown at the start but not even bothered with that lately 😬

ineedmoresleepnow · 25/04/2024 19:02

Just checking in. After a frustrating week of no loss last week, I've lost 2 pounds this week so 11 over the 4 weeks. Just took the bonus dose of 2.5, which seemed only slightly more than 1 dose.

lurkylurk · 25/04/2024 19:08

NextPrimeMinister · 25/04/2024 19:01

I'm coming up to my 9th week and not used a wipe yet. I did a couple of desultory wipes with my dressing gown at the start but not even bothered with that lately 😬

It's probably usually fine, it's just that you don't want bacteria getting deeper under your skin than a scratch would be as it can cause cellulitis and other nasty infections so best to use one.

I wipe the red seal on the pen and then also the area of skin about to be injected. I'm surprised the instructions don't say to wipe the skin actually, as that is what pre-injection swabs are actually for!

MelissaLouRocks · 25/04/2024 19:35

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

I'm actually struggling using the pen at all as I've arthritis in my hands, it really isn't the most user friendly! As I need to do other injections for meds anyway it doesn't bother me using syringes and needles, so I use an insulin syringe to withdraw the dose from the pen, then inject with that.

On a 5mg pen, 3.75mg will be 0.45ml if using a syringe. If using the pen, a full dose is 60 clicks, so 3.75mg is 45 clicks.

I hope that helps. If you choose to use syringes/needles, let me know and I can give some links and explain how to do it correctly.

Best of luck!

ObsidianTree · 25/04/2024 19:37

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

I think it will let you keep going until you have used 4 full doses. I think it will only stop turning when you get to the bonus dose.

OP posts:
RagzRebooted · 25/04/2024 19:43

@lurkylurk I'm a nurse and I don't wipe skin before injections and neither do any of my colleagues. We were told in training it isn't necessary. If the skin is dirty, clean with soap and water.
I do use them for deep intramuscular injections as they're on the bum and it just feels more sanitary!
We were trained to wipe the rubber stoppers on the vials though (drawing up COVID vaccines from multi dose vials).
There's limited good quality research on injection site infections and nothing so far has said the incidence is higher when you don't use a wipe.

RagzRebooted · 25/04/2024 19:44

This reply has been deleted

This has been deleted by MNHQ for breaking our Talk Guidelines.

I did 45 clicks to get 3.75mg when I did it on Saturday.

AgathaMystery · 25/04/2024 20:05

RagzRebooted · 25/04/2024 19:43

@lurkylurk I'm a nurse and I don't wipe skin before injections and neither do any of my colleagues. We were told in training it isn't necessary. If the skin is dirty, clean with soap and water.
I do use them for deep intramuscular injections as they're on the bum and it just feels more sanitary!
We were trained to wipe the rubber stoppers on the vials though (drawing up COVID vaccines from multi dose vials).
There's limited good quality research on injection site infections and nothing so far has said the incidence is higher when you don't use a wipe.

I was about to type the same! I wouldn’t dream of using a wipe.

MelissaLouRocks · 25/04/2024 20:42

For anyone still with Voy, I have a discount code. It's not someone else's referral code, it's one that was messaged directly to me as I purchased my first pen from them, and they're clearly looking to get me back!

Apparently this will give 44% off 'for a limited time', but they don't actually state an expiry date.

The code is VOYWLPDCH.

Hope it helps someone. 😊

NC543210 · 25/04/2024 20:51

@Rainbowl sorry for your loss.

NC543210 · 25/04/2024 20:54

I wipe the pen but not my skin.

For those suffering constipation. May I recommend a skinny, sugar-free hazelnut latte from Starbucks. I don't usually bother with hot drinks but I've been so cold thought it would warm me up at work.
Which in fairness it did... but from running to the toilet rather than the actual beverage.

lurkylurk · 25/04/2024 20:54

RagzRebooted · 25/04/2024 19:43

@lurkylurk I'm a nurse and I don't wipe skin before injections and neither do any of my colleagues. We were told in training it isn't necessary. If the skin is dirty, clean with soap and water.
I do use them for deep intramuscular injections as they're on the bum and it just feels more sanitary!
We were trained to wipe the rubber stoppers on the vials though (drawing up COVID vaccines from multi dose vials).
There's limited good quality research on injection site infections and nothing so far has said the incidence is higher when you don't use a wipe.

Ah, ok, thanks for that, good to know. I've only had a few injections and blood taken and certainly some of them the skin was swabbed first (hence my idea it should be done!) but I can't remember if all were but clearly from what you've said, it's not been shown to be necessary at all.

WannabeHealthier · 25/04/2024 21:24

@Rainbowl sorry for the loss of your FIL 💐

NSV today! I went to meet a client meeting today and as I was leaving tried on my very smart wool trench coat that I haven’t worn since 2018 because I couldn’t do up the buttons. Lo and behold I could do up every single button- even across the bust. It was comfortable to wear and I felt/ looked great! I can’t believe I’m back in that coat… I was about to donate it at Xmas.

I don’t feel like Ive lost loads although I have (24lb) but this makes it feel more real. I’m delighted!

JanetSnakeholeMacklin · 25/04/2024 21:30

DownWithThisKindOfThing · 25/04/2024 18:57

Mine is still in the fridge. I still keep finding reasons to put off injecting it.

Before I did my first dose, I hesitated and was a bit scared. But then I just thought "fuck it. I want on this train." And I did it.
Have you watched the videos on tiktok of people on Mounjaro? If it's just anxiety holding you back and you're certain you want to try it, just watch some of them and then say "fuck it!" and take it. You'll probably wonder what all the fuss is about - the injection itself is such a painless thing - you'll probably wonder if it even went in!

Wonkypictureframe · 25/04/2024 21:31

@WannabeHealthier brilliant! Love that.

JanetSnakeholeMacklin · 25/04/2024 21:31

@Rainbowl So sorry for your loss. Hope you're okay X

Well done everyone on their losses and NSVs.

I have an NSV myself - my wedding ring fits!!! Less than a month after starting MJ! I thought it would definitely take longer.

Exitstrategist · 25/04/2024 21:50

Unexpected good side effect of mountjaro- no nail biting and nails in amazing condition! Can’t believe it!

Investinmyself · 25/04/2024 21:56

@WannabeHealthier what a great result for coat to button things like that give you a real boost

Please create an account

To comment on this thread you need to create a Mumsnet account.

This thread is not accepting new messages.
Swipe left for the next trending thread