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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 Thread 11

1000 replies

FlappyFish · 29/05/2024 20:44

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. Also below you can plot the effect of your doses.
glp1plotter.com/

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. www.chemist-4-u.com/carepoint-pen-needles-31g-4mm-pack-of-100?gclid=Cj0KCQjwiYOxBhC5ARIsAIvdH51rLZBVFQxuvS7mDJooegtK8BMiyT0PwREMRHhH_1atfQIo8TEbsmkaAkA0EALw_wcB

Also there is a 5th dose in each pen. To extract it you can either try a hard twist or use an insulin needle.
medbasic.co.uk/bd-micro-fine-30g-1ml-syringes-needles

10 - Protein is important as eating less protein can cause muscle wastage and hair loss. Try to have at least 100g a day.

11 - Some natural sources of protein:
www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/best-sources-protein
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: 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 2.5mg and 5mg. £149.99. 7.5mg £169. Use code STARTNOW. Ask for other codes if that doesn't work.
The Family Chemist 2.5mg and 5mg -£149. 7.5mg £169.
Simple online pharmacy - £159 2.5mg £179 5mg
Bolt pharmacy 2.5mg £125, 5mg £179. 7.5mg £189
Asda 2.5mg and 5mg £184. 7.5mg £189
Boots £219 +
Chemist4U £179 +
Superdrugs

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:

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

2nd thread:

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

3rd thread:

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

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

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

6th thread:
www.mumsnet.com/talk/weight_loss_chat/5057916-continuing-mounjaropart-6?page=1

7th thread:
www.mumsnet.com/talk/weight_loss_chat/5062935-continuing-mounjaropart-7?page=1

8th thread:
www.mumsnet.com/talk/weight_loss_chat/5068850-continuing-mounjaropart-8?page=1

9th thread
https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/weight_loss_chat/5074054-continuing-mounjaropart-9

10th thread
https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/weight_loss_chat/5080755-continuing-mounjaro-thread-10

Thread for newbies just starting out:

www.mumsnet.com/Talk/weight_loss_ch
at/5057475-mounjaro-and-wegovy-newbies-april-2024

Courtesy of Flappy, deputising for the wonderful Obsidian.

Continuing Mounjaro...part 9 | Mumsnet

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 l...

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/weight_loss_chat/5074054-continuing-mounjaropart-9

OP posts:
Thread gallery
35
R4ch402 · 04/06/2024 20:46

Cheers

wonderingwhatsnext · 04/06/2024 20:51

I've also wondered about making a one off order at a new supplier while keeping with my original supplier then I would have an extra pen to allow me to titrate down at the end. Currently with med express and they have notified my GP each time I have ordered. Really not sure what to do for the best.

Choux · 04/06/2024 21:03

wonderingwhatsnext · 04/06/2024 20:51

I've also wondered about making a one off order at a new supplier while keeping with my original supplier then I would have an extra pen to allow me to titrate down at the end. Currently with med express and they have notified my GP each time I have ordered. Really not sure what to do for the best.

I must confess I have been thinking about doing the same thing. I am sure GPs just file the letters away, suppliers don't share info about who is ordering and I want to have a little stockpile for when by BMI gets too low.

I should have two full 10mg pens by the end of this week. I prob need another 3-4 pens to reach my goal and then a bit of maintenance stockpile although maybe they could be less than 10mg. It's hard to work out what to do.

Flapearedknave · 04/06/2024 21:05

I took my last 7.5 with the extra (wasn't a full dose at all, as I pissed about last week and messed up) and I have not wanted to eat or drink anything all day.

I have a 10mg pen, but I think I need to stick at 7.5!

AgathaMystery · 04/06/2024 21:20

DDisnotnormal · 04/06/2024 20:33

This is exactly the response I got when I was referred to tier 3 services in April. My area doesn't do weightloss medication. They only offer diet and exercise advise or a pathway to bariatric surgery. I was on the bariatric pathway just over 2 years ago but I wasn't able to continue because of bereavement. I'm now a widowed parent so I absolutely don't want to go down the surgery route!!!

I've actually just read an interesting article in the independent that says there is going to be a review about providing MJ on the NHS in August. I will try to post it here...if I can figure out how to do!! 😅It doesn't really fill me with much hope as they are saying costs would need to come down but there may be a tiny (miniscule) glimmer of hope that it could become more widely avaliable through the NHS x

My area is the same - so I have entered the dietary advice programme. At the end of it you are offered a referral to bariatric surgery. I am being honest with them and saying no, but I need help with prescription medication.

I am finishing the program in a couple of weeks. It has been a year of logging on an app and phone calls with a dietician as well as online lessons and training. It’s been a lot and I can’t quite believe I’ve done it. All success is down to MJ (& me).

I will let you all know what they say. Also, I was told finishing the program early is not a means to getting the meds. You need to put the time in. So tedious. I don’t imagine it will be like this for much longer.

ilovemyfurrypurry · 04/06/2024 21:24

BellaCriesAndThatsAlright · 04/06/2024 19:07

I've just looked at my GP record and it says they received a letter about mine today. They have now cancelled all my repeat prescriptions! I need them! Has anyone else had this happen?

Yes me. They have cancelled my HRT 🤷🏻‍♀️.
I checked for a letter a few weeks back but couldn’t see one. Will check again tonight.

Pinkbendyman · 04/06/2024 21:32

SevernWonders · 04/06/2024 07:38

I can so relate to the 'food noise' being gone. It is amazing.

I still find myself gazing into the fridge / cupboards looking for something, and then realise that it is just habit, and actually I don't fancy any of the rubbish I used to eat (and keep eating even thought I was full).

Is anyone else here taking Amitryptiline? I have found that I used to sleep solidly on it (taking for pain that used to stop me sleeping) but now not sleeping so well - I wondered if this might be my slowed digestive system?

I take Amitryptiline 50mg every night for nerve pain. I’m only week 4 of MJ and have noticed it’s now taking me ages to fall asleep and waking more often in the night. Hopefully our bodies will get used to the MJ in our system and things will even out.

SevernWonders · 04/06/2024 21:57

Thanks PBM I was wondering if it might be linked. Fingers crossed it sorts itself out, although I will take several months of poor sleep if that is what is needed to have a healthy BMI

Timeturnerplease · 04/06/2024 22:34

@thehousewiththesagegreensofa I have IBS-D, which MJ seems to have worsened. Weeks 3-7 were the worst for me, and it is manageable now even though I’m almost on 10mg. Co-codamol is the key to managing the diarrhoea and stomach cramps, then I use rehydration sachets daily to keep from getting too dehydrated.

Good luck!

YouAreEffluentKim · 04/06/2024 23:04

I'm with Bolt and they sent a letter to my GP advising them of my first prescription, but not subsequent ones.

However, I decided to make an appointment with my GP anyway as I've realised through all my research since being on Mounjaro, that I have many of the symptoms of PCOS though have never been diagnosed. I wanted to discuss getting tested for this as my thinking is, and it maybe entirely wishful, that maybe in due course the rules around NHS prescribing of Mounjaro and/or private prescriptions for longer than 2 years will change where there is an existing diagnosis of some sort of underlying condition such as PCOS which has strong links to T2D, metabolic disorders and insulin resistance. As I say I may be just hopeful here but if they do relax the rules around maintenance dosing etc, I'd like to be able to point to a diagnosis to put me in a strong position to ask to stay on the treatment which has been life changing for me.

AgathaMystery · 04/06/2024 23:06

I don’t think n it’s even a case of relaxing maintenance dose ‘rules’ - they haven’t even written any guidelines that I can find. In fact, I can’t even find a maintenance trial protocol - but I haven’t looked that hard.

YouAreEffluentKim · 04/06/2024 23:27

My understanding was that in the UK it was 2 years maximum and most private prescribers would only prescribe until you reached their own set policy limit, whether they was 'a healthy BMI', a BMI of 25 or whatever. My thinking is, if I can make a case for needing the meds (or finding them of therapeutic benefit to treat symptoms of a recognised disorder) then I stand a better chance of having them prescribed for longer than until I reach a 'healthy BMI or 2 years, whichever comes first.

As I say, I may be wrong but I think if I can make a case for staying on these drugs long term (and if I have to pay, so be it, they're they good) then I stand a better chance of being allowed to do so.

lurkylurk · 05/06/2024 01:29

https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/britain-considers-offering-lilly-weight-loss-drug-better-terms-than-wegovy-2024-06-04/

This is to do with prescribing guidelines for the NHS, but as a lot of private providers seem to follow the same guidelines, may be interesting, re. doing away with the 2 years only rule.

3wDavid · 05/06/2024 05:50

Morning, did anyone ’s period got delayed because of MJ? Mine was supposed to come on Sat/Sun and still no show. I’m wondering if it’s MJ or the fact I lost 10 lbs in a week… I’m usually like clockwork.

StrawberriesandMango · 05/06/2024 06:11
Smile

Well, first full week on Mounjaro and I've lost -5lbs. Current weight is now 14 stone 2. I'm super happy can't believe it.

My first injection was last Wednesday but I need to slowly move in injection day towards the weekend so I'm taking it Thursday night this week. Food noise has slowly returned the past few days and so hunger but I've stuck to roughly 1600 calories max. Just need to get through today and tomorrow before 2nd injection tomorrow night.

Eminybob · 05/06/2024 06:26

3wDavid · 05/06/2024 05:50

Morning, did anyone ’s period got delayed because of MJ? Mine was supposed to come on Sat/Sun and still no show. I’m wondering if it’s MJ or the fact I lost 10 lbs in a week… I’m usually like clockwork.

My first period on mounjaro was a week late. Not sure if it was the injection or other factors though.

NCfor24 · 05/06/2024 06:31

3wDavid · 05/06/2024 05:50

Morning, did anyone ’s period got delayed because of MJ? Mine was supposed to come on Sat/Sun and still no show. I’m wondering if it’s MJ or the fact I lost 10 lbs in a week… I’m usually like clockwork.

Yes my first period on MJ was on time. I then had another 2 weeks later, and my usual cycle length is 23 days. It's now been 40 days since my last period! I did ovulate last week I think so that should mean I come on next week after 46 days and I just totally skipped a cycle.

I am peri so it may be that. I've lost almost 2 stone but over 11 weeks, which doesn't feel fast enough to have affected my periods based on previous experience.

värskekapsas · 05/06/2024 06:55

3wDavid · 05/06/2024 05:50

Morning, did anyone ’s period got delayed because of MJ? Mine was supposed to come on Sat/Sun and still no show. I’m wondering if it’s MJ or the fact I lost 10 lbs in a week… I’m usually like clockwork.

yes, mine was about a week late and I usually 24 days

Buffypaws · 05/06/2024 07:09

wonderingwhatsnext · 04/06/2024 20:51

I've also wondered about making a one off order at a new supplier while keeping with my original supplier then I would have an extra pen to allow me to titrate down at the end. Currently with med express and they have notified my GP each time I have ordered. Really not sure what to do for the best.

Order from simple online pharmacy. Nothing has ever appeared on my records from them. Have had sax, Wegovy and mj. Unlike asda who snitch!

Thebaldprimadonna · 05/06/2024 07:58

Weigh in day for me. Slow and steady on 10mg. I have had my period this week and have felt really swollen, so am pleased to have lost a pound.

Only 4 pounds until I am under 30 BMI, so I wish I could speed up the weightloss slightly, but will stop being so ungrateful. I've lost half of my excess weight since my first injection on Feb 21st and I simply wouldn't have believed that was possible a few months ago 😀

SW: 13st 10
CW: 11st 8

After 1 week: Feb 28th 13st 2 (- 8 pounds)
After 2 weeks: March 6th 12st 12 (- 4 pounds)
After 3 weeks: March 13th 12st 9 (-3 pounds)

Moved to 5mg
After 4 weeks: March 20th 12st 9 (-0 pounds)
After 5 weeks: March 28th 12st 8 (-1 pound)
After 6 weeks April 3rd 12st 4 (-4 pounds)
After 7 weeks April 10th 12st 3 (-1 pound)
After 8.5 weeks April 22nd 12st 2 (-1 pound)
After 9 weeks April 23rd 12st 0 (-2 pounds)

Moved to 7.5
After 10 weeks May 1st 11st 12 (-2 pounds)
After 11 weeks May 8th 12 St (+2)
After 12 weeks May 15th 11st 12(-2)

Moved to 10mg
After 13 weeks May 23nd 11st 10 (-2)
After 14 weeks May 29th 11st 9 (-1)
After 15 weeks June 5th 11st 8 (-1)

30 pounds total loss (2st 2Ib)
BMI down from 35.7 to 30.6
HbA1c down from top of prediabetic to normal

ObsidianTree · 05/06/2024 07:59

I am thinking of starting to build more of a supply for when I titrate down.

By my rough estimates I should be about 1 stone away from goal by September ish. That's not many months! Not sure how long the last stone will take to lose before I am cut off, but want to be prepared for that cut off!

I have a 7.5mg and 2 x 10mg full pens. I am thinking I will go onto 10mg when my current 7.5mg pen finishes. I will keep the spare 7.5mg and thinking about buying another 7.5mg pen from med express to keep for when I need to titrate down. Also worried that Zava won't keep supplying to BMI 23 like MedExpress do! So wondering if I should keep them in the back pocket! I don't need to order another pen until 6 weeks after my last order. So that's technically end of June. So might order one then.

I'm hoping if I keep ordering from Zava monthly I'll have a nice stash for when I get cut off.

What are people plans for when they get close to goal?

ObsidianTree · 05/06/2024 08:01

Well done @Thebaldprimadonna 😊 slow and steady but still losing 😊

NextPrimeMinister · 05/06/2024 08:02

@Thebaldprimadonna

Slow and steady wins the race 🏁

It's good, steady progress and more importantly consistent weightloss over a long period of time.

AgathaMystery · 05/06/2024 08:09

@Thebaldprimadonna amazing progress - well done!!

Secretslimmer · 05/06/2024 08:35

AgathaMystery · 04/06/2024 21:20

My area is the same - so I have entered the dietary advice programme. At the end of it you are offered a referral to bariatric surgery. I am being honest with them and saying no, but I need help with prescription medication.

I am finishing the program in a couple of weeks. It has been a year of logging on an app and phone calls with a dietician as well as online lessons and training. It’s been a lot and I can’t quite believe I’ve done it. All success is down to MJ (& me).

I will let you all know what they say. Also, I was told finishing the program early is not a means to getting the meds. You need to put the time in. So tedious. I don’t imagine it will be like this for much longer.

The Nice guidance for the NHS that came out yesterday on Mounjaro has fewer restrictions than the previous one on Wegovy. It should be available via GPs for those with BMI of at least 35 + another condition (I think they specify). Not just through tier 3 specialist services, which is how they rationed Wegovy, hence people having to go on a supervised diet programme for a year etc. But I don’t think NHS is great at keeping up with its own guidance and think it will still be hugely restricted for ages

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