Continuing Mounjaro... Thread 12

[ObsidianTree]

Please note: Mounjaro will only be be prescribed initially if your BMI is above 30 until you get to a healthy BMI of 23 to BMI 25

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 that 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, vomiting, headaches, aches, are side effects. There may 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

Also there is a 5th dose in each pen. To extract it you can either try a hard twist or use an insulin needle.
https://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.

Some natural sources of protein:
https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/best-sources-protein

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321522#high-protein-foods

11 - 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), psylum husks(fibre for constipation), electrolytes.

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

13 - 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.

14 - 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
further reading about injection sites and the effects: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316618

15 - 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.

16 - 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.

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

MedExpress:
2.5mg and 5mg. £149.99. 7.5mg £169, 10mg £189. Coupon codes no longer working!

The Family Chemist:
2.5mg and 5mg £149. 7.5mg £169, 10mg £169

Zava medical:
2.5mg £139, 5mg £139, 7.5mg £169, 10mg £189. Zava offer refer a friend discount of 15% off. Ask for a code on here.

Simple online pharmacy:
£149 2.5mg, £149 5mg, £169 7.5mg £189 10mg

Bolt pharmacy:
2.5mg £125, 5mg £179. 7.5mg £189, 10mg £189

Asda:
2.5mg and 5mg £179. 7.5mg £189, 10mg £189

There are others not listed.

18 - 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

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

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

8th thread:
https://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?page=1

10th thread:
https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/weight_loss_chat/5080755-continuing-mounjaro-thread-10?page=1

11th thread:
https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/weight_loss_chat/5085436-continuing-mounjaro-thread-11?page=1

Thread for newbies just starting out in June:

https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/weight_loss_chat/5082791-mounjaro-june-24-starters

Video on how to inject:

@Marigolds24 earlier this year I was losing a lot of hair exactly how you describe. Since being on MJ it was slowed down to barely anything. I washed my hair yesterday and got 2 strands!! I hope this side effect finds you!

@Marigolds24 before starting MJ I lost huge amounts of hair. It slowed down for the first couple of months but the last week I'm losing so much hair it's ridiculous. Luckily I have loads of it so it's not noticeable.

No idea why I lose so much though. I'm having plenty of protein so it can't be that. I assume it could be hormonal.

It also could be seasonal shedding? Or am I thinking of cats 🤣

Hi. Newbie alert.

Took my first MJ dose 5 days ago. Had a brilliant week up to now - good appetite suppression and no side effects. Managed to stick to 1200 cals and scales are showing changes.

Today, I’m bloody hungry! I haven’t blown it but I’m clinging on by sheer will power and I know how that will go if I have to put up with it much longer.

Any suggestions? I think I might need more protein - generally getting between 50-90g per day but today only 25g so far.

Or am I going to feel like this until my next injection?

H does anyone have a family chemist discount code?

I'm about to order my 7.5mg. I'm down 10lb in 8 weeks which for me is amazing! Hoping the 7.5mg will boost the loss abut more. My husband is 2 weeks behind me still on the 2.5mg because he was getting a lot of side effects but he is down over a stone already.

Great work so far 😊

Collagen does count as protein

It definitely is a game changer

@Tusktusk the half life of the drug is 5 days so today you only have 1.25mg in your system. Over time the drug builds up more as you take more doses and use higher pens. But you do usually start to feel more hungry on days 5-7. Think of it as practice for when you are trying to maintain your goal weight.

@ObsidianTree what about creatine? I saw a tub of a very interesting flavour at a relative’s kitchen and I’m tempted to order but I do not know if it would be good for me or not. Not exercising atm due to a project I’m working on, have no time at all.

This tends to be the case. By the end of the week the jab can run out and you start feeling hungry again.

I think if you're hungry, just eat. Don't worry about sticking to 1200 on those two days, Up it to 1500-1600kcals.

I am not 100% but a quick read says that is it a type of protein. Mainly helpful for energy for gym workouts.

https://www.bulk.com/uk/the-core/creatine-vs-protein-which-is-better/#:~:text=Creatine%20is%20made%20out%20of,different%20purpose%20to%20protein%20powder.

I actually bought some from myprotein as it was cheap, but haven't used it yet as I don't go to the gym yet! When I sign up I will start taking it!

@ObsidianTree you get 4 recipe cards, each with 3 little pots which contain the herbs, spices and sauces for each recipe. There’s also an attached shopping list for each meal too. Easy to swap different ingredients too as it gives you alternatives on the recipe card.
Now, I’m no cook, but these are amazingly easy and delicious.
The app is really user friendly too.

I hope you don't mind me joining the thread, but I so want to try this. My BMI is nearly 40 and I've tried everything - I hate to think of all the money I've wasted over the years on different weight loss schemes. This could really change my life from what I've read here.

But I can't shake the feeling that I will regain as soon as I stop taking it, or that I'll have to take it for life. I know this happens with every diet (I'm living proof of this!), but this worries me more because I'll have invested more in it, and I feel it really will work. How can I shake this thought so that I can try and achieve some weight loss, please?

I really hope I don't offend anybody with this question - I want to be losing like so many of you are!

😂😂 @ObsidianTree. My cat is definitely miles ahead with the hair loss 😄

Hi @Bodgerandblagger I think it's really reasonable to have concerns, the best thing to do is lots of research and get yourself informed as to what may work for you...

I posted earlier on the thread about a Reddit user in the US who reached their goal weight 7 months ago and is now maintaining successfully on one dose a month. If that was an option for me then I'd take this medication for life, no question - I feel great on it!

My starting weight put my BMI at 46... I'm 6 weeks in and a stone lighter and very optimistic than in a year or 18 months I'll be at a healthy BMI for the first time in a decade.

The difference is massive - I'm not obsessed with food! I'm not constantly craving chocolate or crisps! I'm not stess eating or emotional eating or comfort eating! Having spent many thousands too over the 3 decades I've been dieting on stuff that didn't work, this is the first thing I've tried that takes the food obsession off the table... It genuinely feels effortless.

But it's a really personal decision so you must do what feels right to you. Best of luck either way!

@Bodgerandblagger it is a worry for most of us.

We have seen studies that say if you can maintain your weight for about 18 months then your body takes that weight as a new set point.

We have also discussed coming of the meds slowly to try and help with maintenance.

Really you should be able to take these drugs for maintenance too to help you keep your weight loss, but that's not yet possible in the UK. But I'm sure one day there might be a maintenance drug that can be taken to help.

Same 🤣

Thanks very much!

@ObsidianTree how does Zava notify you of your new 15% code?

You'll get an email saying you have 15% off you next order.

I also noticed when you go to order you can select add promotion and it gives you an option to add the 15% off code.

I might have to give up MJ. I have had pancreatitis in the past from a stuck gallstone which I declared to Asda. They said if I get any symptoms to stop. Now I'm having just a random pain in between my shoulder blades for two weeks now which is where pancreatitis pain can go. It could also be general back pain or the terrible indigestion that I get on mj but I'm feeling quite paranoid as it was the most painful thing I've ever had.
What I'm tempted to do is phone gp and ask if they might do blood tests? Asda sent them a letter after first month. I don't know if they will or not.
I have another months worth in the fridge so I'd like to know. If it isn't that, I've heard some Americans taking a break, maintaining and then starting back on 2.5 again with success.
The one thing I will say is I'm very positive and in the right mindset to try and carry on with my weight loss mission. I'm three days past injection day so far and though I've been hungry at times, it's been manageable.

For what it's worth I think I'd definitely ask the Gp to test for it...they can't refuse to just because you're on MJ and because you've had it before I'm sure they'd be open to checking it out?

Either way it's a win? You find out it's not anything to worry about and can carry on with MJ...or if it is something you can get it sorted before it gets worse?

Good luck with whatever you decide to do and I hope you get it sorted xx

@NaturalBlondeYeahRight I agree with @Madferitchick

Ask your doctor to get some tests done. Maybe they can confirm if it is pancreatitis.

In the meantime, maybe best to stop MJ until you know for sure.

Hope it's all ok

Hi! Hope you don't mind me finally joining in, I’ve read all the threads and I’ve been very silently here from the start!

It’s week 9 here, I’m half way through my first 7.5mg week (4 weeks on 2.5, 5 weeks on 5 using the hard click method to get the extra dose out) and EVERYONE is now commenting on the weight loss. I haven’t told a soul my secret and don’t intend to. I’m starting to genuinely feel content with my body and the magic it can do (and sad I didn’t take care of it for so so long). I’ve lost almost 10kg, I'm about half way to target weight but I’ve had to buy new jeans today as no belt was holding up my current pairs lol so I don’t mind the halfway treat.

Thanks to everyone for their advice and positivity over the last few months, I’ve read and adopted loads of it.

If helpful, the main advice I would give to newbies is that 2.5 is just meant to prep your body and get it used to the medicine, don’t be disheartened if you don’t lose any weight or perhaps feel hungry in the later days in the week or even if you lose weight in the first two weeks and not in the last two - it’s the excitement of trying something new wearing off, just keep plodding through the days - it works! For those slightly less new, my god I recommend with every fibre (pun intended) of my body the Solgar Psyllium Husks, I take a couple before bed - seriously, they are my ultimate favourite ‘medicine’ (now only trumped by MJ).

thanks for reading if you got to the end of that, and have a good week all!

I did a 6.25mg dose yesterday after feeling not a lot of suppression on the 5mg and my god it’s been terrible. Yesterday I started having stomach issues and eggy burps almost immediately when normally it takes a day or two, and today I’ve been horribly sick twice and unable to eat or drink, although I’m going to eat some dinner because otherwise I’m worried I’ll pass out in the morning. I’ve got two kids so this is absolutely not manageable! My poor husband has been propping me up today. My next pen is another 5mg and I was going to do 6.25s instead but think I’m safer to stick at 5. Does this sound the best thing or should I be sticking it out?

I too am struggling with fatigue today. I’m post viral (I am 6 days past the worst of it) and I just can’t get out of bed.

As an aside, I did get up this morning, headed into the city to find a frock for a semi formal dinner. Found one in Oliver Bonas in the sale but the 14 was too big so I’ve ordered a 12. This is wild to me.

Anyway - managed to get into the city for noon and was home in bed by 3. Managed 2 nectarines today and a pint of squash. Misery. Scales have also stalled. I saw 78.2kg on the scales 5 days ago and checked & rechecked in case it was an error. Anyway - haven’t got to within a kilo of it since. Gah.

the dress was madly flattering even to someone who is 5”2 and an F cup. Will post a link if anyone is keen. £35 which is not too bad!

Just out of interest, how quickly do people get thru side effects? I have consistently been 2-3 days after injection where I then feel very nauseous for a day or two. It doesn't seem to be liked to eating, just generally allll day and night.

Today when I had my jab, within about 20 minutes I am feeling exactly like I feel a few days in normally.

Wondering if it's jab or something else and just a coincidence.

Does anyone ever have fairly immediate side effects? X