Continuing Mounjaro...part 13

[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
furthet 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, 12mg £204. 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 £149. 7.5mg £169, 10mg £179, 12.5mg £199

Asda:
2.5mg and 5mg £179. 7.5mg £189, 10mg £189, 12.5mg £204

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

12th thread:
https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/weight-loss-injections/5090788-continuing-mounjaro-thread-12?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:

Yes and it’s also being developed by Eli Lilly (the company behind Mounjaro)

Just sharing my Zava code… which gives 15% discount (up to £30)

REFT8U9S

Can I just check is there a discount for Bolt? Trying to keep up with the thread but it’s moving so quick!

I moved to med express from Asda but now they’re not doing codes. I know lots have moved to ZAVA but my bmi is now under 30 so I don’t think they’ll take me and the Voy codes only work for the 2.5mg pens is that right? Trying to work out who is cheapest without hopefully getting trapped!

It really pisses me off that the media is focusing on off label use by irresponsible users who are lying to get access to “lose a few pounds to get a bikini body” (see BBC news article yesterday) and black market knock offs. It seems to be the extent of the coverage.

How is that relevant to most of us here on Mumsnet? Why are we talking about counterfeit products and it getting into the wrong hands instead of reporting on the amazing life changing results and improvements in public health?

The reporting is so off on a tangent. I’m thinking of the Anna Richardson documentary also, which didn’t focus on the majority of people who are prescribed it for obesity- she just completely ignored us.

Where is our voice in all this coverage? Typical silencing of women as per usual. We are all stupid or must suffer.

I gained 2lb on my period last week but then lost 3lb when it was over although I did have an operation the same week so probably had a bit of swelling with that too. It was a rough week 🤣

Voy will do the discount on higher doses, it's now part of their initial questionnaire you just have to send them proof of a previous prescription. I'm not sure how they'd be about you being under 30 BMI, but you could ask?
I have a referral code if you want one, but it may well be cheaper elsewhere so do check. It's only £85 off and they charge £229 up to 10mg (so £144 with the referral) and £279 for 12.5 and 15 (so £195). I think it only works out worth it for the 7.5 or 10mg ones.
You'd also not want to stay with them at those prices!

Could try Curate? Or The Family Chemist? There's a spreadsheet on the mounjarouk subReddit of all the prices and that has codes.

I've just completed the video assessment part with Lloyds Pharmacy. Bit awkward as my scale on carpet with my full-length mirror was saying 60kg - I wish! Had to do it in the bathroom with a not-quite full length mirror where it was more accurate. Hopefully good enough for them. Anyone else ordered through Lloyds? It was a decent price and I get other medications through them already.

BMI of 37, first time using medication to help. I've never injected myself before so I'm a bit nervous, what's the experience like?

I was really nervous, shaking actually when I did my first one and then realised I'd got myself into a state about nothing. It's really easy, please don't worry. I watch the video on the Voy website every time I do it just in case I miss a stage. You'll be fine.

@hoarahloux it's fine, tiny needle you will barely feel but do watch some videos before you do it and read through the instructions carefully a few times. I teach patients to do these and while it's easy, it's also easy to get yourself in a muddle! Especially with the priming stage added in. Don't rush.

First time I did the jab I had to take a deep breath but honestly it was nothing, just the tiniest of sensations. I look back now and laugh at my apprehension.

Me!

This is the main reason I started this journey.

I would spend all month losing 3-4lb then I would put 5+ on the week of my period. It was 1 step forward 2 steps back. I'm due on tomorrow and down 1.2lb in the last 2 days which is unheard of.

I'm 2lb away from my first stone which is my first goal. In 8 weeks I'm really pleased. Nothing compared to some peoples losses but it's amazing for me.

Me too!

Not only am I not putting on weight before/during my period, I'm actually losing weight during it.

Has anyone had any issues with their injection sites?

I got the 5th dose out of my 5mg on Sunday and today where I injected is raised and itchy. It's quite red but that's because I have scratched it before realising.

I'm hoping it's not due to it being the so called extra dose.

Actually this is true for me also. I don't gain weight around my ttm and do still lose a few lbs the week of my ttm.

@hoarahloux I was nervous about injecting myself too. Didn't feel a thing. Actually look forward to injection day now.

BUT I did manage to stick the needle right into my finger when I was pushing it upside down into the sharps box. Ouch. I'm probably the only idiot that's done that! 😂

oh @MountKilimounjaro I so nearly did that on my last injection... I then turned it around so I could push it into the box!

You're not the only idiot. I did it the first time and I'm a nurse, so I really should have known better!

I'm glad I'm not the only one to have pricked my finger
3ml injected last night. I have been hungry at meal times today but managing it and the food noise is still remarkable in its absence. For the last 30 mins or so, I've been conscious of hunger pangs but I'm not ransacking the fridge like I previously would have done. Instead I'm just focussing on the fact it's dinner in an hour and am looking forward to a really nutritious meal of cod, peppers, spinach & tomatoes. Having scarcely eaten last week due to combination of the strength of the food suppression and being violently ill, I am really enjoying eating healthy, satisfying food again.

Lol I've pricked my finger on my first needle too 🤣 now I pay attention when putting the needle in the sharp box!

I pruned a rose bush just after my first injection. The injection I couldn’t feel. The rose thorns on the other hand…!

Made me laugh that I had been so scared about the injection but totally nonchalant about the (what turned out to be!) big scary thorns!

I've made the same mistake pushing it into the sharps box too 😂
I also have twice managed to pull the needle out of my belly and then accidentally scratch myself with it!

Did u get a response? I saw this post and had questions myself!

@FastGoose not yet. It was their first post and none since. Wonder if they will be back!

Loving all the finger pricking updates. Nice to know I'm not alone. It's clearly a right of passage!

I posted about this a couple of weeks ago and a few people said they'd had the same happen. I'd been on it 3mths when it suddenly started.