Continuing Mounjaro...part 15

[ObsidianTree]

Please note: Mounjaro will only be be prescribed initially if your BMI is above 30. If you have additional health conditions you can get the medication with a BMI 27. (Prediabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol or heart problems)

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.
https://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 - Some people find that they don't need to go up a pen dose each month if the current pen dosage is working well for them. If you are unsure when to go up, speak to your prescriber.

8 - The move up from 2.5mg to 5mg can be quite a shock to the system. Some people chose to take 3.75mg dosage for a few weeks to ease the transition.

9 - If you are having bad side effects after titrating up or you are struggling to eat your calories each day, your dose may be too high so should consider lowering your dose. Speak to your prescriber if unsure.

10 - 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

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

12 - 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

13 - Protein is important as eating less protein can cause muscle wastage and hair loss.
Some natural sources of protein:
https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/best-sources-protein
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321522#high-protein-foods

14 - 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.

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

16 - 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.

17 - 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

18 - 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.

19 - 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.

20 - Some of the places you can order from are:
MedExpress:
2.5mg and 5mg. £149.99. 7.5mg £169.99, 10mg £189.99. 12.5mg £209.99. 15mg £209.99 Coupon codes no longer working!
The Family Chemist:
2.5mg and 5mg £149. 7.5mg £169, 10mg £169, 12.5mg £194, 15mg £199
Zava medical:
2.5mg £139, 5mg £139, 7.5mg £169, 10mg £189. 12.5mg £204. 15mg £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 £149, 5mg £149. 7.5mg £169, 10mg £179, 12.5mg £199, 15mg £199
Asda:
2.5mg and 5mg £179. 7.5mg £189, 10mg £189, 12.5mg £204 15mg £204
There are others not listed.

21- You will still be prescribed Mounjaro when your BMI falls below 30. However, it may be harder to move suppliers once you BMI is below 30 if you wanted to move.

22 - Worried about your supply being cut off when you get to a healthy BMI? Below is some info on some places maintenance plans.
The Family chemist :Would consult you as approached healthy BMI to discuss maintenance under close supervision(if you started with family chemist)
Curate: up to 2 years
Cloud: up to 2 years
Boots: Cut off at BMI 23
Asda: Cut off at a healthy BMI
Pharmacy2u: Will supply for maintenance
Bolt:Individual assessment once BMI 22 and does offer maintenance
Zava:Once healthy BMI will stop prescribing this treatment
Med Express: BMI 25 and cut off.

23 - 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
13th thread:
https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/weight-loss-injections/5096704-continuing-mounjaropart-13?page=1
14th thread:
https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/weight-loss-injections/5102149-continuing-mounjaropart-14?page=1

Thread for newbies just starting out in July:
https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/weight-loss-injections/5101435-mounjaro-july-2024

Video on how to inject:

Other images which didn't load

Hello new thread!

Thanks for the new thread OP!

I wonder if there's a way to pin a message at the top of p2 and all subsequent pages, pointing people with questions to the first post. It's such a goldmine of wisdom and lots of the questions people have are answered in it - but obviously not everyone finds it with how fast the threads move. Presumably there isn't or it would be happening!

NSV I’ve accepted an impromptu invitation to a black tie event this weekend. Before MJ I’d have made excuses. Partly lack of confidence as well as that feeling that I didn’t feel or look my best. I feel great, not at my goal yet but I’ve 15% of my body weight so I’m allowed to feel great and enjoy myself!

I swear I have seen a thread (on another MN board) like this! The “info” is all on page 1, but then not repeated. Ask MN Admin, perhaps?

Hello Thread 15!

Hi all. Hope you don’t mind me jumping on your thread. I’m not on Mounjaro as my starting weight was slightly too low but I have been taking a daily tablet called fit smart. Don’t really know if it works or if I just think it does but have lost 17.9 in 8 weeks but either way have been following your threads and they have kept me inspired to run my journey along all of yours. Anyway starting weight 12-13.9
current weight 11-10 goal for my friend wedding in 4 weeks time 11-3ish. Have done this battle so many times it’s unreal but it’s great to see so many people doing so well x

I am starting to think that 3.75 might be too much for me. All I’ve eaten in the last two days is about half a piece of battered fish and a bit of salad, a packet of pombears and a two finger kitkat. I think next week if it carries on like this I’ll go down to 3. This isn’t a healthy way to lose weight, no matter how badly I want it!

Oh and the sulphur burps are back 🤢

What's stopping you from eating more? Are you nauseous or feeling full after eating those small amounts?

@guestusername im due 10th dose tomorrow and I’m still on 2.5mg and plan to stay on it. No harm in stepping back a few clicks.

Thanks for the new thread @ObsidianTree

First 24 hours on 7.5 hasn't been as bad as I thought. Still felt a bit nauseous all day though.

On the way home tomorrow from a 2 week holiday which has been lovely with delicious food. I took my usual dose half way though and have definitely eaten less than I have in previous years on holiday... but also know I have eaten more than at home.

Weirdly excited to see the scales and get going again. Day after I get home if jab day and I'm stepping up.

Hi everyone on the new thread.
Got to 10% of start weight lost today (1st 8lb in 7 weeks), so feeling very chuffed and am celebrating with a very small gin a in a very large tonic. Happy days!
I've done all the maths for 15, 20, 25 and 30 percent loses - 30% loss will mean I hit target weight of 10st 10lbs, BMI 22.3, a 4.5 stone loss in total. I love having targets but blimey, this feels a big mountain to climb.

Thanks @ObsidianTree for the new thread!

Does any one have any advice ….due to take my first 7.5mg Thursday but really early work start and late finish meant I didn’t. I’m slightly ill today after two glasses of wine with work lastnight! I can’t tolerate alcohol on this medication at all.

So I didn’t take it this morning either because I’m a lightweight with a hangover feeling very sorry for myself.

Do I take it now as I’m feeling a little better (I’ve never had an evening dose) or wait until tomorrow morning?

Thanks in advance :)

👋🏼

Thanks for new thread @ObsidianTree

Ah thank you @ObsidianTree for the new thread!

NSV - can comfortable fit into Oliver Bonas size 12 trousers now. They are really a 14 I reckon.

Try 3mg next week.

Not judging, just a friendly question - is there a particular reason why you’re leaning into the fast/junk food more than whole/lean foods (veg, fruit, grilled lean meat/fish)?
Personally, I can’t manage the processed junk foods anymore, I’d be completely full / nauseous after eating such things. But I can manage a soup, or a salad with protein, or a wrap.
No harm in stepping down your dose, but maybe focusing on more whole foods will help too?

@Waspwine I’ve seen a lot of people take in the evening, so they “sleep off” the worst of the side effects, if any. But no personal experience as still on 2.5 myself.

I spent a large part of yesterday in A&E so wanted something quick and it wasn’t takeout battered fish, it was frozen battered fish cooked in the air fryer as the healthiest way I had of cooking it. Time and energy were not on my side yesterday. My diet is usually nearly always focussed on whole foods, just the last couple of days have gone against me

I spent a long time on 2.5 so I might just go back onto it

@imnottoofussed if your post was for me, it’s mostly suppression but also circumstance added into the mix

It’ll either be 3 or 2.5 depending on what I can draw out of the bonus dose

📢📢📢📢 STALL IS OVER !!! 🎊🎊🎊🎊

After 5 weeks and 1 day of bouncing around above 89kg I've finally got down to 88.8kg and a BMI of <32!
Only a slight loss but considering I've been away at a hotel with work for the past 5 days I'll take it. I've not had amazing suppression but I have made mostly good choices, and went to the gym every evening (just a short workout of 10 min run amd 20 min weights).
Going to take jab 19 in a mo, hoping tomorrow's weight will be even lower as I didnt weigh until 6pm and usually do it first thing.

Am celebrating with a glass of tap water and some new hair care products.

I’ve lost 6llbs in two weeks.

Has anybody experimented with where to inject for less symptoms? I’ve been injecting in tummy but got some
palpitations overnight last week which woke me up and was a bit disconcerting but went away after a while and was okay in the morning. I’m due to take injection tonight but feeling nervous, thinking of maybe injecting somewhere else and seeing if it helps.