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:

Thanks for the code I got off here yesterday I ordered Monday and was delivered today the 5m from Zava very quick service. My bmi was 30 but I just made myself 2” shorter so my bmi pushed up and they approved me quickly @Cerialkiller i started with Medexpress but Zava were cheaper with the code.

if anyone needs it Use my code and you’ll get 15% off your first order at ZAVA: REFBF2R3

@giraffetasticc i get my dopamine fix from exercise I’m lucky I go cold water seaswimming most days but I often run or cycle the same day and walk the dog somewhere nice. These all lift my mood. Would a walk listening to an audio book or podcast help?

@WannabeHealthier I'm so sorry you are going through such an upsetting time. I've been there with loved ones and know how stressful and anxiety inducing it is. For me, I went on antidepressants but I know that isn't for everyone. As for sleep, I struggle with it too and I put peaceful sounds (rain or the sea) on my Alexa to try to distract me. I hope things look up soon.

O I'm also a cold water sea swimmer. In most days too!
I honestly could not do without it.....definitely lifts the spirits!

It’s fab isn’t it @Btrsun10 i started four years ago and it’s so addictive. My younger teen DD joins me in the summer but not through the winter. Such a good dopamine hit.

Just started one!

Onto my 3rd pen of 2.5mg doses last week. Had a week break before this due to ordering issues. Anyways, took dose last Thursday, by Saturday it kicked in and since that I've felt dreadful. Extremely nauseous/vomitting, very irritable and also very tired. The 2 previous pens I felt nauseous at times and bit tired but nothing like this. It also was helping me think clearly and more positive and I honestly felt on top of the world. I can say it was working wonders for my mental health too. I don't know what has happened. Feeling very deflated and weak.

Thank you x it’s helpful to receive messages like this. When you’re not the person going through it, it’s difficult to talk to people about your feelings. I’ve had very few convos about how I’m dealing with it all, GP might be helpful

I wonder whether we should be reporting mental health side effects and who to? I am struggling to unpick what’s current life stressors v Mounjaro, but I definitely felt like a cloud had lifted when I had a longish break from MJ a few weeks ago. Then the anxiety came back with a vengeance a few days after resuming it.

Just tried the hard twist method for bonus jab ahead of Sunday (didn't want to get to Sunday and it not work) seem to have broke the pen /looks like it won't work (may well do but I wouldn't trust it was a whole dose) ...so have ordered some syringes

Also didn't put a needle on because want actually going to jab so perhaps that's why (or I'm just over worrying about it!)

Hi all, I am on week 6 and thought I’d join. Started at 81.4kg, currently 73.9kg. I’m off on holiday next week and trying to decide whether to take the pen with me or to have a week ‘off’ (we go for 2 weeks, I’m due a dose the day we go so I would essentially be a week late taking it if I wait until the day we get home). What have others done about holidays?
Also can anyone recommended what syringes to order to get the bonus dose?

I grew up swimming in the sea....very fortunate to live right on the coast!
I did it ad hoc for many years but started going every day with a group of friends at the start of covid. Best thing I ever did.
Yes, Nov thru March can be very chilly but nothing better than getting out and coming home to the fire already burning and snuggling up in front of it.😊

I'm so sorry you're dealing with all of that, it's no wonder you're anxious. That's a heavy load to carry. I have found that when titrating up my anxiety definitely goes up too, until I acclimatise to said dose.

Macmillan is a really good resource for people in your position, they don't just support people with cancer but their loved ones too.

I hope things improve for you and your family, more and more people are surviving cancer than ever before ♥️

Edited to add - Don't beat yourself up if you have to pause your MJ journey for the time being. You can always start again once you are in a place where you have more head space. Be kind to yourself, forget about scales and numbers for now.

I am currently away for a few days and have postponed my jab until I get back. I wouldn't risk feeling ill from eating or having a drink whilst you're away.

@WannabeHealthier im so sorry to hear that you are having to deal with all this. Cancer is an absolute bastard to everyone around the patient too. When I went through it with my brother, our local hospice offered support to the family as well as him so it might be worth getting in touch with them

Yes, I do. I have ADHD and a large part of my dopamine has been food, wine and shopping.

And how I don't want any of it! I am saving a fortune but yes, very flat.

I've gone so far as to get a new job to get some dopamine!

I'm having more baths, and reading to try and shoehorn it in. Also going to start c24k this week. And maybe yoga in a few.

@Flapearedknave I relate to this so much. I just don't know what to do with myself in the evenings now I don't eat all night and drink wine. I'm still doing the shopping but it isn't the best habit. My ADHD brain has not yet settled on anything new to fill the time.

Thank you @BlackFriYay and @guestusername for your replies, just being heard is making me feel better. It’s such an awful rollercoaster ride that you can’t get off, obviously it’s the worst for the person at the centre of it, but also difficult for those around them. I have never encountered so much cancer in my circle it’s been overwhelming these past 6 months.

Buying new clothes is my dopamine hit at the mo! I bought another pair of 14 trousers today 😀

I will admit to still being a massive doom scroller. Often hours go by on YouTube shorts 😬

I'm picking up my master's again from sept so I'm hoping that keeps my mind busy.

My sister, also ADHD gets a lot of joy from her plants and crochet. I however kill them and don't have the patience 😭

Just checking in here in case anyone finds helpful…

I applied on Saturday evening with Zava, approved first thing Monday morning and it came this afternoon, still cold. I used it straight away. I noticed some tummy discomfort a few hours after and have felt a bit nauseous and windy. Had to force myself to eat my evening meal and felt sick whilst eating. I went for a walk after dinner and walked past a fish and chip shop - the smell is usually one of my favourite things in the world and i would usually have something to eat again but the smell made me gag as i walked past! I’ve never had this reaction to food before. I still feel really sick and have tummy pain but would be very surprised if it’s already started doing something. I wish i could always feel physically sick at the smell of fried food 😆

Does anyone have any tips for wind/nausea please? I’ve struggled to keep up with the thread 💚

There needs to be more support for loved ones. While the focus is quite rightly on the patient, the families and friends can sometimes get swallowed up in it all yet they are the ones doing all the donkey work like shopping, appointments and scans, medication runs, trips out and general daily care. We need help too.

Absolutely the best thing you can do is look after yourself. There is always someone around on here if you need to talk x

@ItsAlrightDarling I go on holiday too in a fortnight for two week. We are going to SE Asia on a tour. Not sure if to take the pen or not. I have had no side affects, although feel a bit woozy tonight, like low in blood sugar. I am desperate to keep the momentum up and not undo the good weight-loss so far.

Feel free to vent as much as you need to here. As PP said, it's such a bastard of a disease. I don't think the impact on loved ones can be underestimated, you must feel so desperate and helpless.

I know it's cliche but self care is so important, don't forget to look after you, whilst you're looking after them.

It's like the airplane oxygen mask analogy.

Whatever you decide to do about MJ, we're here if you need us ♥️