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:

Sent in PM ☺️

Sent in PM ☺️

Thanks @montysma1 ☺️

I will start exercising to work on it. Have checked my resting heart beat now and it's 95 at the moment. So still high. About time I joined the gym then!

Will make an appointment with my Dr to check it out.

Due another thread!

I had to order and use the amazon syringes/needles yesterday, as the pen would not twist for the extra dose. Was worried i would do it wrong, but it was okay! I think!

I'll keep an eye on it ☺️

I find sometimes I just can't twist it. I usually use the syringes as I'm scared of breaking the pen!

I have always managed with my teeth, it was just not budging this time and the plunger was just not working.

It was not as bad as I thought it would be.

I ordered 12.5 on Saturday with family chemist, as i was a week late ordering, i couldn't be bothered with all the pics zava is asking for. May switch and order a pen in advance.

I am about a stone from my original goal, which i didn't think possible, so now i am thinking beyond that, which is exciting.

This is interesting ... it is 8 days since I last injected and I am back to being a real procrastinator and my ankles has swollen. Two of the things I noticed as soon as I started taking MJ almost three months ago and way before any weight loss or appetite suppression was how much more focussed I was and that my ankles had deflated. What's interesting is whether it is the MJ or the food which is driving this. Away for the weekend (which is why I stretched out the doses) and ate more UPF than I have done since starting MJ. So if I'd avoided the UPF, would I still be OK or is it simply side effects of MJ?

@ObsidianTree Yes do get checked for the all clear before upping the exercise, just in case there is any underlying reason for it sitting a bit high.

In answer to the message upthread, Im with Numan as my doctor recommended them. (He is obviously so much younger than me - I said 'Ooh like Gary Numan?' and he said 'I have no idea who that is' 😁)
I like them because they offer online support through their app, and I can track my weight loss.

Can you send me a FB please 😬

@Louboo3 1000 sounds low to me, but I guess your target would depend and vary based on your height and weight, at the very minimum.

For my size, my goal is 1350 a day. Some days I am slightly below (but never less than 1000), and some I may be a tad above (no more than 1450).

It works for me, as in the past 40 days I've lost 11 kg (25 lbs).

@Louboo3 MFP says I should have 1310 so I aim around 1300 - 1400 calories.

I wouldn't cope for long on 1000 and personally think that's very low.

Turns out the facebook link stopped working after 8 people this time! So will send links to those that haven't got it when it refreshes.

If you want to join can you pm me so I don't lose the people requesting. Thanks!

Also if I sent a link and it hasn't worked, pm me too

Thanks all

This is brilliant, thankyou! I just made one for weekly and one for daily and it makes it really simple to see where this gains are (post weekend and periods for me) 👍👍👍

Week 9 weigh in here - 16.5lbs down.

SW - 16st 12.5
CW - 15st 10

BMI 41 - 38

I've just taken the bonus dose from a 5mg pen and if I lose weight this week I'm going to stay on 5mg.

I haven't had the mega losses some have had but I am worried about losing too fast and having excess skin. I've started exercising again so I am happy to accept a slower loss.

This thread is nearly full so I'll see you all in the next one!

Could I join the Fb thread when you have another link please? 💖

I'm another daily weigher but at a stall this 5 days. Issue is I had hysterectomy 12wks ago so not sure when ovulation is just yet.... I'm hoping it's that affecting me this week 😞

Between laparoscopy, hysterectomy and 2.7st loss you should see the state of my belly! And also two big babies a few years ago didn't help 😂
38 and this tummy will never see the light of day again 😂😂😂😂

Moved to zava so have a code of anyone wants 🙏🙏

There’s no better gift than the gift of good health. Use my code and you’ll get 15% off your first order at ZAVA: REFTC97C
www.zavamed.com/uk/?utm_medium=referral&utm_source=refer_a_friend
Maximum discount value: £30

I mainly just lurk on these threads, but Im on wk 6 and have lost 18 pounds, which is amazing, Ive just gone up to 5ml, and am having a bit of a upset tummy, but nothing too awful. Ive still at least 3 stone to go, Ive pmd you Obsidian tree for the facebook link, when you have spare links, thanks for all the encouragement and support

Oh and if anyone needs a ZAVA Code mine is below - 15% off your first order (max £30) and I get 15% off my next order.

REF46QFN

I've just used your code to get my next pen, thanks. Swapped from Simple Online Pharmacy just to save some dosh x

I don't mean concerns re MJ, I meant I need to convince my brain that slow, steady and sensible is the way rather than the "I've lost 3 stone in 2 months" crowd on TikTok. You think I'd know better by my age but we all want to see that sudden drop.
Basically the US clinicians are saying use it as a tool to lose slowly and sustainably (one suggested no more than 10lb in 4 weeks, another said 10 ideal but up to 20 acceptable early on for heavier patients) while you build good eating and exercise habits. One even said they stop prescribing if they feel people are relying on suppression and not eating properly!

I get what they’re saying completely, but I didn’t intentionally lose 14lbs in the first month, I just couldn’t physically get any more calories down! I really don’t want to lose weight too quickly (I don’t want loose skin, and I think it will be harder to maintain) but it’s happening quicker than I’d like.

@QueenOfHiraeth
I'm inclined to be a bit impatient. However, the 10lbs a month max you quote sounds ok, as it's a bit more than the '1-2lbs a week' standard which I've heard so often and seemed impossibly slow. I think most of us lost considerably more than this in the first month, on any diet, what with the water loss in the first week or two but after that, 10lbs a month seems reasonable, especially if you think of it as a stone every 5-6 weeks. Maybe looking at % of start weight lost would be a helpful place to focus aswell? I lost 10% in 7 weeks and looking likely to hit 15% at 10 weeks - appetite suppression on 5mg is insane and I'm struggling to hit 800 calories a day so need to be careful to eat at the moment.

Thanks @butterfly0404 :)

I emailed MedExpress last week to ask if they would price match as I said I would prefer not to hunt for deals. They replied and said to keep an eye out for offers in my inbox but does seem as though ZAVA are the best deal at the moment.

I ordered a combo pack from them so won't need to re-order for a little while yet but good to have the options :)

I think I've invited everyone to the Facebook group that's asked.

Have sent new links again for those that it stopped working. If you still can't get on, PM me again

Ok so.... Tread 16...