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:

5 week stall is definitely over, have lost another kg. This is good, week 19 and 11kg lost.

What is not so good is what I did last night. Felt rubbish during the day (bad head, nose like a tap, needed a 3 hour nap). Pre MJ me would have gone for chocolate to cheer me up, but I went for online shopping instead. It's been building for a while, have been pouring over CultBeauty/Lookfantastic/Elemis for the past few weeks and last night I caved in. To the tune of £100s 😳
So now I feel the inevitable shame. My DH knows I'm on MJ and I have very few secrets from him but I can't admit to this. I spent 2 hours clearing out old toiletries (including lip gloss bought before my wedding 18years ago ) to make room for my new purchases.
It did make me go through it all which was useful - I've loads of unopened samples of things from beauty boxes and beauty advent calendars that I've now started working through as I hate waste.
I've told DH I've bought a load of new toiletries to replaced old stuff, but he has no idea how much I've spent 🫣 (and I'm due to purchase my next jab too, thank goodness for 0% purchase credit cards).
One of the orders just arrived (well done Cultbeauty, I placed the order 12 hours ago) and I have to admit I love my new Nudestix. I get the feeling I'm going to develop a clothing shopping problem when I've lost some more weight...

So readers, that is my confession. I'm not proud of myself. To keep in context I did work loads of overtime last month so I will be able to pay it off without issue. But I should have put the money in savings instead. Impulsivity and dopamine seeking is something I continue struggle with, as my waistline and bank balance will attest to!

I really do love these threads - everyone is SO supportive and open - truly MN at its finest!

@Everdecreasingcircumferences I hear you! I too have loads of samples that I need to use😬 but I fear my new addiction may be supplements. Cant tell you have much I seem to be spending on collagen!

Hmmm I have had a shopping spree too.

I’ve sold almost all the clothes I wore in heavy rotation on vinted and repurchased them 2 sizes smaller. I’ve also bought ‘new to me’ clothes there too.

I have bought some brand new stuff but returned everything except one pair of leggings that I need for Pilates. I am trying to be super disciplined. It’s hard.

@Everdecreasingcircumferences I think you are allowed to enjoy your success. You worked extra so you could indulge. X

I had 2 hour drive to visit grandchildren (and DS DDinL).
Thick head seems to be ongoing saga.

I have just been to the gym. I felt so weak and really sick. Even the seatbelt felt like if it touched my neck I would be sick.

I am now home laying on the bed feeling as sick as a dog. Though haven't actually been sick which is something.

Sorry to hear about the struggles some are having. I have now increased to 5mg and my stomach does not feel happy. Nothing has happened yet but I feel like eating might provoke it. Going to have some chicken soup for lunch.

I did and I think a few others. Keep an eye on it, and see your GP if you’re worried at all. Mine has settled now and I had scans earlier in the year so I know I’m currently clear of risks.

Yes I've started getting very light occasional break through bleeding, I'm not worrying about it though as it's a known side effect apparently.

Sadly no change in migraines for me, still weekly no matter what I try.

Something came up on another thread which I had been wondering.

How are the people who hit their goal weight/stayed on MJ for maintenance or came off it getting on?

I thought there were a couple of people at that point now, or close to it? I’ve a way to go yet but just looking a bit ahead

Spoke too soon about alcohol, had 3 double and one single gin and slims yesterday and I feel so nauseous today (I'd normally be fine with that amount) 🤢

Hi l have been watching and reading along since l started 4 weeks ago. I have ordered insulin syringes to get the bonus dose next week and then l will start on my 5mg pen. I am planning to take a 3.3 dose for at least the first few weeks on the 5mg pen as although my side effects haven’t been too awful l want to move up slowly and l am happy with my progress so far. I have seen lots of mention about the pen only being good for 30 days after first use (even if kept in fridge?) but if l do 3.3 doses on the 5mg that will give me 6 weeks (+bonus dose) presume it will still be ok to take the pen beyond the 30 days by a few weeks? I am happy to be flexible on expiry dates normally but not if it will make me really ill or give me sepsis or something ha.

Med Express and at least one other provider (apologies, their name escapes me at the moment), have now stated the pen is safe within 6 weeks of first use.

@summerlovingvibes

Finally got a reply today… basically saying they would chase up the pharmacy hub that sent it. No timescales or further details. And no offer to send a replacement like I asked, or even acknowledge my questions around how suitable it would be now it’s been almost 7 days since it was meant to have been sent out!

safe to say I will be changing providers and never giving Superdrug my money again! I went with them because they were a recognised brand 😂

Hi does anyone how long Zava takes to process and then send out? They’ve said 48 hours or more for a doctor to even look at it!

So I've just had my first jab, instructions very simple and all good. It does say that you don't have to keep your pen in the fridge after your first jab so where do you all keep yours? I would have thought it should be kept in the fridge until it's empty

I just keep it in my bedside drawer

I keep mine in a cupboard in my bedroom away from kiddies. It can be out of fridge after first use for 30 days as long as it's under 30 degrees.

I've now seen though a couple of providers stating that the jab can be used for 6 weeks if kept in fridge which may come in useful once it comes to maintenance as it will be cheaper to buy higher and split down with clicks instead.

I keep mine in the fridge so I know it's got as much longevity as possible in case I take more than 30 days to use it.

I ordered as an exiting customer at 10pm on Tuesday. It was approved at 11am on Weds and dispatched later that day. It was with me mid afternoon on Thursday.

That's existing - no way am I exiting Mounjaro until they won't supply me any more!!!

Thank you! That’s helpful to know!

Congratulations on everyone’s losses and victories.
Im 15lbs down today at the end of week 4 so very happy with that.
Im now wondering about the extra dose in the pen, is it actually another 2.5 or a bit less? And if my pen has been kept in the fridge from day one will I be able to use that dose alongside a regular 2.5 dose in the lead up to my 5mg pen?

Okay, so, question…

I know how some people are breaking down the doses and injecting less, when needed.

But if you have a lower dose and want to step it up but say you have another box of that lower dose, could you give yourself more, by the same logic? Obviously, will have to be two shots/two needles. But, has anyone done it? Seems logical…Am I being a moron?!