Continuing Mounjaro...part 16

[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.
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 - 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.

9 - 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

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

11 - 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

12 - 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

13 - 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.

14 - Drink lots of water. Water helps with the weight loss. Try and drink at least 2ltrs a day.

15 - 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.

16 - 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

17 - 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.

18 - 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.

19 - 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.

20- 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.

21 - 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.

22 - 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

15th thread:
https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/weight-loss-injections/5107426-continuing-mounjaropart-15?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:

I had emailed Numan about this error on their page, that it should say 30 days, they emailed back to say they would review it and they have now changed it so it says 30 days, not 6 weeks.

I can only confess this one here- but after two months on the injections (now at 5mg) - for the first time in two years I can look down and see my navel. It had been totally hidden by fat gut up until then

Good morning all
down to 12st8 from 14st2 I started on may the 26th so I think I’m doing ok , still off work due to severe sciatica and feeling really down if I’m honest . Quick question do I take my bonus dose ? Or when do you all take yours ? I just did my 4th 5mg injection yesterday.

Bonus dose just same time/place etc as the previous injections... As if it was just week 5 in a 5 week pen.

Great bit of info with those with inflammation, fibromyalgia, hashimoto. So encouraging. I think I will go to my Dr and ask to see an endocrinologist consultant to talk about these positive benefits

https://vm.tiktok.com/ZGetpC6Ux/

Which immodium do you use Glue? I have the instants but haven't used yet for the reason of going other way but I can't take anymore time off work, especially if this happens again next week.

@IReallyNeedThisToWork yes they didn’t specify which drug and it seems she was injected in a clinic and given 4 x the initial dose. No reporting on the benefits at all just all slanted around mis use 😡.

So today is 13 weeks/ 3 months exactly from starting & I am 2 stone down. Feel a lot better, have had quite a few comments. Would say in tops I would probably buy a size down but still same size in jeans tho more comfortable. Still have approx 2 stone to go but will judge nearer the time. Have done 2 x 2.5 pens, one 5 and just about to start another 5 as I get quite strong side effects.

Some thoughts, it still feels like it could be undone at any time.
When I’m in maintenance I’m guessing the water weight/ bloating might come back.
It feels v odd to think I could be slim.
Looks like my stomach will be the last to go.
Will need to build in exercise. I am active but need something more.

@KrankyKumquat I have familial hypertension for which I take two drugs, both of which have known potential side effects from long term use including on liver and kidneys. Blood pressure control was reasonable but not perfect.
Since mj, my BP has been consistently in the low end of the normal range and, I suspect, would on its own do at least a good a job of keeping it under control as the other two drugs - leaving aside the weight benefits.
It seems mad that we can't stay on this drug when they have happily prescribed me these other drugs for over 20 years!

I got a reply from health express about maintenance TLDR: They will allow you to stay on until BMI of 22.

*Thank you for your email.

We certainly understand your concern here and would like to inform you that the recommended maintenance dose for Mounjaro is 5mg, 10mg and 15mg dependent of side effects v/s weight loss.

Our doctors consider the cut off BMI as 22 and or not exceeding 2 years from initialization of this treatment as per prescribing guidelines.

Hope this answers your concerns and if you find it suitable, you may place an order for this treatment online or over the phone with us.*

@Fromthesidelines
Yes it's absolutely crazy. I really can't understand it, other than an over cautious response to anything deemed a 'miracle', the widespread bigotry against Obese people, and cost, of course. The NHS and regulatory bodies, like all large organisations, are slow to change but I'm pretty confident prescribing will change in time, when the generics flood the market perhaps. But in the meantime, we're the pioneers, providing the real time data.

@Flapearedknave that's great news. Thank you for reporting back. I meant to ask them but forgot it!

Mine is prescribed by an endocrinologist for an endocrine disorder, so definitely worth speaking to someone in that service as could save you a lot of money

Hi everyone, so I'm coming up to injection number 3 of 5mg on Thursday. HOWEVER - I've been really poorly since Sunday, have had diarrhoea, occasional stomach cramps and can't really eat without having to run to the loo.

I don't feel sick or anything, just can't stop the runs. I've lost 5lb since Sunday and can't really eat - anything I can do to help with this? I presume it's a side effect, but loathe to start on the Imodium in case it doesn't mix well with the jab. I've been drinking lots of water and having rehydration sachets.

Any hints and tips gratefully received, I really need to go back to work tomorrow without the fear of pooing my pants.

Take the imodium, it doesn't interact negatively with the drug. A lot of prescribers say to take it if you're experiencing diarrhoea.

Unfortunately, yes. Infection worse this time, and because I'm resistant to a lot of antibiotics, it makes it more tricky. I cycle be in for a couple of weeks, not sure yet, and I'm still in the crappy room with no TV. Hrumph.

@thehousewiththesagegreensofa There is a way to report on side effects of medicine (positive and negative): https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/

MedExpress are price matching. I wrote asking if they would price match as whilst I like their service I am finding them expensive so I am considering a switch to Oushk because they are cheaper. They have compared my last order to Oushk pricing and refunded me the difference! They have said, "for future orders, please reach out to us within the same month you place your order, and we will apply the price match and refund the difference as a credit to your account".

@ThirdStorm This is huge!

That's interesting on the price matching. I asked at the end of last month and just got a generic 'look out for offers in your inbox' response.
What pen did you order, and what was the price difference?

I'm on 2.5mg and I quoted Oushk at £140 so they have refunded me £13.94.

That's really good to know. Will speak to Dr about it my next appointment

@pinktransit
yes, they naffed me off in the same way last month and I've had no 'offers in my inbox' since either. Ah well, they've lost me now as i moved to Oushk. Even with price match, I'm not convinced that they're going to support a tailored maintenance schedule in time for me needing it.

Is anyone tracking their blood glucose levels?
I have a freestyle libra on atm and wondering if these low readings are down to Mounjaro ?

Yes, I track mine and they're definitely lower on MJ.