Continuing Mounjaro...part 17

[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! Make sure the needle is twisted on tightly. Priming will help confirm if the needle is on securely and not faulty.
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 - 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 - Taking Mounjaro can stop birth control from being effective. If you are on birth control, consider extra protection if you aren't planning on conceiving anytime soon!
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. Try and drink at least 2ltrs a day.
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
15th thread:
https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/weight-loss-injections/5107426-continuing-mounjaropart-15?page=1
16th thread:
https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/weight-loss-injections/5115015-continuing-mounjaropart-16?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 know it's difficult for many of us to afford these medications but I really have reservations about companies using discount codes, money off for referrals, etc. The UK has always said our system must remain professional and not allow inducements or advertising direct to the public and these companies are sailing too close to the wind in my view. They are then unable to offer a high quality, professionally acceptable service.
I decided at the start to find one company and picked one that offers good support so, as well as my monthly medication subscription, I get coaching every fortnight from a nutritionist/motivational coach to try to get and keep me on track. My medication has, so far, always arrived the day after it is authorised in an insulated Puffin pack complete with ice. They are more expensive but this is an investment in me.

Hello, I was wondering if anyone had a discount code for zava. Many thanks

Ok need some advice on what my plan is. I’m at a wedding next weekend and although I’m buzzing to be on MJ I would still like to enjoy the food and drinks (in moderation) without feeling so stuffed that I could vomit. At the moment a Saturday is my biggest suppression day (which works very well usually as I would normally drink and eat to excess on a Saturday).

I’m due my bonus dose of 7.5mg this Wednesday. However, here’s what I want to do instead:

-take 10mg dose Tuesday (tomorrow instead)
-Next Tuesday take my 7.5mg bonus dose
-Week after resume 10mg Wednesday again

Does anyone see any issue with the above? With 7.5mg I'm getting good suppression all week basically, but like I say Saturdays I really have to force myself to eat and the thought of alcohol is the last thing I want! So I’m thinking if I bring it forward a day then I’m not skipping any doses but just might have a little more room to eat and drink?

I’m getting myself all stressed so any advice welcome xo

Thank you very much,.your a star. X

@GreyFinch I'm not sure I would both take a dose early and go up a dose at the same time but I'm still on 5 so my experience is limited. Could you instead take 7.5 from your bonus dose Tuesday, 7.5 from your 10 the following Tuesday (45 clicks) and then go up to 10 after the wedding? That way you wouldn't extend your 7.5 pen beyond 30 days and any side effects from the higher dose would be after the wedding.

I've just found some old pictures in my camera roll from a few weeks before I started MJ and compared them to pictures I took this evening in the gym. This is 4 pens and 3.5 stone down for me. BMI 34 to BMI 25.7.

It's quite discombobulating looking at these pictures. I didn't 'feel' as chunky as I clearly was back then, and don't 'feel' as slim as I'm becoming now 🤔

Wow what a difference!! You look great, well done you. It does take the brain a little while to play catch up.

You look awesome!!

@GreyFinch I'm at the end of my 10mg pen. I was visiting friends who don't know I'm on MJ last weekend so took 5mg from the bonus dose on Tuesday. On Saturday night I just about managed to eat the same size meal as them but had to force the last few mouthfuls down, couldn't manage seconds or dessert and drank less than them.

For me 7.5mg would be too much to take on Tuesday and then enjoy food at an event. If you follow @Fromthesidelines advice with 7.5mg tomorrow you can judge how you feel on Saturday and then either do 7.5mg again next Tuesday or adjust it down if needed.

Wow you look absolutely amazing!

Thanks for your comments guys! I will definitely take my bonus dose a day early tomorrow, and then gage how I am this saturday. What I might do if my suppression is too much when it comes to Saturday, I may do a split dose next week only and count clicks to do 5mg possibly!

Events like these have been my downfall where I’ve overindulged in both food and alcohol not only on the day but the following days due to being hungover, so I definitely want MJ to do its thing but as I’ve said I don’t want to be so stuffed I want to vom!!

Thanks again lovelies 💞

You look amazing! - I'm slightly bigger than your "before" pics and you've given me renewed hope that I can do this (week 4 for me and losing slowly...) 🙂

@BlackFriYay that is remarkable. Also a coincidence as, as I noticed today that a vein I used to see on the back on my had is visible again, I wondered how dramatic the changes that those of you who have lost 4st have seen and just look at that! For some reason - and perhaps it's the vest top in the more recent photo - your shoulders really stood out. They are so defined now. It is incredible!
So exciting, too, to see new people on this journey like @Gazelda seeing such changes too

@BlackFriYay you look amazing !

Agree on the shoulder front. My dd called me bony the other night when she came to lie on my chest!

@BlackFriYay you look amazing!

I'm supposed to take my jab tonight but I can't decide on continuing 7.5mg or going to 10. I thought I'd convinced myself yesterday to do 10, now I'm wavering.

I ate a whole 110g bag of popcorn on my way home - I had a very long day, dealing with the knock on effects of Friday's IT outage - so I definitely need my shot! Thankfully that's only 550 calories and despite eating pizza for dinner, I've still had fewer than maintenance calories, but still...

@BlackFriYay absolutely amazing work. You look so toned now.

But I definitely wouldn't have looked at you before and thought anything negative about your physique.

Thank you all so much for the lovely comments and encouragement!

My OH has been saying he can see a big difference but I take some of what he says with a pinch of salt as he was also telling me that I didn't look overweight when I was obese 😂

I actually trust you lot so it means a lot 😂

You can absolutely see it, @BlackFriYay I completely understand the discombobulation between how we were and how we are.

I’m not sure my brain will catch up. I have posted photos on this thread and I am now more than a stone lighter than that photo. I thought I looked slim in that one. Now I can see it. in photos anyway. In the mirror? Nope.

You have a great physique! @BlackFriYay
I hope I am as 'firm' looking as you when I get to your size.

Did anyone else watch the FB live that Hira from Oushk did earlier? I missed it so just watched it back and she said she’d spoken to Lilly last week about maintenance and there is no guidance for it as yet so she said it is purely at the prescriber’s discretion. So it’s likely the prescriber will have a conversation with each patient about maintenance once they reach a certain BMI. She also seemed to think the 2 year limit would be removed for MJ.

I’m still kind of with med express and oushk at the moment because I switched to oushk but Medex are still messaging asking me to order. I was considering not using Oushk for my next pen due to the links with curate but Hira definitely seemed more open to maintenance. Not that I’m even close to that yet but it’s always a consideration.

3 weeks at the same weight now and starting to feel frustrated!

Any top tips for shifting a stall please??

Plenty of fluid. Lots of protein. Tracking calories. And patience is all I can recommend.

I had a 4 week stall. Just keep on doing the good work, it will move eventually. I promise (from the right side of a healthy BMI, finally)

I had a stall on my second pen on 5mg. When I went up to 7.5 I've started losing again.

Make sure to take plenty of protein, lots of water and a laxative if you need one

@BlackFriYay You wore your flab well! Your BMI 34 pic looks much slimmer than my BMI 30 did! Well done done on your loss though.

Yesterday I ordered 15mg from Med Express and it's already been dispatched this morning. It must be luck of the draw whether you hit delays.
Tempting though it has to shop around, I stayed with them after my Curate saga ( which though it was a saga did give me 2 free pens , so hey ho😂).

I have asked them to Price match Pharmacy Online which was just £20 cheaper. But it was their standard web price, no vouchers etc as specified by Medexpress to price match so I am interested to see if they will.
I am at BMI 22.2 and 9stone 7lb now.
Slim but a stuck with the CS apron which is a bit of a pisser. Limbs and bum very slim, still a little body flab which I think is middle age. Boobs are still hanging in there which is annoying. I am not busty but I prefer the hang of my clothes with less boobage as I am broad in the chest and shoulders. When I lost weight when I was younger my boobs were like saggy grapes, but not this time!
Intend to lose a further 7lb to shift the belly if I can and then eke the 15mg pen out a bit to titrate down and hopefully maintain.