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:

That makes sense @CiderJabs

I hope people see us all being supportive and keeping the conversation flowing means it creates a 'give and gain' cycle.

Of course would just be better if the pricing came down as there's obviously the margins there!

@ObsidianTree maybe we could have our own thread on the promo page to link to!

Ohh that's encouraging. I haven't posted on these threads for ages, so I've missed out on loads. Thanks! I'll have a look through previous pages.

I just tried to find the page but I can't find it. I assume all the threads with promo codes have been moved there!

There's a full topic for promo codes

Weigh in day

This is after 5 doses of 2.5mg -

Sw 21.6.24 - 110.8kg
Cw today - 102.3kg

Down 8.5kg

Haven't jabbed yet as still have excellent suppression and could do with moving it to a Saturday. I'll be sticking to 2.5mg until its no longer effective.

I am relieved the codes are going to another thread and have debated saying something on occasions before but didn't want to offend anyone. I know they are useful but think the thread has been hard to follow at times because of so many and it's distracting for those of us that don't use them.
I also think (unpopular opinion coming up!) that it is really unprofessional of these companies. @InspectorGidget is right, they should really set the price they want to charge and stick to it. These are prescription only medicines so they should not be marketing them like baked beans or soap powder.

@QueenGoo I am hopeless with names so please forgive me if you have posted before and I've not remembered but are you eating properly and building healthy habits? That is a huge amount to lose in such a short time if you are eating reasonable calories.
I suspect these companies are seeing the media, as we all are, and are trying to prevent any potential abuse or misuse to prevent repercussions and you may have just got caught in that

i’m pretty shocked after what I’ve read on Zava delays. Ordered around 3ish Wednesday, dispatched late yesterday and out for delivery today with RM. Fingers crossed it arrives cold

I've used Medino, who were very efficient.
The pen arrived within two days.

Hi everyone, I’ve got my MJ and ready to start but I’m so nervous! I start a new job on Monday and I’m worried about diarrhoea as a potential side effect. Can I ask how long into starting it some of you experienced diarrhoea? If I start tonight I’m hoping it will have passed by Monday if I get it 😬

I didn't get it for a fortnight.
But everyone is different.

Get some loperamide capsules in, just in case.

Oh yeah @QueenOfHiraeth I track everything I eat and I have 1350 calories as a target - I am mostly sedentary too so my tdee came back quite low. Although have been increasing my exercise where I can. There are some days I can eat to target comfortably, I usually have a day where I eat close to my maintenance amount and other days (not often tho) I cannot face having much so will top up with a protein shake to keep my levels up. Otherwise it's plenty of meats and fruit and veg with some nuts and seeds if I fancy. I suspect it's mostly down to the fact I'm following keto and have little in the way of carbs but yeah I'm not feeling lethargic or unwell in any kind of way. Only side effects I have are minimal and within 12 hours of jabbing.

But I do totally get it. Im happy to jump through some hoops that prescribers put in place if it means they can continue to prescribe because theres too much already of the drug getting into the wrong hands. Just threw me a little seeing those words when I'm still 195lb (at 164cm) with BMI33 x

Same here. I'm 17 weeks in and I'm still only on 3.75mg. I ended up in A&E after trying the 5mg dose as I felt so unwell and the doctor said I was most likely what they called a super responder. I can't ever imagine I will have to use the full 15mg dose. Strange how we all respond so differently to it.

No one seems to mention Pharmulous as a provider. I've used them twice now and had no issues.

Hi everyone

I started Monjaro 4 weeks ago today ( 4th injection of 2.5mg tonight)
The first two weeks were heaven for me, little to no side effects ( just mild constipation) hunger and constant thoughts of food were completely suppressed. I felt liberated, not constantly being drawn to food, thinking about food or craving food.
The last two weeks hunger and binging have slowly come back so I have decided I really need to go up to 5mg ( even though I feel anxious about this meaning some unpleasant side effects).

I lost 4lbs week 1, 6lbs week 2, this week (3) apparently I have gained 2lbs - but I come on my period yesterday so I assune thats why as I have not been above 1300 calories consistently this week.
I have PCOS so hormones are my arch nemesis.
I have been overweight since childhood (thanks in most part to my mum 🙄) I have an incredibly unhealthy relationship with food. I am 40 next year and graduate fron university at the same time - I just don't want to be massive going into my 40s and starting my career.

I have a few questions about getting the bonus 5th dose out of my 2.5 pen. I have read most people get 0.9 ml out of the extra dose which would mean 3.75mg - is this ok to do? Has this worked for anyone? I plan to use a needle and syringe to get it, not force the pen.

Also storage - I have kept my pen in the fridge since it arrived - is this ok?

Thanks in advance

My move to Care Pharmacy is complete. Approved 3 hours after sending evidence of past prescription.
Dispatch email the next day and delivered by RM the next day in a plastic insulated package with ice blocks. They were melted but it still felt cold.
£159.99 for 10mg so happy days.

But I’m on a massive stall and haven’t lost for 4 weeks now. Have upped my exercise last week and drinking more water so fingers crossed it ends soon.

I have considered Pharmulous as I know they already have a maintenance plan ready to go. Or so Mel on tiktok was saying x

Thanks @TheShellBeach!

Does anyone take theirs immediately before bed?

evening!

Do. I have a thing I’ve been wondering about. I am at a point now at work where I’m on the brink of telling anyone who asks how I’ve lost this weight. Today a colleague said to me ‘you are HALF the size you were when I saw you last. HOW have you done this?’ And I absolutely copped out and said that I’d finally got my HRT right, was exercising and eating well. EYEROLL.

The thing is, I think it’s becoming kind of obvious who is on GLP-1, you know? Does anyone else feel like this??

@SlimforXmas I do! My thinking was that I might sleep through any initial adverse effects. In fact, so far side effects have been minimal bit I still do it.

Strangely I was pondering this today - am 1.5st off target (5 st down) but my boobs are not saggy sacks as they looked the last time I dropped this far (around 12 years ago). I do have bingo wing arms atm (😭) but am hoping that this is where my final pounds will go from and be balanced against my starting back at the gym next week. I’m post menopausal now as in my 50’s so that might be a factor, but I’ve also not got a saggy gaunt face as promised by the newspapers 🤣

@AgathaMystery I've told no one IRL. I don't think I would trust anyone not to spread it and I know that some in my circle would be judgemental or worried. In some ways though I'm lucky in that my weight loss is slow and I'm still able to eat, albeit in smaller portions, so I don't scream weight loss injections.
What I feel bad about though is that, if I do succeed in losing a lot of weight in the end, it plays into the 'it's easy: eat less and move more' trope.

MedExpress have refused my request to price match, because I used a credit from my last order. So to price match I have to pay full price, so therefore it’s every other order I’d have a credit to use. Easier to move supplier and just pay a cheaper price!! 🤣🤣🤣🤣. PS. Wednesdays order still not got prescription yet. Fingers crossed for Monday.

@AgathaMystery I guess people can only take your word for it. I suppose if they asked you out right if you were on a drug then that would be hard to lie. I don't think people will assume you are on a weight loss drug. Some might not realise how popular they are becoming and think they are only affordable to rich and famous people.

I also copped out and said eating less etc when people asked me how. Can't bring myself to confess either! Maybe one day! Lol

I think I'll wait for it to become more normalised before confessing.

My in laws asked how I’d lost the weight and I said ‘eating less’, which isn’t untrue…

My mum on the other hand is steadfastly pretending not to notice so that she doesn’t have to say anything that might be construed as complimentary 🙄