Continuing Mounjaro...part 18

[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)

Mumsnet does not allow promo codes. Please do not post any. If you want one, ask and someone will PM you a code or there are now threads on the promo page that have codes for Mounjaro.

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.
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 - 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.

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 - 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!

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

13 - 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

14 - 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

15 - 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.

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

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 your 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: Now saying they support maintenance upto 2 years.

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 to 9th thread, get link from thread 10

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

17th thread:
https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/weight-loss-injections/5122095-continuing-mounjaropart-17?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:

Hi guys, checking in (it's been a while!)

Just finished week 22 and a total of 72 pounds lost. Hoping for another 30 off by Christmas but there's no pressure from me as I'm ahead of where I thought I'd be.

Just wondering if anyone has switched up injection sites after having severe side effects? It was my 4th injection of 7.5mg and it's really set my IBS off. I've mixed it up and injected in the thigh today so hoping this sorts things. The only other alternative I have is to inject less more frequently I'm thinking?

(It's quite bad I had an accident on holiday last week and another at work 🫣😩)

I did my second order with ZAVA on Weds evening, it was dispatched yesterday and arrived today despite a delivery estimate of up to next Thursday so I’m pleasantly happy. It was very cold too so hopefully they’ve improved after recent issues.

Thanks to those who came back about the anxiety, I feel a bit better knowing it’s likely a common side effect. I’m going to drop back to 7.5mg I think as 10mg seems a tad too strong for me.

I asked medexpress about coming off Mounjaro and maintenance doses as I am almost at target and this was their reply.

Gemmah (MedExpress)
3 Aug 2024, 12:01 BST

Thank you for your email.

To ensure you can maintain your weight loss and the healthy habits you’ve developed, our prescribers can continue to look to prescribe your treatment for a period of two years after your initial order, even if your BMI is within a healthy range of around 23-25.

This is assessed on an individual basis taking all information provided at consultation and throughout the course of your treatment into account and as always remains prescriber discretionary.

We conduct thorough check-ins to monitor your progress, adjust your treatment if necessary, and address any concerns you may have, ensuring you continue to enjoy the results you have worked hard to achieve.

Unlike certain oral medications, there's no way to taper off injectable drugs like Mounjaro. Your body will naturally filter out the drug over time and instead of titrating down we would look at maintenance doses.

We hope that this information is beneficial to you. Should you have any additional inquiries, please feel free to reach out to us.

Kind Regards,

Hi all
newbie here

I’ve literally just taken my first dose of 2.5g Monjaro from Voy - would love to share the journey with as many other August starters as possible

it was really daunting tbh and I put it off yesterday but honestly once I’d laid out all the bits needed and watched the voy video and another one on YouTube I injected - no pain at all and was easy as anything

here goes!

start date - 3 August 2024
start weight - 89kg/196lbs/ 14.2stone
target weight - 60kg / 133lbs/ 9.6 stone

had to keep checking the numbers as I need to lose 30kg to get to nhs recommended weight - so a third of my current weight needs to go!

I’ve started walking more, eating better and just joined gym so giving it a real effort in August for the first month to set some good habits x

Hi @MooFroo 👋
I started on Wednesday also with Voy - I found all of the support/info from them really helpful.

My SW was 84kg and currently my GW is 65kg.

I've always been a really slow loser (except when I was 15/16 and could lose 7lbs in a week!)

Well done on joining a gym - I have just re-started parkrun and am hoping that will help and that I'll slowly get faster at it.

I've struggled with food a bit because I have had absolutely no appetite or desire to eat anything (for the first time in my life ever!) So I'm looking for food ideas.

I'm currently a size 16/18 and would love to be a comfy 12.

Good luck 🍀

Quick question for MedExpress people. I’d rather stay with them for ease but I will only be able to take delivery for a single week as am otherwise away for various reasons. If I ordered next Wednesday, would it be reasonable to hope I’d get it by the following Friday?

Back from holiday.
I didn't eat huge amounts to be honest, (was v hot and my family tend to want to eat late at night- which I'm not great with) and I don't drink alcohol so wasn't expecting to have gained. I drank gallons of water though!
SW: 19st 10
W1: 19 st 2.6 -7.4
W2: 18 st 13 -5.6
W3: 18 st 9.7 -3.3
W4: 18 st 6.2 -3.5
W5: 18st 4.2 -2
Total loss 21.8 lbs so a stone and a half.

BMI now 38 from 41

Usual weigh day is officially tomorrow but I had to check!

Second 5mg tomorrow.
We will see if I had MJ appetite suppression or heat related suppression!

My 24 tops are now HUGE.
So a bag going to recycling. Still have plenty of tummy so still wearing 22 bottoms although loose on bum and hips.
I have some smart dresses I used to wear for work that I think are probably about a stone away from being suitable to wear in public. (Size 20 but stretchy)
I am 5ft 9 , was wearing 24 or xxl tops and 22 bottoms or 20 with stretch.
Wasn't really expecting to be able to move down top or bottom for a while.

@Wonkypictureframe historically yes, but right now? I don’t think you’d get it in time. Delivery seems to still be taking a week due to demand. Unless anybody here has got it quicker in the past couple of days?

No, I meant order on the Wednesday for delivery within the next ten days. Sorry, I wasn’t clear.

@Wonkypictureframe I think you will probably be ok. I ordered last Sunday and got mine this morning. If you haven't heard anything within a few days then you can call them and I've seen others say they will expedite it.

Hi, I'm just starting too. I'm with Juniper - received a massive box this morning with digital scales and a tape measure- probably similar idea to Voy?

SW: 11st 12lbs
GW: 9st 7lbs
H: 5'6"

Betty

@BellaCriesAndThatsAlright thanks. I’ve realised that I would actually have 12 days if I ordered then. Or maybe I just order slightly earlier on the basis that I’m only away Mon-Fri this week and it seems highly unlikely that it would arrive before Friday if I ordered on Tuesday or even Monday.

All my other ME orders have arrived pretty much immediately after ordering so initially I still had a worry that they would do that!

Hi @MooFroo and @BettySwoll0cks, I had my first jab last Friday and second yesterday so only a week ahead of you. Looks I have a similar amount of weight to lose to @MooFroo as I started at 201lbs and am now down to 194.25lbs. It’s great to see some newbies and to get the benefit of the more experienced posters as well!

@Wonkypictureframe I ordered with MedExpress on Monday and royal mail tracking shows that it should be with me today. Previously a Monday order would have been a Wednesday delivery. So I'd allow yourself a clear 7 day week, in case it gets worse.

I'm feeling pretty stressed and cross about the delivery situation from MedExpress. I stuck with them even when they were more expensive because they were reliable (ok and I didn't want all the hassle of switching). This unknowable delivery period is putting all kinds of stress on me, partly because I've worked at home alone all week and could have taken delivery easily and confidentially, and now they've given me a 12 hour delivery window, 4 days late, on a day when I have 100 jobs to do and have to choose between risking missing the delivery, breaking the cold chain and not getting it till Monday, or not getting essential errands run on the last Saturday before we go away for 3 weeks. Not to mention that DH is coming back after a week away this afternoon so my privacy about my treatment choices is likely to be broken. It really isn't good enough.

I think I'm going to write to them and ask that they triage orders and prioritise existing regular customers over new orders, and put capacity in place to manage new orders before they accept them. This is a long-term, expensive, serious medication that needs consistent, regular management, and they should be taking a partnership approach with us. Busting everyone's timing and ability to plan to chase the ££ is all wrong in every way.

Oof! Rant over. I'm going back to hovering over the tracking button. There's one more hour they could deliver in before DH is home.

Can I ask if you had any issue with Juniper prescribing for you? It seems you are under a BMI of 27 - were they OK with this?

Sorry but please can someone advise how I delete my post?

You can't. You can report your own post and ask Mumsnet to delete it for you, if you explain why.

When does everyone order the next pen? I took my 3rd dose of 2.5mg yesterday..

does anyone take the “5th dose” I’ve read bits and bobs on various platforms about it!

If you read the first post on this thread, the OP has collected lots of information about the 5th dose which will help.

You don't say which supplier you're with, but a read back through the thread will give you a sense of ordering times from different chemists, or you could ask your supplier how long they're taking.

@Eyf I'm with ASDA and I've ordered my next pen the start of the week of my third injection. So, enough time for a re-order if necessary or just a slow delivery. ASDA have been super quick with delivery (DPD) so far.

Voy people - Does anyone know where the Voy price list is on their website or app please? I have a subscription but just wanted to check something 😁

So if you take Mounjaro, eat nothing all week and then have a few proseccos and a massive glass of port, expect violent, burning v&d throughout the night 😑

This is a BMI of 26.79. Do you have other health conditions as this medication should not be prescribed for people with a starting BMI under 30 (obese)?