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:

Was just about to ask this. I need to order a new pen but wondering if anyone has a medexpress code? I need a 10mg pen.

I got palmed off last week but pushed back on Friday. Awaiting a response!

Is it your first MedExpress order? I have one if so

Hi @3wDavid
I'm so sorry you were made to feel like this at your GP appointment. I don't have any advice (other than I think sending a factual email was a good idea and hopefully, quite cathartic.) I avoid visiting the doctors as I find appts so difficult to handle - I witnessed some horrible behaviour and attitudes towards my mum before she died with multiple health issues including dementia, had years of feeling unheard, dismissed and fat shamed, belittling (I'm a 57 yr old professional, with 2 degrees - why talk to me like I know nothing about anything?). The result is that I'm almost phobic and have flashbacks to particular incidents, especially those involving my mum, and now don't go, even though I know I need to sometimes (interestingly I'm OK with smear tests, breast screening type appts with a nurse and I'll talk to a pharmacist if I need to).
Anyhow...not sure why I'm telling you all this but your post just triggered (in an OK way) these thoughts. Strength to you x

@3wDavid that's disappointing your GP was like that! I had a positive chat with my GP when I was there last week about my HRT. She is totally behind it being approved for weight loss on the NHS, it's the funding that is a problem she says. I came out so positive I wasn't taking the easy way. She said people who are overweight often berate themselves for not being able to lose it, there are several factors we need to take into consideration. These are genetics, hormones and medication with disabilities too. Xx

@imnottoofussed sorry, I don't but I would imagine it's only to full price tbh.

I am completely put off Medexpress following all of the bad reviews re slow approval times/lengthy deliveries/ warm pens!

I would say that although their stated prices are very expensive, Voy work out one of the cheapest IF someone uses your referral code! If your relative has sharp elbows and would be happy to post their code everywhere they are allowed to, it would give them half price pens every month! (Or even free ones if 3 people use the code!)

@KrankyKumquat I am so sorry for your dear mum, and for your own experience with this. I'm sorry for the trigger too, I was the opposite - always had a really great relationship with my GP (and other health professionals) and so I didn't think twice about mentioning and being upfront, so it was such a stark contrast with the actual reaction.

Where is the cheapest 5ml pen at the moment?

Any codes to help get this cheaper would be greatly appreciated

No apology needed @3wDavid ,I'm fine, just taking advantage of anonymity to over share! I think I related particularly to the 'dumb' feeling you describe.

Zava fist pen is £139 and if you use code 15% it will be £118.5 (can send you one if needed)
Voy has good first-order prices as 40% (131.40)off but then gets expensive unless someone uses your coupon but delivery with them was the best experience I had as next day nice and cold

You can get from Zava £118.15 with a code (15% off let me know if you need one)
Bolt I think has at £149 and Oush £150 voy £131 but that's a subscription but you can cancel any time

Not sure what pulse his finger is on but recent content from the BMJ and NICE:

https://www.bmj.com/content/385/bmj.q1239.full
https://www.nice.org.uk/guidance/GID-TA11156/documents/draft-guidance-2

Jumping back in after a couple of weeks away. Losses and NSVs looking good for lots of you - I'm cheering you all on.

I've had a week at my parents with very little control over meals - they know I'm dieting and have been great with that, but they are (mostly) vegan and low fat, and not high on protein. Dropped 2lbs, which was great. Then on holiday for the next week.

I dropped another lb, but then put 2 back on, then another 1.5. Disappointed, but very aware that I wasn't drinking nearly as much water as I do at home, and also it was hot, and I was walking way more than normal (averaging almost 10 miles a day). Dropped back again over a couple of days, and ended up 8oz down over the week.
I'm hoping for a bit of a whoosh, as I was within 6oz (!) of being in a normal weight range. Focussing on water and protein until weigh day on Thursday.

NSV - having packed for a normal UK summer break (jeans, jumpers, rain coat), I had to hit the charity shops for some shorts. I found a pair of Monsoon jean shorts in a size 10, that I thought might be optimistic, but there wasn't much else to choose. I think that they are a generous size 10, but THEY FIT! I also bought a pair of size 10 ultra skinny jeans just because they were £1, and I can just about get into them. Not comfortable, but they are my next NSV goal, to get into them comfortably.

No im an existing customer

I got both Curate and Med Express to refund using pretty much what you have said. You just have to keep at them and don't back down.

I think he should be embarrassed to be so out of date on what is a very current topic and medication. Perhaps he needs some professional development training!

@3wDavid Bad doc! Naughty doc! Glad it didn’t shake you for longer than a millisecond!

@CautiousLurker Yes annoyingly I had 2/3 weeks of dreadful constipation. Thought I’d get on top of it with Psyllium husks like people suggested but that didn’t really change anything. Also my weight stalled. Was drinking lots of water, adding fibre etc. starting to worry as I have a slight lower back twinge, pain, felt so bloated so I went on Friday and purchased Ducolax pico liquid. Took 1 tsp as I read how this can send you into total liquid mode, so thought I’d be cautious, still no movement! Yesterday I took another 2 tsp and my husk tablets and yeh, finally today it happened. Feel so much better. I’m now going to keep on my psyllium husks and try to get into a good habit to keep on top of this. I’m sure people don’t want to hear all this, but just know you’re not alone!

@3wDavid I ordered through Med Express and I checked my gp notes and nothing is in there. I don’t think they checked agreed the prescription with the GP, or if they did the GP doesn’t want it officially recorded. Although I think my GPs would be the same as yours, not happy. Even though they have done nothing to help me over weight loss, even though for cardiac reasons, my cardiologist stated I needed to lose weight. I think they should read up more and see the benefits!

So glad to hear that you finally feel free! Great news!

Hi @3wDavid - I would use the Eli Lilly online chat just to check about the warm pen. They can calculate whether the pen is compromised in relation to delivery time and heat conditions. I asked them about a pen I received that was warm and they reassured me that in my particular case the pen was safe to use - but it does depend on the individual circumstances:

Go to the Eli Lilly UK site - https://www.lilly.com/uk/ and scroll down to the bottom left hand side for the contact link and choose 'click to chat'.

They are available Mon - Fri, 8am - 4pm and I've found them quick to respond.

@3wDavid - the Accuweather website - www.accuweather.com/ should be able to tell you what the temps were on the days in question. Search under your regional area and choose the 'monthly' tab to go to past weeks.

EL went with the highest temperature reached in my case for the full 5 days in question.

@Greyrockin thanks so much!!!

C5 News has an story on fake weight-loss drugs tonight - 5pm

The Times had an almost positive one yesterday about GLP1s reducing other addictive behaviour like drinking, etc

I saw the Times one, they do seem to have more positive articles, and the comments tend to be positive too

The C5 one was short, sweet and boring - basically don't buy fake ozempic.

I think people are moving to Mounjaro due to Wegovy & Ozempic shortages which is why we are experiencing problems too.