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:

@taylorswift1989
I started 6 weeks ago as I wanted to give it a couple of months to see how I got on with it before we go away. Didn't want to order lots of pens if it wasn't working for me or I wasn't going to stick to it!
I have found the medication really useful in just stopping cravings and the binge mentality I used to have. I'm on a slow downwards trajectory, and nowhere near the speed of losses as some, but it's working and definitely makes everything feel sustainable.
Good luck if you choose to use it ☺️

@bantum hope you don't mind but I was wondering how the pricing compares with a private GP prescription Vs online pharmacy please? I have access to a private GP and hadn't considered using it but if it's a big savings might be worth looking into. Thanks

Edited to add apologies for the quote as well ... No idea what I've managed to do 🤦🏻‍♀️

That makes sense! I definitely want to try it but I'm worried that it will start working for me then I won't be able to get the pens and I'll have to stop and start over again! But if I can get the pens to take away with me then I guess it's not a problem. If I wait, then it will be another 6 months before I can get started. I'm glad it's helping you - that's really encouraging!

Not at all, Because I already have a private GP ( I pay monthly for that) the prescription was free and I took it to Asda today and they charged me £115 for the Mounjaro 2.5 I looked online at the BNF pricing and its around £97 so the extra is what Asda charged which wasnt too bad actually

Fab thanks. We have the same arrangement through work so don't why I didn't think of it. Think I might explore that as it could be a big savings

I hope it works out for you, I think its £179 through Asda online so its a big saving.

I've just got back from my holiday and weighed myself at the same as when I left 🥳 I only overindulged once (and paid for it) but I did drink a fair bit. I'm amazed I haven't gained a couple of pounds.

I felt much better in my swimwear this year and managed to wear a tankini that hasn't fit me for years. I did feel a bit huge around the pool as there were lots of slim people there but oh well, there is always next year.

I've been reading while I was on holiday and was being encouraged by all of your fabulous losses. Now I'm back I'm hoping to get a whoosh as I feel a bit bloated from the heat (I was in Spain). I've just done my 5mg bonus dose one day late as I didn't take the pen on holiday.

One more thing - I have a £40 MedExpress code. PM me if you want it 😁

Some say that the fibre in the tablets are less and the daily amount needed. So probably ok to take more if they work for you. I take 2 as they work for me.

Lol love that! It's funny all these little things that used to be difficult and now are nice little nsvs we've never considered before.

Hope you enjoyed you hols :)

That's lovely thank you. It's nice to see all the people starting on Mounjaro from reading the threads. Glad you have found them useful 😊

Hope you had a good holiday @BellaCriesAndThatsAlright . Well done on staying the same weight 😊

Good afternoon, my order has been approved from Voy today and I can't wait to start. I will go back to thread one and have a read. X

I am just waiting for my first pen to arrive from Voy, but am very nervous, so joining this thread for some moral support

Afternoon all, feeling the heat today!
10mg is definitely working better than 7.5mg, I am back to losing again so my stall is definitely over.
Am excited to say my BMI is now 30.5 down from starting BMI of 35.1! So close now to not being obese, will be jab 24 on Friday as I started at the very end of Feb. I am definitely feeling the benefits, just bagged up all my clothes that are too big. I'm back in clothes I used to wear years ago, am almost a stone lighter than my lowest weight for 10years but only just looking ok in my old stuff, think middle age spread means I carry the weight less well than I used to.
Have bought new bras as have gone down a back size and a cup size - I'm now dreaming of shrinking down into a FF or G cup, that would be amazing!
Just ordered again from Pharmacy2U, gave them a safe place to ensure we don't have last month's debacle of a missed delivery leading to a less than cold pen.

Welcome newbies! Enjoy the reading 😊

Well done in the BMI victory and the bra victory!

Bra shopping is something I also need to do!

If anyone wants a referal code for voy for £84 off (down to £139) PM me, I have 2 available I'm not sure how it works maybe 3 😁 xxx

Thanks for the new thread and fantastic opening post, OP!

I loved your message, @Ifyounevergiveup . I hope you carry on being successful and inspired- and keep posting on Mumsnet too, it's the only SM I ever do as well.

Welcome back @BellaCriesAndThatsAlright , it sounds like you've done well on holiday. I hope I stay as well on track - off in 2 weeks. I'm just about to order a 10mg from MedExpress to take with me, and have PMd you - thanks very much!

Some brilliant scale and NSVs which I love reading about.

My NSV is that I can now do a lunge in yoga without having to splay my knee to the side and use one arm because my tummy was in the way (which looked just as ridiculous as it sounds).

Which is good, because I've officially joined the Stalling Sisters. I'm now in week 3 of no change having weighed in this morning. I'm still adequately suppressed and eating to the same pattern as I have for the last 12 weeks where i lost 1-2lb/wk. Coincidentally - or perhaps not - I've stalled on exactly the weight I lived at for 30 years, since 18yo. This is still 2st over the top of the healthy BMI I'm aiming for.

I'm wondering if the stall is caused by my body recognising its old set point, and thinking it's come home. Has anyone else cone across this?

Nothing to do but keep on keeping on, but... I do think in my heart of hearts I didn't believe I'd ever get below this weight. Just getting back to it is pretty wonderful and involved losing 15% of my body weight, so I'm not down. But I wonder if actual slimness is even achievable for me.

@BellaCriesAndThatsAlright is your code single use? If not, let me know and I’ll drop you a message as I’m about to put another order in with MedExpress 🙂

I'm having the weirdest week. I had the debacle of trying to inject into my arm then discovering I couldn't depress the plunger one-handed and managed to lose part of the dose.
I spent from Thurs to Sun feeling very nauseous, cold and grumpy so thought maybe I hadn't lost much dose at all but have woken up today absolutely fecking ravenous! I'm not sure if that is lack of MJ or a natural reaction to being low on calories for 2 of the last 3 days.
Has anyone else got experience of different responses to different injection sites? I've seen a couple on TikTok saying more side effects from arm. Wouldn't you just expect it all to be more straightforward!!!

Can I ask if anyone found the titration up to 7.5mg like this ?
I did a bonus dose last week and had between 5 and 7.5 and did 1st 7.5 Saturday evening. Have almost total suppression and finding it hard to eat despite knowing I should eat as was feeling a bit light headed and weird.

I have never had suppression like this before. I know it will wear off a bit throughout the week but was not expecting such a difference with a small increase.

I will have a protein shake later to make sure I get some nutrition in.

No other side effects luckily so far.

It says no limit on number of referrals!

I know it’s only been 4 days but it’s so strange seeing a 12 on the scales that is stone and not pounds 😂 haven’t seen that for about 10 years I think 😳

I’m 2 doses into my 5mg pen and it’s working very well at the moment. A little bit of noise is starting to creep in but it’s flab jab day tomorrow anyway. I’ve got another 5mg pen in the fridge so that’s 8 weeks worth. I stayed on 2.5 for 10 weeks so my next order will be a 7.5, in the knowledge that I don’t need to go up that high if I my body doesn’t want it

Me!!! I will try 7mg next week after 3 weeks on 7.5. Powerful isn’t it.