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:

Wow! What an inspiration. I worked out last night that I just [just 🤣] have 1st 3lbs to lose to get to a BMI of 25. Can’t believe I hadn’t realised. Have lost 5st and been so focused on that and the fact I have more months of this I hadn’t taken time to appreciate how close I am… and strangely I am not depressed or despondent about still having that to lose, which I have been when doing WW/SW diets.

Please keep us updated when you hit target! 👏👏👏

@StrawberriesandMango I had the exact same issues and also thought I’d have to stop taking it. I ended up going back to 2.5 until I felt better and then I titrated up slooooowly. I think I spent about 4 weeks on 3mg and then started moving up 3 clicks at a time. Last week I managed 4 with no side efffects and later today I plan to try 5 for the first time!

Major NSV for me yesterday. I'm visiting family who live in a very hilly area. Last night we went for a walk up the hill behind the house. It's quite a steep incline to get the top, then we amble down a less steep path. I've only done it a few times, but normally I'm gasping for air (quietly and hoping no one will notice that I'm dying in the inside!) but last night I managed it much more easily. I could feel it, but didn't think I might keel over. We're off to do a slightly bigger climb today, thank god I'm 20lb lighter!

You’ll lose that before you know it! Well done on your loss too, 5st is amazing!

Well done @April88 😊

It's also make me calculate how much I have left to go to get to BMI 25 and I've got 1st 1lb to go!

Good luck with those last few lbs 😊

Congratulations @April88

Hearing these success stories is such an inspiration!

Please keep us updated on your progress and maintenance.

My partner of eight years broke up with me so I have no need of the Mounjaro at the moment. In fact I think it's preventing me from eating at all. I didn't eat from Saturday lunchtime to Monday evening.
However, I know this feeling will fade... should I keep injecting? I am on 12.5 so I don't want to necessarily skip too many doses and restart...

Aw love. I'm so sorry your head must be a shed at the moment.

Can you lower your dose? Keep taking it but lower the dose, get some appetite back and then decide in a few weeks if you want to stop or carry on? It will keep the cost low for you while you decide what's best for you.

I can't really help on what you should do I'm afraid.

I just wanted to reach out and let you know I'm thinking of you today. 💐

Sending you a hug @Buffypaws i hope you can eat a little something or have a shake to keep your energy up.

Wow @April88 what an inspiring update well done you.

I’m laid up with covid and hoping this time I won’t gain 5-6lbs which I did the last two times I had covid then could t lose it. I’m happy to stall as I’m not feeling hungry but equally I’m not doing any exercise which I normally would. So it’s going to be challenging to stick to my calorie allowance without my exercise 3-400c bonus. Covid definitely had a hormonal impact on me each time.

@Buffypaws im so sorry. I would titrate down a wee bit maybe but honestly I wouldn’t skip a dose. You’ve come too far.

That aside though - how are you? Xxx

@Buffypaws So sorry to hear this. I know that in short term not much helps. A few steps into the future though you will hopefully feel better about things and in my experience losing weight will improve your confidence. Take good care of yourself

@Buffypaws so sorry to hear that - the heartbreak diet must be brutal on top of mj. The main thing is, as hard as it is, to try and look after yourself. Could you reduce the dose and/or leave a longer time between jabs so that suppression is reduced but leaving you able to continue without ending up at the beginning? Identify some nourishing and comforting food for when you can face something (I appreciate though that it is not exactly chicken soup weather). Two days without eating is not going to do you any good. Maybe little high protein snacks? You will come out the other side of this and things will get better. Sending virtual hugs.

Im sorry you're going through a rough time 😔

Not eating for a few days isn't good. But probably more related to the break up. If you don't want to have to restart, maybe reduce your dose to 5/7.5mg? Then titrate back up from there? But do try and eat something.

Sorry you're going through a hard time @Buffypaws

@Buffypaws So sorry to hear this. Thinking of you.

In the last couple of weeks I've had two people express concern that I've using protein shakes. They have both said 'You don't want to do that, they make you put on weight'. They've been quite adamant that I'm being really silly to not realise this, which is why I'm slightly embarrassed to raise this here.

I have felt so much better and a lot less tired since adding the extra protein but my weight loss has stalled for nearly a month, (up and down by the same few pounds) so I'm wondering if they are right?

I have included the calories, (I use the Vilgain clear whey ones so 88 calories for one serving) and add this into my daily calorie allowance and am still well in deficit, but am I missing something? Will this be the reason I'm not losing weight like most others on this thread?

I'm not massively worried about the stall, I feel great on MJ and being without food noise is worth it but obviously I'm hoping I'll break through what is probably a set weight from a couple of years ago and wondered if I'm ruining that by having the additional protein shakes.

I'm sorry to hear your news @Buffypaws, I hope you have some support around you 💐

Regarding warm pens - I contacted Eli Lilly today to ask them about the pen I received from Zava (ice pack melted, pen warm). It was delivered during the last little heat wave on 19th July and I put it in the fridge, then argued with Zava who keep insisting it is safe to use.

Anyhow... EL went away and did some calculations based on the pen being despatched and delivered during a 5 day period where temperatures were 27C (which was the highest temperature where I live that week) and came back with this:

"Lilly has data to support the drug product experienced minimal to no detectable loss in potency and physical stability. The product may be used, if you choose to do so. The in-use period and/or shelf life is not affected if you continue to store the product as prescribed on the product's label. This assessment decision is only applicable for the product, time, temperature and product condition details reported for this specific excursion... you can use the product as normal within the expiry date"

Which, in plain English, means that the pen is okay to use and I may owe Zava an apology, as I've no way of knowing whether the package was exposed to temperatures above 27C.

Also - I've found the Eli Lilly live-chat function really good, I've used it twice now - https://www.lilly.com/uk/contact-us

Quick update on MedExpress too - they sent me a note with a 5mg pen stating that the expiry date had been extended by 4 months longer than the date printed on the pen, which was incorrect. They have apologised profusely and said they have recorded the dispensing incident and taken the necessary steps to prevent this from re-occurring. They also credited my account with £10 as a gesture of good will.

They are probably thinking about the quantities of protein that body builders use! ha! I’ve used protein shakes to boost my protein by 25g here and there for 3 months now and doing perfectly well on my weight loss journey! I’m doing it so I avoid loosing too much muscle along with the fat.

@Greyrockin Brliiant - thank you! Intuitively I felt that refrigerating straight away would pause the deteriotion but it is good to have that confirmed especially as zava were telling me that I shoukd use it within 30 days. Given the struggles that suppliers are having and the warm weather, there are likely to be a lot more warmish pens delivered.

@MoreThanJustANumber

I also use protein supplements regularly. Clear whey, protein-enhanced foods, collagen powder, and milky shakes.

I have lost just over 4 stones in 4.5 months, so clearly not negatively impacting me either. I've had a couple of stalls during this time where I've stayed the same or only lost small amounts for a week or two but I always seem to get going again eventually.

I find that not drinking enough water - a minimum of 2L per day - has a bigger impact on my weight.

Thank you everyone for your kind words. I am already late with my dose so I might just half dose today and next week and then get back on track as hoping it’s just the initial stress. Although I haven’t done heartbreak diet with mortgage to sort before so suspect it could be longer. Here’s to shifting the last few pounds! I am trying to drink protein shakes and electrolytes at least.

@AgathaMystery thank you for asking - I am sad but I am sure I’ll be ok. I know it will pass 💔