Questions before I take the plunge!

[killamounjaro]

So I’m hoping to start Mounjaro in the next couple of weeks, but have lots of questions going round in my head….

I’m 5’1” and just over 11 stone, so bordering on the obese >30 BMI range, so not sure how easily I will be able to qualify, any advice on who would be best to go to?

Ideally I’d like to get down to around 9 and half stone, I already exercise 3 -4 times a week, walk a lot and my job is on my feet - I just need to stop snacking, eating rubbish and reaching for the wine! Hoping the injections will suppress that side of things. I’d like this to be the kickstart I need to making better food choices and create healthier eating habits. Do you follow a specific type of diet with the injections or just eat the same (but less?)

I take other medications for chronic migraines (amitriptyline/pizitofen) and have a history of high blood pressure (not medicated)Are either of these likely to be a barrier to being prescribed it?

What providers let you stay on 2.5ml? I’d rather take my time than lose it all really quickly…

If you do go up to 5ml, is it possible to half dose it each week and make it last twice as long?

Do you have to inject every 7 days or can you long it out to 8/9 days?

How easy is it to swap providers to get the best price each month?

What would you say the advantages and disadvantages are of each of the main suppliers e.g. Voy, Medexpress, Oush, Pharmacy2U

I really need to take the plunge but I’m a bit of a scaredy cat and it’s a lot of money, so want to be totally sure I’m doing the right thing! Would be grateful for any advice…..

Unless you're more like 11st 5lbs or higher then your BMI isn't over 30. If you have a weight related health condition, perhaps the high blood pressure you mention, you can be prescribed it if your BMI is over 27.

The first dose is 2.5mg not 2.5ml, and you start on that for 4 weeks. The expectation is to then move up to 5mg as that's the first dose that has been proven to produce sustained weight loss in the trials. You can speak to your prescriber if you have side effects and don't want to move up to 5mg, and see if you can continue on 2.5mg.

The injection pen should be disposed of 30 days after its first use, so you can't get a 5mg pen and use it for 2 months.

If you need to change your injection day you can, a couple of days either side of the usual day. I've done that when away on holiday.

You can change providers whenever you want, as long as you still qualify and have a BMI of over 30 still.

I'm with Voy, they are good for a bit more support, and I found it an easy process to be approved. It is a subscription but can be cancelled anytime. If you go to cancel, they will offer you £50 off. they have been happy for me to stay at 2.5mg.

I'm also on antidepressants and blood pressure meds, these were fine for the approval.

As long as you are BMI 30 or over you will most likely qualify. They will want to see photos too.

No supplier will pressure you to move up the doses, so you can stay on any dose for longer than a month.

Personally, I have been on Mounjaro for 4 months and I’m still on 5mg and down 51 lbs. Nobody has rushed me to move up. I have been using MedExpress and rate them. When I placed my very first order, I had my pen less than 24 h later. And generally they’ve been good with delivery times. They also offer price matching. And £40 off first order with a discount code.

Really helpful, thanks. Need to bite then bullet and do it.

Another question sorry, should I consult my own GP and let them know what my plans are?
I'm also likely to be starting HRT this month as a way to try and combat the chronic migraines...wondering if I shouldn't do it all at the same time in case of side affects and not knowing which is causing it!

I'm on HRT and there was no problem, you can just mention it in the questionnaire. I also spoke to my GP and they were supportive.

I didn't speak to my GP, appointments are impossible to get and I didn't think it was worth my time or the GPs, given that I wasn't asking for any advice from them or asking their permission.

Many online prescribers will send a letter to your GP to notify them of the prescription, or generate a PDF letter that you can print off and send yourself.