February 2026 starters

[Crossfitgirl]

Hi all, I have my first pen on the way and as far as I can see there is no starter thread for Feb, so I hope it's ok to make one.
All welcome whether recently started or looking to start this month - I think by the time mine arrives it will probably be February!
Hoping for support, experiences, recommendations, more support and the rest!

I am nearly 40, 2 young kids and full time job, starting on wegovy, with the goal of lowering my cholesterol (and reducing my huge belly).

Thats horrible for you. I complain enough about my 36 hours of misery but 4 days is really grim. I guess the options are trying to soldier through or changing the schedule somehow. Are you using Shotsy or anything similar? If so, it’s possible to identify the levels you are at when you start/stop feeling ill and look at adjusting the dose to avoid going much above that. The window for me is relatively small but it will be longer for you. I start feeling ill at about 3.3 and feel better again by about 2.8. You could achieve it possibly by splitting the dose or jabbing a little less frequently perhaps?

@RedApplePie yup, I’ve got Shotsy and can see a clear pattern and it’s got worse as I’ve got more in my system, currently 3.1 mg peak. I literally fall asleep with exhaustion about 3 hours after jab, then wake up with the effects an hour later - intense morning sickness, burping, stomach churning, headache and can only eat about 5-6 mouthfuls of anything, metallic taste in mouth and bad breath then disturbed sleep with bad dreams, dizziness, constipation and fatigue. Pretty much like my pregnancy really but I was carrying twins. It eases off on Day 4 and then I’m starving. Downside this week is no weight loss so far and I think that’s why I’m more miserable - in the words of Lily Allen “everything’s cool as long as I’m getting thinner”!

And I can’t get warm, have to soak hands in warm water every few hours so I can keep kn typing and wear two pairs of socks and slippers. I wake up at night as I’m so cold too.

Oh no, none of those symptoms sound good, in fact I think that sounds quite extreme, and for 4 days? I'd absolutely be reducing the dose if possible. Is this just since you've stepped up a dose? X

Week 6 on my starter dose and I feel like although it's much easier to say no to snacks and cravings, they are definitely there more prominently and even today I've had some chocolate and it's mean to be peak absorption post jab for me right now! Although, I am due on my period so it could also be this, i do usually crave sweet things the few days before.

I have a dilemma - I plan to go up to 0.5ml next time, but the date I receive the next pen will coincide with a weekend away. I do not want to feel ill, we're doing theme parks with the kids! Do I delay the dose by 2-3 days and take it when I get back (but risk feeling shit at work). or could I click count my 0.5ml pen and just do one more 0.25 dose, and wait til the week after to increase it?

Hi, no, this is just on 2.5 mg, I’m terrified of going up a dose! I thought I was doing OK as don’t have actual diahorrea and nausea just constantly feel like I’m about to buy it has got worse week on week. Would leaving longer gaps between jabs work - don’t see how can do that if pens only last 30 days though…..

Good morning. Can i take 2.5mg from a 5mg pen? The 5 is too much for me. Thanks

Yes, you need to carefully count the clicks. 60 clicks is a full dose on any pen, so it’s always 30 for a half dose. After you’ve counted the first time, if you make a mark with a sharpie where the 30 click point is it will be easier the next time.

I’d probably do the latter if I’m honest but I’m pretty risk averse with dosing.

I would too. If in any doubt always take the lowest dose.

Thank you I appreciate your help

You can, I think, get 5 ‘legit’ doses out of a pen as the first one is day one/zero so the 5th one is taken on day 28. Then up to you if you want to risk extending it. The expense must be so annoying but may be worth it short term at least? Or even splitting doses every four days so you won’t waste as much but won’t get the same surge? I feel for you though.

Are you on MJ or wegovy? I've asked this question on Voy, and their current suggestion is to stay on the lower dose pen and they will advise me how to get a bigger dose (presumably jabbing twice).
I have asked them about click counting and will report back what they say, they did say they don't normally advise taking a partial dose, but I've pushed the question and I'll see what their professional advice is. I see loads of people counting clicks on these threads though and many people have gone between doses, so stepped up to like 3 or 4ml from looking at click charts online.

@RedApplePie how do you know how many clicks? I've found some charts but no idea how legit they are!

@TheEgg2 oh that sounds tough, yes you could try stretching out the doses. There's a bit of info on Voy about changing your schedule and it says it's fine to jab a few days late, but if it goes over 2 weeks it will wear off and you may then get increased side effects. So you could stretch it by a few days maybe and see if that helps?
Are you drinking enough water and eating fairly regularly? X

I'm taking MJ, I've only had 1 dose out of the 5mg pen but my side effects have been horrendous to the point I thought I was going to die (I know, dramatic) I cannot face another day feeling the way I feel

Oh no! Has it started to wear off yet? I'm on wegovy which I think isn't quite as powerful as MJ. I hope it doesn't last too long for you.
I think if voy don't advise on the partial dose, I will just do that anyway and tell them I'm going to go up a dose.

It did but I can feel it starting back up again, My stomach is in so much pain

I can totally relate to the fear after being unwell. After dose 4 I had a horrible 24 hours with diarrhoea. The first 12 hours were truly hideous. I was in so much pain I was using my labour breathing techniques (youngest child is 18 so it’s been a while!) Put me right off carrying on but I have just bitten the bullet and started my second pen. I’m on 2.5 MJ and have actually taken a half dose this time to see how it goes.

It’s also been 9 days since my last dose as I’ve been concerned about having a repeat of the horrible side effects. I have found the appetite suppression has worn off and I’m not enjoying feeling hungry. I’m determined to lose a bit more before I hang up my needle though so hoping I can stay at a low dose. Have lost 8lbs in month one and would really like to lose at least another half stone this month. Wish me luck!

@Wambamaloomaawambamboo sorry to hear you haven’t been well! I was also going to suggest like someone else has to swap to wegovy?
@ASkarsMissus hope your 9 day schedule works for you! I also love the feeling of not being hungry. I envy people who just feel like this all the time!
@RedApplePie well done on your 1 stone loss. I have also as of today lost a stone! I already feel different in some clothes, less like I’m bulging out of them! I probably could of done with going up a size but I think I was in denial 🤣

I used this monj.co.uk/monj-mounjaro-click-chart/

I’ve seen a similar one for wegovy.

I'll join the stone down crew today! 💪

Yay! First big milestone. Well done.

Congrats @ASkarsMissuson your stone loss!
It’s Day 5 for me so I’m waking up with no headache and stomach pains, and it’s such a relief! Thanks for your kind thoughts and supportive ideas. I’m going to stretch out to 8 days between doses and see how I get on as I just can’t cope with feeling so poorly. Going to see if my lovely local pharmacist from whom I’m going to buy Mounjaro next month can prescribe something to settle my stomach and try and eat a bit more Days 1-4 and really ramp up the fibre and protein. Good news is that I’m 0.75lb down this week but it doesn’t feel “enough” for the physical “pain” but every little counts. Please tell me what over the counter products you’re using and I’ll make sure I try them all! Sorry to hear that move to 5mg has been hard for some….

Thank you 🙂

Congratulations to all the stone losers! It's a huge milestone.