Continuing Mounjaro Thread 10

[FlappyFish]

Please note: Mounjaro can only be taken if your BMI is above 30.

Pointers for newbies:

1 - For taking your first dose you need to twist the pen a lot to get to 1! The instructions say prime each time you take a dose, but actually Eli Lilly have confirmed you only need to prime for the first ever use of a pen. (The video posted says every use, but this isn't true!)

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 than 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 - Constipation, coldness, nausea, diarrhea, headaches, aches, are side effects. There may be be other side effects also. Read info here :

www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/15481/pil#about-medicine

8 - Once you take your first dose you can choose to keep your pen in the fridge or somewhere else. It's up to you.

9 - 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. 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.
medbasic.co.uk/bd-micro-fine-30g-1ml-syringes-needles

10 - Protein is important as eating less protein can cause muscle wastage and hair loss. Try to have at least 100g a day.

11 - Some natural sources of protein:
www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/best-sources-protein
www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/321522#high-protein-foods

12 - 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), electrolytes.

13 - Drink lota of water. Water helps with the weight loss. Drink at least 2ltrs a day. Preferably 3ltrs.

14 - 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.

15 - 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
furthet reading about injection sites and the effects: www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/316618

16 - 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.

17 - 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.

18 - Some of the places you can order from are:

MedExpress 2.5mg and 5mg. £149.99. 7.5mg £169. Use code STARTNOW. Ask for other codes if that doesn't work.
The Family Chemist 2.5mg and 5mg -£149. 7.5mg £169.
Simple online pharmacy - £159 2.5mg £179 5mg
Bolt pharmacy 2.5mg £125, 5mg £179. 7.5mg £189
Asda 2.5mg and 5mg £184. 7.5mg £189
Boots £219 +
Chemist4U £179 +
Superdrugs

19 - 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:

www.mumsnet.com/talk/weight_loss_chat/5007744-mourjano-starting-soon?page=1

2nd thread:

www.mumsnet.com/talk/weight_loss_chat/5028495-continuing-murnjaropart-2?page=1

3rd thread:

www.mumsnet.com/talk/weight_loss_chat/5037623-continuing-mounjaropart-3?page=1

4th thread:
www.mumsnet.com/talk/weight_loss_chat/5044316-continuing-mounjaropart-4?page=1

5th thread:
www.mumsnet.com/talk/weight_loss_chat/5048290-continuing-mounjaropart-5?page=1

6th thread:
www.mumsnet.com/talk/weight_loss_chat/5057916-continuing-mounjaropart-6?page=1

7th thread:
www.mumsnet.com/talk/weight_loss_chat/5062935-continuing-mounjaropart-7?page=1

8th thread:
www.mumsnet.com/talk/weight_loss_chat/5068850-continuing-mounjaropart-8?page=1

9th thread
https://www.mumsnet.com/talk/weight_loss_chat/5074054-continuing-mounjaropart-9

Thread for newbies just starting out:

http://www.mumsnet.com/Talk/weight_loss_ch
at/5057475-mounjaro-and-wegovy-newbies-april-2024

Courtesy of Flappy, deputising for the wonderful Obsidian.

Happy new thread! And fine deputising @FlappyFish

I'm 6 weeks in, slowly titrating up with my 5mg pen so did 3.5mg this week - getting the odd touch of nausea so glad didn't go straight to 5mg. 1 stone 1.25lbs down

Reposting my comment from previous thread as would really appreciate any advice people can share who have experienced similar and didn’t get any replies. Sorry if it’s nauseated anyone 🤪TIA xx
Any advice appreciated please!
on my first week of 5mg. Not too bad so far, but the eggy burps, farting and burping are something else this week! I feel like I could vomit a thousand eggs. I feel like one big egg to be honest. I had it mildly on the 2.5mg dose but it was not constant. Today it has been ALL DAY. Can’t stop farting, can’t stop pooping (which is fine tbh as I had IBS anyway) but I really can’t with the egg and vomity feeling. It’s not nausea, more an urge to throw up whenever I taste the egg. And it is constant by that I mean like every twenty seconds. I have seen previous posters say it helps if they watch what they eat but I haven’t eaten any fried foods etc, just normal meals. Not sure what I should avoid. I am going to get some peppermint capsules but anything else please? I will never be able to eat or look at an egg again.

Hi, didn’t know these threads were here. Just come close to deleting MN after a ridiculous other thread on this topic, so am pleased this was signposted.

Have been on meds for a year - Ozempic (held on low dose for 4m due to shortages 😭), then Wegovy and now Mounjaro (4 weeks). Lost over 4 stone so far, and now no longer obese. Just. Still have a little more than 2st to go.

To summarise other posts: few side effects (taste changes and gone off most forms of wine); no back or knee pain; sleep better; migraines almost entirely gone; menopause much better (although DH says I’m still a moody mare); no Ozempic face despite being in my 50’s; all my health indices for heart/cholesterol etc are all ‘optimal’ now acc to GP - which I’m very pleased with as we were considering statins a year ago; I save more money on the wine/food I am NOT eating than I am spending on my medication; and just bagged up my size 16-20 clothes for recycling because I have started to fit in some of my old clothes.

I have PCOS, insulin resistance, hypothyroidism plus menopause, 2 teens on the spectrum (one doing GCSEs and one with complex mental health needs), and a lovely DH who is unerringly patient and loyal even if he can be a plonker occasionally.

Glad to find you all!

@Eyesofmistyblue It sounds like increased side effects from the higher dose. The 2.5 to 5 is the only time it doubles and I think it’s why some have started counting clicks to go to 3.75.

I didn’t experience the farts, the burps I did and they’ve settled now. I’ve been on 5 for a while.

Gavescon and mint all the way. Sip peppermint tea too. I love the three mint one. Can’t think who does that one.

As people move over you should get some better input.

Welcome @BusyMummy001! I’m glad people are finding us from that other thread on “fat people are wrong whatever they do…”

A few of us may have posted there. 😅

Quite a journey you’ve been on. Glad it’s working well for you.

Checking in for the new thread :)

Thanks for the post! I'm type 2 diabetic and I have had very bad Blood Sugars for the past year.. the medication has increased and I have felt dreadful.. then I decided to focus on losing weight and hopefully reversing the diabetes.
I bought the injection online, started at 5 2 weeks ago.
Blood sugars below 10 for the 1st time in 2 years. Very little appetite. Am watching my bloods to make sure they don't go too low. Very bland, easy to digest meals.. soup/toast/ sandwiches. Started at 66kg am now 62. Blood sugars stable at 5-7.
I have clarity with my brain again..I drink plenty of water and I don't eat anything fried/high fat/high carb which has helped I think with the digestive issues associated with the medication. I did have 2 fried wings at weekend and I poad with cramps and loose stool.
I think the key is to be really sensible with the food you eat, no fatty foods, no junk, clean, non processed foods (avacado /chicken/broth/toast) is boring but..I find it works.
Stuggled for years to lose weight, this is the only thing that has worked. 4kg in 2 weeks. Another 7 to go and hopefully my diabetes will reverse.
Aware that once I start eating the weight will creep back on but that's the next challenge. Menopausal and diabetic losing kg is the 1st step to a healthier me.

@ADHDGURL hi - sounds as though you are doing great, both at the weight loss and managing your blood sugars. Such an achievement!

I’ve found, as I been on this for a year now, that I am more optimistic I’ll manage to keep the weight off afterwards, though I know it won’t be easy and I’ll have to keep myself in check. I’ve got used to smaller meals, only eating fruit and yogurt in the day so that I can share a meal with the family in the evening. They’ve got used to not finding me in the biscuit cupboard.

I truly feel that I have finally accepted that a ‘clean’ diet is healthier for me and that I just need to find ways to liven it up a bit, as I am never going to tuck into seconds on takeaway night again or eat a tub of haagen das in one sitting again 🤞. I haven’t done this for so long to let it slide. Plus the dogs really love the regular long walks, so I can’t let them down when I reach target!

Maybe we need a recipe thread to complement this one!

Thanks for the new thread :)!

weigh in day for me tomorrow. Last dose of 2.5 and 5mg is on its way via Royal Mail.

I wanted to clarify something specific about usable of the extra dose left in the pen.

Are people taking it in addition to the last 2.5 dose ie on the same day or adding an extra week using whatever was left?

I feel I’m ready to go up to 5 but am worried about side effects so wanted to clarify if I can take my last 2.5 tomorrow and some of the extra dose so it’s a little more than 2.5 but less than 5.

my thoughts being that a mid dose will help me get ready for 5.

but not sure if bonus dose is more then 2.5 so may make me sick anyway if I add to my last 2.5…..sorry for the longwinded ask!!

I’ve had this for the last three doses (2 x 5mg and 1 x 7.5mg). Omeprazole helped. The farts in particular have been difficult to manage in public! There’s a boy in my class who proudly farts away every afternoon, so I must admit to letting a few silent ones out and letting him (proudly) take the credit. Eight year olds are great cover for a multitude of bodily issues. Daren’t risk trying that in our teacher meeting tomorrow though.

Tjose who are further on than me, please tell me that suppression comes back on 7.5mg at some point? I had to do two 5mg pens due to a shortage and have had zero suppression for the last month, scraping by on willpower alone. Fully expected a boost when titrating up again but I’m on day 3 after the first 7.5mg and I’m actually starving. Not pleased!

Evening all… another NSV - went round to my neighbour who guessed my weight loss to the pound!! Amazing.

well done @FlappyFish on this excellent new thread!

I had gastric disturbance on Ozempic at lower doses, but these went by about the 3rd month, they never returned when I switched to other meds, so I think the body does adjust.

I found the appetite suppression on all the drugs became less effective by the final week on each dose, which I took to be the sign that I did need to increase dose as scheduled.

.

People are doing either.

I've used the bonus dose to eek out an extra week and last time, used it as a top up to take a larger dose on the same day. Advice is always to use a new needle each time.

Most people can extract 0.6ml which, if I remember correctly is approx a 'normal' dose.

Fantastic thanks for this. I’m sure on one of the earlier threads someone outlined the number of clicks for a certain volume so you could control the volume given.

I’ll have a quick look back :)

I’m almost out of the overweight category- so delighted and also almost down to the next stone. Like others worried I will be kicked off the medication and I can’t do this alone

Same!!

Thank you for the new thread @FlappyFish, loving all the updates and welcome to all the new people.

@Waspwine I took a screenshot of the post you're talking about, I've attached it here.

Thank you so much @livingwithpmdd !! This is really helpful thank you :)

I read that thread, and had to sit on my hands to stop ripping everyone a knew arse! Never seen so many brain dead, misinformed and bigoted twats in my life.

We just to need to eat less and move more...

@BusyMummy001 yes I agree..its time to face the facts.. unhealthy foods do not agree with me.. post weight loss I will hope that the sheer hard work it has taken will motivate me to make better/cleaner food choices. I've had a lot of years of indulgence..that said I'm at the lowest weight in over a decade and I feel..better than I have done for years. The choices should be easy.. but nothing related to food is for me.
One of the most amazing things being on this medication is how the food "noise" has stopped.
I'm no longer planning lunch at 9.00am.. dinner at 3pm.. weekend brunch on a Thursday morning..I've stopped thinking about food, and I don't miss that! Even though I knew I was overweight and I knew losing weight would probably make me feel better the food "noise" in my head made it really hard.
To anyone struggling with hunger, real or habit, anyone who's health is being impacted by food/weight..I would recommend Monjarou..but only if you are disciplined enough to follow a bland/boring diet. This isn't a eat what you want but smaller amounts diet, it is a lifestyle change. Deviations from the recommended bland diet will result in the dreaded side effects which so far I've avoided. I hope this helps anyone reading.

@BusyMummy001

Wow, you've done great, fantastic persistence!

@Waspwine

For any pen they have the same volume of liquid, just gets more concentrated as dosage goes up so 60 clicks or notches is always a full dose so you can then figure it out from there (so 30 for half a dose, 45 for three quarters etc.)

@Eyesofmistyblue you could try a PPI? omeprazole/Lansoprazole, one of them is available OTC. I've got a load at home that I was prescribed with an NSAID and I take one when I'm feeling upper gastric symptoms. I haven't had the suphur burps, but I can imagine it would be worth a try for that.

@RagzRebooted

I tried esomeprazole as was getting really bad painful heartburn but it gave me horrendous wind instead, bad enough to wake me up at night. Completely handled
the heartburn but couldn’t continue with it 😂

Definitely worth a try though as apparently that side effect is not so common.