Mounjaro Weight Loss FAQ

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is an injectable prescription medication used for weight management in adults with obesity or overweight who also have weight-related medical problems. It works as a GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist.

Originally approved for type 2 diabetes management, Mounjaro has shown significant effectiveness for weight loss. It helps reduce appetite, slow stomach emptying, and regulate blood sugar levels.

Mounjaro may be prescribed for adults who have:

• A body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or greater (obesity), or
• A BMI of 27 kg/m² or greater (overweight) with at least one weight-related condition such as high blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, or high cholesterol

Your healthcare provider will determine if Mounjaro is appropriate for you based on your medical history, current medications, and overall health status.

Getting started with Mounjaro involves several steps:

1. Schedule a consultation with a healthcare provider who can evaluate if Mounjaro is appropriate for you
2. Complete necessary medical evaluations, including blood tests and health assessments
3. If prescribed, receive training on how to properly administer the injection
4. Fill your prescription at a pharmacy
5. Begin treatment following your doctor's recommended dosage schedule

Your healthcare provider will monitor your progress regularly and adjust your treatment plan as needed.

Mounjaro treatment typically follows a gradual dose escalation schedule:

• Starting dose: 2.5 mg once weekly for the first 4 weeks
• Increase to 5 mg once weekly for at least 4 weeks
• If additional glycemic control is needed, the dose can be increased in 2.5 mg increments
• Maximum dose: 15 mg once weekly

Dose adjustments may be necessary based on your tolerance and weight loss progress. Never adjust your dose without consulting your healthcare provider.

Mounjaro comes in a single-dose prefilled pen for subcutaneous injection. Follow these general steps:

1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water
2. Remove the pen from the refrigerator and allow it to warm to room temperature (about 30 minutes)
3. Check the medication to ensure it's clear, colorless to slightly yellow, and free of particles
4. Choose an injection site: abdomen, thigh, or upper arm
5. Clean the injection site with an alcohol swab
6. Remove the pen cap and follow the specific instructions for your Mounjaro pen
7. Dispose of the used pen in a sharps container

Mounjaro should be injected subcutaneously (under the skin) in one of these recommended areas:

• Abdomen - Inject at least 2 inches away from your navel (belly button)
• Thigh - Use the top or outer part of your thigh
• Upper arm - Use the fatty area on the back of your upper arm (may require assistance)

Rotate your injection sites with each weekly dose to reduce the risk of injection site reactions. Keep a log of where you inject each time.

Common side effects of Mounjaro may include:

• Nausea (most common)
• Diarrhea
• Decreased appetite
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Abdominal pain
• Indigestion
• Injection site reactions

These side effects are typically mild to moderate and often improve over time as your body adjusts to the medication. Starting with a lower dose and gradually increasing it helps minimize these effects.

• Pancreatitis: Severe pain in your abdomen that will not go away, with or without vomiting
• Hypoglycemia: Especially if used with insulin or sulfonylureas
• Severe allergic reactions: Swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat, severe rash or itching, fainting or feeling dizzy, very rapid heartbeat
• Kidney problems: Changes in urination, swelling in feet or legs
• Severe digestive issues: Severe stomach pain, persistent vomiting, severe diarrhea
• Vision changes: Particularly in patients with diabetes

While rare, Mounjaro carries a boxed warning about the risk of thyroid C-cell tumors. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you notice a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath.

Here are strategies to help manage digestive side effects:

• Eat smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day
• Avoid fatty, spicy, or very rich foods
• Stay well-hydrated with water and clear liquids
• Eat slowly and chew food thoroughly
• Avoid lying down for at least 30 minutes after eating
• Consider ginger tea or peppermint tea for nausea
• Take your injection at bedtime if approved by your doctor

Mounjaro is contraindicated for:

• People with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
• Patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
• Individuals with a prior serious hypersensitivity reaction to tirzepatide or any of the product components
• Pregnant women or women planning to become pregnant

Mounjaro should be used with caution in patients with:

• History of pancreatitis
• Severe gastrointestinal disease, including severe gastroparesis
• Kidney problems or kidney failure
• Diabetic retinopathy

Pregnancy: Mounjaro should not be used during pregnancy. Based on animal studies, there may be risks to the developing fetus. If you become pregnant while taking Mounjaro, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Breastfeeding: It is not known if Mounjaro passes into breast milk. Due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in a breastfed infant, Mounjaro is not recommended during breastfeeding.

Women of childbearing age should use effective contraception while taking Mounjaro. Discuss family planning with your healthcare provider before starting treatment.

Important drug interactions to be aware of:

• Insulin and insulin secretagogues (like sulfonylureas): Increased risk of hypoglycemia. Dose adjustments may be necessary.
• Oral medications: Mounjaro slows gastric emptying, which may impact the absorption of oral medications. Take oral medications at least 1 hour before Mounjaro injection.
• Warfarin and other anticoagulants: Monitor INR more frequently when starting or stopping Mounjaro.

Clinical trials have shown significant weight loss results with Mounjaro:

In the SURMOUNT-1 clinical trial, participants taking Mounjaro experienced:

• 5 mg dose: Average weight loss of 15% of body weight after 72 weeks
• 10 mg dose: Average weight loss of 19.5% of body weight after 72 weeks
• 15 mg dose: Average weight loss of 20.9% of body weight after 72 weeks

Weight loss timeline with Mounjaro:

• First 4 weeks: Some patients begin to notice changes in appetite and eating habits
• 4-12 weeks: Initial weight loss becomes more noticeable
• 12-24 weeks: Continued steady weight loss as dose is adjusted
• 24-52 weeks: Further weight loss with potential plateau periods
• Beyond 52 weeks: Maintenance of weight loss with continued treatment

Patience is important. The most significant results typically occur after several months of consistent treatment. Your healthcare provider will monitor your progress and make adjustments as needed.

For optimal results with Mounjaro, consider these lifestyle modifications:

• Nutrition: Focus on balanced meals with adequate protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates. Reduce processed foods, added sugars, and excessive alcohol.
• Physical activity: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week, plus muscle-strengthening activities twice weekly.
• Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially since dehydration can worsen some side effects.
• Sleep: Prioritize 7-9 hours of quality sleep per night to support metabolic health.
• Stress management: Practice stress-reduction techniques like meditation, deep breathing, or yoga.