How does Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) Work for Weight Loss: Side Effects, Cost

Overview:

Mounjaro is a medication utilized to manage type 2 diabetes. Mounjaro aids in regulating blood sugar levels and is given through injection. It should not be used by people with type 1 diabetes or those who have had pancreatitis. The safety and effectiveness of Mounjaro in children who are under 18 have not been established.

Mounjaro injection is similar to other injectible medications such as Ozempic and Wegovy, but it differs in some aspects. Even though the FDA has not yet approved Mounjaro for weight loss, clinical trials have shown promising results for weight reduction in individuals with elevated body mass indexes.

What is Mounjaro?

Mounjaro is a medication that is administered through injection and is prescribed to adults who have type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is used in conjunction with regular exercise and a balanced diet to help regulate and improve blood sugar levels. People, who have a history of pancreatitis or those who have type 1 diabetes, should not use Mounjaro. It is available in six doses, 2.5mg, 5mg, 7.5mg, 10mg, 12.5, and 15mg¹.

How Mounjaro is Different from Ozempic and Wegovy?

Mounjaro is a new medication for diabetes that is different from other popular drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. It works by activating two receptors at the same time: the GLP-1 receptor and the GIP receptor. This means it can help people lose weight better than drugs that only activate one receptor.

Mounjaro has not yet received FDA approval for weight loss, but it has shown promise in clinical trials for individuals without diabetes who have high body mass indexes (BMI). The FDA is fast-tracking its evaluation of Mounjaro due to these positive results.

How does Mounjaro Work?

Mounjaro is a new type of medication that works differently compared to drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. Instead of being a single-receptor agonist, Mounjaro activates two receptors simultaneously, which is why it's called a "dual-agonist"¹.

This unique approach has been shown to result in even greater weight loss for people using Mounjaro injections compared to those using single-agonist medications.

These receptors, called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), stimulate hormones that help control blood sugar levels and reduce appetite, leading to weight loss⁴.

While Wegovy and Ozempic activate only the GLP-1 receptor, Mounjaro activates both the GLP-1 and GIP receptors¹^,6.

Is it true that Mounjaro lowers A1C with type 2 Diabetes?

Mounjaro has helped many people achieve an A1C level of less than 7% in multiple studies. The studies evaluated the effectiveness of 5-mg, 10-mg, and 15-mg doses of Mounjaro with participants initially having A1C levels between 7.9% and 8.6%. These studies were conducted for 40 and 52 weeks and showed consistent results across all doses of Mounjaro.

Does Mounjaro Good for Heart Health and Glycemic Control?

Clinical trials showed that Mounjaro is a good option for reducing weight, better glycemic index, and improving the cardiovascular system.

Eli Lilly is working on developing tirzepatide to treat various conditions such as type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), obesity, cardiovascular disorders in T2DM, heart failure, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, obstructive sleep apnea, and to help reduce mortality and morbidity in obesity⁶

Understanding Mounjaro Weight Loss:

Mounjaro Weight Loss is a comprehensive approach that emphasizes the use of natural methods to achieve weight loss. It focuses on maintaining a balanced diet, a regular exercise routine, and a positive outlook to promote sustainable weight loss and overall well-being.

How much Weight should I Expect with Mounjaro?

Mounjaro is a medicine that doctors prescribe to help people who want to lose weight. It does this by making you feel less hungry and by stopping your body from absorbing some of the fat and carbohydrates you eat. This means you'll eat fewer calories. Research has shown that Mounjaro can help people lose up to 8% of their body weight in just 12 weeks.

Mounjaro Weight Loss Side Effects:

What are the Common Side Effects of Mounjaro Weight Loss?

The common side effects of Mounjaro include

Diarrhea
Nausea²
Decrease appetite
Indigestion⁵
Abdominal pain²

What are the Severe Side Effects of Mounjaro?

Mounjaro may cause severe side effects and may lead to serious health problems. Keep reading to explore more facts about Mounjaro. You may experience the following severe side effects including:

1. Low blood sugar (Hypoglycemia):

Using Manjaro with sulfonylureas or insulin may increase the risk of low blood sugar. Signs of hypoglycemia include

Dizziness
Sweating
Confusion
Headache
Blurred vision
Shakiness
Fast heartbeat
Anxiety
Hunger
Weakness
Mood changes

2. Pancreatitis (Inflammation of the pancreas):

You may experience pain from your stomach that radiates to your back after using Mounjaro. Stop taking this medication immediately and contact your healthcare provider, as this may indicate a problem with your pancreas.

3. Kidney problems:

For individuals with kidney problems, experiencing diarrhea

Nausea
Vomiting

These signs may lead to fluid loss (dehydration), which can worsen kidney problems. It is crucial to drink fluids to minimize the risk of dehydration.

4. Serious Stomach Problems:

For individuals with kidney problems, experiencing diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting can lead to fluid loss (dehydration), which can worsen kidney problems⁵. It is crucial to drink fluids to minimize the risk of dehydration.

5. Gallbladder Problems:

In certain cases, individuals using Mounjaro have experienced gallbladder problems⁵. If you notice symptoms such as

Upper stomach pain
Fever
Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
Clay-colored stools

It is important to inform your healthcare provider immediately.

6. Severe Allergic Reactions:

If you experience any signs of a severe allergic reaction while using Mounjaro, such as

Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat,
Difficulty breathing or swallowing
Severe rash or itching
Fainting or dizziness
Very rapid heartbeat

Stop using the medication immediately and seek medical assistance.

7. Changes in Vision:

Immediately consult with your healthcare provider if you have vision changes while using Mounjaro for weight loss.

Talk to your healthcare provider immediately if you experience one or more side effects while using Mounjaro⁵.

You can also report these side effects at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What should I Consider before Using Mounjaro for Weight Loss:

Before using Mounjaro for the first time, your healthcare provider must demonstrate how to use it.

Discuss with your healthcare provider about the possibility of low blood sugar and ways to manage it.
If you are taking birth control pills orally, it is important to consult your healthcare provider before using Mounjaro. The effectiveness of birth control pills may be reduced while using Mounjaro.
Your healthcare provider may suggest an alternative birth control method for four weeks after starting Mounjaro and after each increase in dosage.

Warnings:

It is important to be aware that using Mounjaro may increase the risk of developing tumors in the thyroid, including thyroid cancer. Therefore, it is essential to watch out for any possible symptoms such as a lump or swelling in the neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. If you experience any of these symptoms, please inform your healthcare provider immediately.

It is crucial to note that Mounjaro should not be used if you or any of your family members have a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), a type of thyroid cancer. Also, it should not be taken by individuals with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) or those who are allergic to Mounjaro or any of its ingredients.

What Your Healthcare Provider will be asked before Prescribing Mounjaro:

Do you have a history of diabetic retinopathy?
Do you take any other prescription medicines or over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, or herbal supplements?
Do you have other medical conditions, including problems with your pancreas or kidneys, severe problems with your stomach, such as slowed emptying of your stomach (gastroparesis), or problems digesting food?
Are you pregnant, plan to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or plan to breastfeed? It is not known if Mounjaro will harm your unborn baby or pass into your breast milk.
Do you take other diabetes medicines, such as insulin or sulfonylureas?

What instructions will your healthcare provider give you?

It is essential to read the Instructions for Use carefully that come with Mounjaro.
You should use Mounjaro precisely as advised by your healthcare provider. Mounjaro is injected under the skin (subcutaneously) of your stomach (abdomen), thigh, or upper arm.
You need to use Mounjaro once a week, at any time of the day. Also, it is crucial to avoid mixing insulin and Mounjaro in the same injection.
You can inject Mounjaro and insulin in the same body area, such as your stomach area, but not right next to each other.
Change (rotate) your injection site with each weekly injection. Do not use the same site for each injection.

If you take too much Mounjaro, call your healthcare provider or seek medical advice promptly.

For Further Information:

Mounjaro is a prescription medicine. For more information, call

1-833-807-

MJRO (833-807-6576) or go to www.mounjaro.com.

Mounjaro Weight Loss by Week:

Embarking on the Mounjaro weight loss program is an exciting step towards achieving your weight loss goals. Let's take a closer look at what you can expect during each week of the program as you progress towards a healthier and happier you.

Week 1: Getting Started:

This week is about setting a solid foundation by adopting a balanced diet, incorporating regular exercise, and cultivating a positive mindset.

Week 2-4: Building Momentum:

Gradually increase your exercise routine and experiment with healthy recipes.

Week 5-8: Steady Progress:

Reassess goals, celebrate achievements, and incorporate more variety in exercise routine.

Week 9-12: Sustaining Results:

Reinforce habits and ensure long-term success.

Beyond Week 12: Lifestyle Transformation:

Establish healthy habits to support weight loss and overall well-being.

Throughout your Mounjaro weight loss journey, it's important to be patient, and kind to yourself, and celebrate every milestone. Remember that everyone's journey is unique, and progress may vary. Stay focused, stay motivated, and embrace the positive changes that come with each passing week.

Mounjaro Weight Loss Price:

How much does Mounjaro Cost?

If you don't have insurance, Mounjaro (tirzepatide) can cost around $1,000 to $1,200 or even more for each refill, on average. However, most insurance plans cover the cost of this medication when it is prescribed to treat Type 2 diabetes.

Summary:

Mounjaro is a medication used for managing type 2 diabetes by controlling blood sugar levels. It is given through injections and should not be used by individuals with type 1 diabetes or a history of pancreatitis. Mounjaro works differently from other injectable medications and may cause common side effects like diarrhea, nausea, decreased appetite, and abdominal pain. Severe side effects may include swelling, difficulty breathing or swallowing, rash, fainting, and rapid heartbeat. Before using Mounjaro, consult a healthcare provider for proper instructions and to discuss the possibility of low blood sugar. It is important to be aware of potential risks, such as an increased risk of thyroid tumors. Follow the provided instructions for usage and contact the Mounjaro helpline or visit their website for more information. The Mounjaro weight loss program is a personal journey with specific goals for each week, and it is important to be patient, kind to oneself, and celebrate milestones along the way, as everyone's journey is unique.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q. Can I get Mounjaro without diabetes?

A. In some cases, doctors may prescribe Mounjaro off-label to people with obesity, as it may help with weight loss.

Q. Is taking Mounjaro safe?

A. Mounjaro is currently FDA-approved for long-term use in patients with diabetes, meaning it has shown to be safe for long-term use,” said Velazquez. But, like all medications, even though Mounjaro is considered safe it does come with possible side effects and increased risks of certain medical conditions.

Q. Which is better Ozempic or Mounjaro?

A. Clinical trials proved that Mounjao is more effective for weight loss and blood sugar than Ozempic and Wegovy.

Q. What happens when you stop taking Mounjaro?

A. It is likely that once you stop taking Mounjaro, your appetite will return to your usual. Like with semaglutide, you might regain some weight as a consequence. To avoid weight regain, you can work with a healthcare professional like a general practitioner or registered dietitian.

Q. Will I gain weight after stopping Mounjaro?

A. Unfortunately, it can be a lot easier to put weight back on than lose it in the first place. Stopping Mounjaro means there's a risk for you to regain the pounds you lost on it. This is why it's crucial to couple diabetes treatments with healthy habits like a low-calorie, nutrient-rich diet and regular exercise.

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