Mounjaro
Mounjaro (tirzepatide), Uses, Side effects, Warning, Precautions, & Does it work batter for weight loss then Ozempic and Wegovy Medication?
What is Mounjaro?
Mounjaro has become a widely discussed medication, primarily known for its role in managing type 2 diabetes. However, its significant impact on weight loss has also captured public attention. This once-weekly injection is changing how we approach treatment for these conditions. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is used to help lower blood sugar level and treat for the type 2 diabetes. Tirzepatide also causes weight loss. It is a weekly injection that is used along with diet changes and exercise. The FDA approved it on May 13, 2020. There is no generic version of Mounjaro. There are 2 different brands of tirzepatide (Mounjaro and Zepbound) made by Eli Lilly Company, But they are FDA approved for various conditions.
Mounjaro: Explicitly approved for the management of type 2 diabetes in adults
Zepbound: Approved for weight loss in adults
In the body, Mounjaro works like hormones called glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose dependent insulin tropic polypeptide (GIP). These hormones play an important roles in blood sugar control, appetite, and digestion, and Ozempic and Wegovy, in comparison, only mimic GLP-1. GLP-1 helps lower blood sugar levels and makes you feel full faster and longer after eating. GIP increases your body’s insulin release, which is needed to convert the sugar in your blood into energy and prevent it from building up in your bloodstream.
It’s an injectable prescription medicine designed to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes, used alongside diet and exercise. One of the most talked-about effects of Mounjaro is its ability to promote significant weight loss.
It works by mimicking two natural gut hormones:
- Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1): This hormone helps lower blood sugar, reduces appetite, and makes you feel full longer.
- Glucose-dependent inslinotropic polypeptide (GIP): This hormone stimulates the release of insulin after you eat and also contributes to feelings of fullness.
By activating both of these receptors, Mounjaro offers a dual-action approach. This unique mechanism helps the body regulate blood sugar more effectively and reduces food intake, leading to weight loss. Have you ever wondered how hormones can influence appetite so strongly?
Usage
How does mounjaro work (action and mechanism)
It is a medicine that is injected subcutaneously once a week, but there is some flexibility. If you use Mounjaro on the same day of the week, you should leave at least three days or 72 hours between doses if you need to change it. You do not need to use it at the same time of the week.
You will inject the Mounjaro into your upper arm. To avoid using the same place over and over again, change the place where you inject Mounjaro weekly. This reduces pain and irritation where you get the shot. It helps your body absorb Mounjaro completely. It also helps your body lower your blood sugar level. The pre filled injection device or pen comes in a single use vial before use. The bottle must be used with a syringe and needle. If the liquid is left in the pen or glass after giving the dose, throw it away. Never use it again.
Mounjaro Dosage
Usual adult dose for type 2 diabetes:
- Starting Dose: The typical starting dose is 2.5 mg injected once a week for four weeks. This initial dose is not intended for blood sugar control but to acclimate your body.
- Increasing the Dose: After four weeks, your doctor will likely increase your dose to 5 mg once weekly.
- Further Adjustments: If more blood sugar control or weight loss is needed, the dose may be increased in 2.5 mg increments every four weeks, up to a maximum of 15 mg once a week.
If additional glycemic control is needed, increase by 5 mg to 7.5 mg for four weeks and then increase by 2.5 mg at the current dose for at least four weeks.
Note. The 2.5 mg dose is for starting and is not intended for glycemic control at all. If necessary, the week and day of administration may be changed as long as there is an interval of at least 3 or (72 hours) between two doses.
How should I store Mounjaro?
It can be stored in the original packaging (protected from sunlight) in the refrigerator between (36F to 46F) (2C to 8C). It can be exposed to conditions up to 86 F (30C) for no more than 21 day
Side Effects
The Most Common Side effects are:
Like any medication, Mounjaro comes with potential side effects. Most are mild to moderate and tend to decrease as your body adjusts to the medicine. The most common side effects are gastrointestinal and include:
These common gastrointestinal side effects usually affect more than 5% of patients, typically getting better within weeks, and are more common at higher doses. People are more likely to stop Mounjaro due to gastrointestinal side effects if they are taking higher doses of Mounjaro for example, the 5mg dose has a 3.0% risk of stopping treatment versus a 6.6% risk for the 15mg dose.
These issues often occur when starting the medication or increasing the dose. Eating smaller, blander meals and avoiding greasy foods can help manage these symptoms.
Here are some ways to prevent or lessen heartburn:
Serious Side Effects of Mounjaro
Although less common, the most serious side effects of are described below:
Severe allergic reaction:
Thyroid Tumors
Mounjaro can also cause you to develop parathyroid tumors, and some of these tumors can be cancerous. If you notice any symptoms of a parathyroid tumor, tell your healthcare provider immediately.
FDA Black Box Warning: In animal studies, tirzepatide caused thyroid C-cell tumors. It is unknown if Mounjaro causes such tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), in humans. Because of this risk, you should not use Mounjaro if you or a family member has a history of MTC or an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)
Kidney Damage
Vision Changes (Diabetic Retinopathy)
Warning and Precautions
You should never use Mounjaro if you are allergic to these products.
Possible thyroid tumors, including cancer - In clinical trials with mice, Mounjaro and drugs that act like Mounjaro have been shown to cause thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer. It is not uncommon for Mounjaro to originate thyroid tumors or else a kind of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in the population. If you have a lump in your neck, swelling, or a lump in your throat that is hard to swallow, or if you have shortness of breath, tell your healthcare provider. These could be signs of thyroid cancer.
Do not use Mounjaro if you or anyone in your family has ever had a type of thyroid cancer called (MTC), and in case you have a case of the endocrine system called (MEN 2). Keeping all these things in mind, do not use Mounjaro. If there are these problems in your family, then do not use it. If you do, you can cause cancer, which can even lead to death.
Pregnancy
Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or, as a choice, plan to become pregnant while taking this medicine. It is not known whether this medicine will harm your unborn baby. This medicine can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor about other birth control options, such as injections, vaginal rings, cervical caps, implants, condoms, implants, diaphragms, or contraceptive sponges. If you take birth control pills, you may need to use an additional form of birth control for four weeks after starting this medicine, and you may need to increase your dose for four weeks each time.
Breastfeeding
Also, tell your healthcare provider if you are breast feeding or plan to breastfeed while using this medicine. It is not known whether Tirazeptin passes into your breast milk. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about the best way to breastfeed your baby while using this medicine.
What should you do if you miss a dose of Mounjaro?
If you miss a dose of Mounjaro and you remember it within four days (96 hours), take Mounjaro as soon as you remember. If it has been more than four days (96 hours) since you last used it, skip the missed dose of Mounjaro and take it at your next scheduled dose. You should not take two doses of Mounjaro within 3-days (72 hours) of each other. If you do, you will lose the benefit of the medicine.
Aiding in Significant Weight Loss
Clinical trials have shown impressive results for weight loss. Participants taking tirzepatide experienced substantial reductions in body weight, often comparable to what might be seen with bariatric surgery. For instance, studies have shown that people on the highest dose can lose up to 21% of their body weight. This makes it a powerful tool for individuals struggling with obesity.
Mounjaro vs. Other Medications like Ozempic
You may have heard of other drugs like Ozempic or Wegovy, which are also GLP-1 agonists. So, what's the difference?
The main distinction lies in their mechanism. Ozempic (semaglutide) only mimics the GLP-1 hormone. In contrast, Mounjaro is a dual-agonist, targeting both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. This dual action is believed to be the reason for its enhanced effectiveness in both blood sugar control and weight loss compared to single-agonist medications.
Clinical studies comparing tirzepatide and Semaglutide have shown that patients on tirzepatide often achieve greater reductions in A1C and lose more weight.
Who Should Not Take Mounjaro?
This medication is not suitable for everyone. You should avoid Mounjaro if you have:
- A personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC).
- Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
- A known allergy to tirzepatide or any other ingredients in Mounjaro.
- A history of pancreatitis.
It is also not approved for use in people with type 1 diabetes or for children under 18. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss the risks with your doctor. Mounjaro can also make birth control pills less effective, so you may need to consider other contraceptive methods.
The Cost of Mounjaro and Insurance Coverage
The cost of prescription drugs can be a major factor for many people. The price of Mounjaro varies depending on your insurance plan and pharmacy. Without insurance, the medication can be expensive.
Some patients may be eligible for savings cards or patient assistance programs offered by the manufacturer, Eli Lilly. It's best to check with your insurance provider to understand your coverage for this weight loss drug and what your out-of-pocket costs might be.
Conclusion
Mounjaro represents a significant advancement in the treatment of type 2 diabetes and offers a promising option for weight management. Its unique dual-action mechanism targeting both GLP-1 and GIP receptors sets it apart, providing powerful benefits for blood sugar control and weight loss.
While the results can be transformative, it's essential to be aware of the potential side effects, from common digestive issues to more serious warnings. A gradual dose increase can help manage initial discomfort. As with any prescription medication, the decision to use Mounjaro should be made in close consultation with a healthcare provider who can evaluate your individual health profile and determine if it's the right choice for you.