Mounjaro 

Mounjaro builds on the work of semaglutide, which is a medication that boosts levels of glucagon-like-peptide (GLP-1) in the body. Like semaglutide, it targets the GLP-1 receptor to boost GLP levels. But it also targets a second receptor, GIP (glucose dependent insulinotropic polypeptide). GIP is another hormone released into the digestive tract after we eat, and it appears to regulate weight through receptors in the brain and fat cells. More importantly, GLP-1 and GIP are synergistic and enhance each other’s effects. By combining the action of both hormone receptors, Mounjaro leads to more weight loss overall.

Mounjaro comes in single-use, pre-filled pens. Each pen is 1 dose. To use the pen, simply remove the cap, turn to unlock the pen, and press the pen firmly against the skin. Press the pen button until a click is heard. The medication will be delivered subcutaneously. A second click will be heard when the medication is fully delivered. Most patients inject the medication in the upper arm, belly, or thigh.

Once per week. Choose a day that is convenient for you, and set a reminder so that you don’t forget!

The starting dose is 2.5 mg, which is taken once weekly for a month. The dose can then be increased to 5 mg, also taken for a month. The dose can be further increased by 2.5 mg every month, up to a maximum dose of 15 mg. This process can take up to 20 weeks.

Mounjaro is considered a long-term medication. If you are tolerating it well, and it is helping you to lose weight, it is recommended to continue the medication.

The most common side effects of tirzepatide are gastrointestinal, similar to the side effects of semaglutide. They include nausea, diarrhea, and constipation. Mostly, these side effects are shown to be mild and transient, and occur during the dose-escalation period. In the SURMOUNT study, up to 7 percent of patients needed to stop their treatment due to side effects. Other rare side effects include pancreatitis and gallbladder disease, although the study showed that these were no more frequent with Mounjaro than with the placebo.

Your medical provider will review your medical history during your initial consultation, to determine if Mounjaro is the right medication for you. In some circumstances, it may not be recommended. For example, if you are using a different GLP-1 medication, you cannot combine it with Mounjaro. Also, patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer should not use Mounjaro. It is also contraindicated if you have a rare genetic syndrome known as multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN2).

Mounjaro is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer, which is a rare type of thyroid cancer. However, it is safe to use if you have a history of hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, or currently take thyroid medication.

While individual results will vary, the average weight loss in the Mounjaro clinical trials was approximately 21% of body weight.

Your Mounjaro program begins with a consultation with your Obesity Medicine trained provider, who will review your health history, weight loss goals, and ensure that you are a good candidate for the medication. You will next meet with your Registered Dietitian and Nutritionist, who will review your current eating habits and help you design a healthy, reduced calorie diet. You will continue to meet with your dietitian on a monthly basis, as your medication is adjusted and your weight loss is monitored.

The medication itself will need to be obtained with your prescription coverage. We will work with your insurance to make sure any necessary prior authorizations are taken care of. If you do not have medical insurance, or your plan does not cover Mounjaro, cash pay pricing is available.