What is Mounjaro®?
Mounjaro is a brand-name medication containing Tirzepatide, a new injectable treatment developed by Eli Lilly. It is a dual GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved it in May 2022. Mounjaro is used to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. It can also be prescribed for its potential to promote weight loss as an off-label use; it shows promising results in clinical trials for weight management.
Benefits of Mounjaro®?
Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) is a prescription medication that is primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes. Although it is not FDA-approved for weight management, clinicians prescribe it for its off-label use. Clinical trials funded by its manufacturer Eli Lilly have shown a positive result in the weight management of the participants. In a 40-week clinical trial, participants who took Tirzepatide 5.0 mg lost 7.0 kg of body weight, participants who took Tirzepatide 10 mg lost 7.8 kg of body weight, and participants who took Tirzepatide 15 mg lost 9.5 kg of body weight. You can observe a trend that, as the dose of Tirzepatide increases, the weight reduction increases.
Other than controlling blood sugar levels, benefits of Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) include improving cardiovascular health and other health markers like blood pressure and cholesterol levels, and weight management. Overall, Tirzepatide provides a holistic approach to managing weight and metabolic health, offering promising benefits to individuals with obesity, type 2 diabetes, or without diabetes.
How does Mounjaro® work?
Mounjaro contains the medication Tirzepatide, a dual-action medication that targets both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. GLP-1 and GIP hormones are naturally occurring in our gut and play key roles in insulin regulation and appetite control. By activating these receptors, Tirzepatide helps to:
Increase Insulin Secretion: Mounjaro stimulates the pancreas to release insulin when blood glucose levels are high, helping to lower glucose in the bloodstream.
Reduce Glucagon Secretion: This action prevents the liver from producing too much glucose, further aiding blood sugar control.
Slow Gastric Emptying: By slowing down digestion, Mounjaro helps extend feelings of fullness, which may assist with appetite control and weight management.
Enhance Insulin Sensitivity: Tirzepatide may also help cells become more responsive to insulin, which can benefit individuals with insulin resistance.
Mounjaro may not work for everyone, and it is important to consult with your healthcare provider to assess which medication is best suited for you. Aayu Well Healthcare ensures thorough assessment and evaluation to build a plan tailored to your needs
How to use it
Mounjaro is administered as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection once a week. The injection can be given in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm on the same day each week as the preferred timing. You should rotate the injection site to avoid skin irritation or infection. It’s important to follow specific injection instructions provided by a qualified healthcare provider. For the best results, patients are advised to combine Mounjaro with lifestyle changes like a balanced diet and regular exercise. Store in the refrigerator at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). Do not freeze. It can be kept at room temperature, up to 86°F (30°C), for up to 21 days.
Dosing
- Mounjaro typically starts with a low starting dose to minimize potential side effects, and the provider may increase the dose gradually based on individual tolerance and treatment goals.
- Starting Dose: 2.5 mg once weekly for the first four weeks
- Increasing Dose: After four weeks, the dose may increase to 5 mg once weekly.
- For individuals who tolerate the medication well and may need additional support in managing blood glucose, the dose may be increased to 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, or a maximum of 15 mg weekly, depending on the healthcare provider’s recommendations.
Side effects
- Although Mounjaro is well tolerated, you may still experience some side effects. The common side effects were mainly gastrointestinal events such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, and abdominal discomfort. It is typically experienced when starting the treatment but may subside as you get used to the medication
- However, some individuals may experience more serious side effects, such as:
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas): severe abdominal pain that doesn’t go away could be a sign of pancreatitis.
- Gallbladder issues: Sudden pain in the upper abdomen or back could indicate gallstones or gallbladder inflammation.
- Kidney problems: Dehydration caused by vomiting or diarrhea can lead to kidney issues.
- Gastroparesis (stomach paralysis): Symptoms such as persistent bloating, acid reflux, and vomiting undigested food may signal delayed stomach emptying (gastroparesis).
- If you experience any of these more severe symptoms, contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Black Box Warning
- Mounjaro carries an FDA-mandated black box warning regarding the risk of thyroid C-cell tumors observed in animal studies. While the significance of this finding to humans has not been confirmed, it is important to inform your healthcare provider if you notice signs that may be a potential thyroid tumor, including a lump in the neck, difficulty swallowing, hoarseness, or shortness of breath.
- As a precaution, the FDA warns patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) should avoid using Mounjaro (Tirzepatide).
Precautions
- Before you start taking Mounjaro, inform your healthcare provider if you have a history of pancreatitis, a history of thyroid cancer, kidney disease, liver problems, or gastrointestinal issues.
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, do not take Liraglutide because it is not known if it will harm your unborn baby or pass into your breast milk.
- Mounjaro should not be used by insulin-dependent diabetics (type 1 diabetes). When Mounjaro (Tirzepeatide) is taken with insulin, when the insulin dose is reduced too quickly, it can lead to high blood sugar (hyperglycemia), which increases the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis.
Interactions
- Mounjaro can interact with other medications, so it’s essential to inform your healthcare provider of all current treatments (medications, food supplements, and herbal products):
- Diabetes Medications: Taking Mounjaro with insulin or insulin-stimulating drugs (e.g., sulfonylureas) can increase the risk of hypoglycemia; dose adjustment may be necessary.
- Oral medications: Due to slowed gastric emptying, Mounjaro may affect the absorption of other oral medications. Timing adjustments might be recommended to prevent altered absorption.
- Other GLP-1 Agonists: Combining Mounjaro with other GLP-1 receptor agonists (Semaglutide, Liraglutide, or Dulaglutide) is generally not advised due to similar mechanisms of action and an increased risk of side effects.
