Mounjaro is an FDA-approved medication developed for management of type-2 diabetes. The drug was developed by Eli Lilly, one of the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies and released in June 2022. Eli Lilly, like Novo Nordisk, specializes in the development of drugs called GLP-1’s, which have been shown to work well in managing insulin levels in type-2 diabetics. Eli Lilly developed the drug Trulicity, based on a molecule called “dulaglutide.” They discovered that in overweight or obese diabetic patients, these drugs curbed appetites and led to remarkable weight loss properties. Mounjaro is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist that improves clinical outcomes beyond those achieved by GLP-1 agonists.
How does Mounjaro Work?
Mounjaro’s active ingredient is called tirzepatide. Semaglutide works by mimicking the effects of two hormone your body produces when you eat food, called incretin. Tirzepatide functions as an imbalanced agonist with the greater potency of GIP agonists to complement the greater binding ability of GLP-1s After you eat a big meal, your body releases incretin which signals the feeling of fullness and tells your brain to stop eating. In addition, it also helps to prevent the effects of insulin resistance which also contributes to a feeling of fullness and reduces cravings for sugary or unhealthy foods. Coupled with diet and exercise, Mounjaro has been shown to have remarkable weight loss properties.
How do I take Mounjaro?
Mounjaro is taken as a once-weekly injection. The drug is prepackaged into a pen with a needle. You simply place the pen on your stomach or thigh and press down. You do not need to measure the medicine or handle the needles yourself. Injection is relatively painless and the prepackaged pens make taking the medicine easy. You also only need to inject once a week, with no pills or other required medicines at other times.
How much weight do I lose on Mounjaro?
Mounjaro users with type 2 diabetes lost an average of ~17lbs with diet and exercise over a 40 week period based on Eli Lily’s prescribing information. Another clinical study have shown as much as ~23% weight-loss with once weekly 15mg Mounjaro injections.
Is Mounjaro FDA-Approved for Weight Loss?
No, Mounjaro is not FDA-approved for weight loss. Independent healthcare professionals have the discretion to prescribe a medication off-label if they believe it is an appropriate course of treatment for a particular patient. In this situation, your provider may choose to prescribe Mounjaro for weight-loss at their sole discretion.
Mounjaro Side Effects:
The majority of individuals who take Mounjaro® typically experience minimal side effects. Nevertheless, some side effects are considered normal and not considered to be a serious health risk. The most frequent side effects that occur with Mounjaro® are nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, stomach pain, headache, fatigue, upset stomach, dizziness, bloating, belching or gas, stomach flu, heartburn, and loss of appetite. If any of these side effects become bothersome or persistent, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare professional. Your medical team can provide guidance and supportive care for any concerns that arise. In the event of severe side effects, such as anaphylaxis or breathing difficulties, it is crucial to seek immediate medical attention.
Mounjaro Black-Box Warning:
WARNING: RISK OF THYROID C-CELL TUMORS. Tirzepatide causes thyroid C-cell tumors in rats. It is unknown whether MOUNJARO causes thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), in humans as the human relevance of tirzepatide-induced rodent thyroid C-cell tumors has not been determined. MOUNJARO is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of MTC or in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Counsel patients regarding the potential risk of MTC and symptoms of thyroid tumors.
