Mounjaro KwikPen

What is Mounjaro?

Mounjaro is a once-weekly injectable medication that contains tirzepatide, a dual GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist. Initially used for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults, it has now been licensed for weight loss and weight management for adults aged 18 and over.

In clinical trials, tirzepatide demonstrated significant results in reducing body weight, as it works by slowing gastric emptying, promoting a feeling of fullness, and reducing appetite. This makes it a promising option for those with obesity or individuals who require medical assistance to achieve and maintain a healthy weight.

How does Mounjaro Work?

Mounjaro works by mimicking the effects of two naturally occurring hormones in the body, GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide). These hormones play essential roles in regulating appetite, metabolism, and blood sugar, making Mounjaro particularly effective for both blood sugar control and weight management. Here’s a closer look at how it works:

1. Activation of GLP-1 Receptors

Mounjaro stimulates the GLP-1 receptors in the body, which triggers several effects that help with weight loss and blood sugar management. By activating these receptors, Mounjaro:

Reduces appetite, helping users feel less inclined to overeat.
Slows down digestion, which prolongs the feeling of fullness after meals. This delay in gastric emptying helps prevent sharp spikes in blood sugar, providing a smoother release of glucose into the bloodstream.

2. Activation of GIP Receptors

In addition to its GLP-1 effects, Mounjaro activates the GIP receptors. The activation of these receptors works synergistically with GLP-1 to enhance the medication’s impact on appetite and metabolism, as well as improve insulin sensitivity. Specifically, GIP activation:

Further enhances the feeling of satiety, helping users feel fuller for longer periods.
May improve the body’s response to insulin, leading to more efficient glucose metabolism.

When combined with a reduced-calorie diet and regular physical activity, Mounjaro can lead to meaningful weight loss and contribute to better overall metabolic health.

Directions

Mounjaro is injected once a week, at any time of day, with or without meals. Your prescriber will guide you through a carefully structured dosing schedule known as “titration” to help your body adjust to the medication and minimise side effects.

The Standard Titration Schedule:

• Month 1 (Starting Dose): 2.5 mg once weekly for 4 weeks.

• Month 2: 5 mg once weekly for 4 weeks.

• Month 3 & Beyond: Depending on your progress and how well you tolerate the medication, your clinician may keep you on 5 mg as a maintenance dose or gradually increase your dose to 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, or the maximum of 15 mg. Never increase your dose without the express recommendation of your prescriber.

How to Inject:

1. Preparation: Wash your hands. Check the pen to ensure the liquid is clear and colourless to slightly yellow.

2. Attach the Needle: Swab the seal, push a new needle straight onto the pen, and twist clockwise until tight.

3. Prime the Pen: Prime your pen before the very first dose of a new pen by turning the dial to the prime symbol and pushing the button until a small amount of liquid appears.

4. Select the Site: Inject into the subcutaneous fat of your abdomen (keeping 5cm away from the navel) or the front of your thighs. If someone else is injecting you, the back of the upper arm can also be used. Rotate your injection sites weekly.

5. Inject: Turn the dose knob until it stops at your prescribed dose. Insert the needle at a 90-degree angle, press the button, and hold for 5 seconds until the window shows ‘0’.

Side Effects

Like all medicines, Mounjaro can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Most side effects are mild to moderate and tend to diminish over time as your body adjusts.

Very Common Side Effects (may affect more than 1 in 10 people):

• Nausea (feeling sick)

• Diarrhoea

• Vomiting (being sick)

• Constipation

Common Side Effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):

• Indigestion or heartburn

• Abdominal pain or bloating

• Fatigue (feeling unusually tired)

• Injection site reactions (redness, itching, or bruising)

If you experience severe abdominal pain that will not go away (with or without vomiting), seek immediate medical attention, as this could be a sign of acute pancreatitis.

Important Warnings & Precautions

Before using Mounjaro, you must declare your full medical history during your online consultation. Mounjaro is not suitable for everyone.

• Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: Mounjaro must not be used during pregnancy or whilst breastfeeding. Women of childbearing age should use reliable contraception.

• Type 1 Diabetes: Mounjaro is not a treatment for Type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.

• Other Medications: Inform us if you are taking sulfonylureas or insulin, as combining these with Mounjaro increases the risk of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar), and your doses may need adjusting. Mounjaro must not be used with DPP-4 inhibitors.

• Gastrointestinal Disease: Use with caution if you have a history of severe gastroparesis or inflammatory bowel disease.

• Pancreatitis: Inform your prescriber if you have ever had pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).

Ingredients

• Active Ingredient: Tirzepatide (available in 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, or 15 mg per dose).

• Other Excipients: Sodium chloride, dibasic sodium phosphate heptahydrate, and water for injections. (Hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide may be added to adjust pH).

Storage Instructions

Proper storage is essential to ensure the medication remains effective and safe to use.

• Unused Pens: Store in a refrigerator (between 2°C and 8°C). Do not freeze. If the medication freezes, it must be safely discarded.

• In-Use Pens: Once you start using a pen, you can store it at room temperature (below 30°C) for up to 30 days. Keep the pen cap on when not in use to protect it from light.

• Always store medicines out of the sight and reach of children.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does one Mounjaro KwikPen last?

Each KwikPen contains four pre-measured doses. Since you inject once a week, one pen will last you exactly four weeks (one month).

What happens if I miss a dose?

If you forget to take your injection and it has been 4 days or less since your scheduled day, take the missed dose as soon as possible, and take your next dose on your regular day. If it has been more than 4 days, skip the missed dose and resume your schedule on your next normal injection day. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

Do I need a prescription to buy Mounjaro?

Yes. Mounjaro is a Prescription Only Medicine (POM) in the UK. You will need to complete a secure online medical consultation, which will be carefully reviewed by one of our UK-registered prescribers to ensure you meet the eligibility criteria.

How quickly does Mounjaro work for weight loss?

While the medication begins working in your body shortly after the first injection, meaningful weight loss typically starts once you reach the 5 mg therapeutic dose. Consistency with your injections, alongside diet and exercise, is key to seeing the best results.