WHAT IS MOUNJARO
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a prescription medicine indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus . It is important to follow the prescribed dosage and administration instructions to achieve maximum efficacy and minimize the risk of adverse events. In this article, we will provide a comprehensive guide on how to start Mounjaro for effective glycemic control.
If you’re looking to lose weight and have Type 2 Diabetes, you may have heard of Mounjaro™ (tirzepatide). It is an FDA-approved injectable prescription medicine that is used along with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar (glucose) in adults with Type 2 Diabetes . However, recent studies have shown that Mounjaro may also have significant weight loss benefits. In the SURMUNT-1 trial, Mounjaro was found to lead to significant weight loss, with the average weight reduction ranging from 16% to 22.5% of body weight, depending on the dosage used .
In fact, Mounjaro is currently under review by the FDA for approval as a weight loss medication after being granted a fast-tracked designation for weight loss in October 2022 . While it’s not yet officially approved for weight loss, many doctors are prescribing it “off-label” for this purpose.
Initiating Mounjaro Therapy
The recommended starting dose of Mounjaro is 2.5 mg once weekly . This dose should be maintained for a period of four weeks to evaluate the patient’s response to the medication. If additional glycemic control is needed, the dose can be increased to 5 mg once weekly after the initial four weeks on the 2.5-mg dose.
Titration of Mounjaro Therapy
If additional glycemic control is still needed, the dose of Mounjaro can be further increased by 2.5-mg increments after at least four weeks on the current dose. The maximum dose of Mounjaro is 15 mg once weekly . It is important to assess the patient’s glycemic response and tolerability before increasing the dose of Mounjaro.
Limitations of Use
Mounjaro has not been studied in patients with a history of pancreatitis and is not indicated for use in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus . It is important to screen patients for these conditions before initiating Mounjaro therapy.
What is Semaglutide?
As mentioned earlier, semaglutide is a GLP1 receptor agonist that helps lower blood glucose levels by stimulating the release of insulin. It is administered through a weekly injection of either 1.0 mg or 2.4 mg.
Semaglutide is primarily used to treat type 2 diabetes and has shown promising results in weight management. Studies have shown a drop in mean body weight of 14.9% at 68 weeks However, it is important to note that semaglutide is not a miracle drug and should be used in conjunction with lifestyle changes, such as a healthy diet and exercise.
The Risks Associated with Compounded Semaglutide
Compounded semaglutide is the same medication as Wegovy®, but it is produced by compounding pharmacies instead of the manufacturer, Novo Nordisk. While compounded semaglutide is not illegal, it does come with its risks.
Firstly, compounded medications are not subject to the same regulations and testing as approved medications. This means that the safety and efficacy of compounded semaglutide cannot be guaranteed.
Secondly, compounded semaglutide may not be as potent or pure as Wegovy®. This can lead to issues with dosing and potentially negative side effects.
The Side Effects of Semaglutide
As with any medication, semaglutide comes with its share of potential side effects. Some of the most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These side effects typically go away within a few days to a few weeks.
More serious side effects can include pancreatitis, kidney damage, and thyroid tumors. It is important to speak with your doctor about the potential risks and benefits of semaglutide before starting the medication. semaglutide is a medication that has shown promising results in treating type 2 diabetes and weight loss.
Reporting Adverse Events or Product Complaints
In case of an adverse event or product complaint related to Mounjaro therapy, healthcare providers can report it by calling 1-800-LILLYRX (1-800-545-5979).
Conclusion
Starting and titrating Mounjaro therapy according to the recommended dosage and administration instructions can help achieve effective glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus. It is important to screen patients for a history of pancreatitis or type 1 diabetes mellitus and to report any adverse events or product complaints related to Mounjaro therapy.
