Are you looking for a new way to manage your type 2 diabetes and lower your A1C levels?
If so, you might want to check out Mounjaro, a once-weekly injection that can help you achieve better blood sugar control.
In this article, I’ll tell you everything you need to know about Tirzepatide, including:
- What is Mounjaro and how does it work?
- What are the benefits of Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes?
- What are the possible side effects of Mounjaro and how to avoid them?
- How to use Mounjaro safely and effectively?
So, let’s dive right in…
What is Mounjaro?
Mounjaro is a brand name for tirzepatide, a new kind of diabetic treatment that belongs to the class of medications known as dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists.
It also means that it works by boosting two hormones in your body that help control your blood sugar levels: glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1).
When you ingest food, your gut naturally produces GIP and GLP-1.
A number of metabolic changes occur when you consume them, including-
- An increase in insulin release.
- Your cells receive and use glucose from your circulation through the actions of insulin, a hormone that is found in your body.
- Reducing your liver’s glucose production.
- Hyperactive liver enzymes produce glucose when blood sugar levels are low, resulting in high blood sugar levels.
- The rate at which food leaves your stomach is increasing as a result.
- By doing this, you will be able to feel fuller for longer and consume fewer calories as well.
Tirzepatide mimics the actions of GIP and GLP-1, helping lower blood sugar after meals and throughout the day.
By reducing your appetite and calorie intake, it can help you lose weight.
Does it work better for weight loss than Ozempic and Wegovy?
Wegovy, Ozempic, and Mounjaro are all injectable drugs classified as incretin mimics.
These drugs mimic the effects of natural hormones in the body to regulate blood sugar and appetite.
In addition to treating type 2 diabetes, they also affect weight loss.
- A person taking Mounjaro can also take sulfonylureas, SGLT2 inhibitors, or metformin with it.
- The drug has shown promise in clinical trials even though it is not currently approved for weight loss.
- According to one study, taking Mounjaro for 72 weeks resulted in an average body weight loss of 15% to 21%.
- The drug Ozempic and the drug Wegovy both contain semaglutide, which activates GLP-1 receptors.
- Each of them has a different indication and dosage.
- When combined with lifestyle changes, both drugs can help with weight loss.
- While Ozempic produces greater weight loss, Wegovy has higher doses.
- Ozempic is not approved for weight loss in people without type 2 diabetes.
- Although Ozempic comes in an oral form, injections are more effective in weight loss.
We don’t have a head-to-head comparison to determine which is better for weight loss.
It is unclear which medicine works best for weight loss.
Based on the evidence, Mounjaro and Wegovy appear to be more weight loss effective than Ozempic.
It’s more expensive, and insurance might not cover it.
Talk to your doctor about the benefits and risks before choosing a prescription based on your medical history.
Will Mounjaro be approved for weight loss in 2023?
It’s not clear whether Tirzepatide will be approved for weight loss in 2023, as the FDA has not announced a decision date yet.
However, based on the available information, it seems likely that Mounjaro will receive the approval, as it has shown promising results in clinical trials and has received a fast-track designation from the FDA.
- Eli Lilly the pharmaceutical company plans to finalize its submission with the FDA for a fast-track approval to sell Mounjaro to help overweight or obese people without diabetes manage their weight.
- As of the end of the year, the company anticipates that it will receive an FDA decision on the application.
- However, this is not a guarantee, as the FDA may request more data or have questions about the safety or efficacy of Mounjaro.
- Other factors may also affect the approval process, such as supply shortages, manufacturing issues, or changes in regulations.
We don't know exactly when Mounjaro will be approved for weight loss, but it seems likely that it will happen in 2023.
Who Invented Mounjaro?
Mounjaro was invented by scientists from Eli Lilly, a pharmaceutical company based in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Research into GIP and GLP-1 effects on insulin secretion and metabolism led to the development of the drug.
The scientists designed Tirzepatide as a single molecule that can bind to both GIP and GLP-1 receptors, making it more potent and long-lasting than other drugs in the same class, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, which only target GLP-1 receptors.
Mounjaro was approved by the FDA in May 2022 for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Adults with weight-related health issues are currently undergoing Phase 3 clinical trials.
Cost of Mounjaro
The cost can vary depending on several factors, such as your insurance coverage, the pharmacy you use, the dosage you need, and whether you qualify for any savings programs or discounts.
According to some online sources, the average cost of Mounjaro without insurance is around $975 to $1,087 for a 4-week supply of the drug. This is based on the lowest dose of 2.5 milligrams per week. The cost may increase as you increase your dose over time. The highest dose of Mounjaro is 15 milligrams per week.
- If you have insurance that covers prescription drugs, your cost for Mounjaro may be lower.
- However, you may need to get prior authorization from your insurance company before they will cover Mounjaro.
- This means that your doctor and your insurer will discuss whether Mounjaro is appropriate for your condition and whether it is covered by your plan.
- If you don’t have insurance or your insurance doesn’t cover Mounjaro, you may be able to lower your cost by using a mail-order pharmacy.
- Getting a 90-day supply of the drug, or applying for financial assistance from Eli Lilly or other programs.
How to purchase Mounjaro at a reduced price?
Eli Lilly offers a Savings Card program that can help eligible patients pay as little as $25 per month for up to 24 months of treatment.
To be eligible for this program, you must have a valid medication prescription.
Additionally, you must be a citizen in the United States or Puerto Rico and be ineligible for any government-funded health care programme.
To apply for this program, you can either complete the online application or call 1-833-808-1234.
There are also other programs or Mounjaro coupons that can help you pay for Tirzepatide, such as the following:
- Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN): This is a non-profit organisation that helps people who can’t pay for their medicines but have long-term or life-threatening illnesses.To apply, you must fill out an application online or give a call to 1-866-316-7263.
- NeedyMeds: This is a website that provides information on various programs that can help people with low incomes or no insurance access affordable health care and medications. You can search for Mounjaro on their website or call 1-800-503-6897.
- GoodRx: This is a website and app that compares prices of prescription drugs at different pharmacies and offers coupons and discounts. You can search for Mounjaro on their website or app and see if you can save money at your local pharmacy.
Will Mounjaro Get Cheaper?
It’s hard to say if the price of Tirzepatide will go down in the future or not.
The price of a drug depends on a lot of things, like how much it costs to do research and development, make, sell, market, and distribute it.
The price may also be influenced by competition from other drugs, the end of a patent, and talks with insurance companies and government health programs.
- But there are ways to cut down on the price of Mounjaro.
- Eli Lilly, which makes Mounjaro, has a program for people with commercial prescription drug insurance who are qualified to get a savings card.
- With this program, you can pay as little as $25 for up to 12 pens that cover a 3-month order.
- You can also try to get a 90-day supply of your medicine if your insurance company will let you.
Does Mounjaro is proven to lower A1C in adults with type 2 diabetes?
Yes, Mounjaro is a medication for treating type 2 diabetes that has been shown to dramatically lower A1C and weight in clinical trials.
It is proven to lower A1C in adults with type 2 diabetes.
However, it is unknown if Tirzepatide will be effective in people with pancreatitis.
In adults with type 2 diabetes, Mountjaro is an injectable prescription medicine used along with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar (glucose).
Can Mounjaro be used for young patients or kids?
The use of Mounjaro is not recommended when you have type 1 diabetes.
There is no information on whether Tirzepatide is safe or effective for children under 18 years of age.
The more frequently occurring adverse reactions about it include nausea, diarrhoea, decreased appetite, vomiting, constipation, dyspepsia, and abdominal pain.
Kidney problems have been reported with other GLP-1 receptor agonists.
What will happen in the future? Is Mounjaro safe for weight loss?
Mounjaro is not FDA approved for weight loss.
There is not enough information to know whether Tirzepatide is safe and effective for children under 18 years old.
Mounjaro’s most common side effects include-
- Nausea, diarrhea, decreased appetite, vomiting, constipation, indigestion, and stomach pain.
- Kidney problems have been reported with other GLP-1 receptor agonists.
- Also, some of Mounjaro’s side effect may cause acute kidney injury (AKI).
- These side effects include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration.
- In turn, severe dehydration can cause AKI.
Well, the future have positive possibilities with the advancement of more drugs like Mounjaro, also soon Mounjaro in most likely be approved for weight loss.
Can Mounjaro ever replace Ozempic and Wegovy?
Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Ozempic can all help you lose weight, but only Wegovy is currently FDA-approved for chronic weight control.
Mounjaro and Ozempic are both approved to help regulate blood glucose (sugar) levels in type 2 diabetes patients, but clinical trials have also shown significant weight loss.
In experimental clinical trials examining its usage for weight control, Tirzepatide resulted in the greatest level of weight reduction reported in investigations, ranging from 21% to 22.5% at the highest dose.
However, because patient populations, doses, and study designs differ, it is not possible to properly compare study outcomes for all three of these medicines outside of a clinical study.
The three medicines have not been directly compared in any studies.
What’s the most effective way to acquire a Mounjaro weight loss prescription?
It’s currently licensed by the FDA to assist and regulate blood glucose (sugar) levels in people with type 2 diabetes, but clinical trials have also shown significant weight loss.
However, the FDA has not yet approved it for chronic weight management.
If it is a good option for you, speak with your healthcare provider who can evaluate your medical history.
Can i take Tirzepatide if i have type 1 diabetes?
As of now, Mounjaro is not recommended for use in people who have type 1 diabetes.
Adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus use this injectable medication along with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar (glucose).
What’s the future of diabetes care according to experts?
Experts predict that breakthroughs in glucose monitoring, insulin administration, and complications prevention strategies will shape the future of diabetes care.
A few exciting developments in diabetes care include continuous glucose monitoring systems (CGM) that provide real-time glucose readings, insulin pumps that adjust insulin delivery automatically, and artificial pancreas systems that combine CGM with insulin pump technology to provide diabetes management automation.
What’s the current status of Diabetes care in medical world?
The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that the number of individuals living with diabetes has increased from 108 million in the year 1980 to 422 million in the year 2014.
In low- and middle-income countries, the rate of growth has been faster compared to high-income countries.
Diabetes is a primary cause of blindness, renal failure, heart attacks, strokes, and lower-limb amputations.
Diet, exercise, medication, and frequent monitoring and therapy can prevent or delay its effects.
- Related: WHO Report on diabetes
Side effects of Mounjaro
It frequently results in transient stomach-related adverse effects.
The most frequent side effects of tirzepatide include nausea or vomiting, diarrhoea, and stomach pain. As your body gets used to the drug, they become less frequent and get better. Constipation and a loss in appetite are two other frequent side effects.
In addition to these frequent negative effects, Mounjaro may also have a few uncommon but serious Risks associated with it, which include:
- acute pancreatitis (pancreatic inflammation),
- severe allergic reactions,
- hypoglycemia (low blood sugar),
- acute gallbladder disease,
- risk of thyroid cancer, and
- serious digestive issues such as severe diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting.
Before beginning Mounjaro treatment, it's crucial to go over the advantages and potential hazards with your doctor.
Is Mounjaro responsible for causing back pain?
Back discomfort is not a recognized side effect of the tirzepatide medication.
However, back pain may be an indication of specific Mounjaro adverse effects. One possible adverse effect of Mounjaro is pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).
Chronic back pain or persistent stomach pain can be signs of pancreatitis. In some circumstances, you might also vomit.
It is crucial to talk to your doctor if you are suffering from backaches while taking Mounjaro in order to identify the cause and the best course of action.
Real world user review of using Mounjaro
On Drugs.com, a total of 361 reviews for Mounjaro have been posted, with an average rating of 7.6 out of 10.
A positive experience was reported by 67% of reviewers, while a negative experience was recorded by 17% of reviewers.
Following are some Mounjaro user reviews from Drugs.com:
- “I am a 58-year-old African American woman who is 5’8 and weighed an incredible 270 pounds on December 30, 2022. I asked my doctor whether I may take this drug, and now, eight weeks later. I currently weigh 244.6 pounds, having shed 16 pounds in the first three weeks. I was both really surprised and a little concerned. I routinely take steroid injections to manage my persistent allergies, which cause weight gain. I am hoping to make this a permanent shift since I feel better about myself.”
- “I was prescribed 2.5 eight weeks ago for weight loss. I had never heard of this medication. Giving the shot was simple. After doing research, I was eager to take this. I have shed a total of 43 pounds and shrunk numerous sizes. For me, this medication has worked like a miracle.”
Foods to avoid with Mounjaro
A few food limitations go along with the diabetes and weight-loss drug Mounjaro.
Here are some foods to avoid while you are on Mounjaro medication:
1. Bread and additional carb-heavy foods
2. Fibrous vegetables, such as celery, corn, cabbage, and broccoli, both raw and cooked
3. Meals that are fried, oily, or fatty
4. Carbonated beverages
5. Alcohol
6. Sugar-sweetened beverages and foods
7. Ginger tea
- Related: Mounjaro dietary restrictions
Research study on Mounjaro
The SURPASS program, which assessed Mounjaro’s effectiveness and safety in individuals with type 2 diabetes, was one of many clinical trials that looked at the drug.
- When compared to a placebo and injectable semaglutide 1 mg in persons with type 2 diabetes.
- Mounjaro dramatically increased the amount of fat mass that was reduced.
- In comparison to injectable semaglutide 1 mg or titrated insulin degludec.
- An exploratory investigation revealed that Mounjaro attained A1C and weight targets more quickly.
- Participants taking the lowest dose of Mounjaro (5 mg) dropped 15% of their body weight over the course of 72 weeks in the SURMOUNT-1 research.
- Which included 2,539 participants with an average starting weight of 231 pounds.
These are just a few cases of Mounjaro research studies. It's vital to remember that everyone's experience with Mounjaro medication is unique.
Injection of Mounjaro
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a Type 2 diabetes injectable medicine.
It comes in the form of a prefilled pen and is injected once weekly under the skin (subcutaneously) of the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
A number of FDA-approved diabetes drugs, including Metformin, sulfonylureas, sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 inhibitors, and insulin, may be used alongside Mountajaro.
Mounjaro and insulin should not be injected together in people who also use insulin injections.
Mechanism of action of Mounjaro
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a diabetes-related pathway in the body that specifically binds to and activates both the GIP and GLP-1 receptors.
It is a peptide with a fatty diacid moiety that allows albumin binding and increases the half-life.
Helps to boost insulin secretion, decrease glucagon levels, decrease food intake, and raise energy expenditure in a glucose-dependent manner by acting on both receptors.
It is administered once a week.
How is it different from other diabetes drugs?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) has been compared to other diabetes medications in clinical trials.
In these trials, Mounjaro was found to be more effective than semaglutide, insulin degludec, and insulin glargine.
Mounjaro contains tirzepatide, which is found to be more powerful than either Ozempic or Wegovy.
It was found that in head-to-head comparisons, Mounjaro led to a significant reduction of hemoglobin A1C levels more than Ozempic.
In which location is Mounjaro approved?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Mounjaro (tirzepatide) as an addition to diet and exercise to enhance glycemic control in people with type 2 diabetes.
This has been approved for use in the United States, the European Union, Canada, and Australia.
Where does the process of metabolizing Mounjaro take place?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is metabolized in the liver and excreted in the urine.
It is also metabolized through proteolytic cleavage, β-oxidation of the fatty diacid section, and amide hydrolysis.
It is excreted through urine and feces.
- Mounjaro works by enhancing your insulin secretion.
- And that helps improve overall insulin sensitivity.
- Which further reduces your food intake.
- Other outcomes include delayed stomach emptying and lower glucagon levels.
- As a result, glucose concentrations are lower during the fasting and postprandial stages.
Diet plan for Mounjaro
When using Mounjaro, it is essential to have a balanced diet that complements the drug.
Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) has no specific diet plan.
Diets that focus on low-glycemic index foods, whole grains, lean protein sources, and healthy fats are recommended.
Aim for foods with less than 10 grams of sugar and net carbohydrates and more than 10 grams of protein per serving.
Also,every day, try consuming lean and protein-rich foods.
It is vital to avoid alcohol, chew foods properly to aid digestion, and take a short stroll after eating.
Dosage chart for Mounjaro
| Starting Dose | 2.5 mg s/c weekly for 4 weeks | After 4 weeks, Increase the dose to 5 mg | |
| Dose Titration | 5 mg s/c weekly for 4 weeks | Glycemic Targets Achieved | =>Continue 5 mg |
| Glycemic Targets Not Achieved | => Increase the Dose to 7.5 mg | ||
| 7.5 mg s/c weekly for 4 weeks | Glycemic Targets Achieved | =>Continue 7.5 mg | |
| Glycemic Targets Not Achieved | => Increase the Dose to 10 mg | ||
| 10 mg s/c weekly for 4 weeks | Glycemic Targets Achieved | =>Continue 10 mg | |
| Glycemic Targets Not Achieved | => Increase the Dose to 12.5 mg | ||
| 10 mg s/c weekly for 4 weeks | Glycemic Targets Achieved | => Continue 12.5 mg | |
| Glycemic Targets Not Achieved | => Increase the Dose to 15 mg | ||
| Maximum Dose | 15 mg s/c weekly | Continue 15 mg | |
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is available as a liquid solution in a prefilled pen for a single dose of medication.
As a starting dose, Mounjaro recommends 2.5 mg administered subcutaneously once a week.
This dose is not recommended for managing blood sugar levels. It is only used to initiate treatment.
Once the initial four weeks are completed, the dose is increased to five milligrams injected subcutaneously once a week. The dose may be increased in 2.5-milligram increments after you have taken the previous dose for at least four weeks in order to improve blood sugar control. Mounjaro’s maximum dose is 15 mg, administered by injection weekly.
Mounjaro prefilled pens come in the following strengths:
- 2.5 milligrams (mg)/0.5 milliliter (mL)
- 5 mg/0.5 mL
- 7.5 mg/0.5 mL
- 10 mg/0.5 mL
- 12.5 mg/0.5 mL
- 15 mg/0.5 mL
Which Insurance Covers Mounjaro?
Commercial insurance coverage for Mounjaro varies, and Medicare and Medicaid are unlikely to cover it.
But certain insurance policies may cover Mounjaro for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes or obesity, so check with your insurance provider.
If you have commercial insurance coverage for Mounjaro, then here is what you need to know:
- You can pay as little as $25 for a one-month, two-month, or three-month prescription fill of Mounjaro.
- If you have commercial drug insurance that covers the medication and a prescription that follows the labeling guidelines established by the FDA.
Its manufacturer, Eli Lilly, provides a Patient Access Program to help people with commercial prescription insurance so that they can afford the medication more affordably.
Even if your insurance plan does not cover Mounjaro, Eli Lilly, the maker of Mounjaro, offers a savings card program for qualified customers with commercial prescription drug insurance.
- For up to a 3-month prescription (up to 12 pens), you can pay as little as $25.
- You might be able to save money with Mounjaro by utilizing this savings card if you have type 2 diabetes and are an adult resident of the United States.
- Before using the savings card, you can receive it and activate it on the Mounjaro website or by calling Eli Lilly at 1-844-805-5807.
Which pharmacies sell Mounjaro?
In the United States, a pharmacist must have a prescription before dispensing the prescription drug Mounjaro.
You can buy Mounjaro at Walgreens, CVS, Target, Walmart, Food Lion, Harris Teeter, Costco, Kroger, Giant, and Safeway pharmacies.
You can also check with your local pharmacy to see if they carry Mounjaro, or you can buy it from Amazon Pharmacy.
Can I buy Mounjaro online?
Mounjaro is a prescription medication, so you cannot buy it over the counter.
You will need a prescription from a licensed medical provider to obtain Mounjaro. Once you have a prescription, you may be able to order Mounjaro online through a licensed online pharmacy. Before purchasing from an online pharmacy, it is important to ensure the pharmacy is legitimate and properly licensed.
Mounjaro is a prescription medication, so you will need a prescription from a licensed medical provider to obtain it.
- Once you have a prescription, you may be able to order Mounjaro online through a licensed online pharmacy.
- Some online pharmacies that may carry Mounjaro include Amazon Pharmacy and Push Health.
- However, it is important to ensure that the online pharmacy is legitimate and properly licensed before making a purchase.
Who should not take Mounjaro?
Anyone who has ever had medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), a kind of thyroid cancer, or who has Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndrome kind 2 (MEN 2), an endocrine system disorder, should not take Mounjaro.
Also, anyone who has ever had a major allergic reaction to tirzepatide or any of the other ingredients in Mounjaro shouldn’t take it.
Those who have type 1 diabetes, pancreatitis, or a history of pancreatitis should also avoid using Mounjaro.
FAQs
1. Does Mounjaro reduce belly fat?
Mounjaro is a prescription drug that has been shown to help people with type 2 diabetes lose weight. It works by making you eat less and slows gastric emptying, which is how fast food moves through your digestive system. This may help you feel fuller for longer and eat less.
2. Can I lose 50 lbs on tirzepatide?
In research studies, Mounjaro helped people lose up to 21% of their body weight, which is about 50 pounds. But results may vary from person to person, and it’s important to talk to your doctor about your weight loss goals.
3. Does Mounjaro speed up metabolism?
Mounjaro is a prescription drug that helps persons with type 2 diabetes maintain their blood sugar levels. It acts by increasing insulin secretion, improving insulin sensitivity, lowering food consumption, and delaying stomach emptying. While Mounjaro has been demonstrated to aid in weight reduction, there is no particular evidence that it increases metabolism.
4. Can I get Mounjaro without diabetes?
Mounjaro is not advised for those with type 1 diabetes or a history of pancreatitis. While it has been found to aid in weight reduction, it is not expressly authorized as a weight loss medication.
5. Do the side effects of tirzepatide go away?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a prescription drug with a number of potential adverse effects. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach discomfort are all frequent adverse effects. These side effects are more likely when the medicine is initially started and may improve as your body adjusts to it.
6. What is a natural alternative to Mounjaro?
Although Mounjaro has been demonstrated to aid in weight reduction, it is not a weight loss medicine. There are some natural options that may help you lose weight, such as PhenQ, which is a fat burner, fat blocker, and appetite suppressant, and Zotrim, which is an herbal hunger suppressor that can help you regulate your food cravings.
Final thought
Mounjaro is a potential new drug for people with type 2 diabetes that helps with blood sugar control and weight loss.
It is a new injectable prescription drug approved by the FDA on November 25, 2022 for individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Yet, before beginning therapy, it is critical to discuss the potential advantages and dangers with your healthcare professional.
Individual outcomes may vary, as with any drug, and it is critical to maintain a good diet and exercise plan to attain the greatest results.
Cheers!
