What is Mounjaro/Zepbound?

Mounjaro/Zepbound is a medication that is primarily used for blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. It contains the active ingredient tirzepatide, which mimics the effects of two hormones: glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) in the body. Both hormones help to regulate blood sugar levels by stimulating the release of insulin and suppressing the release of glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar levels.

In addition to its blood sugar control benefits, Mounjaro/Zepbound has recently been approved by the FDA for weight loss in individuals with obesity or who are overweight and have at least one weight-related condition. This approval is based on the results of studies and clinical trials that have demonstrated the effectiveness of Mounjaro/Zepbound in promoting weight loss.

With its dual benefits of blood sugar control and weight loss, Mounjaro/Zepbound offers a promising solution for patients with type 2 diabetes who are struggling to manage their weight and blood sugar levels.

What is titration?

The process of slowly increasing medication doses is called ‘titration’ and can happen over several days, weeks, or months. Mounjaro/Zepbound is on a titrating dose schedule to help your body get used to treatment while reducing the chances of getting side effects.

Our doctors are available to monitor how the medication affects you, to make sure you’re getting the most out of your new weight loss treatment with minimal discomfort.

How Does Mounjaro/Zepbound Work for Weight Loss?

Tirzepatide works by targeting multiple hormones in the body that are involved in regulating appetite and metabolism. One of the hormones that tirzepatide affects is glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which is released in response to food intake and helps to reduce appetite, slow stomach emptying, and increase insulin secretion. Tirzepatide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, which means that it binds to and activates the GLP-1 receptor in the body, leading to increased GLP-1 activity.

In addition to GLP-1, tirzepatide also affects other hormones involved in appetite regulation and blood sugar control, such as glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) and glucagon. By targeting multiple hormones, tirzepatide can help to reduce appetite, promote feelings of fullness, and increase energy expenditure, all of which can contribute to weight loss.

Clinical trials of tirzepatide have shown significant reductions in body weight in people with type 2 diabetes, as well as improvements in other cardiovascular risk factors such as blood pressure and cholesterol levels.

One such trial is the SURPASS-1 study, which included over 4,500 participants with obesity or were overweight with type 2 diabetes. In the study, participants were randomly assigned to receive either this diabetes medicine at various doses or a placebo injection for 72 weeks of treatment. The results showed that tirzepatide was associated with significant weight loss, with participants in the highest dose group (15 mg) losing an average of 14.9% of their body weight compared to 2.4% in the placebo group.

In addition to weight loss, tirzepatide was also found to have positive effects on other health outcomes such as blood sugar control, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.

What is the maintenance dose of Mounjaro/Zepbound?

Mounjaro/Zepbound doses are titrated in steps of 2.5mg, with at least 4 weeks between dose changes. This means every 4 weeks, you’ll increase your dose by 2.5mg until you reach your maintenance dose.

Mounjaro/Zepbound has several maintenance doses: 5mg, 10mg, or 15mg. The maintenance dose is the highest dose of Mounjaro/Zepbound you’ll take, and it’s the dose you’ll stay on for the rest of your treatment. The maintenance dose you keep depends on how you respond to the treatment, such as whether you have any side effects and your weight loss results. The maximum maintenance dose is 15 mg, and you can’t take more than this every week. If you’re on a lower maintenance dose and decide you want to increase to a higher dose, you can do this at any time, as long as you don’t have any serious side effects, and you’ve waited at least 4 weeks before increasing the dose.

How many Mounjaro/Zepbound pens will I need?

The number of Mounjaro/Zepbound pens you will need depends on how long you continue to take Mounjaro/Zepbound to achieve your weight loss goals. Each pen lasts for 4 weeks and contains 4 doses. You’ll usually stick to each dose for 4 weeks before increasing unless you stay on a lower dose for longer.

What if I can’t tolerate my new dose?

If you can’t tolerate your new dose (such as getting bothersome or severe side effects), you need to speak to our doctor as soon as possible. They may suggest staying on a lower dose and trying again after 4 weeks, or if you’re happy with your weight loss results, you may stay on the dose you can tolerate.

Remember: It’s always possible to increase your dose again later.

It’s normal when starting a new Mounjaro/Zepbound dosage to get side effects, like feeling or being sick (nausea and vomiting). They are usually not severe and tend to go away over time. The following tips may help with these side effects:

• Eat smaller meal portions throughout the day.
• Try bland foods like crackers or toast.
• Stop eating when you feel full.
• Avoid fatty, greasy, or deep-fried foods, such as takeaways, dairy products like cheese and butter, and cakes or pastries.

Are there any side effects?

Like all medications, Mounjaro/Zepbound can have side effects, including:

• Nausea: One of the most common side effects, often occurring when starting the medication.
• Diarrhea: Gastrointestinal disturbances are common.
• Decreased appetite: While this can aid in weight loss, it may also be considered a side effect.
• Vomiting: Sometimes accompanies nausea.
• Constipation: Some people may experience difficulty in bowel movements.
• Abdominal pain: Some patients report experiencing stomach discomfort.

Serious Side Effects

Pancreatitis: This is an inflammation of the pancreas and can cause severe abdominal pain. Immediate medical attention is needed if this occurs.

• Thyroid tumors: Although rare, there is a potential risk associated with thyroid C-cell tumors, as seen in animal studies.
• Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar levels, especially when used with other diabetes medications.
• Kidney problems: Severe dehydration or adverse effects on kidney function may occur.
• Allergic reactions: These can include symptoms like rash, itching, or difficulty breathing and require immediate medical attention.

Most side effects are mild to moderate and tend to diminish over time. However, it’s important to consult a healthcare provider if you experience any severe side effects or have concerns about the medication.

CONSIDERATIONS

Mounjaro/Zepbound is not recommended for people with a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2. Additionally, disclosing your full medical history to your healthcare provider before starting Mounjaro/Zepbound is essential to ensure it’s safe for you.

If you are considering Mounjaro/Zepbound for weight loss or diabetes management, it’s important to consult with your healthcare provider to determine if it’s the right option for your specific needs.