General

How to use Mounjaro®

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Click HERE to get a prescription for Mounjaro

Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) is an innovative once-weekly injectable medication initially created to manage Type 2 Diabetes. Its success in facilitating weight loss has attracted global interest. This dual-action medication acts on glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptors. This dual mechanism enhances appetite regulation, decreases calorie consumption, boosts insulin sensitivity, and improves the body’s efficiency in utilizing and storing energy.

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How Mounjaro is given:

  • Always use this medicine exactly as prescribed. Before you use the pen for the first time, please ask your pharmacist for instructions and follow the detailed instructions in the package leaflet. 
  • Mounjaro is given as an injection under the skin (subcutaneous injection). Do not inject it into a vessel or muscle.
  • The best place to inject Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) is typically where you can pinch an area of your skin to ensure the injection is administered subcutaneously (just under the skin). The most commonly recommended sites for injecting Mounjaro include:
    • The abdomen – this area usually has more subcutaneous fat, which makes it an ideal site for injection. Avoid injecting area near the navel.
    • The thigh – the upper, outer area of the thigh is another good option as this area also usually has a good amount of fatty tissue.
    • The upper arm – the back of the upper arm can also be used, but this area might be harder to reach and typically requires assistance from another person for the injection.
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When to use Mounjaro:

  • Mounjaro must be used once a week on the same day each week.
  • You can give yourself the injection at any time of the day – regardless of meals.  To help you remember to inject this medicine once a week only, it is recommended to note the chosen weekday (e.g. Wednesday) on the package and to write the date on the packaging every time you have injected it.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding:

  • Mounjaro is not recommended for use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding due to potential risks and the lack of sufficient studies to establish safety.
  • For women who are planning to become pregnant, an alternative treatment must be discussed.

Contraception:

  • It is important to use effective contraception while using Mounjaro. 
  • Mounjaro (tirzepatide) can reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives by slowing gastric emptying, which affects how these medications are absorbed. 
  • To maintain effective contraception while using Mounjaro, consider the following options:
    • Contraceptive patch (Evra): Applied weekly and delivers hormones through the skin.
    • Contraceptive injection.
    • Barrier methods e.g. condoms or diaphragms.
  • If you want to continue using oral contraceptives, it is advisable to use a barrier method, such as condoms/diaphragm during the first four weeks after starting Mounjaro and for four weeks following each dose increase.

Side effects:

Mounjaro (semaglutide) is generally well-tolerated, but like any medication, it can cause side effects such as:

  • Gastrointestinal issues:
    • Nausea
    • Vomiting
    • Diarrhea
    • Abdominal pain
    • Constipation
  • General discomfort:
    • Fatigue
    • Dizziness
    • Headache
  • Hypoglycemia – low blood-sugar levels (especially when taken with other diabetes medications):
    • Shaking
    • Sweating
    • Fast heartbeat
    • Blurred vision
    • Dizziness
    • Tingling hands/feet
  • Injection site reactions:
    • Pain
    • Redness
    • Swelling
  • Hair loss in some individuals. This is usually temporary and is not directly related to Mounjaro, but is more related to the metabolic stress with rapid weight-loss (telogen effluvium). Therefore it is essential to slowly increase the Mounjaro dose.
  • Serious side effects (less common):
    • Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
    • Kidney problems, including kidney failure
    • Gallbladder disease
    • Severe gastrointestinal problems, such as gastroparesis
    • Changes in vision or diabetic retinopathy
    • Possible increased risk of thyroid tumors, including cancer
    • Severe allergic reactions

Storage Instructions:

  • Store your pen in the fridge. Always use this medicine exactly as prescribed. Check with your doctor, pharmacist or nurse if you are not sure.

Where to get Mounjaro in South Africa?

Easily receive your Mounjaro prescription with Online Doctor SA. Use your prescription at any pharmacy in South Africa to purchase your medication. Please contact your local pharmacy to enquire about Mounjaro stock availability and pricing. The cost of Mounjaro in South Africa varies between pharmacies but is around R4000 per month (4 vials per month).

Start your weight loss journey today by using Online Doctor SA for a prescription for Mounjaro: https://onlinedoctorsa.co.za/product-category/weight-management/

Further Instructions:

Online doctor south africa weight loss mounjaro tirzepatide how to use

Learn More About Using Tirzepatide: 

Click HERE to get a prescription for Mounjaro

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