GIP & GLP-1 Tablets

Mounjaro (generic name: tirzepatide) is a novel injectable medication approved for the management of diabetes and weight loss. It is the first in its class of drugs and is a dual GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist. This dual mechanism enhances insulin secretion in response to elevated blood glucose levels, suppresses glucagon secretion, thereby contributing to better glycaemic (glucose) control in patients with Type 2 diabetes. It also controls appetite effectively and slows gastric emptying (emptying of the stomach) resulting in significant weight loss in patients with or without Type 2 diabetes.

Mounjaro's effect on weight loss is attributed to its action on appetite regulation centrally in the brain and delayed gastric emptying, leading to reduced food intake and increased satiety. While it offers an effective adjunctive treatment for individuals with obesity and type 2 diabetes, it's important to recognise that to gain the maximum benefit from treatment it should always be part of a comprehensive lifestyle and behaviour change program, including diet and physical activity.

Mounjaro is administered through a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection, typically in the abdomen, thigh or upper arm. The initial dose is usually low, to minimise side effects, and is gradually increased based on the individual's response and tolerance. If you are beginning on Mounjaro, please be assured you will receive training and guidance on proper injection techniques and dosing schedules.

As humans, we're all different, so the amount of time it takes to work can vary from person to person. However, most people start seeing results in terms of weight loss within the first few weeks of taking the injections. As a general guide, most people are expected to lose at least 5% of their body weight within 12 weeks of starting treatment.

A pen has 4 doses, which, if following standard protocol, is one injection per week. This means the pen will last you four weeks.

While Mounjaro is generally well-tolerated, it can cause side effects ranging from mild to severe. Common side effects include gastrointestinal symptoms such as: - nausea - vomiting - diarrhoea - abdominal pain - indigestion - constipation These are often transient and resolve completely over time and as your body acclimatises to the medication. Less common side effects may include: - pancreatitis - gall stone formation - inflammation of the gall bladder - severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugars), especially when used with certain diabetes mediacations. Individuals are always advised to monitor for severe symptoms and seek medical attention immediately.

Mounjaro is contraindicated in individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or in individuals with Multple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2. The safety and efficacy of Mounjaro in pregnant and breastfeeding women have not been established. Animal studies have shown potential adverse effects on the fetus, so it should not be used during pregnancy or breast feeding. Women with reproductive potential need to use contraception during treatment.

Mounjaro should be stored in the refrigerator at 2ºC to 8ºC (36ºF to 46ºF) and protected from light. It should not be frozen, and if accidentally frozen, it should be discarded. From the moment of dispensing and once in use, the pen can be kept at room temperature (up to 30ºC/86ºF) for a specific period (up to 30 days).

If a dose is missed, it should be administered as soon as possible within 4 days after the missed dose. If more than 4 days have passed, skip the missed dose and administer the next dose on the regularly scheduled day. In each case, you can then resume the regular once-weekly dosing schedule.

If you have doubled up doses and/or believe you have overdosed with the medication, please get in touch with us immediately and we can schedule a call to review your clinical signs and symptoms. Patients may experience gastrointestinal adverse reaction, including nausea. There is no specific antidote for overdose of Mounjaro. A prolonged period of observation and treatment of these symptoms may be necessary, taking into account the half-life of Mounjaro (approximately 5 days).

Each individual will have a unique experience and treatment plan based on their progress and symptoms. If you are starting as a new customer not on any weight loss medication, you will begin month one with the starting dose of 2.5mg and then increase in month two to 5.0mg. From here, the dosing schedule is individualised with dosage increased to 7.5mg > 10.0mg >12.5mg > 15.0mg. Please be advised that our specialist nurses will review your reported progress and updates on a monthly basis and prescribe your next dose in line and according to the information provided.

Place your used needles carefully in a sharps bin. When it's full, dispose of the entire bin, following your local council's regulations.

Rybelsus is a once daily tablet that works in a similar way to Mounjaro, as a GLP-1 medication. It helps reduce the body's blood sugar and acts as an appetite suppressant.

Rybelsus is a once daily tablet. Make sure to take on an empty stomach, as any kind of food, beverage or other medication may slow or prevent Rybelsus from entering the blood stream and taking effect. Take Rybelsus with water, and then wait 30 minutes before eating or drinking anything else. While it's good to get into a routine with taking Rybelsus, it does not have to be taken at the same time each day to be effective.

If you forget to take a dose, the missed dose should be skipped. The next dose should be taken the following day as normal. Do not take a double dose.