Ask the Expert: Mounjaro – What You Need To Know

If you’re thinking about starting weight care medication, Mounjaro (tirzepatide) might be your top choice. Many patients choose the treatment for its effectiveness – in clinical trials, patients lost up to 22.5% of their starting body weight over 72 weeks.

But before you jump in, it’s important you know what to expect when you take the medication. Like how to deal with side effects, how long you need to take it for, and if there are any foods you need to avoid. It’s a big decision. So you need clear, clinically-backed guidance you can trust (which isn’t always easy to find).

“There is a lot of information out there that’s not always reliable or maybe easy for patients to access,” says Simple’s Lead Pharmacist Aamina Rafiq.

So, in this episode of Ask the Expert, Aamina sits down with our Clinical Director Abdal Alvi. Together, they answer your burning questions about the treatment.

How Long Does Mounjaro Stay in Your System?

Mounjaro’s half-life is around five days. That’s how long it takes for the amount of tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Mounjaro, to decrease by 50% in your system.

Mounjaro stays in the body for 25 to 30 days. So it could take a few weeks for it to fully leave your system after your last dose.

Can You Get Mounjaro on the NHS?

In short, yes you can. However, 1 in 3 people in the UK are obese, so naturally there’s a long waiting list for Mounjaro on the NHS. You’ll need to meet quite strict criteria too, and have a body mass index (BMI) of over 35.

This is where private providers, like Simple, come in. The criteria for treatment is less strict and you don’t have to wait as long for treatment.

How Does Mounjaro Work for Weight Loss?

Mounjaro is known as a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, which means it mimics the hormone GLP-1. But it also works on a second receptor, called glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP).

Both these hormones, which occur naturally in the body, are responsible for regulating appetite and help manage your blood sugar levels. By mimicking the hormones, Mounjaro reduces hunger and cravings and allows you to feel full for longer. This helps patients eat smaller portions and choose healthier foods.

Choosing healthier foods is an important part of the weight loss journey. It’s not just Mounjaro that helps you lose weight – it’s making long-term, sustainable changes to diet and lifestyle.

What Do I Do When I’m At a Healthy Weight?

Many patients who reach their goal weight are naturally anxious about what happens next.

You can continue to use the medication at a healthy weight and there’s no limit for how long you can take it for. However, it’s really important that patients use the medication alongside lifestyle changes. Establishing these habits will help you manage you weight in the long-term.

Remember, no two weight loss journeys are the same. So the most important thing is to talk to your healthcare provider, who can give you personalised advice.

At Simple, our team of healthcare professionals will support you in maintaining your weight. Our team of pharmacists will advise you on the best dose to take and our dietitians will support you in establishing healthy eating habits.

How Long Do You Stay on Mounjaro?

Ideally, patients should remain on Mounjaro until, at least, they reach a healthy weight. It’s a long-term treatment, not a quick fix.

However, how long you stay on the treatment depends on your individual journey and circumstances. So make sure to keep in touch with your healthcare provider and they’ll provide you with the right support and advice.

How Do I Get Weight Care Treatment?

You can access weight care treatment through our website. You will need to complete an assessment form, which will help our clinicians assess whether the treatment is suitable for you.

They might also need more information or supporting evidence to make that decision.

Will I Regain Weight If I Stop Taking It?

Some patients may regain weight after stopping Mounjaro. That’s why it’s so important to establish healthy eating and exercise habits. These habits will help you keep the weight off after you stop using Mounjaro.

Is Mounjaro Safe Long-Term?

Yes, the UK’s medicines regulator has approved Mounjaro for long-term use for both weight management and type 2 diabetes.

Again, it’s important you’re regularly checking in with your healthcare provider.

Can I Drink Alcohol While on Mounjaro?

No official guidance states that you should not drink alcohol on Mounjaro. However, drinking alcohol can make the treatment’s side effects worse.

Interestingly, you might not want to drink alcohol on Mounjaro. The medication may actually reduce alcohol cravings.

Who Cannot Take Mounjaro?

Not every person is suitable for Mounjaro. For example, patients with history or pancreatitis or certain thyroid cancers, as well as women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

That’s why it’s important to access Mounjaro through a regulated provider. We hear about patients obtaining the treatment through social media. This means there will be no clinician assessing medical history or what medication they’re taking.

Filling in the assessment accurately and honestly will ensure we’re providing you with medication that is safe for you.

How Are Weight Loss Treatments Prescribed by an Online Pharmacy?

To get a prescription from an online pharmacy, you’ll need to complete a comprehensive assessment.

If an online provider doesn’t have an assessment, be suspicious. It means they won’t be doing the background checks needed to keep you safe.

Other things to look for when choosing an online provider include:

• A Green Cross with a Registration No.: This shows that the pharmacy is registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
• Licensed Prescribers: Note who the prescribers are and if they’re licensed. If they are licensed, they will be held accountable for their decisions.

We will inform a patient’s own GP that they’re using the treatment. This allows them to intervene if they have any safety concerns.

Can Mounjaro Affect My Period?

The evidence on whether Mounjaro affects your period is currently limited. Although some users do report changes to their periods on the medication.

If you think Mounjaro is causing changes to your menstrual cycle, let your provider know or talk to your GP. Changes to your period also happen when you’re pregnant. If you think you could be pregnant, talk to your GP and provider because the medication is not suitable during pregnancy.

How Quickly Can You Lose Weight on Mounjaro?

Clinical trials have shown patients can lose around 15-20% of their starting weight on the medication, depending on the dose. Results vary from patient to patient, and it’s also important to have realistic expectations.

For the best results, make sure you’re taking the medication consistently and following the correct dosing schedule.

What Are the Common Side Effects?

Any medication comes with potential side effects. The most common side effects on Mounjaro are nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and headaches. They’re often mild and will often disappear as your body adapts to the medication.

If you feel unwell on the medication, always tell your provider or GP.

How Much Does Mounjaro Cost in the UK?

The cost of Mounjaro varies from provider to provider. At Simple, prices start from £149 per month.

Key Takeaways

• Mounjaro is a Highly Effective Weight Loss Medication: In clinical trials, patients lost up to 22.5% of their body weight over 72 weeks, making it one of the most effective weight care treatments available.
  
• Long-Term Treatment: Mounjaro is not a quick fix – most patients will need to continue treatment, even when they reach and maintain a healthy weight, with ongoing support from healthcare providers.
• Access Options: While available on the NHS, strict criteria and long waiting lists mean many patients turn to private providers for quicker access.
  
• Lifestyle Changes are Vital: The medication works by regulating appetite and reducing cravings. Appetite suppression helps you eat less. But sustainable weight loss also depends on long-term healthy eating and exercise habits.
  
• Safety and Suitability Matter: Mounjaro is approved for long-term use, but it’s not suitable for everyone (e.g. those with certain medical conditions or during pregnancy). An honest assessment that’s medically reviewed by a licensed provider is essential.

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