Explore the role of Mounjaro in weight loss in addition to its registered use of type 2 diabetes. Learn about the side effects of Mounjaro.
What is Mounjaro?
Mounjaro is a weekly prescription injection treating type 2 diabetes. It contains tirzepatide which is a dual action medication. Mounjaro belongs to the family of GLP-1 receptor agonists and Mounjaro works by increasing insulin and reducing sugar from the liver, helping lower blood sugar.
It comes in a vial or a user-friendly disposable pen with a built-in needle. It can be injected into the lower abdomen, the thigh or the upper arm. There is a gradual dosage regime for Mounjaro which may vary individual to individual.
What is Type 2 Diabetes?
Type 2 diabetes happens where the body struggles to regulate blood sugar levels properly. It happens when the body becomes resistant to insulin, a hormone that helps control blood sugar. As a result, blood sugar levels rise, potentially leading to various health issues. Type 2 diabetes is often managed by diet, exercise, medications, and then insulin injections.
Mounjaro for weight loss
Since its release to the USA pharmaceutical market, Mounjaro has proven effective beyond type 2 diabetes, and has received attention for its weight management. In a trial of 72 weeks in length, overweight participants received weekly injections which demonstrated significant weight loss and better blood sugar levels. Indicating that Mounjaro for weight loss could be effective.
While it may not be approved for the use of weight loss, its mechanism of action supports its use. It has proven to be appetite suppressing, while providing feeling of fullness and reducing food intake by slowing stomach digestion.
Is Mounjaro available in Australia?
Mounjaro had been FDA approved for some time and received approval from the Therapeutic Good Administration (TGA) for treating people with type 2 diabetes who cannot use metformin or require extra diabetes medication.
It was approved by the TGA in 2022, and the vial form of Mounjaro was released in July 2023. It quickly faced supply challenges due to the high demand. The auto-injector is yet to be released and Eli Lily has informed the TGA to anticipate limited availability in 2024.
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Mounjaro side effects
Mounjaro can cause certain side effects some of which are common and others can be more severe.
Common side effects
The common side effects reported are nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, constipation and abdominal pain. In a study of 2500 participants, around 80% of them reported experiencing mild to moderate side effects as listed above. Other less common side effects would be bloating, gas, mild increase in heart rate and sometimes decreased appetite.
Serious side effects
Mounjaro has some infrequent yet severe side effects. These include acute pancreatitis and gallbladder disease. Other side effects such as hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and severe episodes of diarrhea can lead to dehydration and which can create kidney problems.
Tirzepatide is best avoided in patients with a personal or family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN). The medication has a warning regarding the potential risk of thyroid tumors. However it was only reported in animal trials.
Consult a doctor
Due to the limited availability of Mounjaro, exploring alternative options becomes necessary. Ozempic is a approved medication for type 2 diabetes, however is used off label for weight loss. For individuals specifically focusing on weight management, alternatives such as Wegovy and Saxenda are viable options. It is crucial to engage in a thorough discussion with a healthcare professional to determine the most suitable course of action.
