Earlier this week, the NHS made the major announcement that Mounjaro is now available for a limited number of patients in England.
While the weight loss drug won't be accessible to everyone who wishes to use it, those with the highest health risks and who meet the clinical criteria will be prioritised. However, it is also important to note that meeting the criteria does not necessarily guarantee access.
But what are the 'very common' side-effects of Mounjaro you need to know about after thousands of people now become eligible to use it?
How does Mounjaro work?
Mounjaro is a weekly self-injectable pen used for weight loss. It contains tirzepatide which works by regulating blood sugar and energy balance levels, helping to reduce appetite and prevent cravings.
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Boots Online Doctor explains that tirzepatide works on two different hormonal receptors: glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) - you may have heard of GLP-1 from other weight loss injections.
GLP-1 helps to regulate blood sugar levels, which in turn talks to the brain to make you feel less hungry and prevent cravings.
It also slows down the emptying of the stomach to keep you feeling fuller for longer.
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GIP regulates energy balance in brain and fat cells, enhancing the GLP-1 effect of suppressing your appetite and improving sugar control.
"By mimicking the effects of both these naturally occurring hormones, Mounjaro has been shown to have greater weight loss potential than medicines that work on GLP-1 alone," the experts add.
Who is eligible for Mounjaro from GPs right now?
Clinicians will only prescribe the drug, which helps the management of obesity, if they consider it an appropriate treatment and if the patient has four or more of the following weight related health problems, as well as BMI of 40 and over:
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• Type-2 diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Heart disease
• Obstructive sleep apnoea
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• Abnormal blood fats or dyslipidemia
While the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has recommended Mounjaro for the management of obesity, it has also advised prospective patients to couple the treatment with a balanced, reduced-calorie diet as well as regular physical activity.
What are the side-effects of Mounjaro?
It's important, however, that anyone either taking the drug or thinking about taking the drug is well-aware of the 'very common' side-effects of it.
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According to Boots Online Doctor, the most common ones are gastrointestinal in nature; nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and constipation.
"These are mainly seen with dose increases, and tend to settle with time," they experts note, adding that other common side effects could include; fatigue, feeling lightheaded, excess wind (flatulence), gallstones, gastroesophageal reflux, injection site reactions, hair loss and hypoglycemia in patients with Type-2 diabetes.
In rare cases, there can be serious side-effects, such as; pancreatitis and anaphylaxis.
How to manage side effects of Mounjaro?
Boots Online Doctor advises:
- Make sure to inject yourself with the treatment at the same time and day each week so your body has a regular interval between each dose.
- Stay hydrated, sipping water and other clear liquids if you’re experiencing nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea. It may also help to eat smaller meals more regularly and avoid anything that smells or tastes too strong.
- If you’re struggling with constipation, increase your fibre intake, stay well hydrated and try eating small fruits such as prunes, figs or grapes. Make sure you’re also getting regular activity, such as going on short walks.
- To ease a headache, spend time in a quiet space to relax, take a simple pain relief medicine like paracetamol, drink plenty of water, and try relaxation techniques such as meditation and DIY scalp massage.
How effective is Mounjaro for weight loss?
Clinical trials have shown that patients could achieve at least 20 percent weight loss after using tirzepatide for 72 weeks (18 months) when combined with healthy lifestyle changes.
You can find out more about Mounjaro here.
Rhiannon Ingle