What is Mounjaro? How Does Mounjaro work?
MOUNJARO (tirzepatide injection) is indicated for once-weekly administration as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control for the treatment of adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Mounjaro activates both GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptors in the body.
The GLP-1 and GIP receptors encourage the release of insulin in the body from the pancreas. They also increase the volume of beta cells that produce insulin and decrease the release of glucagon. These same hormones also influence slowing digestion and increasing the feeling of being full. The net result is that hunger is curbed and you eat less.
What is Mounjaro used for?
The product monograph from Eli Lilly in Canada states MOUNJARO (tirzepatide injection) is indicated for once-weekly administration in addition to diet and exercise to improve blood glucose control for the treatment of adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
Is Mounjaro approved for Weight loss?
As already stated, Mounjaro is indicated for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. “Off label” uses are indications that have not been officially approved. A great example of this is Ozempic which is also indicated for type 2 diabetes. However, Ozempic is often prescribed for weight loss as well. Even though this is not currently an indication for Ozempic, many physicians prescribe this product to treat obesity and help with weight loss. Similarly, Mounjaro is gaining popularity as an effective weight loss product even though it is not currently indicated for this use. Many physicians are prescribing Mounjaro for patients that need to lose weight and do not have type 2 diabetes.
The active ingredient, tirzepatide, has been approved for weight loss and is available in the United States under the brand name Zepbound. Zepbound has the same active ingredient as Mounjaro and is made by the same company.
Why aren’t prefilled syringes available in Canada?
Mounjaro Pre-filled Pens have been approved for sale in Canada but they are not currently available in Canada. Mounjaro vials, on the other hand, have been approved for sale in Canada and are available to fill your prescription. Patients using or ordering Mounjaro from Canada will need to use a syringe to draw up the product and administer the dose by subcutaneous injection.
How do I use the vials of Mounjaro from my Canadian pharmacy?
In order to use the vials of Mounjaro from Canada, you will need to be trained on proper injection technique. Note that the vials are considered to be “single dose”. However, some patients have been using the single dose vials to provide two doses in order to save money on their prescription.
When purchasing Mounjaro, ensure that you either have, or will be provided with, disposable syringes appropriate for injecting the tirzepatide subcutaneously. “Insulin syringes” will work. The total volume of the injection is 0.5 mL or 50 units on an insulin syringe. Mounjaro is administered once weekly on the same day of the week, any time of day, with or without meals.
Mounjaro should be injected subcutaneously in the abdomen, in the thigh, or in the upper arm. The manufacturer, Eli Lilly, recommends rotating injection sites with each dose.
Mounjaro should be inspected before each dose and the injectable solution should be clear or slightly yellow. If it is discolored or you see particulate matter in the Mounjaro, do not use it. Also, do not mix Mounjaro with any other injectables such as insulin. It should be administered as a separate injection and never mixed.
What kind of doses of Mounjaro are available from a Canadian pharmacy?
There are six different strengths of Mounjaro (tirzepatide) in Canada:
• Mounjaro 2.5 mg / 0.5 mL
• Mounjaro 5 mg / 0.5 mL
• Mounjaro 7.5 mg / 0.5 mL
• Mounjaro 10 mg / 0.5 mL
• Mounjaro 12.5 mg / 0.5 mL
• Mounjaro 15 mg / 0.5 mL
At the time of writing this article, Mounjaro is only available in vials, not prefilled syringes. However, Health Canada has approved the pre-filled syringes and it will likely be a matter of time before the prefilled syringes will be available in Canada. How much time is up to Eli Lilly.
Are Mounjaro and Ozempic the same?
The active ingredients in Mounjaro and Ozempic are different. Mounjaro is tirzepatide and Ozempic is semaglutide. Tirzepatide found in Mounjaro has both GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist actions. Semaglutide found in Ozempic is a GLP-1 agonist. Both medications mimic essential gut hormones that enhance the feeling of fullness and they encourage the lowering of blood glucose levels. The dual action of Mounjaro may lead to more weight loss than medications that solely target GLP-1.
Are Mounjaro and Wegovy the same?
Like Ozempic, Wegovy’s active ingredient is semaglutide. This is not the same as the tirzepatide found in Mounjaro. At the time of writing, Wegovy has been approved in Canada but is not available in Canada.
Can I save money on Mounjaro by splitting the doses?
Mounjaro is available in six different strengths ranging from 2.5 mg to 15 mg per 0.5mL. 0.5 mL is the same as 50 units in an insulin syringe. Drawing up and only taking 25 units or 2.5 mL will effectively cut the dose in half.
For example:
If a patient purchases Mounjaro 10 mg / 0.5 mL and only uses 0.25 mL from that vial, the dose will be 5 mg. Remember, 0.5 mL is equal to 50 units on an insulin syringe. Drawing up 50 units of the 10 mg / 0.5 mL strength of Mounjaro will provide 10 mg of the tirzepatide. Drawing up 25 units will provide half that dose, or, 5 mg of tirzepatide.
Example two:
Mounjaro 15 mg / 0.5 mL is purchased. 25 units (or 0.25 mL) in an insulin syringe will supply 7.5 mg of tirzepatide.
It is important to understand and take note of the strength of Mounjaro that you are using when you are calculating the total dose of tirzepatide. If you are unsure, always contact a health care professional such as a pharmacist, nurse, or physician, to explain and assist in calculating your dose.
What else can you tell me about Mounjaro?
Mounjaro is a prescription medication. In order to obtain Mounjaro, you will need a valid prescription from your physician.
Mounjaro is typically administered once a week on the same day. It is a subcutaneous injection. Your pharmacist or health care provider will provide instructions on proper use.
Mounjaro’s common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased appetite. As with all prescription medication, it is important to discuss side effects and risks with your health care professional. If you experience vision changes, including diabetic eye disease, or severe low blood sugar, speak to you doctor about this.
Mounjaro comes with a warning regarding an increase in the risk of thyroid c-cell tumors. It is important to discuss this with your physician.
When taking this medication for diabetes, regular monitoring of blood glucose levels and other parameters is essential in evaluating the effectiveness of the medication as a treatment and to help in the decision-making process regarding dose adjustments.
Mounjaro should be stored in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C and must not be frozen. Do not use Mounjaro beyond the expiration date. Each single-dose pen or single-dose vial can be stored unrefrigerated for up to 21 days at temperatures not exceeding 30°C.
If you have questions about your prescription medications or any other medication, please contact our team at Jason’s CanadaDrugstore.com by calling toll free 1-800-226 3784 (CAN-DRUG). One of our patient representatives will be happy to assist you or transfer you to a licensed Canadian pharmacist for a free consultation.
This article contains medical information provided to help you better understand this medical condition or process and may contain information about medication often used as part of a treatment plan prescribed by a doctor. It is not intended to be used as either a diagnosis or recommendation for treatment of your medical situation. If you are unwell, concerned about your physical or mental state, or are experiencing symptoms you should speak with your doctor or primary health care provider. If you are in medical distress, please contact emergency services (such as 911).
Leave a Reply