Mounjaro(tm) is an injectable, once-weekly glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that helps improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes. You can use it subcutaneously by using an auto-injector pen.
The doctor will give you 2.5 mg of insulin once per week. Your blood sugar will then be under control. The dose will continue to increase at 2.5 mg per week.
Mounjaro: What’s it all about?
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Mounjaro, a brand new medication for diabetes management, is an effective way to lower blood sugar. You can inject it once per week. It works in conjunction with exercise and diet.
It’s made by Eli Lilly and Company. It’s the first in a new class of medications called antidiabetic agents.
This drug works by acting like 2 hormones that are released by the gut after you eat. They tell your body to release more insulin, release less sugar, and slow down the speed at which your stomach empties food into your intestines.
The doctor will begin you with a dose of 2.5mg once per week, and continue to adjust the dosage every four weeks until you find the right amount.
If you have kidney problems, you may need regular lab tests while taking this medicine. Because of the potential side effects that can occur in your stomach, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, you may become dehydrated.
How does Mounjaro work?
Mounjaro is a medication that can help lower your blood sugar. The body’s receptors are stimulated (or binding sites). The hormones glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP), and glucagon like peptide-1 (GLP-1) are stimulated by this action.
GIP decreases the amount of food you eat, while GLP-1 increases the way your body responds to the hormone insulin. This can lead to weight loss when used with other diet and exercise plans.
To find the most effective dose for you, your doctor may gradually increase your Mounjaro dosage. It may take several weeks, or even months.
Mounjaro should not be missed and taken as soon as possible. If you do miss a dose, it’s fine to take it as soon as you can afterward as long as it’s within 4 days of the time you missed it.
Before I take Mounjaro, what should I talk to my doctor?
Tell your doctor before you take Mounjaro. You may need different medications to treat these conditions, such as insulin or sulfonylureas, which can increase your risk of low blood sugar during treatment with Mounjaro.
Your doctor will slowly start you on Mounjaro, and then increase the dose every 4 weeks until your blood sugar is well controlled. You will be shown how to inject the drug and kept track of blood sugar levels by your doctor.
Mounjaro is a liquid that can be administered by a pen or under your skin with a disposable needle. The instructions for how to use Mounjaro will be provided by your doctor.
What should I avoid while taking Mounjaro?
Mounjaro can interact with a variety of medications, vitamins, herbs and supplements. Talk with your doctor and pharmacist about possible drug interactions before you begin using Mounjaro.
These drug-drug interactions can make side effects worse or increase in some instances. In these cases, your doctor might prescribe a different drug or recommend that you avoid these drugs.
These drug-drug interactions may cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). If you have low blood sugar, call your doctor right away.
You may have an increased risk of developing this condition if you are a patient with a history or pancreatitis. This condition may lead to death in some instances.
Mounjaro can cause tightening in your stomach lining. This can be uncomfortable, but it typically goes away over time. If you experience any severe stomach issues, such as nausea or vomiting, contact your doctor. Dehydration can lead to kidney damage.