Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)

Mounjaro is a prescription-only treatment for weight loss and type 2 diabetes. It comes as a weekly self-injectable pen and contains the active ingredient tirzepatide.

Mounjaro is injected into the body once weekly. The medication contains the active ingredient tirzepatide, which works by activating the receptors of natural incretin hormones GIP and GLP-1.

Both of these hormones increase the production of insulin which is released into your body to lower blood sugar levels. But Mounjaro also affects your appetite by slowing down the emptying of the stomach after a meal.

This action creates a feeling of being full and so makes you feel less hungry, even when you’ve eaten less, which can aid weight loss.

Mounjaro is prescribed for weight loss and to treat uncontrolled type 2 diabetes in adults.

To inject Mounjaro safely, always carefully read the package leaflet and follow the instructions of your doctor. The following instructions are a simplified version of the injection process:

• First, decide where to inject the medication – abdomen or upper thigh.
• Wash your hands using water and soap.
• Prepare the pen and check that it’s not expired or damaged and the liquid looks as it should.
• Attach a new needle to the pen.
• Slowly turn the dose knob until you hear 2 clicks.
• Prime the pen to release air bubbles and make sure it’s working correctly.
• Adjust the dosage to ‘1’.
• Insert the needle, push down the dose knob and count slowly to 5.
• Pull the needle out of your skin and check if the dose count is back at ‘0’.
• Remove the needle and replace the pen cap.

Worried about self-injection?

"Self-injecting medication may be an uncomfortable idea for many people. But, Mounjaro injections are not the same as ones that might be used for things like vaccinations. Mounjaro comes in an easy-to-use injection pen, which isn’t the same as using a standard injection needle. Mounjaro uses a much smaller needle than the one for vaccinations and the liquid isn’t pushed by hand." – Dr Kathryn Basford.

When you request any self-injection medication from Asda, our doctors can provide you with advice on how to use it, and if you need extra help, you can also message them for free through your account.

What is the most effective way to inject Mounjaro?

Mounjaro injections are best injected into:

• the stomach
• thigh

The most effective way to take Mounjaro is as advised by your doctor and in-line with the advice in the patient information leaflet that comes with your medication. Make sure you take it at the same time each week (when exactly is up to you) to get the best effect, and try not to forget any doses. Mounjaro is solely to be used alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Yes, Mounjaro has been approved for weight loss by The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) in November 2023. As of February 2024, it is available to buy with a prescription in UK Pharmacies.

Can you take Mounjaro for weight loss without diabetes?

Yes, Mounjaro injections for weight loss can be prescribed to overweight or obese adults who do not have diabetes. You must have a BMI of 30 kg/m2 or over, or a BMI between 27 and 30 kg/m2 with a weight related health condition to be prescribed Mounjaro in the UK.

Mounjaro side effects include:

Very common side effects, such as:

• feeling sick (nausea)
• diarrhoea
• vomiting
• constipation
• low blood sugar (if used with certain diabetes medications)

These are the most commonly reported Mounjaro side effects and usually happen when the Moujaro dose has been increased. For many people, these side effects are reduced over time.

Common Mounjaro weight loss side effects include for example:

• loss of appetite
• indigestion
• stomach pain
• dizziness
• allergic reactions
• low blood pressure
• fast pulse
• hair loss
• feeling tired

Uncommon side effects include for example:

• gallstones
• injection site pain
• gall bladder infection
• Inflammation of the pancreas

For a full list of the side effects see the Patient Information Leaflet.

Who should not take Mounjaro?

Mounjaro is not suitable for anyone who is:

• under the age of 18
• pregnant or breastfeeding
• allergic to any of the ingredients in Mounjaro

You may not be able to use Mounjaro if you have:

• a family history of thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome 2 (MEN 2)
• kidney problems
• ever had pancreatitis
• a problem digesting food
• an issue with your eyes such as diabetic retinopathy

Foods to avoid on Mounjaro

Although there are no known foods that interact with Mounjaro, there are certain foods you should avoid if you want to achieve maximum results. For example, it is best to avoid:

High glycaemic fruit and vegetables as these can cause a spike in your blood sugar levels. They include:

• pineapple
• watermelon
• mango
• overripe bananas
• potatoes
• sweetcorn

High sugar foods such as:

• sweets
• biscuits
• cakes
• fizzy drinks

Fried foods, which often contain unhealthy fats and may increase the risk of feeling sick while taking Mounjaro. These foods include:

• burgers
• sausages
• fried eggs
• chips
• bacon

Mounjaro comes with some safety risks. You will not be able to use Mounjaro if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in Mounjaro.

Mounjaro may also cause serious side effects, including:

• an inflamed pancreas (pancreatitis)
• severe stomach issues
• gallstones
• severe allergic reaction
• gastroparesis
• severe gastrointestinal issues
• severely low sugar levels (when used in conjunction with diabetic drugs or if taken in overdose)

You should discuss any existing medical problems or side effects with your doctor.

Your doctor will help you decide if Mounjaro is the right medicine for you. Whether you can receive Mounjaro will depend on several factors, including your medical history, BMI and medical status.