For this reason, Mounjaro has been prescribed off-label as a weight loss drug. The medication then works by helping your body release more insulin (a hormone that decreases your blood sugar levels) to suppress your appetite, ultimately decreasing your food intake, adds Dr. Kudsi. There’s a “synergy action” when both the body’s GIP and GLP-1 receptors are activated, leading to greater weight loss, one study published in Diabetes, Metabolic Syndrome and Obesity found. Mounjaro is FDA-approved to help manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes, in addition to diet and exercise. Mounjaro has certain limitations of use that you can learn more about in the “Mounjaro uses” section below. Tell your health care provider if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath.
Some pharmacies offer labels that have large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy does not have these options, your doctor or pharmacist may be able to direct you to one that does. If you also use insulin, Mounjaro and insulin can be given at the same time. You may inject both Mounjaro and insulin within the same body area, such as your abdomen.
Please understand that any advice or guidelines revealed here are not even remotely a substitute for sound medical advice from a licensed healthcare provider. Make sure to consult with a professional physician before making any purchasing decision if you use medications or have converts following the review details shared above. Individual results may vary as the statements made regarding these products have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. The efficacy of these products have not been confirmed by FDA approved research. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, immediately call your physician or dial 911. Mounjaro starts working immediately, but it may take several weeks for noticeable changes in your blood sugar. Weight loss typically starts to occur within the first four weeks, with significant weight loss occurring over a period of 72 weeks. Although Mounjaro is used off-label for weight loss, Zepbound (tirzepatide), also manufactured by Eli Lilly, was FDA approved in November 2023 specifically for weight management. “After the first dose of tirzepatide, patients may already experience a decrease in appetite,” Dr. Codorniz says.
However, the higher the dose, the more likely you are to experience adverse side effects. Doses should not be increased by more than 2.5 mg every four weeks. At week five, your doctor may advise you to double your dose to 5 mg for four additional weeks. Advise females using oral hormonal contraceptives to switch to a non-oral contraceptive method, or add a barrier method of contraception for 4 weeks after initiation and for 4 weeks after each dose escalation. Serious hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis, angioedema), have been reported in patients treated with Mounjaro. If hypersensitivity reactions occur, discontinue use of Mounjaro; treat promptly per standard of care, and monitor until signs and symptoms resolve.
Your doctor may prescribe the typical recommended dosage of Mounjaro for weight loss, which is 2.5 milligrams (mg) per week for 4 weeks. After this, your doctor might increase your dose by 2.5 mg every 4 weeks. (See “What is Mounjaro’s dosage?” above for details.) Whether your doctor increases your dose depends on how your body responds to treatment, such as how much weight loss you’re experiencing. You should closely monitor your blood sugar levels and note any adverse side effects when increasing your dose, as this is when you’re most likely to experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. If your blood sugar levels are still not under control with 5 mg once weekly, your doctor may increase your dose. For many adults with type 2 diabetes, Mounjaro is an excellent option to help manage blood sugar levels and improve A1c.
Factors such as dosage form (e.g., tablets, capsules, injectables), dosing frequency, and ease of administration influence individuals’ preferences and lifestyle considerations. Clinical trials—and other types of clinical studies—are part of medical research and involve people like you. When you volunteer to take part in a clinical study, you help health care professionals and researchers learn more about disease and improve health care for people in the future. Sleeping too much or too little may raise your blood glucose levels. Your sleep habits may also affect your mental health and vice versa.
When you take Mounjaro to lower your blood sugar levels, you may be wondering how long it will take for the medication to start working. The answer to this question can vary depending on a few factors, including your individual metabolism and overall health. However, in general, Mounjaro is designed to start lowering blood sugar levels within 30 minutes to an hour after taking it.
Factors That Influence How Quickly Mounjaro Works
Several factors can influence how quickly Mounjaro starts to lower your blood sugar levels. These include:
- Your individual metabolism
- Your overall health and any underlying medical conditions
- The dosage of Mounjaro that you take
- Whether or not you have eaten recently
Frequently Asked Questions about Mounjaro and Blood Sugar Levels
Q: Can I take Mounjaro with food?
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Q: How often should I take Mounjaro?
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Q: Can Mounjaro cause low blood sugar levels?
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Overall, Mounjaro is a fast-acting medication that can help lower your blood sugar levels effectively. If you have any concerns about how long it takes for Mounjaro to start working or how it may affect your blood sugar levels, be sure to consult with your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
