Now Available in the UK – Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) Kwikpen for Weight Loss

Published: 22^nd Feb 2024 Weight Loss

The new Mounjaro Kwikpen is now available in the UK to purchase via online prescription services as well as NHS specialist weight loss services. You can buy Mounjaro online via our private prescription service here.

Indicated for use in patients with a BMI over 30 and those in the 27-30 BMI range with an underlying weight related health condition.

The MHRA (Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency) authorized Mounjaro for use in adults age 18 and over in November 2023 and the drug was launched to market in February 2024.

In much the same way as Wegovy (semaglutide) is administered once a week, Mounjaro is also administered once a week in a pre-filled Kwikpen.

Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) is a licensed weight loss injection. Mounjaro is a dual action medication which directly activates GIP and GLP-1.

GLP-1 helps users by making them feel a reduction in appetite, promoting a feeling of fullness and delaying stomach emptying by binding to GLP-1 receptors in the body. GIP helps to reduce fat accumulation, increase bone formation and glucagon production and also reduces stomach acid.

Mounjaro is made by US Pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly

How to use Mounjaro Injection for Weight Loss

Alongside a balanced diet and an exercise regime, it can help patients lose 21% weight on average over 18 months, according to clinical trials. Each Mounjaro pen has 4 fixed doses, one injection dose of 0.6ml taken weekly, with 4 needles.

WEEKS 1 to 4 - Inject 2.5mg on the same day ONCE A WEEK - Starter Pen

WEEKS 5 to 8 - Inject 5mg on the same day ONCE A WEEK

WEEKS 9 to 12 - Inject 7.5mg on the same day ONCE A WEEK

WEEKS 13 to 16 - Inject 10mg on the same day ONCE A WEEK

WEEKS 17 to 20 – Inject 12.5mg on the same day ONCE A WEEK

WEEKS 21 ONWARDS - MAINTENANCE DOSE - Inject 15mg on the same day ONCE A WEEK

Is Mounjaro the same as Wegovy?

No – it is a completely different drug used in the Mounjaro injection called Tirzepatide. Wegovy contains the drug Semaglutide which is a GLP-1 receptor agonist which acts in the same way and mimics GLP-1, a natural hormone in the body. It helps regulate appetite by increasing fullness reducing food intake, hunger and cravings.

Mounjaro is a dual mechanism medication affecting GIP and GLP-1.

GLP-1:

reduces appetite
promotes a feeling of fullness
delays stomach emptying by binding to GLP-1 receptors in the body

GIP

reduces fat accumulation
increases bone formation and glucagon production
and reduces stomach acid.

What are common side effects of Mounjaro?

The most common side effects of the MOunjaro are nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting (which usually goes away over time), and constipation.

Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) is also very common in patients with diabetes. Symptoms of this can include headache, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, feeling hungry, confusion, irritability, fast heartbeat and sweating.

How much weight can you lose with Mounjaro?

Alongside a balanced diet and an exercise regime, it can help patients lose 21% weight on average over 18 months, according to clinical trials. Read the full Government Press Release here.