Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)
On May 13, 2022 the FDA approved Tirzepatide, a weight loss injection medication. The medicine was approved after it was shown to control blood sugar in adults. In addition to exercise and diet, the Mounjaro injection was shown to be more effective than other therapies for type 2 diabetes. However, it should not be used to treat type 1 diabetes.
Terzepitide Dosages
Tirzepatide, a Glucagon-like peptide-1, is a once a week shot for diabetes and weight loss. The subcutaneous dose should be adjusted as necessary, to meet the levels of your blood sugar. Mounjaro should be started at a 2.5 mg dose. This dosage should be given once weekly for the first four (4) weeks. If your blood sugar levels need additional control, the dosage can be upped by 2.5mg after the first month. The maximum dose of tirzepatide is 15 mg. There are additional strengths of Mounjaro which are:
- 2.5mg/0.5mL
- 5mg/0.5mL
- 7.5mg/0.5mL
- 10mg/0.5mL
- 12.5mg/0.5mL
- 15mg/0.5mL
During the study by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, participants who received Mounjaro were discovered to be suffering from obesity. The average weight loss found was 15 pounds in the in the study members. This was at the maximum dose of tirzepatide, along with insulin. It was also discovered that this was 12 pounds more than with semagludtide.
Side Effects of Mounjaro
There were a number of side effects found with the use of tirzepatide. The Mounjaro shot was found to cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, constipation, upper abdominal discomfort and abdominal pain. The medicine caused thyroid C-cell tumors in rats. However, it is not known if it causes the same in humans. The medicine should not be used if you or anyone in your family history had a thyroid cancer named MDC.
Cost of Tirzepatide
The cost of tirzepatide is not cheap by any means. It can actually be quite expensive out of pocket. Especially without insurance. And most insurances will not cover it as a weight loss medication. Kind of hard to wrap your head around this since obesity is an epidemic and Over 115 million people suffer from obesity. Yet, as a diabetes medication, some insurance companies may pay for the cost. Thankfully, there is a savings card.
A common question from consumers is “How much is Mounjaro without insurance?” The current cost for tirzepatide is over $1000.00 per dose. WOW! But again, this is all dependant on whether it is covered by your insurance plan. Since Mounjaro is a new medication, it is best to check with your insurance carrier to see if it is covered as a diabetes drug or for weight loss. United Health Care, a major insurance carrier, considers Mounjaro injections as a step therapy. Step therapy programs encourage the use of lower cost alternatives. UHC requires the use of metformin before they will provide coverage for Mounjaro shots.
Savings Coupon for Mounjaro
The great news about the cost is that Eli Lilly is currently offering a savings coupon for Mounjaro. The savings card can get you a 1 month or 3 month supply of tirzepatide. This equals 4 pens or 12 pens of Mounjaro, depending on which you choose. And best of all, you only pay $25 for the prescription with the coupon. Get the Mounjaro savings card and save today!
How it Helps with Type 2 Diabetes
Tirzepatide is an innovative new treatment for Type 2 Diabetes that combines liraglutide and a GLP-1 receptor agonist in one injection. This combination helps to reduce blood glucose levels and improve insulin sensitivity, providing powerful glycemic control to those with this medical condition. By reducing glucagon levels and stimulating insulin production, tirzepatide can help to control blood glucose levels and A1c over time, improving glycemic control overall. In clinical studies, it has been found that patients treated with tirzepatide had statistically significant reductions in HbA1c compared to placebo. Additionally, the injection is often given once-weekly or once-monthly, making it a convenient treatment option for those managing their diabetes.
Patients who receive tirzepatide treatment can experience a reduction in HbA1c levels by up to 1.5%, making it an attractive option for those looking to improve their glycemic control. Furthermore, it has been shown to be beneficial in reducing weight and body fat in clinical trials, helping those with Type 2 Diabetes keep their weight under control. Indeed, the study results of tirzepatide have been very promising in terms of its glycemic control, weight management and cardiovascular risk factors. In addition, numerous medical professionals have suggested that it has the potential to be a long-term treatment for diabetes. All in all, tirzepatide treatment is an effective option for those looking to manage their diabetes and improve their HbA1c levels.