Mounjaro has emerged as a new alternative that promises to revolutionize the market, competing directly with the already well-known Ozempic . That is why, in this article we will explain what Mounjaro is, its use, side effects, price in Spain and the differences with its predecessor, Ozempic.
In the search for effective solutions to address weight loss, Ozempic, a treatment originally designed for type 2 diabetes mellitus , has been a true revolution.
However, due to supply problems arising from its use outside its technical specifications, the Spanish health system has responded with the approval of a new similar drug called Mounjaro.
What is Mounjaro?
Mounjaro, whose active ingredient is tirzepatide , stands as a novel pharmacological option. Approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2022 for the treatment of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus , this medication has opened the door to new treatment options due to the shortage of Ozempic.
Currently, Mounjaro has already received approval from the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for use in the treatment of adults with insufficiently controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus. In addition, it is in the approval process in Spain.
Essentially, Mounjaro is a drug that acts as a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. This substance is found naturally in the human body and performs a series of crucial functions.
These include controlling blood sugar levels and regulating appetite . Mounjaro represents an advance in the treatment of metabolic diseases and, potentially, in the fight against obesity.
What is Mounjaro for?
Mounjaro, initially developed to address type 2 diabetes mellitus, is positioned as a multifaceted pharmacological option with key applications in the treatment of this metabolic disease, weight management and improving overall health, much like Ozempic. Among its uses are:
- As a stand-alone option when patients cannot tolerate or take metformin , another medication widely used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. The inability to take metformin may be due to different reasons, such as side effects that cause the patient to not tolerate the metformin or medical contraindications.
- As a complementary drug with other diabetes medications when these alone are not sufficient to maintain adequate control of blood sugar levels. These other medications may include both oral options and insulin injections, providing considerable flexibility in disease management.
- Outside of its technical specifications and the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, Mounjaro has also proven to be an effective tool in weight management by regulating appetite and satiety, which can lead to a significant reduction in caloric intake. This feature makes it a valuable option for those looking to not only manage their diabetes, but also address associated obesity or overweight.
How does Mounjaro work for weight loss
Mounjaro helps people lose weight by making meal plans and workout routines that are specific to each person’s needs. Mounjaro is an app that helps you stay motivated and on track by keeping track of your progress and giving you tips on how to live a healthy life. Users can get access to a wide range of healthy recipes and workout lessons that are meant to make losing weight fun and long-lasting. Mounjaro creates a community where people can share their experiences and support each other. This makes the process of living a healthy life seem less overwhelming and more doable.
Is Mounjaro useful for losing weight like Ozempic?
Mounjaro’s potential as an effective weight loss tool has become a topic of prominent interest. To understand its impact on weight reduction, a clinical trial carried out by the Lilly laboratory shed light on its effectiveness.
This study involved 938 participants and the results reflected are defined as surprising. After 72 weeks of treatment, 79.2 % of participants receiving 10 mg of tirzepatide experienced a loss of more than 5% of their body weight. More impressive were those in the group that received 15 mg of tirzepatide, where 82.7% achieved similar results.
Mounjaro’s impact became even more evident when examining how many participants managed to lose 15 kilograms or more . Almost 40% of those who took 10 mg of Mounjaro and about half of those who received 15 mg met or exceeded this mark. This is especially striking compared to the 3.2% weight loss in the control group.
These strong and compelling results indicate that Mounjaro is not only highly effective in promoting weight loss, but its effectiveness is comparable to that of Ozempic or Saxenda , medications widely recognized for their weight loss effects.
Difference between Mounjaro, Ozempic and Wegovy in weight loss
Some research has suggested that Mounjaro may be more effective than Ozempic or Wegovy in weight loss.
A study conducted by the American Diabetes Association, which analyzed these drugs, found that the use of tirzepatide, the active ingredient in Mounjaro, showed more significant reductions in blood sugar levels and greater weight loss compared to other medications.
However, some experts emphasize that this study compared different doses of semaglutide (Ozempic’s active ingredient) and tirzepatide, which makes it difficult to determine how these drugs really differ from each other when it comes to weight loss.
Side effects of treatment with Mounjaro
As with all medicines, Mounjaro can cause side effects. It is essential to be informed about these possible side effects to make informed decisions and follow medical guidelines appropriately.
Serious adverse effects
Serious but rare side effects ( which may affect up to 1 in 100 people) include inflammation of the pancreas, known as acute pancreatitis . This condition can manifest itself with severe and prolonged abdominal pain that sometimes radiates to the back. If the patient experiences these symptoms, they should see their doctor immediately.
Other adverse effects
- Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people): include nausea and diarrhea . These adverse effects tend to manifest with greater intensity at the beginning of the use of tirzepatide, but decrease over time in most patients.
In these cases the dose may need to be reduced while using tirzepatide. Symptoms of hypoglycemia may include headache, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, feeling hungry, confusion, irritability, rapid heartbeat, and sweating. Remember that your pharmacist can provide guidance on how to address low blood sugar levels.
- Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people): low blood sugar , which is common when tirzepatide is used together with metformin and a sodium-glucose cotransporter type 2 inhibitor.
In addition, other common side effects include allergic reactions such as rash, itching and eczema, decreased appetite, abdominal pain, indigestion, constipation, abdominal bloating, belching, gas, acid reflux or heartburn, known as gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), tiredness and reactions at the injection site, such as itching or redness. Also, a rapid pulse and increased levels of pancreatic enzymes (such as lipase and amylase) in the blood have been observed.
If you are thinking about starting treatment with Mounjaro, it is essential that you obtain information from health professionals such as pharmacists or doctors.
What to do if I can’t find Mounjaro, Ozempic, Saxenda or Wegovy in my pharmacy?
When you are faced with the situation of not being able to find the medication you need to buy such as Saxenda, Ozempic or other medications, you have the option of asking your trusted pharmacy about the LUDA tool.
Our innovative software allows pharmacists to locate the nearest pharmacy where the medication is located , in case it is out of stock or has supply problems. This will save you the hassle of having to unsuccessfully make a pilgrimage to several pharmacies.
It is important to highlight that this collaborative and 100% technological solution is available in more than 3,300 pharmacies throughout Spain and has already helped more than 200,000 patients.
If your pharmacist is not yet familiar with LUDA , we invite you to suggest the use of this tool and inform him or her about the project.
Conclusion
In summary, Mounjaro is a medication approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults that works by helping to regulate blood sugar levels. However, its use carries potential side effects and its price may vary depending on location and insurance coverage. Additionally, it is important to consider the differences between Mounjaro and Ozempic, and obtain a prescription before purchasing it from a licensed pharmacy. If you are interested in Mounjaro, consulting with a healthcare professional is always the first step.
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