Mounjaro: miracle or curse?

Mounjaro is a relatively new medication, approved in 2022 for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It belongs to the class of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, which work by increasing insulin secretion and decreasing glucagon secretion.

Mounjaro is an injectable prescription medicine that adults with

type 2 diabetes ( =

Insulin resistance
Pancreatic dysfunction
Elevated blood sugar
Lifestyle-influenced condition
Manageable through diet, exercise, medications)

utilize to treat it.

Over 30 million Americans aged 18 and over have type two diabetes with greatly increasing numbers of children under 18.

It is a type of medicine composed of GIP (glucose- dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist. GIP works by reducing food intake and increasing energy expenditure leading to weight loss. Combining this with a GLP-1 receptor agonist leads to a greater impact on blood glucose and body weight.

Although Mounjaro is not a weight loss drug, it does also help individuals lose extra weight, aiding in the management of their diabetes long-term.It has recently been approved by the FDA for use in the US and has resulted in significant weight loss (over 15% body weight loss) and appetite suppression compared to existing GLP receptor agonists.

The medication has been accepted for adults with type 2 diabetes but not for children or teens or people with type 1 diabetes.

Mounjaro has been found to be more successful at treating type 2 diabetes when compared to other diabetes therapies availabl

“Mounjaro is the first dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist to be approved by the FDA.

Mounjaro has various functions including increasing insulin production when the blood sugar is increasing which ultimately reduces the risk of high blood sugar. It also decreases the liver’s production of sugar and reduces the speed at which the stomach empties food into the intestine, resulting in a feeling of prolonged fullness. 

The medication is curated to help imitate both agonists (GIP and GLP-1) in binding to their receptors. This mechanism is what helps maintain glucose levels aiding in weight loss. 

Side Effects 

There are possible side effects that can occur when using Mounjaro including nausea, diarrhea, decreased appetite, vomiting, constipation, indigestion, etc. Some of the more serious side effects are thyroid tumors and even cancer. Therefore, it is important to avoid this medication if there is family history of any type of thyroid cancer or endocrine system conditions. 

Before using Mounjaro, it is critical to notify your healthcare provider of any existing medical conditions and any other current medications that you are using. 

Mounjaro is typically injected under the skin on your stomach, thigh, or upper arm about once a week during any time of the day. 

An important note to take when utilizing Mounjaro is that it should not be mixed with insulin in the same injection. You are allowed to inject both substances in the same area, however, not right next to each other. 

Studies have shown that Mounjaro goes beyond weight loss as it has improved A1c levels, reduced risk of hypoglycemia, and total levels of triglycerides and cholesterol.

Based on the information provided, 3 out of 4 individuals receiving injections of Manjaro lowered their A1C to under 7%. A1C is a standard blood test that measures your blood glucose levels. The lower your A1C level, the lower your risk of diabetes. The ideal range for A1C is below 5.7%.

In terms of weight loss, Mounjaro has displayed the most significant weight loss when compared to other diabetes medications. After a year, the average weight loss was around 25 pounds. Those taking the highest dose of 15 mg lost about 27 pounds and individuals on the lowest dose lose about 17 pounds. 

can mounjaro cause pancreatitis?

Yes, there is a potential risk of developing pancreatitis with the use of Mounjaro (tirzepatide), which is a medication approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes.

Mounjaro belongs to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. While these medications are generally well-tolerated, they have been associated with an increased risk of pancreatitis in some patients.

The prescribing information for Mounjaro includes a warning about the risk of pancreatitis. Specifically, it states that acute pancreatitis, including fatal and non-fatal hemorrhagic or necrotizing pancreatitis, has been reported in patients treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists.

The risk of developing pancreatitis with Mounjaro or other GLP-1 receptor agonists is higher in patients with a history of pancreatitis or those who have had their gallbladder removed. Other risk factors for pancreatitis include excessive alcohol consumption, hypertriglyceridemia, and the use of certain medications.

If a patient experiences persistent severe abdominal pain, with or without vomiting, while taking Mounjaro, they should promptly seek medical attention, as these symptoms may be indicative of pancreatitis.

It is essential for patients taking Mounjaro to be aware of this potential risk and to discuss any concerns or symptoms with their healthcare provider. Healthcare professionals should carefully consider the risk of pancreatitis when prescribing Mounjaro, especially in patients with known risk factors for the condition.

ِCan mounjaro cause psychosis?

There is currently no evidence from the clinical trials or post-marketing data to suggest that Mounjaro (tirzepatide) can cause psychosis as a side effect.

In the clinical trials for Mounjaro, psychosis or psychotic disorders were not reported as side effects. The most commonly reported side effects were gastrointestinal issues like nausea, diarrhea, and constipation, as well as decreased appetite and abdominal pain.

However, it’s important to note that Mounjaro, like other GLP-1 receptor agonists, has not been extensively studied in patients with pre-existing psychiatric disorders, including psychotic disorders. Therefore, caution may be warranted when prescribing Mounjaro to patients with a history of psychosis or other severe mental health conditions.

Additionally, any medication can potentially cause rare or idiosyncratic side effects that may not have been observed in clinical trials or early post-marketing reports. If a patient experiences any concerning psychiatric symptoms, including psychosis, while taking Mounjaro, it should be reported to their healthcare provider for proper evaluation and management.