Mounjaro/Zepbound FAQ's

Everyone has so many questions about Mounjaro/Zepbound but it's difficult to find concise answers, so here's my stab at answering a few:

Where's cheapest?

monj.co.uk - This website lists the major licensed online pharmacies, their prices and monitors discount codes and special offers. They go to great lengths to keep their information impartial, accurate and up to date. Personally I use MedExpress who are often at the lower end of prices. If you choose to order with them, use discount code 4Y19K5 for £40 off (I'll get a credit too). They also offer a price matching guarantee for future orders which includes voucher codes and special offers. It is possible to switch pharmacies mid-treatment, you will need to complete a new online consultation (as you would have done initially) and show that you have been prescribed the drug (usually by dispensing box label and/or order confirmations etc). 

How does it arrive and how do I keep it?

The injection pens have a long shelf life if they are kept below 8°C. Once the temperature gets above this Eli Lilly (the manufacturer) advises that the pen no longer needs to be kept in the fridge and should be used within 30 days. When they are shipped to you, the pharmacy will send enough (more on this later*) needles and alcohol swabs, and also a sharps bin for used needles with your first order. The pen will be in an insulated sleeve with an ice pack to keep it cool. The ice pack will usually keep the pen below 8°C for at least 24 hours and if the weather is cool this is considerably longer. If you miss your delivery slot it is very likely that the pen will remain cool enough until the following day and even then still allows you 30 days if you stick to the manufacturers guidelines. Although not advised by Eli Lilly, f you decide to keep your pen in the fridge all the time it is highly likely to remain safe to use and just as potent for a while longer (more on this later*). If you're worried about delivery, try to time it to when you're in. MedExpress ship using Royal Mail and my pens have sometimes been delivered on Sundays!

How long does a pen last?

The pens are sold as having four doses in them*. 

*I've heard about a 'magic fifth dose'

There is extra medication in the pen to allow for 'priming' the needle. Many users find, especially if they keep the pens in the fridge, that when they attach the needle that a very small bead of liquid forms at the end indicating that it is primed. Even then, one or two clicks is usually plenty and stop as soon as you see a bead forming at the end of the needle. After the fourth dose, it is clear that there remains a significant amount of the medication in the pen. Eli Lilly and your pharmacy supply the pens to be used for four doses. They also advise that the pen should be used within thirty days of its first use. This is an expensive drug. Expiry dates are usually calculated on a 'worst case' scenario. Neither of the following methods are condoned by the manufacturer, pharmacies or MHRA (the drug licensing board in the UK). If the pen is not kept in ideal conditions then the active ingredients may not perform as expected. Look after your pen in the fridge and, like me, you may decide that the remaining contents will be just as safe and potent. Some people withdraw this with a 'traditional' diabetes syringe. I use the 'brute force' method - when twisting the dial to the '1' for your dose it will jam about half way. Grip the pen firmly (a tea towel or nutcrackers may help) and continue to force it and it will eventually turn. You can then administer your magic dose normally and feel smug that you just got a 25% extra free deal!

What do I do if I'm going on holiday?

There are many small insulated holders that can be bought for insulin pens that have removable ice packs and the kwikpen fits these perfectly. If you're travelling by air, don't worry about the liquid limit for the ice packs and pen, these are exempt from the usual restrictions and there is no issue carrying them in hand baggage. It may be wise to carry the box your pen came in as this has the dispensing label and your name on it, but this has never been checked on my extensive travels.

Nasal spray dupes on Facebook/TikTok

There are starting to be adverts running on Facebook and TikTok of nasal sprays claiming to be 'dupes' and suggesting using images that you will lose weight. They try to add credence to the advert by showing a certificate of analysis. None of these have been subjected to clinical trials and they appear to use CBD as their active ingredient (though nothing is suggested as the active ingredient). There have been no clinical trials demonstrating CBD as being suitable for weight loss not any clinical trials on these products showing that they are safe to take and work as advised. Please steer clear and save your money. If you're struggling to find a way to pay for these weight loss drugs, consider in your calculations the 'fifth dose' and reduction in food costs. It is likely that over time that costs will come down, especially as competition increases between pharmacies and alternatives come to market.

Got another question? Comment and I'll try and answer it