The Scottish Medicines Consortium (SMC) has approved the use of Mounjaro to treat type 2 diabetes and for treating obesity (“For weight management, including weight loss and weight maintenance, as an adjunct to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity in adults”. It was approved by the SMC for people with a BMI of at least 30kg/m², and one additional medical condition that is related to obesity [LINK]
Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) is an injectable medication used in the management of type 2 diabetes and increasingly in encouraging weight loss, under medical guidance. It works by mimicking natural hormones to regulate blood sugar levels, improve insulin sensitivity, and reduce appetite.
The manufacturer’s site is here.
Many local pharmacies, private GPS, and aesthetic clinics can provide these drugs on demand.
Mounjaro is an injection that is usually taken once a week (one-dose pen or a multi-dose pen). After taking the starting dose for the first 4 weeks the dosage will increase every four weeks until an effective personal dose is established. This means that the prescription may change regularly, but the injection frequency will remain the same. It is important to check that the correct strength pen is being used.
Your healthcare team should give you more information about how to take it, and how to inject.
As with most drugs, Mounjaro can potentially cause damage. Known risks include pancreatitis (Inflammation of the pancreas can cause severe abdominal pain and other symptoms), kidney damage (due to dehydration), gallbladder problems such as cholecystitis (inflammation of the gallbladder causing pain, fever, and jaundice) and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). While Mounjaro doesn't directly cause low blood sugar, it can increase the risk when combined with other diabetes medications.
Due to the widespread, and potentially harmful, effects of use, it is important to monitor various organs and metabolic parameters regularly to ensure the safety and effectiveness of Mounjaro. While some rely on adverse symptoms to indicate problems, we suggest patients take our specially designed blood test before starting Mounjaro to establish a baseline for the key blood components potentially affected by the taking of Mounjaro. These can be repeated at least every 3 months during treatment to monitor health, effectiveness, and safety.
What This Profile Includes:
- Creatinine
- Urea
- Creatinine Kinase
- Uric Acid
- Electrolytes (Sodium, Potassium, Chloride)
- eGFR (estimated Glomerular Filtration Rate)
- Phosphate
These tests help assess kidney health and detect any early signs of dysfunction or electrolyte imbalances that could affect overall treatment safety.
- ALT (Alanine Transaminase)
- AST (Aspartate Transaminase)
- ALP (Alkaline Phosphatase)
- GGT (Gamma-Glutamyl Transferase)
- Total, Direct & Indirect Bilirubin
- Total Protein, Albumin & Globulin
The liver plays a key role in drug metabolism. Regular liver function testing ensures the liver is coping well with Mounjaro and that there are no signs of liver stress or inflammation.
- Total Cholesterol
- Triglycerides
- HDL (High-Density Lipoprotein)
- LDL (Low-Density Lipoprotein)
Since Mounjaro can influence fat metabolism and weight loss, monitoring lipid levels can help track improvements or spot potential issues in cardiovascular health.
This is the key marker for long-term glucose control. It provides an average blood sugar level over the past 2–3 months and helps assess how well Mounjaro is managing diabetes or prediabetic conditions.
- Amylase
- Lipase
As Mounjaro affects insulin and digestion pathways, it’s essential to check pancreatic enzyme levels to rule out inflammation or strain on the pancreas.
