Welcome to your Weight Loss Program!
How do we calculate your weight
Zepbound: In a clinical study, patients without diabetes and with BMI ≥30, or BMI ≥27 plus a weight-related condition, lost an average of 20% of their body weight in 1 year in a 72-week trial studying the highest maintenance dose of Zepbound when paired with diet and exercise changes (compared to 3.1% with diet and exercise alone).
What are the side effects of Zepbound?
Your provider will walk you through side effects. Here’s a summary:
Zepbound may cause serious side effects including possible thyroid tumors and thyroid cancer. Do not use Zepbound if you or any of your family have ever had a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if you have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
Zepbound may cause other serious side effects, including pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, increased risk of low blood sugar, kidney problems, serious allergic reactions, changes in vision in patients with type 2 diabetes, increased heart rate, and depression or suicidal thoughts. Zepbound can decrease the efficacy of oral contraception (birth control pills).
The most common side effects of Zepbound are: nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, fatigue, indigestion, injection site reactions, allergic reactions, belching, heartburn, and hair loss. For more complete information, see Important Safety Information
Zepbound® Important Safety Information
Warnings - Zepbound may cause tumors in the thyroid, including thyroid cancer. Watch for possible symptoms, such as a lump or swelling in the neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. If you have any of these symptoms, tell your healthcare provider.
- Do not use Zepbound if you or any of your family have ever had a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC).
- Do not use Zepbound if you have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
- Do not use Zepbound if you have had a serious allergic reaction to tirzepatide or any of the ingredients in Zepbound.
Zepbound may cause serious side effects, including:
Severe stomach problems. Stomach problems, sometimes severe, have been reported in people who use Zepbound. Tell your healthcare provider if you have stomach problems that are severe or will not go away.
Kidney problems (kidney failure). Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting may cause a loss of fluids (dehydration), which may cause kidney problems. It is important for you to drink fluids to help reduce your chance of dehydration.
Gallbladder problems. Gallbladder problems have happened in some people who use Zepbound. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get symptoms of gallbladder problems, which may include pain in your upper stomach (abdomen), fever, yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice), or clay-colored stools.
Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). Stop using Zepbound and call your healthcare provider right away if you have severe pain in your stomach area (abdomen) that will not go away, with or without vomiting. You may feel the pain from your abdomen to your back.
Serious allergic reactions. Stop using Zepbound and get medical help right away if you have any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat, problems breathing or swallowing, severe rash or itching, fainting or feeling dizzy, or very rapid heartbeat.
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Your risk for getting low blood sugar may be higher if you use Zepbound with medicines that can cause low blood sugar, such as a sulfonylurea or insulin. Signs and symptoms of low blood sugar may include dizziness or light-headedness, sweating, confusion or drowsiness, headache, blurred vision, slurred speech, shakiness, fast heartbeat, anxiety, irritability, mood changes, hunger, weakness or feeling jittery.
Changes in vision in patients with type 2 diabetes. Tell your healthcare provider if you have changes in vision during treatment with Zepbound.
Depression or thoughts of suicide. You should pay attention to changes in your mood, behaviors, feelings or thoughts. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any mental changes that are new, worse, or worry you.
Food or liquid getting into the lungs during surgery or other procedures that use anesthesia or deep sleepiness (deep sedation). Zepbound may increase the chance of food getting into your lungs during surgery or other procedures. Tell all your healthcare providers that you are taking Zepbound before you are scheduled to have surgery or other procedures.
Common side effects
The most common side effects of Zepbound include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, stomach (abdominal) pain, indigestion, injection site reactions, feeling tired, allergic reactions, belching, hair loss, and heartburn. These are not all the possible side effects of Zepbound. Talk to your healthcare provider about any side effect that bothers you or doesn’t go away.
Tell your doctor if you have any side effects. You can report side effects at
1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Before using Zepbound
- Your healthcare provider should show you how to use Zepbound before you use it for the first time.
- Tell your healthcare provider if you are taking medicines to treat diabetes including an insulin or sulfonylurea which could increase your risk of low blood sugar. Talk to your healthcare provider about low blood sugar levels and how to manage them.
- If you take birth control pills by mouth, talk to your healthcare provider before you use Zepbound. Birth control pills may not work as well while using Zepbound. Your healthcare provider may recommend another type of birth control for 4 weeks after you start Zepbound and for 4 weeks after each increase in your dose of Zepbound.
Review these questions with your healthcare provider:
- Do you have other medical conditions, including problems with your pancreas or kidneys, or severe problems with your stomach, such as slowed emptying of your stomach (gastroparesis) or problems digesting food?
- Do you take diabetes medicines, such as insulin or sulfonylureas?
- Do you have a history of diabetic retinopathy?
- Are you scheduled to have surgery or other procedures that use anesthesia or deep sleepiness (deep sedation)?
- Do you take any other prescription medicines or over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, or herbal supplements?
- Are you pregnant, plan to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or plan to breastfeed? Zepbound may harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant while using Zepbound. It is not known if Zepbound passes into your breast milk. You should talk with your healthcare provider about the best way to feed your baby while using Zepbound.
- Pregnancy Exposure Registry: There will be a pregnancy exposure registry for women who have taken Zepbound during pregnancy. The purpose of this registry is to collect information about the health of you and your baby. Talk to your healthcare provider about how you can take part in this registry, or you may contact Lilly at 1-800-LillyRx (1-800-545-5979).
How to take
- Read the Instructions for Use that come with Zepbound.
- Use Zepbound exactly as your healthcare provider says.
- Use Zepbound with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
- Zepbound is injected under the skin (subcutaneously) of your stomach (abdomen), thigh, or upper arm.
- Use Zepbound 1 time each week, at any time of the day.
- Change (rotate) your injection site with each weekly injection. Do not use the same site for each injection.
- If you take too much Zepbound, call your healthcare provider, seek medical advice promptly, or contact a Poison Center expert right away at 1-800-222-1222.
Learn more
Zepbound is a prescription medicine. For more information, call 1-800-LillyRx (1-800-545-5979).
This summary provides basic information about Zepbound but does not include all information known about this medicine. Read the information that comes with your prescription each time your prescription is filled. This information does not take the place of talking with your healthcare provider. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about Zepbound and how to take it. Your healthcare provider is the best person to help you decide if Zepbound is right for you.
Zepbound® and its delivery device base are registered trademarks owned or licensed by Eli Lilly and Company, its subsidiaries, or affiliates.
Tirzepatide safety information
Compounded drugs are permitted to be prescribed under federal law, but are not FDA-approved and do not undergo safety, effectiveness, or manufacturing review. Your MIVM-affiliated provider may recommend certain doses of compounded tirzepatide based on your medical evaluation.
Warning: Risk of Thyroid C-Cell Tumors
- In studies with mice and rats, tirzepatide (the active ingredient in Zepbound and Mounjaro) caused thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer. It is not known if tirzepatide will cause thyroid tumors or a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in people. Tell your provider if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. These may be symptoms of thyroid cancer.
- Do not use tirzepatide if you or any of your family have ever had a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if you have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
What is tirzepatide used for?
Tirzepatide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist for chronic weight management, along with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity, for people with an initial body mass index (BMI) of:
- 30 kg/m2 or greater (obesity) or
- 27 kg/m2 or greater (overweight) in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid condition (e.g., hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, or dyslipidemia).
Limitations of Use:
- Tirzepatide should not be used in combination with other tirzepatide-containing products or any other GLP-1 receptor agonist
- The safety and efficacy of coadministration with other products for weight loss have not been established
- Tirzepatide has not been studied in patients with a history of pancreatitis
- Tirzepatide should not be used in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Who should not use tirzepatide?
Do not use tirzepatide if:
- You or any of your family have ever had a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if you have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
- You have a known allergic reaction to tirzepatide (the active ingredient in Zepbound or Mounjaro).
How should tirzepatide be administered?
You can take tirzepatide with or without food. The medication is self-administered as a subcutaneous injection in the stomach, thigh, or upper arm once a week on the same day every week. For detailed instructions on how to administer your dose, refer to your treatment plan or reach out to your MIVM-affiliated provider. They will guide you on a treatment regimen that may include an increase in dose every four weeks.
You should not change your dosing regimen or stop taking tirzepatide as prescribed without discussing with your provider first.
What should I tell my MIVM-affiliated provider before using tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide has certain drug interactions. It’s important to tell your MIVM-affiliated provider all of the medications you are currently taking, including prescription, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal and dietary supplements.
Some medications to watch out for include:
- Medications used to treat type 1 or type 2 diabetes, including insulin or sulfonylureas (such as Amaryl or Glucotrol XL)
- Tirzepatide causes a delay in gastric emptying, so it has the potential to impact the absorption of medications that are taken by mouth at the same time. Your provider can guide you on how to schedule your medications.
- Other medications in the same drug class, including Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy, Ozempic, Victoza, Saxenda, Trulicity, Byetta, or Bydureon
- If you’re using other products for weight loss, including dietary supplements
It’s important to share your entire medical history with your provider. In particular, tell your provider if you have or have a past history of:
- Type 1 or type 2 diabetes
- Thyroid cancer
- Pancreatitis
- Kidney disease
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Depression
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Ileus
Tell your provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
- If you are pregnant: Tirzepatide should not be used during pregnancy. Based on animal studies, there may be potential risks to an unborn baby from exposure to tirzepatide during pregnancy. There is no benefit to weight loss during pregnancy and it may cause harm to the unborn baby.
- If you are a female or male of reproductive potential: Discontinue tirzepatide at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy since the drug can stay in the bloodstream for a long time.
- If you are breastfeeding: Tirzepatide was found in the milk of lactating rats. Tell your MIVM-affiliated provider if you are breastfeeding before you start tirzepatide.
Withholding or providing inaccurate information about your health and medical history in order to obtain treatment may result in harm, including, in some cases, death.
What are the most serious side effects that I or a caregiver should monitor for when taking tirzepatide?
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention.
These serious side effects can occur with tirzepatide. You or a caregiver should carefully monitor for these side effects, especially in the beginning of treatment and with dose changes.
- Thyroid C-Cell Tumors: In mice and rats, tirzepatide (the active ingredient in Zepbound and Mounjaro) caused an increase in thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). It is unknown whether tirzepatide causes thyroid C-cell tumors in humans. There were cases of MTC reported in patients who took liraglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy) after the drug was put on the market. Tirzepatide should not be used if you have a family history of MTC or if you have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Tell your provider right away if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. These may be symptoms of thyroid cancer.
- Inflammation of Pancreas (Acute Pancreatitis): Monitor for signs of acute pancreatitis, including severe abdominal pain that does not go away, sometimes radiating to the back, with or without vomiting.
- Acute Gallbladder Disease: Tirzepatide may cause gallbladder problems, including gallstones. Some gallbladder problems require surgery. Tell your provider right away if you have pain in your upper stomach, yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice), fever, or clay-colored stools.
- Low Blood Sugar (hypoglycemia): Tirzepatide lowers blood glucose. It can cause too low blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes who also take another glucose control medication. Monitor your blood sugar and watch out for signs of too low blood sugar such as dizziness, blurred vision, mood changes, sweating, or fast heartbeat.
- Acute Kidney Injury: In people who have kidney problems, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting may cause a loss of fluids (dehydration) which may cause kidney problems to get worse. It is important for you to drink plenty of water to help reduce your chance of dehydration.
- Serious Allergic Reactions: Stop using tirzepatide right away if you experience symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat, severe rash or itching, very rapid heartbeat, problems breathing or swallowing, or fainting or feeling dizzy.
- Diabetic Retinopathy Complications in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: If you have type 2 diabetes, tell your provider right away if you experience changes in vision.
- Increase in Heart Rate: Tell your provider right away if you have a racing heartbeat while at rest.
- Suicidal Behavior and Ideation: You should pay attention to any mental health
changes, especially sudden changes in your mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. Call your
healthcare provider right away if you have any mental changes that are new, worse, or worry
you.
Never Share Needles or Syringes: Sharing of needles or syringes poses a risk of infection.
What are the most common side effects of tirzepatide?
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Dyspepsia
- Dizziness
- Abdominal distension
- Eructation
- Hypoglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes
- Flatulence
- Gastroenteritis
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription products:
- Contact FDA MedWatch at 1-800-FDA-1088 or visit www.fda.gov/medwatch
Ozempic® Important Safety Information
Do not share your Ozempic® pen with other people, even if the needle has been changed. You may give other people a serious infection, or get a serious infection from them.
What is the most important information I should know about Ozempic®?
Ozempic® may cause serious side effects, including:
- Possible thyroid tumors, including cancer. Tell your health care provider if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. These may be symptoms of thyroid cancer. In studies with rodents, Ozempic® and medicines that work like Ozempic® caused thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer. It is not known if Ozempic® will cause thyroid tumors or a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in people.
- Do not use Ozempic® if you or any of your family have ever had MTC, or if you have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
Do not use Ozempic® if:
- you or any of your family have ever had MTC or if you have MEN 2.
- you are allergic to semaglutide or any of the ingredients in Ozempic®. See symptoms of serious allergic reaction in “What are the possible side effects of Ozempic®?”.
Before using Ozempic®, tell your health care provider if you have any other medical conditions,
including if you:
- have or have had problems with your pancreas or kidneys.
- have a history of diabetic retinopathy.
- are pregnant or breastfeeding or plan to become pregnant or breastfeed. It is not known if Ozempic® will harm your unborn baby or passes into your breast milk. You should stop using Ozempic® 2 months before you plan to become pregnant.
Tell your health care provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, herbal supplements, and other medicines to treat diabetes, including insulin or sulfonylureas.
What are the possible side effects of Ozempic®?
Ozempic® may cause serious side effects, including:
- inflammation of your pancreas (pancreatitis). Stop using Ozempic® and call your health care provider right away if you have severe pain in your stomach area (abdomen) that will not go away, with or without vomiting. You may feel the pain from your abdomen to your back.
- changes in vision. Tell your health care provider if you have changes in vision during treatment with Ozempic®.
- low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Your risk for getting low blood sugar may be higher if you use Ozempic® with another medicine that can cause low blood sugar, such as a sulfonylurea or insulin. Signs and symptoms of low blood sugar may include: dizziness or lightheadedness, blurred vision, anxiety, irritability or mood changes, sweating, slurred speech, hunger, confusion or drowsiness, shakiness, weakness, headache, fast heartbeat, and feeling jittery.
- kidney problems (kidney failure). In people who have kidney problems, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting may cause a loss of fluids (dehydration), which may cause kidney problems to get worse. It is important for you to drink fluids to help reduce your chance of dehydration.
- serious allergic reactions. Stop using Ozempic® and get medical help right away if you have any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat; problems breathing or swallowing; severe rash or itching; fainting or feeling dizzy; or very rapid heartbeat.
- gallbladder problems. Gallbladder problems have happened in some people who take Ozempic®. Tell your health care provider right away if you get symptoms which may include: pain in your upper stomach (abdomen), fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), or clay-colored stools.
The most common side effects of Ozempic® may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea,
stomach (abdominal) pain, and constipation.
Please click here for Prescribing
Information and Medication Guide for Ozempic®.
Ozempic® is a prescription medication.
Novo Nordisk provides patient assistance for those who qualify. Please call 1-866-310-7549 to learn more about Novo Nordisk assistance programs.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Wegovy® Important Safety Information
Do not share your Wegovy® pen with other people, even if the needle has been changed. You may give other people a serious infection, or get a serious infection from them.
What is the most important information I should know about Wegovy®?
Wegovy® may cause serious side effects, including:
- Possible thyroid tumors, including cancer. Tell your healthcare provider if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. These may be symptoms of thyroid cancer. In studies with rodents, Wegovy® and medicines that work like Wegovy® caused thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer. It is not known if Wegovy® will cause thyroid tumors or a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in people
- Do not use Wegovy® if you or any of your family have ever had a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if you have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
Do not use Wegovy® if:
- you or any of your family have ever had a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if you have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
- you have had a serious allergic reaction to semaglutide or any of the ingredients in
Wegovy®
Before using Wegovy®, tell your health care provider if you have any other medical conditions, including if you:
- have or have had problems with your pancreas or kidneys
- have type 2 diabetes and a history of diabetic retinopathy
- have or have had depression, suicidal thoughts, or mental health issues
- are scheduled to have surgery or other procedures that use anesthesia or deep sleepiness (deep sedation)
- are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Wegovy® may harm your unborn baby. You should stop using Wegovy® 2 months before you plan to become pregnant
- are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if Wegovy® passes into your breast milk
Tell your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Wegovy® may affect the way some medicines work and some medicines may affect the way Wegovy® works. Tell your healthcare provider if you are taking other medicines to treat diabetes, including sulfonylureas or insulin. Wegovy® slows stomach emptying and can affect medicines that need to pass through the stomach quickly.
What are the possible side effects of Wegovy®?
Wegovy® may cause serious side effects, including:
- inflammation of your pancreas (pancreatitis). Stop using Wegovy® and call your healthcare provider right away if you have severe pain in your stomach area (abdomen) that will not go away, with or without vomiting. You may feel the pain from your abdomen to your back
- gallbladder problems. Wegovy® may cause gallbladder problems, including gallstones. Some gallstones may need surgery. Call your healthcare provider if you have symptoms, such as pain in your upper stomach (abdomen), fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), or clay- colored stools
- increased risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), especially those who also take medicines for diabetes such as insulin or sulfonylureas. This can be a serious side effect. Talk to your healthcare provider about how to recognize and treat low blood sugar and check your blood sugar before you start and while you take Wegovy®. Signs and symptoms of low blood sugar may include dizziness or light-headedness, blurred vision, anxiety, irritability or mood changes, sweating, slurred speech, hunger, confusion or drowsiness, shakiness, weakness, headache, fast heartbeat, or feeling jittery
- kidney problems (kidney failure). In people who have kidney problems, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting may cause a loss of fluids (dehydration), which may cause kidney problems to get worse. It is important for you to drink fluids to help reduce your chance of dehydration
- serious allergic reactions. Stop using Wegovy® and get medical help right away,
if you have any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including swelling of your face, lips,
tongue, or throat; problems breathing or swallowing; severe rash or itching; fainting or feeling
dizzy; or very rapid heartbeat
change in vision in people with type 2 diabetes. Tell your healthcare provider if you have changes in vision during treatment with Wegovy® - increased heart rate. Wegovy® can increase your heart rate while you are at
rest. Tell your healthcare provider if you feel your heart racing or pounding in your chest and it
lasts for several minutes
depression or thoughts of suicide. You should pay attention to any mental changes, especially sudden changes in your mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any mental changes that are new, worse, or worry you - food or liquid getting into the lungs during surgery or other procedures that use anesthesia or deep sleepiness (deep sedation). Wegovy® may increase the chance of food getting into your lungs during surgery or other procedures. Tell all your healthcare providers that you are taking Wegovy® before you are scheduled to have surgery or other procedures
The most common side effects of Wegovy® may include: nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, stomach (abdomen) pain, headache, tiredness (fatigue), upset stomach, dizziness, feeling bloated, belching, low blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes, gas, stomach flu, heartburn, and runny nose or sore throat.
Please click here for Prescribing Information and Medication
Guide for Wegovy®.
Wegovy® is a prescription medication.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
This is intended for US patients only
Mounjaro® Important Safety Information
Warnings - Mounjaro may cause tumors in the thyroid, including thyroid cancer. Watch for possible symptoms, such as a lump or swelling in the neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. If you have any of these symptoms, tell your healthcare provider.
- Do not use Mounjaro if you or any of your family have ever had a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC).
- Do not use Mounjaro if you have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
- Do not use Mounjaro if you are allergic to it or any of the ingredients in Mounjaro.
Mounjaro may cause serious side effects, including:
Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). Stop using Mounjaro and call your healthcare provider right away if you have severe pain in your stomach area (abdomen) that will not go away, with or without vomiting. You may feel the pain from your abdomen to your back.
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Your risk for getting low blood sugar may be higher if you use Mounjaro with another medicine that can cause low blood sugar, such as a sulfonylurea or insulin. Signs and symptoms of low blood sugar may include dizziness or light-headedness, sweating, confusion or drowsiness, headache, blurred vision, slurred speech, shakiness, fast heartbeat, anxiety, irritability, or mood changes, hunger, weakness and feeling jittery.
Serious allergic reactions. Stop using Mounjaro and get medical help right away if you have any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat, problems breathing or swallowing, severe rash or itching, fainting or feeling dizzy, and very rapid heartbeat.
Kidney problems (kidney failure). In people who have kidney problems, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting may cause a loss of fluids (dehydration), which may cause kidney problems to get worse. It is important for you to drink fluids to help reduce your chance of dehydration.
Severe stomach problems. Stomach problems, sometimes severe, have been reported in people who use Mounjaro. Tell your healthcare provider if you have stomach problems that are severe or will not go away.
Changes in vision. Tell your healthcare provider if you have changes in vision during treatment with Mounjaro.
Gallbladder problems. Gallbladder problems have happened in some people who use Mounjaro. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get symptoms of gallbladder problems, which may include pain in your upper stomach (abdomen), fever, yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice), and clay-colored stools.
Common side effects
The most common side effects of Mounjaro include nausea, diarrhea, decreased appetite, vomiting, constipation, indigestion, and stomach (abdominal) pain. These are not all the possible side effects of Mounjaro. Talk to your healthcare provider about any side effect that bothers you or doesn't go away.
Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects. You can report side effects at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
Before using Mounjaro
- Your healthcare provider should show you how to use Mounjaro before you use it for the first time.
- Talk to your healthcare provider about low blood sugar and how to manage
it.
If you take birth control pills by mouth, talk to your healthcare provider before you use Mounjaro. Birth control pills may not work as well while using Mounjaro. Your healthcare provider may recommend another type of birth control for 4 weeks after you start Mounjaro and for 4 weeks after each increase in your dose of Mounjaro.
Review these questions with your healthcare provider:
- Do you have other medical conditions, including problems with your pancreas or kidneys, or severe problems with your stomach, such as slowed emptying of your stomach (gastroparesis) or problems digesting food?
- Do you take other diabetes medicines, such as insulin or sulfonylureas?
- Do you have a history of diabetic retinopathy?
- Are you pregnant, plan to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or plan to breastfeed? It is not known if Mounjaro will harm your unborn baby or pass into your breast milk.
- Do you take any other prescription medicines or over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, or herbal supplements?
How to take
- Read the Instructions for Use that come with Mounjaro.
- Use Mounjaro exactly as your healthcare provider says.
- Mounjaro is injected under the skin (subcutaneously) of your stomach (abdomen), thigh, or upper arm.
- Use Mounjaro 1 time each week, at any time of the day.
- Do not mix insulin and Mounjaro together in the same injection.
- You may give an injection of Mounjaro and insulin in the same body area (such as your stomach area), but not right next to each other.
- Change (rotate) your injection site with each weekly injection. Do not use the same site for each injection.
- If you take too much Mounjaro, call your healthcare provider or seek medical advice promptly.
Learn more
Mounjaro is a prescription medicine. For more information, call 1-833-807-MJRO (833-807-6576) or go to www.mounjaro.lilly.com.
This summary provides basic information about Mounjaro but does not include all information known about this medicine. Read the information that comes with your prescription each time your prescription is filled. This information does not take the place of talking with your healthcare provider. Be sure to talk to your healthcare provider about Mounjaro and how to take it. Your healthcare provider is the best person to help you decide if Mounjaro is right for you.
Mounjaro® and its delivery device base are registered trademarks owned or licensed by Eli Lilly and Company, its subsidiaries, or affiliates.
Saxenda® Important Safety Information
Do not share your Saxenda® pen with others even if the needle has been changed. You may give other people a serious infection or get a serious infection from them.
What is the most important information I should know about Saxenda®?
Serious side effects may happen in people who take Saxenda®, including:
Possible thyroid tumors, including cancer. Tell your health care professional if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. These may be symptoms of thyroid cancer. In studies with rats and mice, Saxenda® and medicines that work like Saxenda® caused thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer. It is not known if Saxenda® will cause thyroid tumors or a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in people.
Do not use Saxenda® if you or any of your family have ever had MTC, or if you have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
Who should not use Saxenda®?
Do not use Saxenda® if:
- you or any of your family have ever had MTC or if you have MEN 2
- you have had a serious allergic reaction to liraglutide or any of the ingredients in Saxenda®. See symptoms of serious allergic reactions in "What are the possible side effects of Saxenda®?"
- you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Saxenda® may harm your unborn baby
Before taking Saxenda®, tell your health care provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
- are taking certain medicines called GLP-1 receptor agonists
- have severe problems with your stomach, such as slowed emptying of your stomach (gastroparesis) or problems with digesting food
- have or have had problems with your pancreas, kidneys or liver
- have or have had depression or suicidal thoughts, or mental health issues
- are scheduled to have surgery or other procedures that use anesthesia or deep sleepiness (deep sedation)
- are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if Saxenda® passes into your breast milk. You and your health
- care provider should decide if you will use Saxenda® or breastfeed
Tell your health care provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Saxenda® slows stomach emptying and can affect medicines that need to pass through the stomach quickly. Saxenda® may affect the way some medicines work and some other medicines may affect the way Saxenda® works. Tell your health care provider if you take diabetes medicines, especially insulin and sulfonylurea medicines.
How should I use Saxenda®?
- Read the Instructions for Use that comes with Saxenda®
- Inject your dose of Saxenda® under the skin (subcutaneously) in your stomach area (abdomen), upper leg (thigh), or upper arm, as instructed by your health care provider. Do not inject into a vein or muscle
- Change (rotate) your injection site within the area you choose with each injection to reduce your risk of getting lumps under the skin (cutaneous amyloidosis). Do not use the same site for each injection
What are the possible side effects of Saxenda®?
Saxenda® may cause serious side effects, including:
- inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). Stop using Saxenda® and call your healthcare provider right away if you have severe pain in your stomach area (abdomen) that will not go away, with or without vomiting. You may feel the pain from your stomach area (abdomen) to your back
- gallbladder problems. Saxenda® may cause gallbladder problems, including gallstones. Some gallbladder problems need surgery. Call your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms: pain in your upper stomach (abdomen), fever, yellowing of your skin or eyes (jaundice), or clay-colored stools
- increased risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in adults with type 2 diabetes who also take medicines to treat type 2 diabetes such as sulfonylureas or insulin
- risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in children who are 12 years of age and older without type 2 diabetes
- Signs and symptoms of low blood sugar may include: shakiness, sweating, headache, drowsiness, weakness, dizziness, confusion, irritability, hunger, fast heartbeat, and feeling jittery. You should check your blood sugar before you start taking Saxenda® and while you take Saxenda®
- increased heart rate. Saxenda® can increase your heart rate while you are at rest. Your health care provider should check your heart rate while you take Saxenda®. Tell your health care professional if you feel your heart racing or pounding in your chest and it lasts for several minutes
- kidney problems (kidney failure). Saxenda® may cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea leading to loss of fluids (dehydration). Dehydration may cause kidney failure, which can lead to the need for dialysis. This can happen in people who have never had kidney problems before. Drinking plenty of fluids may reduce your chance of dehydration. Call your health care provider right away if you have nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea that does not go away, or if you cannot drink liquids by mouth
- serious allergic reactions. Stop using Saxenda® and get medical help right away if you have any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction including swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, fainting or feeling dizzy, very rapid heartbeat, problems breathing or swallowing, or severe rash or itching
- depression or thoughts of suicide. You should pay attention to any mental changes, especially sudden changes, in your mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. Call your health care provider right away if you have any mental changes that are new, worse, or worry you
- food or liquid getting into the lungs during surgery or other procedures that use anesthesia or deep sleepiness (deep sedation). Saxenda® may increase the chance of food getting into your lungs during surgery or other procedures. Tell all your healthcare providers that you are taking Saxenda® before you are scheduled to have surgery or other procedures
The most common side effects of Saxenda® in adults include nausea, diarrhea, constipation, vomiting, injection site reaction, low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), headache, tiredness (fatigue), dizziness, stomach pain, and change in enzyme (lipase) levels in your blood. Additional common side effects in children are fever and gastroenteritis.
Please click here for Prescribing Information and Medication
Guide for Saxenda®.
Saxenda® is a prescription medication.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Semaglutide safety information
Compounded drugs are permitted to be prescribed under federal law, but are not FDA-approved and do not undergo safety, effectiveness, or manufacturing review. Your MIVM-affiliated provider may recommend certain doses of compounded semaglutide based on your medical evaluation.
Warning: Risk of Thyroid C-Cell Tumors
- In studies with mice and rats, semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic) caused thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer. It is not known if semaglutide will cause thyroid tumors or a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in people. Tell your provider if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. These may be symptoms of thyroid cancer.
- Do not use semaglutide if you or any of your family have ever had a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if you have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
What is semaglutide used for?
Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist for chronic weight management, along with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity, for people with an initial body mass index (BMI) of:
- 30 kg/m2 or greater (obesity) or
27 kg/m2 or greater (overweight) in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid condition (e.g., hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, or dyslipidemia).
Limitations of Use:
- Semaglutide should not be used in combination with other semaglutide-containing products or any other GLP-1 receptor agonist
- The safety and efficacy of coadministration with other products for weight loss have not been established
- Semaglutide has not been studied in patients with a history of pancreatitis
- Semaglutide should not be used in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Who should not use semaglutide?
Do not use semaglutide if:
You or any of your family have ever had a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma
(MTC) or if you have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type
2 (MEN 2).
You have a known allergic reaction to semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy
or Ozempic).
How should semaglutide be administered?
You can take semaglutide with or without food. The medication is self-administered as a subcutaneous injection in the stomach, thigh, or upper arm once a week on the same day every week. For detailed instructions on how to administer your dose, refer to your treatment plan or reach out to your MIVM-affiliated provider. They will guide you on a treatment regimen that may include an increase in dose every four weeks.
You should not change your dosing regimen or stop taking semaglutide as prescribed without discussing with your provider first.
What should I tell my MIVM-affiliated provider before using semaglutide?
Semaglutide has certain drug interactions. It’s important to tell your MIVM-affiliated provider all of the medications you are currently taking, including prescription, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal and dietary supplements.
Some medications to watch out for include:
Medications used to treat type 1 or type 2 diabetes, including insulin or sulfonylureas (such as
Amaryl or Glucotrol XL)
Semaglutide causes a delay in gastric emptying, so it has the potential
to impact the absorption of medications that are taken by mouth at the same time. Your provider can
guide you on how to schedule your medications.
Other medications in the same drug class,
including Wegovy, Ozempic, Zepbound, Mounjaro, Saxenda, Victoza, Trulicity, Byetta, or
Bydureon
If you’re using other products for weight loss, including dietary
supplements
It’s important to share your entire medical history with your provider. In
particular, tell your provider if you have or have a past history of:
- Type 1 or type 2 diabetes
- Thyroid cancer
- Pancreatitis
- Kidney disease
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Depression
- Suicidal thoughts or behavior
- Ileus
Tell your provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
- If you are pregnant: Semaglutide should not be used during pregnancy. Based on animal studies, there may be potential risks to an unborn baby from exposure to semaglutide during pregnancy. There is no benefit to weight loss during pregnancy and it may cause harm to the unborn baby.
- If you are a female or male of reproductive potential: Discontinue semaglutide at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy since the drug can stay in the bloodstream for a long time.
- If you are breastfeeding: Semaglutide was found in the milk of lactating rats. Tell your MIVM-affiliated provider if you are breastfeeding before you start semaglutide.
Withholding or providing inaccurate information about your health and medical history in order to obtain treatment may result in harm, including, in some cases, death.
What are the most serious side effects that I or a caregiver should monitor for when taking semaglutide?
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention.
These serious side effects can occur with semaglutide. You or a caregiver should carefully monitor for these side effects, especially in the beginning of treatment and with dose changes.
- Thyroid C-Cell Tumors: In mice and rats, semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic) caused an increase in thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). It is unknown whether semaglutide causes thyroid C-cell tumors in humans. There were cases of MTC reported in patients who took liraglutide (the active ingredient in Victoza and Saxenda) after the drug was put on the market. Semaglutide should not be used if you have a family history of MTC or if you have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Tell your provider right away if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. These may be symptoms of thyroid cancer.
- Inflammation of Pancreas (Acute Pancreatitis): Monitor for signs of acute pancreatitis, including severe abdominal pain that does not go away, sometimes radiating to the back, with or without vomiting.
- Acute Gallbladder Disease: Semaglutide may cause gallbladder problems, including gallstones. Some gallbladder problems require surgery. Tell your provider right away if you have pain in your upper stomach, yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice), fever, or clay-colored stools.
- Low Blood Sugar (hypoglycemia): Semaglutide lowers blood glucose. It can cause too low blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes who also take another glucose control medication. Monitor your blood sugar and watch out for signs of too low blood sugar such as dizziness, blurred vision, mood changes, sweating, or fast heartbeat.
- Acute Kidney Injury: In people who have kidney problems, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting may cause a loss of fluids (dehydration) which may cause kidney problems to get worse. It is important for you to drink plenty of water to help reduce your chance of dehydration.
- Serious Allergic Reactions: Stop using semaglutide right away if you experience symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat, severe rash or itching, very rapid heartbeat, problems breathing or swallowing, or fainting or feeling dizzy.
- Diabetic Retinopathy Complications in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: If you have type 2 diabetes, tell your provider right away if you experience changes in vision.
- Increase in Heart Rate: Tell your provider right away if you have a racing heartbeat while at rest.
- Suicidal Behavior and Ideation: You should pay attention to any mental health changes, especially sudden changes in your mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any mental changes that are new, worse, or worry you.
- Never Share Needles or Syringes: Sharing of needles or syringes poses a risk of infection.
What are the most common side effects of semaglutide?
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Dyspepsia
- Dizziness
- Abdominal distension
- Eructation
- Hypoglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes
- Flatulence
- Gastroenteritis
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription products:
- Contact FDA MedWatch at 1-800-FDA-1088 or visit www.fda.gov/medwatch
