What is Mounjaro?
Tirzepatide, known by the brand name Mounjaro®, is a once-weekly injectable medication manufactured by Lilly for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Mounjaro is in a class of its own when it comes to type 2 diabetes medications. It is the first single molecule that has the ability to mimic two naturally occurring hormones in the body that help to lower blood sugar: Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1).
How does Mounjaro work?
Mounjaro acts on both the GIP and GLP-1 hormones found in the appetite center of the brain to help to reduce food intake. GLP-1 slows down stomach emptying, so you feel fuller sooner and longer, while GIP acts on your body’s fat stores in a variety of ways to improve function and insulin sensitivity; all of which promote weight loss. The unprecedented weight loss effect of Mounjaro likely has to do with the dual action of the drug on the GIP and GLP-1 receptors.
When would a Form Health clinician give an online prescription for Mounjaro?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) may be prescribed if you have type 2 diabetes. Form Health clinicians may choose to prescribe Mounjaro if you have a BMI of 30 or higher or 27 or higher with weight-related conditions, and you have not been successful in losing weight or maintaining weight loss with lifestyle changes alone. During a telehealth visit, your Form clinician will perform a thorough evaluation reviewing your medical history, medications you’re taking, and laboratory studies to determine if FDA-approved medications like Mounjaro are appropriate for you. These medications are used in combination with a personalized weight loss plan that addresses behavioral health, nutrition, and physical activity.
A clinician can prescribe Mounjaro online through telehealth if appropriate.
Who qualifies for a Mounjaro prescription?
You may qualify for a Mounjaro prescription if you have type 2 diabetes, or, in some cases, if you have a BMI of 30 or higher or 27 or higher with weight-related conditions.
Please note that even if you have type 2 diabetes, Mounjaro may still not be appropriate for you. Your medical history, current medications, and insurance benefits will be taken into consideration during a discussion with your Form Health clinician prior to receiving a prescription.
FDA-approved medications that promote weight loss but are FDA-approved for other indications (such as diabetes or migraines) may be prescribed by Form clinicians. They can help people lose weight by decreasing appetite and cravings, and improving sensitivity to insulin.
How to get a Mounjaro prescription online
4 steps to determining if Mounjaro is right for you
Take the Form Health eligibility quiz
Our simple, 5 minute quiz helps determine if you meet the criteria for our medical weight loss program, and whether your insurance will cover Form Health program costs. Once you qualify, sign-up on the Form website and download our app.
Complete your onboarding paperwork
Fill out an online onboarding survey that collects information on your medical history, medications, and previous weight loss attempts so your clinical team can get to know you and personalize a weight loss plan for you.
Meet with your Form Health Clinician
You will meet your Form Clinician during your first virtual visit to discuss your personalized weight loss plan, which may include prescription medications like Mounjaro, if appropriate. Your Mounjaro prescription will be sent to your preferred pharmacy, whether local or online. You’ll meet with your clinician regularly and can always reach them via messaging so they can monitor for any side effects, make any adjustments needed, and provide support throughout your Form journey.
Meet with your Form Health Registered Dietitian
Together, you will set nutrition and exercise goals. Mounjaro works best when paired with lifestyle changes!
Mounjaro side effects
While there are many beneficial effects of Mounjaro (such as its effect on periods), like with any medication, there are some potential side effects to take into consideration. Similar to GLP-1 receptor agonists like Wegovy®, the most common side effects of tirzepatide are gastrointestinal symptoms such as:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Heartburn
- Abdominal Pain
Headaches, dizziness, and an increase in heart rate can occur as well, though less commonly. Gallbladder disease is another potential side effect, and other rare side effects have also been described. In clinical trials, only 6.2% of patients treated with the highest dose of tirzepatide versus 2.6% of patients treated with placebo discontinued the medication due to adverse effects.
Learn more about Mounjaro
Mounjaro® and its delivery device base are registered trademarks owned or licensed by Eli Lilly and Company, its subsidiaries, or affiliates.