What is the best time of day to take Mounjaro?

March 7. 2023

When you start a new weight loss medication treatment plan, you want to make it as effective as possible. That is why one of the first questions our patients ask us when they start taking Mounjaro for weight loss is: “what is the best time of day to take Mounjaro?”

We always make sure our patients remember that obesity drug programs need some assistance to take them to their weight loss goals. Pairing the treatment with a healthy, low-calorie diet and regular exercise is vital to losing weight fast. We also know that besides what you eat, when you have a meal and how much you eat also matter. Even the time of the day you practice your workouts can be better for specific purposes – lose weight or gain muscle mass. It is normal for you to wonder if the time of the day you take Mounjaro can impact its effectiveness.

Our weight loss clinic in Chicago experts always offer the best advice to enhance programs and boost your weight loss. In this article, we will focus on the best time of day to take Mounjaro. Besides, we will give you tips you can apply while on the treatment. So if you want to learn more and improve your Mounjaro program, continue reading this article.

How does Mounjaro work?

Mounjaro for weight loss makes you feel fuller after a meal and decreases your hunger spikes. As you may know, Mounjaro is a type 2 diabetes medication to manage blood sugar levels. After its approval in 2022, clinical trials showed that this medicine was highly successful in aiding weight loss. Taking the highest possible dose of Mounjaro, patients often lose up to 20% of their body weight in a few months.

Tirzepatide is the active compound in this drug; it works as a dual agonist receptor. It is the first type 2 diabetes treatment option to achieve this. Until now, Ozempic weight loss and Wegovy – similar medications – only activated one receptor in our bodies (GLP-1 receptor agonist). Tirzepatide activates glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptors. These receptors help diabetic patients control high blood sugar by promoting insulin secretion from the pancreas and decreasing the liver’s glucose production. This effect causes gastric emptying (how food travels through your stomach) to slow down its speed. The slower the movements, the more time food stays in your stomach. That makes you feel satisfied for longer after having a meal.

How will this medicine help me lose weight?

Once you are on the Mounjaro treatment, you will feel full after light meals. This drug works like some appetite suppressants, such as Phentermine for weight loss, but with a more powerful effect. Sticking to a balanced diet and reaching a calorie deficit now will be easier than ever. When you combine that with regular exercise, significant weight loss is guaranteed.

Most people struggle to maintain a healthy diet, which sabotages their weight loss efforts. By taking this obesity drug, you will be able to follow a proper diet that aligns with your goals.

But slowing down the pace at which foods travel to your stomach is not all this medicine does. GIP and GLP-1 receptors also target the hunger centers in your brain. They let it know you are already full after a meal and do not need to continue eating. Some patients also claim they lose their cravings for greasy and unhealthy foods. Nevertheless, these food preference changes are still being studied.

Does the time you take this medicine matter?

You can take Mounjaro at any time, any day of the week. The short answer is that the time you take the medication does not matter. But it only does not matter in terms of that you can choose which day and time of the week you take it. However, you must take the medication on the same day and time every week. That will guarantee the drug works effectively and the best possible outcome from the treatment. So you don’t forget, you can use a medication reminder.

Mounjaro comes in practical injectable pens that you can apply yourself. The pens are easy to use and relatively painless. Your healthcare provider will show you how to use them. They also come with instructions, and tons of videos online show the correct application.

You will start with the lowest dosage (2.5 mg a week). Every four weeks, your doctor will gradually increase the dosage until reaching the right amount for you. The maximum possible dose of Mounajro currently is 15mg a week.

All you need to know about the Mounajro injections

For some people, injectable pens are a new and unknown way of taking medication. When on the Mounjaro treatment, you take the blood glucose control drug via subcutaneous injections. Here are some of the most common questions about how to apply Mounjaro.

Where do I apply the injections?

Doctors recommend these three injection sites: the outer area of the upper arm, stomach (abdomen), and thigh. Make sure to change the injection site from one dose to another. Using the same injection spot can cause irritation in the area.

Do I apply it by myself?

In most cases, you apply the injection pen by yourself. The outer area of your upper arm can be a difficult sport to reach on your own. You can ask someone to help you apply the injection to that area.

What happens if I have to change de injection date?

It is important to supply the dosage on the same day each week. However, if you have to change the injection day, you can do it. You only have to make sure at least three days (72 hours) went by after your last dosage.

The best time of the day to take Mounjaro

As mentioned, no particular time of the day is best to take Mounjaro. But there could be the best time of day to take Mounjaro for you. Depending on your lifestyle, unique needs, and other factors, you could find a time and a day of the week most suitable for you. Still, you have to remember that the time you apply the injection will not have an effect on the drug’s efficacy. But taking it at the same time each week will ensure its effectiveness. Here are 2 points to consider regarding what time to take Mounjato:

Drug interactions

Like any other medicine, you have to be aware of the food-medication interactions. You must tell your doctor about any other drug you use – from birth control pills and prescription drugs to over-the-counter medications. Some medications can interact with Mounjaro and cause several side effects or prejudice the medications’ health benefits. Alcohol/food interactions are also possible. Mounjaro and alcohol is one example of a dangerous combination. Regarding other drugs, professional healthcare providers recommend taking different medicines at proper intervals during the day. Always ask your doctor about the best time to take your medications and how they can interact with Mounjaro.

Some foods can increase one of Mounjaro’s most common side effects: nausea. There are certain Mounjaro foods to avoid to decrease your chances of nausea. Having a light meal after taking the medication will also help. You can set your injection times to a day of the week when you know you will have a small meal.

Managing side effects

We already mentioned one Mounjaro side effect, nausea. Other common side effects are vomiting, stomach pain, fever, diarrhea, constipation, and indigestion. The time of the day you take Mounajro will not help decrease the side effects. However, since those side effects tend to appear right after your dosage, you can set the dose to a day and time when you can rest after taking the medication. During the weekend can be a good option, if you can stay at home. Before bedtime could also work for you – you can sleep through the symptoms. Of course, that will depend on your lifestyle and personal preferences. But it will be good to think about it in advance. That way, you can set your weekly injection schedule to the perfect time and date.

Final thoughts

The best time of day to take Mounjaro will depend on your personal lifestyle and unique needs. While some people like taking Mounajro first thing in the morning, others prefer to do so at night. Mounjaro’s health benefits and effectiveness will not improve or decrease based on the time of day you take it. Do you want to start taking Mounajro? Schedule a call with our professional team to learn more about Mounajro and how to make the best of your treatment.

Author

Nurse Walton

Born and raised in Chicago, IL, Chanay received her Practical Nurse licensure and went to work in clinical specialties such as Home Health, Assisted Living, Long-Term Care and Dialysis Centers. Through this work, she realized the importance of diet, nutrition and weight loss among her patients. This led her to open A Better Weigh, Inc. Medical Weight Loss Center in 2009.