Mounjaro’s active ingredient, tirzepatide, is a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist. This means it binds to two natural hormone receptors in blood sugar regulation. By activating these receptors, Mounjaro increases insulin, suppresses glucagon, and delays stomach emptying to bring glucose spikes down and reduce appetite. Clinical trials indicate that Mounjoro can lead to more than 2% reduction in HbA1C levels. 

Mounjara was approved in late 2022 by Health Canada for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. The official regulatory decision was issued on November 24, 2022, after reviewing the results of the SURPASS phase 3 clinical trials. It is not FDA-approved for weight loss yet.

The cost of Mounjaro in Canada varies depending on your prescribed dose, the pharmacy you use, and your location. On average, a one-month supply (four weekly injections) costs between $400 and $530 without insurance.

Mounjaro is a once-weekly, prefilled pen injection given under the skin in your abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Each pen contains a single dose, and you should inject yourself on the same day each week for consistent results.

The most common side effect of Mounjaro is gastrointestinal. Because it works on hormones that also affect digestion, many people experience:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Stomach cramping
• Constipation

However, these side effects improve over time as your body adjusts to the Trizipedine. Our telehealth providers will advise you to start low and titrate slowly. 

To achieve the best results from Mounjaro, it’s important to follow a balanced, lower-calorie diet. Avoid fried food and high-fat meals, as they can worsen nausea. Instead, relying more on lean protein, vegetables, and whole grains can help you achieve faster results in terms of controlling fluctuating glucose levels and curbing appetite. 

The best course of action in case you miss your weekly dose depends on how many days have passed. For instance, 

• ≤ 4 days since missed dose: Take the missed dose as soon as you remember
• > 4 days since the missed dose: Skip the missed dose and wait for your next one.

You can also consult your Trizipedine online doctor to understand what you should do. 

Mounjaro is currently only approved for treating type 2 diabetes in Canada. While it has shown significant weight loss benefits in clinical trials, you cannot get Mounjaro without diabetes, as it‘s not approved in Canada for weight management. However, a related medication, Zepbound (also containing tirzepatide), has been approved in Canada for chronic weight management.

The newest weight-loss medication approved in Canada is Wegovy (semaglutide) by Novo Nordisk, which became available in May 2024. Other prescription options for chronic weight management include Zepbound (tirzepatide) and Saxenda (liraglutide).

This is something to discuss carefully with your Moujaro online doctor. The approved indication for Mounjaro is type 2 diabetes. However, some telehealth Ontario doctors and clinics are prescribing Mounjaro off-label for weight loss in people with obesity, but it is not recommended or FDA-approved.