What Happens When You Stop Taking Mounjaro®? What to Expect

Mounjaro® has emerged as a significant tool in the fight against obesity, assisting many individuals in achieving substantial weight loss. However, there may be circumstances that prompt you to consider discontinuing its use. Before stopping altogether, however, it’s important to understand the potential consequences of stopping Mounjaro®, as this decision can impact your weight goals and overall health.

Mounjaro®: The Basics

Despite its initial approval for diabetes management, Mounjaro® is frequently prescribed off-label to facilitate weight loss. Mounjaro® contains tirzepatide, a novel compound functioning as both a GIP receptor and a GLP-1 receptor agonist. (1) Its dual mechanism is designed to enhance insulin secretion, reduce glucagon levels, delay gastric emptying, and control cravings contributing to significant improvements in glycemic control and weight reduction. (1-3)

• Enhances Insulin Secretion: By stimulating insulin release in response to increased blood sugar levels, Mounjaro® ensures efficient glucose uptake by cells, reducing high blood sugar. (3,4)
• Reduces Glucagon Levels: GLP-1 medications inhibit glucagon secretion from the pancreas, further aiding in blood sugar regulation. (3,4)
• Delays Stomach Emptying: This slows down the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream and keeps you feeling fuller for longer, indirectly supporting weight loss. (3,4) 
• Targets Key Brain Regions: GLP-1 medications act on centers in the brain that control cravings and satiety, helping users feel satisfied with fewer calories and thus promoting weight loss. (5)

Clinical trials have shown Mounjaro® to lead to improved blood sugar regulation as well as significant weight loss, making it a promising option for individuals managing type 2 diabetes and/or obesity. (2,6)

What Happens When You Stop Taking Mounjaro®?

Potential Weight Regain 

One of the primary concerns when discontinuing Mounjaro® is the possibility of weight regain. Without the medication's appetite-suppressing effects, individuals may find it challenging to maintain their lower calorie intake. 

In fact, the SURMOUNT-4 Randomized Clinical Trial showed just that. (7) The trial examined a group of participants who had just experienced an average weight decrease of 20.9% after 36 weeks of taking the maximum tolerated dose of tirzepatide (10 or 15 mg). They split participants into two groups: those who continued taking tirzepatide and those who transitioned off the medication and onto a placebo. Those who transitioned to a placebo encountered a 14% weight regain, while those who continued with weekly treatments of tirzepatide experienced an additional 5.5% weight reduction over the 52-week phase. Because of studies like these, experts recommend staying on GLP-1 medication long-term for weight management. 

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Blood Sugar Changes 

For type 2 diabetics who take Mounjaro® for its glucose-regulating properties, discontinuing the medication could lead to a spike in blood sugar levels. Talk with your doctor before transitioning off Mounjaro® to ensure you have a plan in place to manage your diabetes.

Considering both the risk of weight rebound and the management of diabetes, it is essential to consult with your healthcare provider before discontinuing Mounjaro®. Should you choose to stop the medication, your provider can assist in facilitating a gradual and monitored transition, helping to mitigate any potential adverse effects.

Why Should You Stop Taking Mounjaro®?

There are several reasons why someone might choose to stop taking Mounjaro®:

• Achieving Weight Loss Goals: You may have reached your desired weight and wish to maintain it without medication. Individuals who decide to discontinue the medication will have greater success if they continue implementing healthy lifestyle changes such as a healthy, calorie-controlled diet and daily physical activity. 
• Experiencing Side Effects: If side effects become bothersome or severe, discontinuing the medication might be necessary. Common side effects are generally gastrointestinal in nature and include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or stomach upset. These common side effects are typically mild to moderate in severity and tend to resolve in time without intervention. Rare, yet more serious, side effects which would prompt discontinuation include pancreatitis, kidney injury, and severe allergic reactions. (3) Depending on the severity of your side effects, your healthcare provider may recommend stopping Mounjaro® all together. 
• Pregnancy: If planning to become pregnant in the near future, users should talk with their doctor and plan to discontinue Mounjaro® prior to conception. This medication may pose risks during pregnancy, so it’s important to consult a healthcare provider for guidance on safely stopping Mounjaro and managing health goals during this time. (3)
• Financial Considerations: Mounjaro® can be costly, and some users may need to consider discontinuing it for financial reasons. If affordability is a concern, the Mochi Health team is here to help. We can work with you to explore whether affordable compounded medications might be a suitable option, and we’re also available to assist with submitting prior authorizations to help secure insurance coverage for your medications.

Can You Restart Taking Mounjaro® After Stopping?

If you’ve previously discontinued Mounjaro® for personal, financial, or other reasons—such as nausea or stomach upset during the initial weeks—you may have the option to restart the medication, but this should always be done under medical supervision. However, if your decision to stop was due to more serious issues, such as a diagnosis of pancreatitis or a severe allergic reaction while on the medication, your healthcare provider will likely advise against resuming Mounjaro®.

Should you and your provider determine that restarting Mounjaro® is appropriate, they can guide you through the re-initiation process, including any necessary dosage adjustments and ongoing monitoring to ensure your safety and effectiveness of the treatment.

How Mochi Health Helps Guide Your Weight Loss Journey

Mochi Health is dedicated to supporting your weight loss journey, whether you’re continuing or stopping Mounjaro®:

• Personalized Monitoring: Regular consultations to assess your progress and make informed decisions regarding medication use.
• Educational Support: Providing resources to help you manage your diet and lifestyle effectively.
• Comprehensive Care: Ensuring any transitions in medication are smooth and supported by expert guidance.

If you’re interested to learn more about joining Mochi Health, see if you’re eligible to join Mochi Health today. 

Key Takeaways

Discontinuing Mounjaro® is a decision that should be made with careful consideration and guidance from your healthcare provider. When discontinuing Mounjaro®, some individuals may experience weight regain, particularly if lifestyle changes are not maintained. It is important to develop a comprehensive plan that includes a balanced diet and regular physical activity that you enjoy in order to sustain the weight loss achieved during treatment. 

By working with support systems like Mochi Health, you can achieve and maintain your weight loss and continue towards your health goals with confidence. Here at Mochi Health, we provide guidance tailored to your specific situation, ensuring that you remain informed about the best strategies to support your health and well-being, before, during, and even after Mounjaro®.

This post was written by our team of health writers for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult your doctor or healthcare provider for personalized guidance regarding your health. Ozempic®, Wegovy®, Mounjaro®®, and Zepbound® and their delivery device are registered trademarks. Mochi Health is a telehealth clinic that offers prescriptions for these products by medical necessity only as determined by a licensed health provider.

Sources

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2. Jastreboff AM, Aronne LJ, Ahmad NN, Wharton S, Connery L, Alves B, Kiyosue A, Zhang S, Liu B, Bunck MC, Stefanski A; SURMOUNT-1 Investigators. Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity. N Engl J Med. 2022 Jul 21;387(3):205-216. doi: 10.1056/NEJMoa2206038. Epub 2022 Jun 4. PMID: 35658024. https://www.nejm.org/doi/full/10.1056/NEJMoa2206038
3. Food and Drug Administrator. (n.d.-b). Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) injection, for subcutaneous use. Access Data FDA. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2022/215866s000lbl.pdf
4. Karrar HR, Nouh MI, Nouh YI, Nouh MI, Khan Alhindi AS, Hemeq YH, Aljameeli AM, Aljuaid JA, Alzahrani SJ, Alsatami AA, Alkredees MA, Almuqati AO, Abanmi SN, Alshehri AM. Tirzepatide-Induced Gastrointestinal Manifestations: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Cureus. 2023 Sep 27;15(9):e46091. https://www.cureus.com/articles/170540#!/
5. Baggio LL, Drucker DJ. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptors in the brain: controlling food intake and body weight. J Clin Invest. 2014 Oct;124(10):4223-6. doi: 10.1172/JCI78371. Epub 2014 Sep 9. PMID: 25202976; PMCID: PMC4191040. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4191040/
6. Dahl, D., Onishi, Y., Norwood, P., Huh, R., Bray, R., Patel, H., & Rodríguez, Á. (2022). Effect of Subcutaneous Tirzepatide vs Placebo Added to Titrated Insulin Glargine on Glycemic Control in Patients With Type 2 Diabetes: The SURPASS-5 Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA, 327(6), 534–545. https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2788781
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