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Microdosing GLP-1s Mounjaro & Wegovy - Is It Safe?
Scott McDougall
MPharm GPhC 2079324
Director & Registered Manager
If you’re researching weight loss medication and planning your own weight loss journey, you may have come across the term ‘microdosing’.
The practice of microdosing involves taking a lower dose than is normally recommended by a doctor. There’s no clinical evidence to show that microdosing Mounjaro or Wegovy is effective, and it’s not medically recommended. However, some people believe that it could help them lose weight, while reducing side effects and saving them money.
So, is microdosing safe? What do the experts say?
Key Takeaway 1
Microdosing GLP-1 medications lacks clinical evidence and isn't recommended by doctors.
Key Takeaway 2
Common reasons for microdosing include reducing costs and minimising side effects.
Key Takeaway 3
Medical supervision is essential when using weight loss injections.
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What Is Microdosing Weight Loss Injections?
Microdosing Wegovy, Mounjaro or other GLP-1 weight loss medications such as Nevolat, means that you take a lower dose than is normally recommended by a doctor.
Microdosing involves taking even less than the recommended starting dose of your chosen weight loss medication (this is normally 0.25mg per week for Wegovy and 2.5mg per week for Mounjaro). Dr Grant, senior clinical advisor at The Independent Pharmacy says of microdosing, "The concept is not endorsed or supported by clinical evidence, however, some people have taken to microdosing for a number of reasons."
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Why Do People Microdose Mounjaro And Wegovy?
So what are the reasons that someone might microdose Mounjaro or Wegovy? The most common are:
Cost
Taking a smaller dose of Mounjaro or Wegovy could help your injection pen to last longer. This may reduce the monthly cost of your weight loss treatment.
Side Effects
Some people believe that taking a microdose of their prescribed weight loss medication could minimise their side effects. While more research is needed, Dr Grant says, “Microdosing weight loss treatment could reduce common side effects, such as diarrhoea or nausea. This allows people to avoid any effects that could harm their physical health, or impact their work or social lives.”
Easing Into Treatment
Another reason people microdose weight loss treatments is that they think taking a very small dose of either Mounjaro or Wegovy could help them ease into their weight loss treatment. If they’re nervous about starting on weight loss medication, they may feel more comfortable taking very small amounts of Wegovy or Mounjaro.
Maintenance
If you’re prescribed Mounjaro or Wegovy, you’ll need to continue taking a ‘maintenance dose’ of your chosen medication even after you’ve achieved your target weight. Some people may think that microdosing could be an alternative to the standard maintenance dose.
What Are The Risks Of Microdosing GLP-1 Medications?
It’s important to remember that microdosing is not recommended by licensed clinicians, and a lot more research needs to be done into the practice to see if it’s safe.
If you decide to microdose, you may find that your chosen weight loss medication is much less effective than it should be. This could mean you lose less weight than you hoped to.
What’s more, just because you’re taking a small amount of Wegovy or Mounjaro, it doesn’t mean you won’t experience side effects. This is especially true if you’re taking someone else’s medication and haven’t been prescribed a weight loss jab yourself.
As Dr Grant explains, “Even in small doses, the treatment can be dangerous if taken by people who do not need it. Common side effects such as nausea and digestive issues can impact people, even from micro-dosing weight loss treatments.”
Because most people microdosing weight loss medications will be doing so without medical supervision, it could increase the risk of complications. If you choose to microdose without a doctor’s approval, you may struggle to inject an accurate dose, find your side effects are erratic and unmanageable or experience long term health issues.
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What Are The Recommended Doses For Mounjaro And Wegovy?
The proper dosing schedules for Mounjaro, Wegovy and other GLP-1 medications such as Nevolat, have been created with the help of extensive research and clinical trials. This ensures they’re as safe and as effective as possible.
If you’re prescribed Mounjaro, you’ll start on a weekly dose of 2.5mg. It will then be increased gradually up to a maximum of 15mg per week.
The starting dose for Wegovy is 0.25mg per week. This is then slowly increased up to a maximum of 1.7mg or 2.4mg per week.
Slowly increasing the amount of Mounjaro or Wegovy you take could give your body a chance to adjust to the medication and minimise side effects.
What Do Medical Experts Say About Microdosing?
Microdosing is not clinically approved and not supported by medical professionals. Senior clinical advisor Dr Grant says, "Currently, no registered doctor will advise anyone to microdose these treatments, as there simply isn't enough research to guarantee long-term well-being."
As microdosing is not clinically approved, you may be putting your health at risk if you choose to take a dose of Mounjaro or Wegovy that’s lower than recommended by your doctor.
It is essential that you speak to a licensed medical professional before starting any weight loss medication. They can provide personalised, expert guidance, assess potential risks and ensure that your chosen treatment is safe and suitable for your health needs.
While you may have seen people microdosing on social media, or heard stories from friends, this practice isn’t medically approved and there’s no evidence to show that it works. Speak to your GP for personal advice and support about weight loss treatments.
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Sources:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/drugs-microdosing-ozempic
https://www.everydayhealth.com/weight-management/is-microdosing-ozempic-safe/
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Written by Daniel Hurley
MPharm
2079324
Director & Registered Manager
Scott is one of the two founders of The Independent Pharmacy. He is a registered pharmacist and the registered manager of our service with the CQC.
MPharm IP
2078790
Pharmacist Independent Prescriber
Dan is an experienced pharmacist having spent time working in both primary and secondary care. He currently supports our clinical team by providing robust clinical governance review of our internal processes and information.