Mounjaro and Kidney Function

[MrsAA]

Consultant was hoping to put me on Mounjaro provided my eye screening was ok (it was) and my blood tests and urine tests came back ok.

I had blood tests on Tuesday but looking at the results my eGFR using creatinine has dropped again, it was 88, then dropped to 65, then up too 77 but the latest is 64 urine results not yet showing, she said they could take up to 2 weeks).

I’m reading different things about Mounjaro and kidney function, some say it’s not good for those with kidney issues and others say it shows it can protect kidney function…

Does anyone have any experience? Notes on GP records show result as borderline, no further action needed but I am aware that 64 is not that good a result.

 

[goodybags]

Consultant was hoping to put me on Mounjaro provided my eye screening was ok (it was) and my blood tests and urine tests came back ok.

I had blood tests on Tuesday but looking at the results my eGFR using creatinine has dropped again, it was 88, then dropped to 65, then up too 77 but the latest is 64 urine results not yet showing, she said they could take up to 2 weeks).

I’m reading different things about Mounjaro and kidney function, some say it’s not good for those with kidney issues and others say it shows it can protect kidney function…

Does anyone have any experience? Notes on GP records show result as borderline, no further action needed but I am aware that 64 is not that good a result.

Hi @MrsAA I think for different people the benefits of any medication sometimes outnumber the risks, and your HCT hopefully will help you to make the right decision for yourself
I’m unsure what a “eGFR” is myself, but in my case I was showing as acute kidney warning in June last year, but 6 months on Mounjaro and next blood test (October was fine)
GP also had to get approval from DMO clinic, as they have been treating me for Retinopathy for approximately 10 years now, Mounjaro has certainly helped me and I know a few others (both on and off the forum)

 

[MrsAA]

It’s something to do with some ratio, it’s way over my head but I know the number should ideally be over 90…mine does seem to yo-yo about it seems!

I’m very overweight so I’m pretty sure this medication could help me in numerous ways..I think the consultant was most worried about the retinal screening so as that’s all good the other matters might not be so important,

 

[goodybags]

It’s something to do with some ratio, it’s way over my head but I know the number should ideally be over 90…mine does seem to yo-yo about it seems!

I’m very overweight so I’m pretty sure this medication could help me in numerous ways..I think the consultant was most worried about the retinal screening so as that’s all good the other matters might not be so important,

good luck with everything, by the way what was your last Hba1c like ?

 

[everydayupsanddowns]

There’s a little information about Mounjaro here @MrsAA

What is Mounjaro?

Mounjaro is a type of medication you might need to take if you have type 2 dia

www.diabetes.org.uk

And this US site suggests discussing any history of kidney problems with your Dr.

Mounjaro (tirzepatide): Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing - WebMD

Find patient medical information for Mounjaro (tirzepatide) on WebMD including its uses, side effects and safety, interactions, pictures, warnings, and user ratings

www.webmd.com

 

[MrsAA]

good luck with everything, by the way what was your last Hba1c like ?

The blood test on Monday came back at 62, which was down from 65 3 weeks ago…

 

[MrsAA]

There’s a little information about Mounjaro here @MrsAA

What is Mounjaro?

Mounjaro is a type of medication you might need to take if you have type 2 dia

www.diabetes.org.uk

And this US site suggests discussing any history of kidney problems with your Dr.

Mounjaro (tirzepatide): Uses, Side Effects, Interactions, Pictures, Warnings & Dosing - WebMD

Find patient medical information for Mounjaro (tirzepatide) on WebMD including its uses, side effects and safety, interactions, pictures, warnings, and user ratings

www.webmd.com

Thank you…I did mention to the consultant about my previous kidney test results and she didn’t seem unduly worried, she might think differently after this week’s results though..will have to wait and see what she decides

 

[s'nic]

Be sure to keep track of this and keep up the communication with your doctor.
It may also be a good idea to consider other meds which may affect the kidneys, eg Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) - this includes ibuprofen and aspirin (but not the low-dose aspirin which can be prescribed for heart related issues)

 

[MrsAA]

Be sure to keep track of this and keep up the communication with your doctor.
It may also be a good idea to consider other meds which may affect the kidneys, eg Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) - this includes ibuprofen and aspirin (but not the low-dose aspirin which can be prescribed for heart related issues)

Yes, I no longer take ibuprofen or any anti imflammatory meds which is difficult for me as I smashed my humerus in 4 places after losing my footing on a faulty kerbstone back in summer 2023…I’m currently on the waiting list for a shoulder replacement but I’m still in a lot of pain even though the fractures have mended, albeit in the wrong places, so I’m a bit restricted on what I can take, saying that my GP has not advised me not to take any, I’ve done it off my own back as I’m concerned about the kidney function….

I suspect if I’m prescribed Mounjaro they would do regular blood tests to keep an eye on that side of things, even though some reports say it’s actually good for those with kidney problems..hard to know what to believe at times!

 

[s'nic]

I was diagnosed with an egfr of 50.6 in august 2023. I later found I'd had a reading of 55 in 2021, but no one had flagged it or even told me. Even in 2023 no one gave me any advice at all, or warned about painkillers.

So yup, based on my own experience, it's best to be proactive in self education and if deemed necessary push the doc for follow ups, info, etc

 

[MrsAA]

I was diagnosed with an egfr of 50.6 in august 2023. I later found I'd had a reading of 55 in 2021, but no one had flagged it or even told me. Even in 2023 no one gave me any advice at all, or warned about painkillers.

So yup, based on my own experience, it's best to be proactive in self education and if deemed necessary push the doc for follow ups, info, etc

Our GP has always been quite geared up where kidneys are concerned but unfortunately he doesn’t seem to be around much these days and we seem to have a series of locums..my results always show online so I can keep an eye on them and flag them up if the surgery doesn’t…mine seems to be up and down from one test to the next but I know a lot of diabetic meds can cause a drop in kidney function…can’t win can we?

 

[s'nic]

Mine has also been up and down, I may be wrong, but I think it's a 'here and now' blood test, unlike the hba1c that takes 3 months into account.
The only med I take is a beta blocker for my heart, and occasional paracetamol. My last test was 49, so if my assumptions are correct that would indicate I'm stable.
The only other kidney info I really found was avoid high blood pressure/high blood sugars, eat a healthy diet and aim for a healthy weight - hope this helps, but maybe you already found that

 

[MrsAA]

Mine has also been up and down, I may be wrong, but I think it's a 'here and now' blood test, unlike the hba1c that takes 3 months into account.
The only med I take is a beta blocker for my heart, and occasional paracetamol. My last test was 49, so if my assumptions are correct that would indicate I'm stable.
The only other kidney info I really found was avoid high blood pressure/high blood sugars, eat a healthy diet and aim for a healthy weight - hope this helps, but maybe you already found that

Well I’m fat hence the need for Mounjaro 😉 my blood pressure is controlled with medication, my HbA1C was 62, but that’s down from 74 so it’s heading in the right direction…few other medical issues I’m dealing with too…wish I’d listened when I was younger but that’s being wise after the event…..

 

[s'nic]

I was overweight and lost a large amount last year. i was an odd case tho, I just wasn't feeling hungry and the weight just fell off when I switched to healthy eating, so I had it easy. Since trying not to lose more weight I've lost another 7 lb (feeling all dieters glare at me now 😳). So I'm now tackling a different weight problem 🙄

You have already made improvements, and hopefully can tackle the weight too. How hard or easy can vary for different people. Hopefully you can find the dietary changes that will work for you. So long as you base it on established knowledge (not an internet fad), and eat healthily don't worry about choosing your own path, we are all individuals.