Getting ready to start
Learn what to prepare for your first visit and how treatment options differ.
01
Before starting treatment, understand
This type of medication can affect appetite and blood sugar, and may also cause the stomach to empty more slowly. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) acts on both GIP and GLP-1 receptors; Wegovy (semaglutide) acts on the GLP-1 receptor. You don’t need to remember all the names. The key is to confirm with your doctor: which one is suitable for you and how to follow up next.
Tell the doctor this information
Current medication, health care products, allergies; history of pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, severe gastric emptying disorder and kidney disease.
If you or your family have medullary thyroid cancer, or you have multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2), you must proactively inform us.
Special circumstances, discuss first
If you are pregnant, preparing for pregnancy, breastfeeding, or are about to undergo anesthesia, sedation examination or surgery, please notify the medical team first.
The risk of hypoglycemia needs to be assessed when insulin or certain hypoglycemic agents are used concomitantly.
Medication principles
Follow your prescription and the instructions for your actual pen, and rotate injection sites. Never share an injection pen, even with a new needle. Do not split or repackage doses, calculate doses by pen clicks, or combine with other GLP-1 medicines yourself.
02
Eat less, but also eat completely
After eating less, it is more important to eat nutritious meals. Don’t be so hungry that you don’t have energy, and don’t just drink drinks all day just because you’re not hungry.
Arrange protein in every meal
Eggs, tofu, fish, lean meat, sugar-free soy milk or dairy products are all acceptable. If you don't have much to eat, just eat it in portions; ask your nutritionist to arrange how much you need based on your body shape, activity level, and kidney function.
Keep vegetables and appropriate amounts of staple food
Pair it with vegetables, whole grains and an appropriate amount of fruits. There is no need to completely give up starch. When you are prone to bloating, choose vegetables that are cooked softly first to gradually increase the fiber.
Eat slowly and stop when you are almost full.
Eat slowly in small bites and stop when you are almost full. When you feel nauseous, cut down on fried or uncomfortable foods first, and divide a large meal into smaller portions.
Spread drinking water throughout the day
Mainly drink boiled water and reduce sugary drinks. For patients with water restriction, heart failure or kidney disease, the amount of water to drink should be based on individual doctor's advice.
Eat a complete meal
Have protein first, and then complete other nutrients.
This is a meal mix guide, and the portion size is adjusted based on appetite and nutritional needs.
proteinFish・Egg・TofuVegetablesVarious vegetablesModerate amount of staple foodBrown rice・Sweet potatoes
Fruit, dairy or substitutes as neededDrink plain water every timeStop when you are almost full. If you are not finished, you can divide the meal
Graphics are only used to remind food types and do not represent calories or fixed proportions. If you have kidney disease, need to limit water, or have special dietary needs, please follow the advice of your doctor and nutritionist.
03
How to take care of yourself when you feel uncomfortable?
Click to see what adjustments can be made first. If your discomfort persists, becomes more severe, or affects your ability to drink and eat, please contact the clinic for evaluation.
Nausea, bloatingEat small amounts and slowly, reduce greasiness first
Eat less at a time and slow down. Stay upright after a meal and avoid lying down immediately; divide a large meal into smaller portions.
When do I need medical attention?If you experience persistent vomiting, inability to drink water, or persistent/severe abdominal pain, please seek medical attention promptly.
Read full description ↗Constipation and reduced bowel movementsTake care of moisture, fiber and activities together
First check whether the water and food intake are sufficient, slowly increase the fiber, and maintain daily activities. When you need stool softening medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist first.
When do I need medical attention?Seek prompt medical assessment for marked bloating, severe pain, vomiting or inability to pass gas.
Read full description ↗DiarrheaDrink small amounts frequently
Temporarily avoid greasy and foods that may aggravate symptoms. When you have frequent diarrhea, you can ask your pharmacist to choose an oral electrolyte supplement solution.
When do I need medical attention?Seek medical attention if you have bloody stools, fever, decreased urine output, or persistent diarrhea.
Dizziness, weaknessSit down first and make sure you are eating and hydrated
Keep an eye on your blood pressure. Those who use insulin or sulfonylurea drugs at the same time should measure their blood sugar and follow the existing hypoglycemia treatment plan.
When do I need medical attention?If the person is unconscious or cannot swallow, do not give anything by mouth. Call 119 immediately (Taiwan emergency services).
The injection site is red, itchy, and swollenAvoid scratching and rubbing, and rotate injection sites
Pay attention to the extent and duration of redness and swelling; if it continues to enlarge, pain or fever, please return to the doctor.
When do I need medical attention?If you develop hives all over your body with difficulty breathing, or swelling of your lips or tongue, seek medical attention immediately.
Read full description ↗Do not wait until your next appointment
If these conditions occur, please seek medical attention immediately
- Persistent or severe abdominal pain, especially in the back, with or without vomiting.
- Repeated vomiting, inability to drink water, significantly reduced urine output, or about to faint.
- Trouble breathing, swelling of lips or tongue, changes in consciousness.
- Right upper quadrant pain combined with fever or jaundice.
For severe symptoms, please call 119 or go to the emergency room.
Inform medical personnel of the name of the drug, the last time and dosage of the drug.
04
Lose weight but retain your strength
Gradually accumulate moderate-intensity activities
For example, walk briskly at a pace where you can talk but would find it difficult to sing. Starting with 10 minutes a day is fine; build up gradually.
Arrange strength training
Choose sit-stand, elastic band or weight training according to your physical ability. Stop first if you have pain, dizziness or physical discomfort.
Bring these records with you when you return for treatment
Bring your medication name and dose, injection dates, weight trend, food intake, bowel habits and any symptoms. Weigh yourself under consistent conditions and compare trends over several weeks. Do not increase your dose yourself because of a single day’s change.
05
Outpatient FAQs
If there is no strong sense of appetite suppression, does that mean it is ineffective?
Not necessarily. Being effective doesn’t have to come at the expense of nausea and being completely unable to eat. We will look at changes in weight, waist circumference, blood sugar, etc. over a few weeks together, as well as whether you can eat and live normally, and then decide whether to adjust the dosage.
If I miss an injection, should I take it later or double the dose?
The time window for taking a missed dose varies by medication. Check the drug name, scheduled injection date, time of your last injection, dispensing label and prescribing information, or contact the clinic or a pharmacist. Do not double your dose. After a break in treatment, do not restart a high dose on your own.
My weight has stopped, do I need to increase my dosage immediately?
No need to rush yet. Eating salty foods, constipation, or menstruation may cause your weight to stop temporarily. Take a look at the changes over the past few weeks and discuss your diet, activity, and medication with your doctor. Don't increase your dosage just because it hasn't gone down in a few days.
What should I pay attention to when using Mounjaro, oral contraceptive pills?
Tirzepatide may affect oral contraceptive effectiveness. The manufacturer’s prescribing information advises switching to non-oral contraception or adding a barrier method for 4 weeks after starting treatment and for 4 weeks after each dose increase. Confirm this with your clinician. Discuss pregnancy plans and breastfeeding before treatment.
Can the medication be stopped directly after reaching the target?
Start discussing a maintenance plan as you approach your goal. Appetite and weight may increase after stopping medication, so continue planning your meals, activity and follow-up. Discuss whether and how to stop with your clinician. Do not lengthen injection intervals or adjust pen clicks yourself.
Sources and important notes
Compilation date: September 16, 2026. The following original manufacturer information contains overseas approval content; for indications, dosage and injection pen operation in Taiwan, please refer to the Taiwan-approved instructions and your prescription.
