Do You Need Blood Tests Before Mounjaro?

In Dubai and across the UAE, it is standard practice for doctors to require blood tests before prescribing Mounjaro (tirzepatide) in Dubai UAE . These tests are essential components of a comprehensive medical evaluation to ensure the medication's safety and suitability for the individual.

The necessity of blood tests before Mounjaro can be attributed to several reasons:

1. Confirming Eligibility and Ruling Out Contraindications:

• Diabetes Status: Even though Mounjaro is approved for weight loss without diabetes, assessing blood sugar control is crucial. An HbA1c test helps determine if a person has Type 2 Diabetes or is pre-diabetic.

• Kidney Function: Mounjaro's potential side effects on the gastrointestinal system can impact kidney function. Tests like Creatinine and BUN are used to evaluate kidney health.

• Liver Function: Since Mounjaro is metabolized by the liver, liver function tests such as ALT, AST, and Bilirubin are conducted to ensure the liver can process the medication.

• Pancreatic Health: Although rare, pancreatitis is a serious side effect of GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists, and tests like Amylase and Lipase may be considered if there are concerns about pancreatic issues.

2. Assessing Overall Health and Identifying Comorbidities:

• Lipid Panel: A lipid panel is often performed to identify conditions like dyslipidemia, which is common in individuals with a BMI ≥ 27 kg/m² and comorbidities.

• Thyroid Function: While routine monitoring for thyroid C-cell tumors is not recommended, TSH levels may be checked based on personal and family history.

• Baseline Data: Blood tests establish a baseline for health markers, aiding in monitoring changes during Mounjaro treatment.

3. Ruling Out Other Conditions:

Blood tests help rule out underlying medical conditions that may present symptoms similar to those addressed by Mounjaro, such as fatigue or unexplained weight gain.

Common blood tests ordered before prescribing Mounjaro include HbA1c, fasting glucose, lipid panel, kidney function tests, liver function tests, complete blood count, TSH, and electrolyte levels.

In Dubai, the consultation process for Mounjaro typically involves a detailed medical history review, physical examination, blood test orders, review of results, and prescription issuance with accompanying education on medication use.

In summary, blood tests are a critical prerequisite for Mounjaro prescriptions in Dubai, ensuring safety, identifying potential contraindications, and guiding a personalized treatment approach. It is essential to seek Mounjaro through a licensed medical professional in the UAE for proper evaluation and care.