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Health Advice
Explore expert health articles written by New Zealand doctors, featuring trusted information on common medical conditions, symptoms, and treatments.

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Mounjaro Dosage Guide: Starting and Titration Explained
Starting a new prescription medication raises a lot of questions — and with Mounjaro (tirzepatide), one of the most common is: What dose do I start on, and how does it change over time? Understanding the dosing schedule isn't just useful for managing expectations. It also helps you recognise what's normal during the early weeks, why your GP prescribes the doses they do, and how the gradual escalation approach keeps treatment as safe and comfortable as possible. This guide exp
May 255 min read


Can You Regain Weight After Stopping Mounjaro?
If you've been researching Mounjaro (tirzepatide) or you're already on treatment, there's a question that comes up sooner or later: What happens when I stop? It's a fair thing to wonder. Mounjaro produces meaningful results for most people — reduced appetite, improved blood sugar control, and significant weight loss over time. But understanding what happens when the medication is discontinued is just as important as knowing how it works in the first place. This article explai
May 185 min read


When to See a Doctor About Erectile Dysfunction
Erectile dysfunction (ED) is far more common than most people realise — and yet it remains one of the conditions men are least likely to bring up with a doctor. The combination of embarrassment, uncertainty about what's normal, and not knowing where to start means many men manage this alone for longer than they need to. This article is here to change that. If you're wondering whether what you're experiencing is worth discussing with a GP, the information below should help you
May 115 min read


How Much Weight Loss Is Safe Per Week?
It's one of the most common questions in weight management: How quickly should I actually be losing weight? Social media, fad diets, and dramatic before-and-after stories have created expectations that faster is always better. The reality — and the science — tells a different story. How fast you lose weight matters enormously, not just for safety, but for whether you can maintain the results long-term. This article sets out medically credible expectations for weekly weight lo
May 45 min read


Vaginal Thrush: Symptoms, Causes, and How to Treat It
Vaginal thrush is one of the most common conditions affecting women in New Zealand — and yet many people still feel uncertain about whether what they're experiencing is thrush, what's causing it, and what to do about it. The good news is that thrush is well understood and usually responds quickly to treatment. This guide explains the symptoms to look for, why thrush develops, and when it's worth speaking to a doctor rather than reaching for an over-the-counter remedy on your
May 15 min read


What to Expect in Your First Month on Mounjaro
If you’re starting Mounjaro, it’s normal to wonder: “What will the first few weeks actually feel like?” 👉 The first month is usually about adjustment , not rapid weight loss. Here’s what most patients experience. Key facts about your first month Appetite changes often begin early Side effects are most common in the first few weeks Weight loss may be minimal at first Doses are kept low to improve tolerability The goal is to help your body adjust What changes first? In the fir
Mar 252 min read


Mounjaro Dosing Schedule: How It’s Started and Increased
If you’re starting Mounjaro, you may be wondering: “What dose do I start on — and how does it increase?” 👉 Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is started at a low dose and gradually increased over time to improve tolerability and reduce side effects. Here’s how the dosing schedule typically works. Key facts about Mounjaro dosing Treatment starts at a low dose Doses are increased gradually Each dose is usually taken for at least 4 weeks The goal is to find a dose that is effective and wel
Mar 253 min read


Who Can Get Mounjaro in New Zealand? Eligibility Explained
If you’re considering Mounjaro, one of the most common questions is: “Am I eligible?” 👉 Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is prescribed in New Zealand through a doctor, who will assess whether it is appropriate based on your weight, health history, and overall goals. Here’s what determines eligibility. Key facts about Mounjaro eligibility in New Zealand Mounjaro is available via private prescription It is not currently funded by Pharmac A NZ-registered doctor must assess suitability El
Mar 252 min read


How to Get Mounjaro in New Zealand
Online GP consultation for weight loss treatment in New Zealand
Mar 252 min read


Mounjaro Side Effects: What to Expect and How to Manage Them
If you’re considering Mounjaro in New Zealand, it’s completely normal to wonder about side effects. 👉 Mounjaro (tirzepatide) side effects are mainly gastrointestinal, including nausea, constipation, diarrhoea, and abdominal discomfort. These typically: occur when starting treatment or increasing dose are mild to moderate improve as your body adjusts Most patients tolerate treatment well, especially when dosing is increased gradually under medical supervision. Here’s what you
Mar 252 min read


Mounjaro Cost in New Zealand: What You Can Expect to Pay
If you’re considering Mounjaro in New Zealand, one of the first questions is: 👉 How much does it actually cost? Because Mounjaro is not funded by Pharmac, patients pay privately — and the total cost depends on both the medication and how care is delivered. Here’s a clear breakdown of what to expect. Key facts about Mounjaro cost in NZ Mounjaro is not funded by Pharmac Patients pay privately for treatment Costs vary depending on dose Treatment often includes both medication a
Mar 252 min read


Which Is Better for Weight Loss in NZ: Mounjaro or Wegovy?
If you’re trying to decide between Mounjaro and Wegovy, you’re not alone. Both are effective weight loss injections available in New Zealand — but they’re not identical, and the right choice depends on your goals, budget, and how your body responds. This guide focuses on what most people actually want to know: 👉 Which one should I choose? Key facts: Mounjaro vs Wegovy Both are weekly weight loss injections Both require assessment by a NZ-registered doctor Neither is currentl
Mar 252 min read


Mounjaro in New Zealand: How to Get It, Cost & What to Expect (Updated March 2026)
If you’re looking into Mounjaro in New Zealand, you’re probably wondering: Is it actually available here? How much does it cost? And how do you get started? Here’s what that actually looks like in practice — including cost, how to get started, and what patients can realistically expect. Key facts about Mounjaro in New Zealand Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is approved in New Zealand for type 2 diabetes and weight management It is available via private prescription only It is not fund
Mar 253 min read


How Long Does It Take Mounjaro to Work?
If you’re starting Mounjaro, it’s normal to wonder how quickly you’ll see results. 👉 Mounjaro (tirzepatide) usually starts affecting appetite within the first 1–2 weeks, but weight loss typically develops gradually over several weeks to months. Here’s what you can expect. Key facts about how long Mounjaro takes to work Appetite changes can occur within the first 1–2 weeks Weight loss usually begins after a few weeks Results build gradually over time The first month is mainly
Mar 252 min read


A Guide to Switching from Wegovy to Mounjaro in NZ
With Mounjaro (tirzepatide) now available in New Zealand, many patients currently using Wegovy (semaglutide) are asking: If I switch, what dose of Mounjaro do I start on? There is no exact dose conversion between Wegovy and Mounjaro — but there is a structured clinical approach. This guide explains how switching typically works in NZ and what to expect. Is There an Equivalent Dose Between Wegovy and Mounjaro? No. Wegovy works on the GLP-1 receptor only. Mounjaro works on both
Feb 203 min read


Found Wegovy on Chemist Warehouse? Here’s what to do next
If you’ve been looking at Wegovy on Chemist Warehouse , you’ve probably seen that it’s listed as a prescription medicine. While pharmacies can dispense Wegovy, treatment starts with a medical assessment by a New Zealand-registered doctor to check suitability and provide a prescription. That assessment can be done online. What is Wegovy? Wegovy (semaglutide) is a once-weekly injection that works by reducing appetite and helping you feel fuller for longer. It’s used as part of
Jan 271 min read


How to Inject Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) Safely
Injectable weight-loss medications can feel daunting at first, especially if you’ve never self-administered an injection before. This is a common concern among patients exploring newer treatments like Mounjaro (tirzepatide) . The good news is that these medications are designed to be used safely at home, provided proper technique and guidance are followed. Understanding how injections work, where to inject, and what mistakes to avoid helps reduce discomfort, minimise side eff
Jan 143 min read


Mounjaro vs Saxenda: What You Should Know
As prescription weight-loss medications have evolved, patients in New Zealand are now faced with more options than ever before. Two treatments that are often compared are Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Saxenda (liraglutide). While both are injectable medications designed to support weight loss, they differ in how they work, how often they’re taken, and how patients may experience results. Understanding these differences is important for anyone considering medical weight-loss supp
Jan 144 min read


Switching from Wegovy to Mounjaro
Prescription weight-loss medications have changed how obesity and metabolic health are managed, particularly for people who have struggled to lose weight through lifestyle changes alone. As newer weight loss treatments emerge, it’s natural for patients to ask whether switching medications could improve results or reduce side effects. One of the most common questions GPs now hear is whether switching from Wegovy to Mounjaro makes sense. While both medications are injectable
Jan 143 min read


Mounjaro vs. Ozempic: Key Differences You Should Know
With the growing popularity of GLP-1 medications for weight loss, many New Zealanders are searching online for comparisons like Mounjaro vs Ozempic . However, Ozempic isn’t available in New Zealand , and is a diabetes medication. The good news is that Wegovy is available in New Zealand and is the semaglutide option specifically approved for weight loss — so it’s often the more relevant comparison when exploring weight loss treatments. In this guide, we’ll cover: What Mounjar
Jan 144 min read
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