Mounjaro Dosage, forms & strengths
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Get started todayMounjaro (tirzepatide) is a GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist that is manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company. It is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) along with diet and exercise to help improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Mounjaro has several limitations of use. It is not FDA-approved as a weight loss drug or indicated to reduce blood sugar levels in patients with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM).
How does Mounjaro work?
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) are incretin hormones that help control your blood glucose levels. Mounjaro stimulates GLP-1 and GIP receptors which causes the pancreas to release more insulin. Mounjaro also increases the sensitivity of your cells to insulin while blocking the production of sugar by the liver to help reduce blood sugar levels.
Mounjaro dosage forms and strengths
Mounjaro is available as an inhalation powder in the following strengths:
- 2.5mg/0.5ml single-dose prefilled pen
- 5mg/0.5ml single-dose prefilled pen
- 7.5mg/0.5ml single-dose prefilled pen
- 10mg/0.5ml single-dose prefilled pen
- 12.5mg/0.5ml single-dose prefilled pen
- 15mg/0.5ml single-dose prefilled pen
Mounjaro dosage
The recommended starting dose of Mounjaro is 2.5mg injected under the skin once a week. Your dose can then be increased by 2.5 mg increments after 4 weeks on the current dose up to a maximum of 15mg once a week.
Mounjaro adult dosage chart
| Indication | Starting dosage | Standard dosage | Maximum dosage |
|---|---|---|---|
| Type 2 diabetes (T2DM) | 2.5mg injected under the skin once weekly for 4 weeks. | 5mg to 15mg injected under the skin once weekly. | 15mg injected under the skin once weekly. |
The safety and efficacy of Mounjaro have not been established in adolescents and children aged 18 years and younger.
Mounjaro dosage restrictions
- No dosage adjustments of Mounjar are needed for patients with renal (kidney) or hepatic (liver) impairment.
- The safety and efficacy of Mounjaro have not been established in pediatric patients under the age of 18.
How to take Mounjaro
- Read the Full Prescribing Information including the Black Boxed Warning, Instructions for Use, and Medication Guide that comes with this medication.
- Use the Mounjaro pen exactly as your healthcare professional instructs you to. Do not change the dose or stop taking Mounjaro without discussing it with them first.
- Mounjaro is injected under the skin (subcutaneously) of your stomach, thigh, or upper arm once a week. Mounjaro can be given at any time of the day and with or without food. You may change the day of the week you take Mounjaro if it has been at least 72 hours (3 days) between doses. Rotate your injection site with each injection.
- If you miss a dose of Mounjaro, you can take the missed dose immediately if it is within the first 4 days after missing the dose. If it has been more than 4 days, skip the missed dose and take your next dose on its scheduled day. Do NOT take 2 doses of Mounjaro within 3 days of each other.
- You can inject insulin and Mounjaro in the same area of your body, but not right next to each other. Do not mix them in the same injection.
- Store Mounjaro in its original carton in the refrigerator between 36⁰F to 46⁰F (2⁰C to 8⁰C). Each single-dose pen can be stored at room temperature up to 86⁰F (30⁰C) for 21 days. • Do not freeze Mounjaro or use it if it has been frozen.
Mounjaro dosage FAQs
What are some common side effects of Mounjaro?
Some common side effects of Mounjaro include:
- Increased risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Injection site reactions
- Decreased appetite
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Indigestion
- Abdominal pain
Mounjaro can cause serious adverse reactions, including:
- Increased risk of thyroid c-cell tumors and other thyroid cancer
- Pancreatitis
- Acute kidney injury and other kidney problems
- Diabetic retinopathy complications
- Gallbladder disease
- Severe hypersensitivity reactions
Contact your healthcare provider for medical advice about any side effects you experience while taking Mounjaro. You can report your side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
What are some drug interactions with Mounjaro?
When Mounjaro is taken with other medications, they may interact and change how they work or the frequency and severity of side effects. Make sure your doctor is aware of all prescription and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal supplements you take, including:
- Mounjaro delays gastric emptying so it can affect the absorption of oral medications that are taken with it.
- Hypoglycemia risk is increased if Mounjaro is taken with insulin secretagogues (sulfonylureas) or insulin.
Are there any contraindications or precautions with Mounjaro?
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
- Caution should be used in patients with pancreatitis as it has been reported during clinical trials.
- Mounjaro can cause hypoglycemia, especially if taken with other antidiabetic medications.
- Serious allergic reactions have occurred with Maunjaro. Seek immediate medical assistance if an allergic reaction is suspected.
- Mounjaro can cause serious gastrointestinal side effects. It is not recommended to be used in patients with severe GI disorders.
- Use caution in patients with a history of diabetic retinopathy as it can worsen their condition.
- Mounjaro may cause acute gallbladder disease. Follow up with your healthcare provider if you have symptoms of gallbladder disease.
- Birth control pills may not work as well if taken with Mounjaro. You should use an alternative form of birth control for a month after you start Mounjaro and for a month after each dose increase.
How long does it take for Mounjaro to start working?
Mounjaro starts working with your first dose. It can take several months to see the full benefits of Mounjaro since you typically start treatment with a low dose and titrate up every 4 weeks.
Will I lose weight while taking Mounjaro?
During clinical trials of Mounjaro, patients with obesity who did not have T2DM lost an average of around 21% of their body weight when compared to placebo. Mounjaro is not currently indicated as a weight loss medication.
How do I store Mounjaro?
You should store your Mounjaro pens in their original carton in the refrigerator between 36⁰F to 46⁰F (2⁰C to 8⁰C). You can store every individual single-dose pen at room temperature, up to 86⁰F (30⁰C) for 3 weeks. You should not freeze Mounjaro or use it if it’s been frozen.
Is it safe to use Mounjaro while pregnant or breastfeeding?
It is not known what effects the use of Mounjaro during pregnancy has on the fetus. Mounjaro should be used only if the possible benefits justify the potential risks. It is not known whether Mounjaro is found in breast milk or the effects it may have on the infant or milk production. You should always discuss the risks and benefits of any medication with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, plan on becoming pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
Will lab monitoring be done when taking Mounjaro?
You should monitor your blood sugars regularly while taking Mounjaro. You should also be monitored for pancreatitis, thyroid cancer, allergic reactions, kidney function, gallbladder disease, diabetic retinopathy, and severe GI side effects.
Is there a generic for Mounjaro?
Currently, there is no generic for Mounjaro available on the market. However, you can still save on other diabetes brand-name drugs like Mounjaro with the help of NiceRx if eligible for assistance.
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