Mounjaro is a brand-name version of the generic medication Tirzepatide, which mimics the effect of the natural gut hormones GLP-1 and GIP. Mounjaro is only available via a prescription and is licensed for the treatment of weight loss and weight maintenance when used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity. It works by targeting receptors in the digestive tract and brain to regulate appetite and blood sugars and slow down digestion, creating a feeling of fullness for longer.

You should not use this drug if:

You are pregnant or breastfeeding
You are trying to conceive
You have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
You have a personal or family history of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndrome type 2 (MEN2)
You are taking certain medications

Tirzepatide is a brand-name version of the generic medication Tirzepatide, which is a type of medication that targets GLP-1 receptors and GIP receptors. It works in a similar way to other GLP-1 medications, with the added benefit of also targeting the GIP receptor.

The group of GLP-1 analogues (GLP-1a) mimics the effect of the natural gut hormone GLP-1, helping to balance blood sugar levels and suppress appetite. By slowing down gastric emptying, the medication can lead to an increased feeling of fullness and reduced appetite.

When starting Mounjaro treatment, make sure you follow your dosage course. The dosage schedule is designed to help your body get used to the medication over time and reduce the chance of side effects.

For the first 4 weeks of taking Mounjaro, you will be taking a starting dose which is 2.5mg. Following this, your dose will increase to reflect your treatment plan.

Month 2
Your dosage will increase to 5mg and you can expect to see and feel significant progress.

Month 3
Your dosage again will increase to 7.5mg

Month 4
If tolerated, your dosage will further increase to 10mg

Month 5
You will be offered an increase to 12.5mg

Month 6
Your dosage will again increase to 15mg

The maintenance dose
The maintenance dose is the maximum dose you can take. For Mounjaro, the maintenance (or maximum) dose you should take is 15mg.

Abdomen (5cm away from your belly button)
Thighs
Upper arms - if administering in the arm, we recommend asking another person to give you the injection in the back of your upper arm
We advise you to mix up your injection sites to minimise discomfort.

You self-inject Mounjaro at home once a week (on the same day each week), under your skin, in the subcutaneous fat—don’t worry, the needle is very small, and most patients describe it as a pin-prick feeling.. When you inject Mounjaro, you should always follow the instructions accurately and be in a safe and clean environment.

Prepare for the injection

Wash your hands with soap and water before preparing your pen.
Check the solution inside the pen is colourless to slightly yellow.
Wipe the red inner seal with a swab
Attach the needle and remove both needle caps safely.

Only use this medication if the solution is colourless to slightly yellow. If the solution is cloudy or you can see various particles, discard it and speak to your doctor. Never reuse or share needles with others.

Check the flow

Dial your Mounjaro pen to the flow check symbol.
You will need to complete this step each time you use a new Mounjaro pen. Hold your pen horizontally with the needle pointing upwards.
Press the dose button until the pointer is lined up with “0 mg”.
At this point, you should notice a drop of solution will appear at the tip of your needle.
If the solution does not appear at the needle tip, repeat these steps up to 2 additional times. If the solution still does not appear, do not use the pen and contact your healthcare provider.

Select your dose

Dial your pen to the dose you have been prescribed - turn the dial until it stops and the number 1 is shown in the dose window.
Do not inject more than your prescribed dose. Always follow your healthcare professional’s instructions.

Inject your dose

Insert the needle into your abdomen, upper arm or thigh.
Press and hold the dose button to administer the solution until the pointer is aligned with “0 mg.”
Keep holding the dose button for an additional 5 seconds to ensure the dose is fully administered.
Gently remove the injection.
Do not release the dose button until the needle has been removed from your skin.
Only inject into the areas mentioned in the patient information leaflet (abdomen, thigh and upper arm). Make sure to rotate the injection site with each dose to avoid discomfort.

Discard your needle

Carefully attach the outer needle shield back on the needle and remove your needle from the pen.
Dispose of the needle in the yellow sharps bin provided.
Do not throw your used needles away in your household rubbish bin. Keep them out of reach of children and pets.

Store your Mounjaro pen

After every use, be sure to place the pen’s cap back on. This protects the medication from light.
You should store your pen without needles attached.
Store Mounjaro for up to 30 days at room temperature (so long as this is not above 30˚C) or in a refrigerator cooling element (2˚C to 8˚C.)
Keep your Mounjaro pen on hand and with you at all times.
Do not leave your pen places where it could get too hot or too cold as this may cause the solution to become cloudy and unusable. Do not freeze this medication or store it in direct sunlight. Do not store this medication in your car glove compartment.
Ensure this medication is stored somewhere others cannot reach it, particularly children and pets.