When is the best time to take Mounjaro?

Mounjaro (active ingredient tirzepatide) is a brand-name injectable medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat Type 2 diabetes mellitus (the most common form of diabetes) in adults. The single-dose injectable pen is available in different strengths, but a 2.5 mg dose is recommended to start. 

Like other GLP-1 receptor agonists, it works by mimicking natural hormones to regulate blood sugar levels, enhance insulin production, suppress appetite, and slow gastric emptying—making weight loss a notable side effect of the medication. In fact, Zepbound, a medication with the same active ingredient, was FDA approved for weight management in 2023. 

Weight loss is an off-label use of Mounjaro in those with obesity or insulin resistance. To optimize its effectiveness, you should make dietary and lifestyle changes while using the medication—and find a regular time to take it that fits into your schedule. It is important to maintain consistency in the timing of your dosage of Mounjaro each week to maintain the effectiveness of the medication.

“The best time to take Mounjaro is when you will remember it. Mounjaro is administered once a week, on any day of the week, and at any time of the day. It does not necessarily need to be taken at mealtime,” says Sergio Alvarez, MD, a plastic surgeon in Miami, Florida and CEO of Mia Aesthetics.

When is the best time to take Mounjaro?

You can inject Mounjaro any time of day—morning or night—as long as you choose a consistent time and day, week to week. It’s a good idea to make a note of the first time you use your Mounjaro pen. “I tell patients to time their Mounjaro doses with a weekly event they always remember,” says Dr. Alvarez. “Some take Mounjaro on the night they put the trash out. Others may time their dose to coincide with weekly casual Fridays or Sunday dinner with Mom.” The medication does not need to be taken with food, and there’s no information on its side effects affecting sleep. In other words, you can choose when best fits your routine.

What if I miss a dose of Mounjaro?

If you accidentally skip a dose of Mounjaro, take it as soon as you remember—as long as it is within four days of the missed dose. If you’re off schedule more than that, “it can lead to reduced efficacy and increased risk for side effects once the next injection is given,” says Erika Gray, Pharm.D., a pharmacist in Draper, Utah.

Taking two doses of Mounjaro within three days (72 hours) of each other can increase the risk of possible side effects like nausea, diarrhea, headache, vomiting, blurred vision, indigestion, and abdominal pain. It’s also possible to experience more serious side effects such as inflammation of the (pancreatitis), symptoms of low blood sugar (such as light-headedness, sweating, and fast heartbeat), kidney problems, severe allergic reactions, severe stomach pain, or gallbladder problems. If it’s been more than four days, or 96 hours, since your missed dose, wait until your regularly scheduled medication time to take the next dose. If symptoms persist, consult your healthcare provider. 

While you can take Mounjaro a day early or a day late, for consistency, it’s best to stick to the same schedule every week.

How to get the most out of Mounjaro

While Mounjaro is effective for managing diabetes and weight loss, it works best when paired with lifestyle changes. Work with your doctor or healthcare provider to create a holistic health plan that incorporates these strategies.

Eat a balanced diet

Part of the reason Mounjaro treatment works so well is that it decreases the amount you need to eat to feel full. As such, you need to prioritize well-balanced meals to ensure you’re getting all of the nutrients you need.

The Mediterranean diet is often recommended for diabetes and weight loss because it prioritizes lean protein, whole grains, healthy fats, and lots of fruits and vegetables. This balanced eating plan helps ensure you’re getting the protein, fiber, vitamins, and minerals you need to balance blood sugar and support muscle maintenance while losing weight.

Consider a multivitamin

“Although a decreased appetite is often a welcomed side effect for this patient population, it is important that we keep an eye out for poor food intake for a prolonged period. Meeting less than the basic estimated energy needs can lead to malnutrition and vitamin and mineral deficiencies,” says Catalina Ruz, MS, a registered dietitian with Top Nutrition Coaching in North Carolina. A multivitamin or targeted supplements for deficiencies can make up the difference. Ask a provider for medical advice to help determine what supplements or natural products could be right for you.

Stay hydrated

The most common side effects of Mounjaro are gastrointestinal, such as nausea or diarrhea. If those affect you, it’s important to stay hydrated, just like if you have a stomach bug. The standard recommendation is drinking at least eight 8-ounce glasses of water daily, though needs may vary based on body weight and activity level. Incorporating hydrating foods like cucumbers, zucchini, and watermelon into your diet can also help. 

RELATED: How much water should you drink a day?

Get regular exercise

Incorporating lifestyle changes such as exercise significantly enhances Mounjaro’s effectiveness in managing diabetes and supporting weight loss. Regular physical activity boosts insulin sensitivity—complementing Mounjaro’s role in regulating blood sugar levels—and helps burn calories for weight loss.

Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity weekly, adding activities like walking, swimming, or cycling to your daily routine. Strength training can also be helpful, with two to three sessions weekly to improve muscle mass, further supporting weight management. Balancing Mounjaro with these lifestyle modifications not only maximizes the medication’s benefits but also promotes overall health and well-being.

The bottom line: Take Mounjaro when it’s best for you

Flexibility is the name of the game when taking Mounjaro. Healthcare providers and the medication information packet suggest the best time of day for administration is flexible. In other words, it’s up to your personal preference. What matters most is finding a weekly routine that people can stick to. Whether it’s morning, noon, or night, the key is to inject Mounjaro on the same day each week to maintain its efficacy. This approach accommodates individual schedules and lifestyle needs, making it easier to integrate Mounjaro into daily life without adding stress over timing.