Mounjaro dosage, forms, and strengths

Mounjaro is a brand-name prescription drug approved to help people with Type 2 diabetes control glucose or blood sugar levels. It contains the active ingredient tirzepatide and is the most recent addition to a new and popular group of drugs called incretin mimetics. Other notable members of this drug class include Ozempic (semaglutide), Victoza (liraglutide), and Trulicity (dulaglutide). 

Tirzepatide mimics the action of two natural incretin hormones, GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide). It also delays stomach emptying, which causes people to feel full longer than they normally would after eating. Therefore, Mounjaro is occasionally used off-label for weight loss, although its active ingredient is also sold as Zepbound, which is approved for weight loss.

Mounjaro forms and strengths

Mounjaro is a once-weekly subcutaneous injection available in single-dose pens or vials. Individuals using a syringe will draw the medicine from a single-dose vial.

• Single-dose injection pens: 2.5 milligrams (mg)/0.5 milliliters (mL), 5 mg/0.5 mL, 7.5 mg/0.5 mL, 10 mg/0.5 mL, 12.5 mg/0.5 mL, 15 mg/0.5 mL

• Single-dose vials: 2.5 mg/0.5 mL, 5 mg/0.5 mL, 7.5 mg/0.5 mL, 10 mg/0.5 mL, 12.5 mg/0.5 mL, 15 mg/0.5 mL

Mounjaro indications

Mounjaro is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to improve glycemic control in people with Type 2 diabetes when used alongside exercise and diet. Healthcare professionals typically use it as a second-line treatment after other diabetes drugs have been tried. Clinicians may also prescribe it off-label for weight loss. 

Clinicians may also prescribe Mounjaro off-label for chronic weight management in individuals with obesity or overweight with weight-related health conditions. Its ability to reduce appetite and body weight makes it a potential weight loss drug.

Mounjaro is not an appropriate treatment for Type 1 diabetes. It is also contraindicated in people with certain medical conditions, such as medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), or hypersensitivity or allergy to any of the drug’s ingredients.

Mounjaro dosage for Type 2 diabetes

The typical starting dose of Mounjaro is 2.5 mg injected subcutaneously once per week. After four weeks, the dosage is increased to 5 mg per week. If blood sugar levels are not adequately controlled with a 5 mg dose per week, the dosage may be gradually increased in 2.5 mg increments after at least four weeks on a specific dose, up to a maximum maintenance dose of 15 mg per week.

• Standard adult dosage for Type 2 diabetes: 2.5 mg once weekly for four weeks, which is then increased to a maintenance dosage of 5 to 15 mg subcutaneously once per week

• Maximum adult dosage for Type 2 diabetes: 15 mg once weekly

Mounjaro dosage for weight loss

While Mounjaro is not FDA-approved as a weight-loss medication, doctors and healthcare providers may prescribe it off-label due to its effects on appetite and body weight. The dosage for weight loss is similar to that used for Type 2 diabetes, starting at a low dose and gradually increasing based on how a person responds to the drug.

• Off-label adult dosage for weight loss: 2.5 mg once weekly for four weeks, which is then increased to a maintenance dosage of 5 to 15 mg subcutaneously once per week

• Maximum adult dosage for weight loss: 15 mg once weekly

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Mounjaro dosage for children

The FDA has not approved Mounjaro's use in children under 18 for any indication, including Type 2 diabetes or weight loss.

Mounjaro dosage restrictions

Mounjaro has no specified dosage restrictions for people with kidney dysfunction or liver disease. However, it may cause side effects such as diarrhea and vomiting. If these side effects occur, people with renal impairment may be at risk of acute kidney injury or further kidney damage from dehydration.

How to take Mounjaro

Either a patient or caregiver can administer weekly Mounjaro injections. It’s important to keep a dosing schedule to ensure no doses are accidentally missed.

• Take this medicine as instructed. Do not take more medicine than prescribed.

• A nurse or other medical specialist will show you how to administer injections. If there are questions about any step in the process, make sure to get them answered before leaving.

• This medicine comes with both a Medication Guide and Instructions for Use. If these inserts are missing, ask the pharmacist for copies. Read both before administering the first injection. 

• The Mounjaro website includes a video and written instructions on administering injections. 

• Injections are taken once per week, at the same time of the day if possible.

• Mounjaro can be injected with or without food.

• Maintain a balanced diet and follow any dietary changes recommended by a healthcare provider to support weight loss goals.

Single-dose pen

• Your healthcare provider will show you how to inject the medication for the first time and address any concerns you may have.

• Before preparing the injection, check the pen to ensure it is the right medicine, hasn’t expired, and is not damaged.

• Check the medicine to ensure it is clear, unfrozen, and free from discoloration or particles. Do not use the medicine if it does not pass this visual check.

• Mounjaro can be injected in the abdomen (within two inches of the belly button), the back of the upper arms, or the top of the thighs.

• The same body area can be used every week, but Mounjaro can be injected in a different spot in that area each week to reduce the risk of injection site reactions.

• Wash your hands before starting the injection.

• When ready to inject, pull straight down on the gray cap to remove it. Don’t try to replace the cap, and don’t touch the needle.

• Place the base flat on the skin where the injection will be made.

• Unlock the pen by twisting the lock ring below the injection button.

• Press and hold the injection button. It will signal the injection has started and click again when it has finished. When the shot is completed, the gray plunger should be visible in the pen. The whole process should take about 10 seconds.

• Dispose of the pen in a closed sharps container that is out of reach of children and pets.

Single-dose vial and syringe

• Read the instructions that come with this medicine. They will show you how to prepare the vial and syringe, measure the dose, and administer the injection. Your healthcare provider will show you how to inject the medication for the first time. 

• Use a new syringe and needle for each injection. 

• Dispose of used syringes and needles in a sharps container.

Storage

• Store Mounjaro in the refrigerator (between 36°F to 46°F) in its original carton protected from light. Do not freeze.

• Mounjaro pens or vials can be stored at room temperature (not to exceed 86ºF) for up to 21 days if kept in the original carton protected from heat and sunlight.

Missed dose

• If a current dose is missed, take it when remembered if it’s less than four days (96 hours) after the scheduled dose. If it has been more than four days (96 hours) since the dose was supposed to have been taken, skip the missed dose and take the next dose as scheduled. 

• Never take two Mounjaro doses within three days of each other.

• If unsure what to do, consult your healthcare provider for medical advice.

Mounjaro dosage FAQs

How long does it take Mounjaro to work?

Mounjaro is a long-term treatment that improves blood sugar control, decreases A1C levels, and reduces appetite. It starts working as soon as you take it. However, it may take several weeks for the drug to provide maximum benefits. For example, 87% to 92% of patients taking tirzepatide in clinical trials reached their target A1C of less than 7.0% after 40 weeks.

How long does Mounjaro stay in your system?

Mounjaro has a half-life of about five days, meaning it takes that long for half of the drug to leave the body. As a result, it typically takes around 20 to 25 days for the drug to be completely eliminated. This is because the drug's levels decrease by half every five days until it is fully cleared from the system.

What happens if I miss a dose of Mounjaro?

A missed injection can be taken when remembered if it’s less than four days (96 hours) after the scheduled dose. If a missed dose is more than four days (96 hours) late, skip the missed dose and take the dose on the next regularly scheduled day. Do not take a dose within three days after the last dose. 

How long can you take Mounjaro?

Mounjaro is intended for long-term treatment. As long as the drug is working and the side effects are manageable, individuals should be able to continue taking the medicine with guidance from their healthcare provider.

How do I stop taking Mounjaro?

Mounjaro can be discontinued at any time without causing withdrawal symptoms. However, it's important to consult a healthcare provider before stopping the medication, as blood sugar levels and weight may return to their original levels after discontinuation.

What is the maximum dosage for Mounjaro?

The maximum allowed dosage for Mounjaro is 15 mg per week. Do not exceed this dose or take more than two doses within three days.

Can you overdose on Mounjaro?

Taking more than the prescribed dose of Mounjaro or taking doses too close together can lead to an overdose, increasing the risk of severe side effects like low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), nausea, or vomiting. In case of a suspected overdose, seek immediate medical attention or contact your local emergency number or America’s Poison Centers at 1-800-222-1222.

What interacts with Mounjaro?

Mounjaro's most significant drug interactions can occur with any oral medications. Tirzepatide delays gastric emptying, so oral drugs may be exposed to stomach acid for longer, potentially reducing their effectiveness. For example, birth control pills may be less effective in preventing pregnancy in people taking Mounjaro. The FDA advises using an alternative birth control method, such as a barrier method or non-oral hormonal birth control, for four weeks after starting treatment and for four weeks after every dose increase.

Drugs that stimulate insulin production, called insulin secretagogues, may need reduced dosages when taken with Mounjaro. These drugs have the same effect on insulin as Mounjaro, which may increase the risk of low blood sugar levels.

What happens when you mix Mounjaro and alcohol?

Alcohol is not known to interfere with the effectiveness of Mounjaro directly. However, drinking alcohol while taking Mounjaro may increase the risk of adverse effects like low blood sugar and gastrointestinal issues. Additionally, alcohol can raise blood sugar levels and contribute to weight gain, counteracting the benefits of Mounjaro. It is generally recommended to limit or avoid alcohol consumption while on Mounjaro treatment.

Is it safe to take Mounjaro during pregnancy?

Animal studies have shown that Mounjaro may cause harm to an unborn baby during pregnancy. Therefore, it’s not typically recommended to take Mounjaro during pregnancy. Discuss the potential risks and benefits of Mounjaro during pregnancy with a healthcare provider.

Is it safe to take Mounjaro when breastfeeding?

It is not known whether Mounjaro passes into breast milk or if it could affect a nursing infant. Healthcare providers may prescribe Mounjaro with caution to a woman who is breastfeeding. Consult a healthcare provider for medical advice about breastfeeding while taking Mounjaro.

What are the side effects of Mounjaro?

The most common side effects of Mounjaro are gastrointestinal problems such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach upset, and abdominal pain. Other possible side effects include injection site reactions such as redness or swelling. Potential side effects may be linked to higher doses of Mounjaro. 

What are the serious side effects of Mounjaro?

Mounjaro’s most serious side effects are inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), acute kidney injury, severe allergic reactions, and an increased risk of thyroid cancers (thyroid C-cell tumors or medullary thyroid carcinoma). All GLP-1 medications carry a risk of pancreatitis, so people taking Mounjaro should seek immediate medical attention if they experience severe stomach pain. Other serious side effects may include complications from diabetic retinopathy and suicidal thoughts or extreme changes in mood.

Related resources for Mounjaro dosages

• Mounjaro drug label information, DailyMed (2024)

• Mounjaro, Eli Lilly and Company (2024)

• Tirzepatide, Drugs and Lactation Database (2023)

• Tirzepatide, StatPearls (2024)

• Tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound), MotherToBaby (2024)