What is Mounjaro: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

How to take Mounjaro

Mounjaro is administered once weekly, with or without food. Here are the steps to take Mounjaro:

• Prepare the Mounjaro single-dose pen: Inspect the pen to ensure the medication is clear and colorless; do not use it if it is cloudy or contains particles. Wash your hands thoroughly. Leave the gray base cap on until you’re ready to inject the medication.

• Choose your injection site: Common injection sites include the abdomen, thigh, or back of the upper arm. Rotate injection sites with each dose to reduce the risk of skin irritation.

• Clean the injection site: Always clean the area and ensure it’s dry before injecting. Use an alcohol swab to clean the skin and let it dry for a few seconds.

• Dial the dose: Turn the dose selector on the pen to the correct dose prescribed by your healthcare provider.

• Remove the base cap: Pull off the gray base cap and dispose of it. Do not put the cap back on, as this could damage the needle.

• Inject Mounjaro: Place the clear base flat against your skin at the injection site. Unlock the pen by turning the lock ring. Press and hold the purple injection button. You will hear a click—continue to hold the pen against your skin. Wait until you hear a second click, and the gray plunger is visible in the clear base (about 10 seconds).

• Dispose of the needle safely: Place the used pen in an FDA-cleared sharps disposal container immediately after use.

Change the location where you inject the medication with each dose. In addition, Mounjaro can be taken with or without a meal. Follow your healthcare provider's advice and the instructions included with the Mounjaro pen for proper use and dosing.

What to do if you miss a dose of Mounjaro

• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible within 4 days (96 hours) after the missed dose.

• If more than 4 days have passed, skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule.

• Do not take two doses of Mounjaro within three days of each other to avoid possible side effects or an overdose.

• Consult your doctor, pharmacist, or caregiver if you have any concerns or questions about missed doses and the appropriate next steps.

Mounjaro contraindications

• Thyroid C-cell tumors: Do not use Mounjaro if you have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2).

• Allergic reactions: Avoid use if you have had a serious hypersensitivity reaction to tirzepatide or any of its components. Mounjaro may cause serious allergic reactions, which can lead to life-threatening adverse effects.

Mounjaro warnings

• Mounjaro carries a boxed warning for the risk of thyroid cancer, the most serious warning issued by the FDA.

• People with a history of kidney complications, such as acute kidney injury or kidney failure, should be cautious when using Mounjaro. The drug may worsen existing kidney conditions or increase the risk of developing kidney problems.

• Mounjaro has not been studied extensively in people with a history of pancreas inflammation (pancreatitis) or severe stomach issues. Using the medication in these situations may worsen the existing condition or lead to complications.

• Caution is advised for people with diabetic retinopathy, as rapid improvement in glucose control has been associated with a temporary worsening of this condition.

• Mounjaro has been linked to acute gallbladder disease in clinical trials. People should be monitored for symptoms of cholelithiasis, such as abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, indigestion, jaundice, dark urine, and fever.

• The drug may increase the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) in some individuals. Monitor blood glucose levels regularly while using this medication, especially if you use other antidiabetic drugs like sulfonylureas or insulin.

• It is not known whether Mounjaro harms an unborn baby during pregnancy or a breastfeeding child. In addition, Mounjaro may reduce the effectiveness of birth control medications. Consult a healthcare provider for more information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before starting treatment. 

• Inform your healthcare provider about any medical conditions, medical history, or other medications you are taking before starting Mounjaro treatment.

Mounjaro interactions

Although Mounjaro can be an effective diabetes medication, it may also interact with other drugs and substances. These interactions could potentially lead to unwanted side effects or affect the efficacy of Mounjaro and other medications. Some potential Mounjaro interactions include:

• Birth control pills and oral hormonal contraceptives: Mounjaro may affect how well birth control pills work. Use an alternative or additional contraceptive method. Discuss the use of birth control pills with a healthcare provider before starting Mounjaro treatment.

• Insulin: Combining Mounjaro with insulins, such as insulin glargine or aspart, may increase the risk of hypoglycemia. Monitor blood sugar levels closely and consult a healthcare provider for possible dosage changes.

• Other diabetes medications: Mounjaro may interact with other diabetes drugs, such as sulfonylureas or glinides, potentially leading to hypoglycemia. Tell the prescribing doctor about other diabetes medications to avoid dangerous interactions.

• GLP-1 receptor agonists: Since Mounjaro belongs to the GLP-1 receptor agonist class of drugs, combining it with other GLP-1 receptor agonists may lead to additive side effects. 

This is not a complete list of drug interactions. Consult a healthcare provider about the use of medications while taking Mounjaro.