Mounjaro Kwikpen (pre-filled pen) 2.4 ml solution for injection

Generic name: Tirzepatide

Brand name: Mounjaro®

Medicine class: Dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist

Dosage form: Subcutaneous injection

Administration: Once weekly

Prescription status: Prescription-only medicine

Manufacturer: Eli Lilly and Company

Important: Mounjaro is a prescription medicine. It should only be used after assessment and prescribing by a qualified healthcare professional. Approved indications, age limits, strengths and device presentations may vary by country.

Mounjaro Tirzepatide Injection for Type 2 Diabetes

Mounjaro® contains tirzepatide, a once-weekly injectable prescription medicine used alongside diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in eligible people with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

Tirzepatide activates two naturally occurring hormone receptors: glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). These complementary actions help regulate blood glucose, support insulin release when blood sugar is elevated and reduce excess glucose released by the liver.

Under the current US prescribing information, Mounjaro is indicated for adults and children aged 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes. It is not insulin, is not intended to treat type 1 diabetes and must be used under medical supervision.

Read Waldrugmart’s guide to diabetes medicines, GLP-1 treatments and insulin for a broader comparison of treatment approaches.

Potential Benefits of Mounjaro

When prescribed as part of a complete diabetes-management plan, Mounjaro may help:

• Improve fasting and after-meal blood glucose levels
• Produce meaningful reductions in HbA1c
• Support glucose-dependent insulin release
• Reduce unnecessary glucagon secretion
• Improve the body’s response to insulin
• Provide the convenience of once-weekly administration
• Support body-weight reduction in some people with type 2 diabetes
• Improve glycaemic control when used alone or with certain other diabetes medicines, as prescribed

Individual results vary. Mounjaro can help control type 2 diabetes, but it does not cure the condition. A balanced diet, appropriate physical activity, glucose monitoring and regular medical reviews remain essential.

How Does Mounjaro Work?

Mounjaro is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. It supports blood sugar management through several connected actions:

1. Supports insulin release: Tirzepatide helps the pancreas release insulin in response to elevated glucose, particularly after meals.
2. Reduces glucagon secretion: This can reduce the amount of stored glucose released by the liver when it is not needed.
3. Slows gastric emptying: Food leaves the stomach more slowly, which may reduce rapid rises in blood glucose after meals. This effect may lessen over time.
4. Influences appetite and food intake: Some patients may feel full sooner or consume less food during treatment.

Because its effect on insulin release is glucose-dependent, Mounjaro used alone generally has a lower risk of hypoglycaemia than insulin or sulfonylureas. However, the risk increases when these medicines are used together.

Is Mounjaro a Weight-Loss Medicine?

Under its current US indication, Mounjaro is prescribed to improve glycaemic control in people with type 2 diabetes; it is not specifically approved under the Mounjaro brand as a weight-loss medicine.

Weight reduction was observed among many adults with type 2 diabetes during clinical trials, but the amount varied between individuals. In the United States, tirzepatide is marketed separately as Zepbound® for certain weight-management indications.

Do not use Mounjaro for cosmetic or unprescribed weight loss. Patients researching related treatments can read Waldrugmart’s educational article about Ozempic and weight loss. Mounjaro and Ozempic are different medicines and must not be substituted without medical guidance.

Available Mounjaro Strengths

Depending on the country and device presentation, Mounjaro may be available in the following doses:

• Mounjaro 2.5 mg
• Mounjaro 5 mg
• Mounjaro 7.5 mg
• Mounjaro 10 mg
• Mounjaro 12.5 mg
• Mounjaro 15 mg

Presentations may include single-dose pens, single-dose vials, multi-dose vials or single-patient-use KwikPens. Injection volume, pack size and device design vary by market. Always confirm the prescribed dose and instructions on the supplied product.

Recommended Mounjaro Dosage

Use Mounjaro exactly as directed by the prescribing healthcare professional. The following schedule reflects current US prescribing information and does not replace an individual prescription.

Typical Starting and Dose-Escalation Schedule

• Weeks 1 to 4: 2.5 mg injected under the skin once weekly
• After four weeks: Increase to 5 mg once weekly
• If additional glycaemic control is needed: The prescriber may increase the dose in 2.5 mg increments
• Minimum time at each dose: At least four weeks before another increase

The 2.5 mg dose is intended for treatment initiation and is not intended as a maintenance dose for glycaemic control. Gradual escalation helps reduce gastrointestinal adverse reactions.

Maximum Weekly Dose

• Adults: 15 mg once weekly
• Children aged 10 years and older: 10 mg once weekly under the current US label

Never increase, reduce or stop Mounjaro without consulting the prescriber.

How to Use Mounjaro

• Inject Mounjaro under the skin once every seven days.
• Use it on the same day each week whenever possible.
• It may be administered at any time of day, with or without food.
• Inject into the abdomen, thigh or back of the upper arm.
• Another person should administer an injection into the back of the upper arm.
• Rotate injection sites with every dose.
• Do not inject into skin that is bruised, tender, hard, scarred or damaged.
• Do not inject Mounjaro into a vein or muscle.
• Do not mix Mounjaro and insulin in the same injection.
• If insulin is also used, give the injections separately.
• Never share a Mounjaro KwikPen, vial or needle with another person.

Read the Instructions for Use supplied with the exact pen or vial. Administration steps differ between device presentations. A doctor, nurse or pharmacist should demonstrate the correct technique before the first injection.

What Should You Do If You Miss a Dose?

• Take the missed dose as soon as possible within four days or 96 hours.
• If more than four days have passed, skip the missed dose.
• Take the next dose on the regularly scheduled day.
• Do not administer two doses within three days or 72 hours of each other.

The weekly administration day may be changed if at least 72 hours separate the two doses. Ask the prescriber or pharmacist if you are unsure how to restart treatment.

Common Mounjaro Side Effects

The most commonly reported adverse effects involve the digestive system:

• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Reduced appetite
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Indigestion
• Abdominal discomfort or pain

These effects may be more noticeable when treatment begins or after a dose increase. Eating smaller meals and maintaining adequate fluid intake may help some patients. Contact a healthcare professional if symptoms are severe, persistent or cause difficulty drinking fluids.

Serious Warnings and Precautions

Boxed Warning: Possible Thyroid C-Cell Tumours

Tirzepatide caused thyroid C-cell tumours in animal studies. It is not known whether Mounjaro causes these tumours, including medullary thyroid carcinoma, in humans.

Do not use Mounjaro if you have:

• A personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
• Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)

Contact a healthcare professional if you notice a lump or swelling in the neck, persistent hoarseness, difficulty swallowing or shortness of breath.

Pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis has been reported with Mounjaro and other medicines in this class. Stop using Mounjaro and seek urgent medical advice for persistent or severe abdominal pain, particularly if it spreads to the back or occurs with nausea or vomiting.

Low Blood Sugar

The risk of hypoglycaemia increases when Mounjaro is combined with insulin or a sulfonylurea. Symptoms can include sweating, shakiness, hunger, dizziness, confusion, weakness, blurred vision, headache or a rapid heartbeat. The prescriber may need to adjust the dose of another diabetes medicine.

Dehydration and Kidney Injury

Severe nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea can cause dehydration and may worsen kidney function. Maintain appropriate fluid intake and contact a healthcare professional if gastrointestinal symptoms continue.

Severe Gastrointestinal Problems

Mounjaro is not recommended for people with severe gastroparesis. Tell the prescriber about significant stomach-emptying or digestive problems before beginning treatment.

Gallbladder Problems

Seek medical advice for severe upper abdominal pain, fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or pale-coloured stools. These may indicate a gallbladder problem.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Rapid improvement in blood glucose may temporarily worsen diabetic retinopathy. People with a history of diabetic eye disease may require additional monitoring.

Serious Allergic Reactions

Stop treatment and obtain urgent medical care for swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat; difficulty breathing or swallowing; a severe rash; fainting; or a very rapid heartbeat.

Surgery and Anaesthesia

Mounjaro delays stomach emptying and may increase the risk of food or liquid entering the lungs during general anaesthesia or deep sedation. Inform the surgeon and anaesthesia team that you use tirzepatide before any planned procedure.

Who Should Not Use Mounjaro?

Mounjaro is contraindicated in people with:

• A personal or family history of MTC
• MEN 2
• A previous serious allergic reaction to tirzepatide or another ingredient in Mounjaro

Mounjaro is not indicated for type 1 diabetes. Safety and effectiveness have not been established in children younger than 10 years under the current US prescribing information.

Tell Your Healthcare Provider Before Using Mounjaro

Before treatment, tell the prescriber if you:

• Have or previously had pancreatitis
• Have severe gastroparesis or another serious digestive disorder
• Have kidney problems or become dehydrated easily
• Have gallstones or gallbladder disease
• Have diabetic retinopathy
• Use insulin, sulfonylureas or another glucose-lowering medicine
• Take oral medicines requiring consistent absorption
• Are scheduled for surgery, anaesthesia or deep sedation
• Are pregnant, planning pregnancy or breastfeeding

Patients considering other diabetes treatments can explore Waldrugmart’s diabetes medicine category, including information about Rybelsus® semaglutide tablets, Jardiance® empagliflozin tablets and Trajenta® linagliptin tablets. These medicines work differently and should only be selected by a healthcare professional.

Mounjaro Drug Interactions

Mounjaro slows gastric emptying and may affect the absorption of some oral medicines. Additional monitoring may be necessary for medicines that require precise blood concentrations.

Combining Mounjaro with insulin or a sulfonylurea increases the risk of hypoglycaemia. The prescriber may reduce the dose of those medicines.

Do not combine Mounjaro with another tirzepatide-containing product or add another GLP-1 receptor agonist unless specifically instructed by a qualified healthcare professional.

Oral Contraceptives

Oral hormonal contraceptives may be less effective after starting Mounjaro and following dose increases. Current US prescribing information advises patients using oral contraceptives to switch to a non-oral method or add a barrier method for:

• Four weeks after starting Mounjaro
• Four weeks after every Mounjaro dose increase

Ask a healthcare professional which contraception method is appropriate for you.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Based on animal studies, Mounjaro may cause fetal harm. Tell the prescriber if you are pregnant, become pregnant or plan to conceive.

Tirzepatide may pass into breast milk. A healthcare professional should help determine whether breastfeeding or Mounjaro treatment is appropriate after considering the parent’s clinical needs and the potential risk to the infant.

How to Store Mounjaro

Storage requirements vary between presentations and countries. For US single-dose pens and vials:

• Store in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F).
• Keep the medicine in its original carton to protect it from light.
• Do not freeze Mounjaro.
• Do not use a pen or vial that has been frozen.
• If necessary, it may generally be stored at up to 30°C (86°F) for no longer than 21 days.
• Keep out of the reach of children.

Multi-dose vial and KwikPen storage instructions may differ. Follow the leaflet provided with the exact product. Do not use Mounjaro after its expiry date or if the solution appears cloudy, coloured or contains visible particles.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mounjaro

What is Mounjaro used for?

Mounjaro is used alongside diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in eligible people with type 2 diabetes. Under the current US label, it is approved for adults and children aged 10 years and older.

What is the active ingredient in Mounjaro?

Mounjaro contains tirzepatide, a medicine that activates both GIP and GLP-1 receptors.

How often is Mounjaro injected?

Mounjaro is normally injected under the skin once every seven days.

Is Mounjaro insulin?

No. Mounjaro is not insulin. It helps regulate blood glucose by activating GIP and GLP-1 receptors.

Can Mounjaro help with weight loss?

Some people with type 2 diabetes lose weight during treatment. However, Mounjaro’s current US indication is improving glycaemic control in type 2 diabetes, and individual results vary.

Can I start treatment with Mounjaro 5 mg?

The current US-recommended starting dose is 2.5 mg once weekly for four weeks, followed by 5 mg once weekly. Do not start at a higher dose unless specifically directed by the prescriber.

Can Mounjaro be used with metformin?

Mounjaro may be prescribed with metformin and certain other diabetes medicines. The prescriber must assess the complete treatment plan and monitor the patient’s glucose response.

What is the difference between Mounjaro and Ozempic?

Mounjaro contains tirzepatide and activates GIP and GLP-1 receptors. Ozempic contains semaglutide and activates the GLP-1 receptor. They are different prescription medicines and must not be substituted without medical guidance.

What should I do if Mounjaro makes me feel sick?

Nausea is a common side effect, particularly after starting treatment or increasing the dose. Smaller meals and appropriate fluid intake may help. Contact a healthcare professional if nausea is severe, persistent or accompanied by repeated vomiting or severe abdominal pain.

Can I use Mounjaro if I do not have diabetes?

Do not use Mounjaro without an appropriate medical diagnosis and prescription. In the United States, tirzepatide is marketed separately as Zepbound for certain weight-management indications.

Prescription and Ordering Information

Mounjaro is a prescription-only medicine. A valid prescription and pharmacist review are required where applicable. Product availability, approved indications, strengths, pack presentations and delivery eligibility depend on the dispensing country and destination.

Before ordering, confirm that the prescribed strength matches the product selected. Do not change strengths or substitute another diabetes medicine without the approval of the prescriber.

Need help with a prescription medicine? Learn how to get started with Waldrugmart or visit the Waldrugmart pharmacy FAQ for information about prescriptions, ordering and delivery.

Authoritative Medical References

• Official Mounjaro US Prescribing Information
• Mounjaro Label on DailyMed
• Official Mounjaro Instructions and Patient Information

Medical disclaimer: This information is provided for general educational purposes and does not replace a diagnosis, prescription, medication guide or advice from a qualified healthcare professional. Always follow the locally approved product information and the directions of the prescribing clinician. Seek immediate medical assistance for a suspected serious adverse reaction or medical emergency.