Mounjaro:  A Complete Overview

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.
 

If the missed dose is remembered within 4 days:

• If you forget to take your dose within 4 days, take your missed dose as soon as you remember.

If the missed dose is remembered after 4 days:

• If more than 4 days have passed since your missed dose, skip it and continue with your dosing schedule, taking your next scheduled dose as planned.

Before using Mounjaro, you should be aware of potential side effects and precautions. Rest assured that these are usually mild and temporary when you first start the medication or up your dose while your body is getting used to it. 

The most common Mounjaro side effects
The most common side effects of Mounjaro are:

• Loss of appetite
• Severe nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Headaches or dizziness
• Abdominal pain
• Burping and flatulence 
• Local reactions at the injection site such as irritation, itching or bruising 
   

Mounjaro contains the following ingredients:
Tirzepatide (active and medicinal ingredient)
Sodium phosphate dibasic heptahydrate
Sodium chloride
Concentrated hydrochloric acid, and sodium hydroxide (for pH adjustment)
Glycerol
Phenol
Benzl Alcohol
Water

Mounjaro can be purchases online for management of weight loss from certain private healthcare providers