Mounjaro Strengths and Dose Schedule
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is an injectable medication, which is used alongside diet and exercise, to lower blood sugar levels in adults with Type 2 diabetes mellitus. It uses the active ingredient tirzepatide, which replicates the actions of hormones in your body. Tirzepatide is a GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist – it triggers the same receptors as these hormones, to reduce your appetite and slow digestion.
Currently, Mounjaro doses come in 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg and 15 mg variations. The initial dose is 2.5 mg once a week for 4 weeks – after this, the dose will be increased by your doctor to 5 mg once a week. The dose can then be increased in 2.5 mg increments every 4 weeks. The appropriate Mounjaro dose is chosen by your doctor:
Mounjaro Dose Chart
This table outlines the recommended titration schedule for Mounjaro (Tirzepatide), when used to lose weight. The schedule aims to optimise patient response while minimising side effects.
| Weeks | Dose | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 1-4 | 2.5 mg once weekly | Initial dose for titration |
| 5-8 | 5 mg once weekly | Assess tolerance before increase |
| 9-12 | 7.5 mg once weekly | Monitor blood sugar levels |
| 13-16 | 10 mg once weekly | Monitor for efficacy and tolerability |
| 17-20 | 12.5 mg once weekly | Further increase based on clinical response |
| 21 onwards | 15 mg once weekly | Maintenance dose if well tolerated |
The 5mg, 10mg and 15mg doses of Mounjaro are the recommended maintenance doses. Your doctor or pharmacist will tell you to remain on your current dose for a minimum of 4 weeks.
These higher maintenance doses will provide greater effects; however, they also come with possible side effects. If your side effects are severe, or otherwise difficult to deal with, your doctor may choose to keep you on a lower dose, or move you back down.
How Many Doses are in the Mounjaro Pen?
Each injectable pen contains one dose of Mounjaro, either 2.5 mg, 5mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg or 15 mg. As a single dose pen, the pen should be disposed of safely in a sharps bin.
How to Take Mounjaro
Mounjaro doses are given via a subcutaneous injection, either in the abdomen (stomach area), thigh or upper arm. The same area of the body can be used each week, but a different injection site within the area should be picked. If you are currently taking insulin, ensure that you choose a different injection site for your Mounjaro. For further instructions on the use of the Mounjaro injection, refer to the Instructions for Use with your pen.
Mounjaro can be delivered at any time of the day, and can be taken with or without meals. It should be taken on the same day each week if possible. If you wish to alter the injection day, ensure there is at least 3 days (72 hours) between doses.
How Often Do You Inject Mounjaro?
Mounjaro is injected subcutaneously once a week at any time of the day. Ensure that you do not take 2 doses of Mounjaro within 3 days of each other. Where possible, you should try to stick to a schedule; injecting at the same time on the same day of the week.
How Long Does Mounjaro Stay in Your System?
Mounjaro has a half life of around 5 days, so it will remain in your system for approximately 30 days. You will notice the effects slowly reduce over this time, though they may still be present until the 30 days have passed.
What Should You Do if You Miss a Dose of Mounjaro?
If you miss a dose of Mounjaro, then it should be taken within 4 days after the missed dose as soon as you remember. If more than 4 days pass, then you should skip the missed dose and wait to take the next dose on the next scheduled day. Then, resume taking Mounjaro in your regular weekly schedule. Make sure to avoid taking double doses (2 doses within 3 days of each other).
What is the Mounjaro Maintenance Dose for Weight Loss?
A patient typically can choose to maintain at a few different strengths. The most common maintenance dosages are 10mg or 15mg weekly. These are the dosages that have shown the most effective long-term weight loss, with 15mg being the most effective.
