Key facts about Mounjaro
What is Mounjaro?
Mounjaro is the brand name for tirzepatide and is available as a subcutaneous injection.
What dosages is Mounjaro available in?
Mounjaro is available as a 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, or 15 mg per 0.5 mL in single-dose pen or single-dose vial.
What is Mounjaro used for?
Mounjaro is a GIP and GLP-1 agonist and is used to treat type 2 diabetes, in addition to diet and exercise.
How does Mounjaro work?
Mounjaro is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist. It works by acting like GLP-1 and GIP, two hormones released by your gut after you eat to help you control blood sugar. These hormones tell your body to release more insulin, release less sugar, and slow down digestion. All of these actions help lower blood sugar levels. In people who have Type 2 diabetes, GLP-1 and GIP don’t work as well they should. So Mounjaro helps by acting just like GLP-1 and GIP to help control blood sugar.
How do I take Mounjaro?
Mounjaro is typically started at 2.5 mg injected under the skin of the stomach, thigh, or upper arm once weekly. After 4 weeks, your provider will raise your dose to 5 mg injected once weekly. Depending on your response, your provider might continue to raise your dose every 4 weeks or so until you’re at a dose that works for you. The maximum recommended dose is 15 mg once weekly.
Is it safe for me to take Mounjaro?
Mounjaro is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you. You should not use this medication if you have any of the following. Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2. Known serious hypersensitivity to tirzepatide or any of the excipients in Mounjaro.
Mounjaro Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Mounjaro:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Low appetite
- Vomiting
- Stomach upset
- Constipation
- Stomach pain
Mounjaro Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Mounjaro. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Serious allergic reaction: hives; trouble breathing; swelling of your lips, tongue, throat, or face
- Dangerously low blood sugar: feeling hungry, fast heartbeat, shakiness, anxiety, sweating, tingling, dizziness, weakness, drowsiness, confusion
- Kidney damage: nausea, vomiting, trouble urinating, muscle cramps, feeling confused, swelling in the ankles or feet, trouble breathing
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Mounjaro
The following medications may interact with Mounjaro:
- Mounjaro delays gastric emptying and has the potential to impact the absorption of concomitantly administered oral medications
Who makes Mounjaro?
Eli Lilly and Company
Is Mounjaro safe in pregnancy?
It is not known if Mounjaro can harm your unborn baby. It should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus.
