Mounjaro Dosing Guide: From 2.5mg to 15mg

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is available in six dose strengths: 2.5mg, 5mg, 7.5mg, 10mg, 12.5mg, and 15mg. Each dose comes in a separate pre-filled KwikPen containing four weekly doses (one month's supply). The dose you take will be determined by your prescriber based on your response to treatment, tolerance of side effects, and weight management goals. Mounjaro is not a "one size fits all" treatment. Some people achieve excellent results at lower doses (5mg or 7.5mg), while others may need to titrate up to 10mg, 12.5mg, or 15mg. Your prescriber will guide you through this process.

Everyone starts Mounjaro at the 2.5mg dose, regardless of their weight or BMI. This is not a therapeutic dose for weight loss. The purpose of the 2.5mg starting dose is to allow your body to gradually adjust to the medication and minimise side effects, particularly nausea. You will stay on 2.5mg for at least 4 weeks. During this time, you may notice a mild reduction in appetite, but significant weight loss is not expected at this dose. Some people do lose weight at 2.5mg, which is a positive sign. Do not be discouraged if your weight loss is minimal during this introductory phase - the treatment builds over time.

The standard Mounjaro titration schedule increases your dose every 4 weeks:

• Weeks 1-4: 2.5mg (starting dose)
• Weeks 5-8: 5mg
• Weeks 9-12: 7.5mg
• Weeks 13-16: 10mg
• Weeks 17-20: 12.5mg
• Weeks 21+: 15mg (maximum dose)

This schedule is a guide, not a rigid rule. Your prescriber may adjust the pace based on your tolerance and results. If side effects are significant at a particular dose, your prescriber may recommend staying on that dose for an additional 4 weeks before increasing. Not everyone needs to reach the maximum 15mg dose. You can use our titration cost planner to estimate the total cost of your treatment across dose escalations.

Your maintenance dose is the dose at which you and your prescriber are satisfied with the balance between weight loss results and tolerability of side effects. This varies from person to person. Some people find that 7.5mg or 10mg provides sufficient appetite suppression and steady weight loss without troublesome side effects. Others may need 12.5mg or 15mg to achieve their goals. Your prescriber will review your progress at regular intervals, typically every 4-12 weeks, to decide whether dose adjustments are needed. Once you reach your maintenance dose, you will continue on it for as long as your prescriber recommends. Stopping Mounjaro typically leads to weight regain, so long-term treatment is usually necessary to maintain results.

If you miss your scheduled Mounjaro injection, the guidance depends on how many days have passed. If it has been less than 4 days (96 hours) since your missed dose, take the injection as soon as you remember, then return to your regular schedule. If more than 4 days have passed, skip the missed dose entirely and take your next dose on the usual day. Do not take two doses at the same time or inject extra to make up for a missed dose. If you miss several doses in a row, contact your prescriber for advice before resuming. They may recommend restarting at a lower dose to reduce the risk of side effects.

Mounjaro comes in a pre-filled KwikPen that is designed to be straightforward to use. Here are some tips for a comfortable injection experience:

• Injection sites: You can inject into your abdomen (at least 5cm from the navel), front of the thigh, or the back of your upper arm (if someone else is administering).
• Rotate injection sites: Do not inject in the same spot each week. Rotate between different areas to prevent skin irritation.
• Room temperature: Let the pen sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before injecting. Cold medication can be more uncomfortable.
• Clean the area: Use an alcohol swab to clean the injection site before injecting.
• Pinch the skin: Gently pinch the skin at the injection site and insert the needle at a 90-degree angle.
• Hold for 10 seconds: After pressing the injection button, hold the pen in place for at least 10 seconds to ensure the full dose is delivered.
• Dispose safely: Place the used pen in a sharps bin. Do not reuse pens or throw them in household waste.

Proper storage is essential to ensure your Mounjaro remains effective. Store unused pens in the refrigerator at 2-8 degrees Celsius. Do not freeze Mounjaro. If a pen has been frozen, do not use it. Mounjaro can be kept at room temperature (up to 30 degrees Celsius) for up to 30 days. Once removed from the fridge, note the date and use within 30 days. After 30 days at room temperature, the pen should be discarded even if it has not been used. Keep pens in the original carton to protect from light. Do not use Mounjaro after the expiry date printed on the pen and carton. If you receive your medication by post, it should be delivered with cold-chain packaging. Check that the cold pack is still cool on arrival. If you have concerns about the temperature during delivery, contact your pharmacy before using the medication.