What is the HbA1c (hemoglobin A1c) reduction by doses of Mounjaro (tirzepatide)?

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Last updated: May 19, 2025View editorial policy

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From the Guidelines

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) provides significant HbA1c reductions, with the 5mg dose reducing HbA1c by approximately 1.8-2.0%, the 10mg dose by about 2.0-2.2%, and the 15mg dose by approximately 2.3-2.5% from baseline, as observed in clinical trials 1.

Key Points

  • The HbA1c reductions are generally observed over a 40-52 week treatment period in patients with type 2 diabetes.
  • Mounjaro works through dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonism, which improves insulin secretion, reduces glucagon levels, slows gastric emptying, and decreases appetite.
  • For optimal results, Mounjaro should be initiated at 2.5mg once weekly for 4 weeks, then increased gradually to the target dose.
  • Patients should administer it subcutaneously on the same day each week and can inject it in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
  • The medication should be used alongside diet and exercise for maximum effectiveness.
  • Side effects may include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which often improve over time as the body adjusts to the medication.

Dosage and Administration

  • The recommended dosage of Mounjaro is 2.5mg, 5mg, or 10mg administered subcutaneously once weekly.
  • The dosage should be increased gradually to minimize gastrointestinal side effects.

Mechanism of Action

  • Mounjaro is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, which improves insulin secretion, reduces glucagon levels, slows gastric emptying, and decreases appetite.
  • This mechanism of action leads to improved glycemic control and weight loss.

Clinical Trials

  • Clinical trials have demonstrated the efficacy and safety of Mounjaro in reducing HbA1c levels and improving glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes 1.
  • The trials have also shown that Mounjaro is generally well-tolerated, with common side effects including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

From the FDA Drug Label

Treatment with MOUNJARO 10 mg and 15 mg once weekly for 52 weeks resulted in a statistically significant reduction in HbA1c compared with insulin glargine once daily (see Table 6) Table 6: ... MOUNJARO5 mgMOUNJARO10 mgMOUNJARO15 mg HbA1c (%) Baseline (mean) 8.5 8.5 8.6 8.5 Change at Week 52b-1.4 -2.1 -2.3 -2. 4 Difference from insulin glargineb (95% CI) -- -0.7c (-0.9, -0.6) -0.9c (-1.1, -0.8) -1.0c (-1.2, -0.9)

The HbA1c reduction by doses of Mounjaro are:

  • MOUNJARO 5 mg: -2.1%
  • MOUNJARO 10 mg: -2.3%
  • MOUNJARO 15 mg: -2.4% 2

From the Research

HbA1c Reduction by Doses of Mounjaro

  • The HbA1c reduction by doses of Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is as follows:
    • 5 mg:
      • Mean HbA1c reduction of 1.87% at 40 weeks 3
      • Mean HbA1c reduction of 1.93% at 52 weeks 4
    • 10 mg:
      • Mean HbA1c reduction of 1.89% at 40 weeks 3
      • Mean HbA1c reduction of 2.20% at 52 weeks 4
      • Mean HbA1c reduction of 2.43% at 52 weeks 5
    • 15 mg:
      • Mean HbA1c reduction of 2.07% at 40 weeks 3
      • Mean HbA1c reduction of 2.37% at 52 weeks 4
      • Mean HbA1c reduction of 2.58% at 52 weeks 5
  • The studies also compared the efficacy of tirzepatide with other treatments, such as insulin glargine and insulin degludec, and found that tirzepatide resulted in greater HbA1c reductions 5, 4
  • The safety profile of tirzepatide was also evaluated, and the most common adverse events were mild to moderate gastrointestinal events, including nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting 5, 4, 3, 6

Professional Medical Disclaimer

This information is intended for healthcare professionals. Any medical decision-making should rely on clinical judgment and independently verified information. The content provided herein does not replace professional discretion and should be considered supplementary to established clinical guidelines. Healthcare providers should verify all information against primary literature and current practice standards before application in patient care. Dr.Oracle assumes no liability for clinical decisions based on this content.

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