From the FDA Drug Label
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION
2.1 Dosage The recommended starting dosage of MOUNJARO is 2.5 mg injected subcutaneously once weekly. Follow the dosage escalation below to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal adverse reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) and Adverse Reactions (6.1)]. The 2. 5 mg dosage is for treatment initiation and is not intended for glycemic control. After 4 weeks, increase the dosage to 5 mg injected subcutaneously once weekly. If additional glycemic control is needed, increase the dosage in 2. 5 mg increments after at least 4 weeks on the current dose. The maximum dosage of MOUNJARO is 15 mg injected subcutaneously once weekly.
Mounjaro Prescription: Mounjaro is prescribed as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
- The recommended starting dosage is 2.5 mg injected subcutaneously once weekly.
- The dosage can be escalated to 5 mg after 4 weeks, and further increased in 2.5 mg increments every 4 weeks as needed, up to a maximum dosage of 15 mg once weekly.
- Mounjaro should be administered subcutaneously in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm, with rotation of injection sites.
- Patients should be trained on proper injection technique and instructed to use a syringe appropriate for dose administration 1.
From the Research
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is prescribed by healthcare providers for adults with type 2 diabetes to improve blood sugar control, alongside diet and exercise, with a typical starting dose of 2.5 mg injected subcutaneously once weekly for the first 4 weeks, then increased to 5 mg weekly, as supported by the most recent study 2. The medication is typically started at a low dose and gradually increased based on blood sugar response and tolerability, with a maximum dose of 15 mg weekly.
- Patients self-administer Mounjaro using a pre-filled pen injector in areas such as the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
- Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased appetite, which often improve over time, as reported in the study 3.
- Mounjaro works by mimicking two hormones (GLP-1 and GIP) that help regulate blood sugar and appetite.
- Before starting Mounjaro, patients should inform their doctor about all medications they take and any history of pancreatitis, kidney problems, or diabetic retinopathy, as these conditions may affect suitability for treatment, as noted in the study 4. The most recent and highest quality study 2 provides evidence on the renal effects and safety of tirzepatide, which is essential in making informed decisions about its use in patients with type 2 diabetes.
- The study found that tirzepatide has a positive impact on urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio (UACR) without detrimental effects on estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in subjects with type 2 diabetes and obesity without type 2 diabetes.
- Additionally, tirzepatide did not increase the risks of adverse renal events, urinary tract infection, nephrolithiasis, acute kidney injury, and renal cancer compared to the placebo, insulin, and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, as reported in the study 2.