From the Guidelines
Individuals with fatty liver disease can generally take Mounjaro (tirzepatide) for type 2 diabetes, and it may actually provide benefits for their liver condition. Mounjaro is an FDA-approved GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist medication that helps control blood sugar and can promote weight loss, which is particularly beneficial for patients with both conditions since fatty liver disease is often associated with obesity and insulin resistance 1. The standard starting dose is 2.5 mg injected subcutaneously once weekly for the first 4 weeks, then gradually increased to a maintenance dose of 5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg weekly as tolerated.
Some key points to consider when prescribing Mounjaro to individuals with fatty liver disease include:
- The medication's effects on weight loss and improved insulin sensitivity can reduce liver fat accumulation, potentially improving liver health 1.
- Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and decreased appetite, which typically improve over time.
- Individuals with severe liver impairment should consult their healthcare provider before starting Mounjaro, as dose adjustments might be necessary 1.
- Regular monitoring of liver function tests is recommended while on this medication.
It's also important to note that lifestyle modification, including weight loss, dietary changes, physical exercise, and discouraging alcohol consumption, as well as optimal management of comorbidities, is advised for adults with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) 1. Bariatric surgery is also an option in individuals with MASLD and obesity. Overall, the use of Mounjaro in individuals with fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes may be beneficial, but it's essential to carefully consider the individual's overall health and medical history before initiating treatment.
From the Research
Efficacy and Safety of Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) in Individuals with Fatty Liver Disease
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual incretin agonist that has been approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) in adults [ 2, 3,4 ].
- The SURPASS clinical trial program has demonstrated the efficacy and safety of tirzepatide in improving glycemic control and reducing body weight in adults with T2DM [ 2, 3,4 ].
- A substudy of the SURPASS-3 trial (SURPASS-3 MRI) investigated the effect of tirzepatide on liver fat content (LFC) and abdominal adipose tissue in people with T2DM 5.
- The results of the SURPASS-3 MRI substudy showed that tirzepatide significantly reduced LFC and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) volumes compared with insulin degludec in patients with T2DM 5.
Use of Mounjaro in Individuals with Fatty Liver Disease
- While the primary indication for tirzepatide is the treatment of T2DM, its effects on LFC and VAT suggest potential benefits for individuals with fatty liver disease 5.
- The reduction in LFC and VAT observed with tirzepatide may be associated with improvements in insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism 5.
- However, it is essential to note that the use of tirzepatide in individuals with fatty liver disease has not been specifically studied in dedicated clinical trials 5.
- Further research is needed to fully understand the effects of tirzepatide on fatty liver disease and its potential as a therapeutic option for this condition 5, 6.