What is the best time of day to take Mounjaro (tirzepatide)?

Best Time of Day to Take Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) can be taken at any time of day, with or without food, as long as it is administered consistently once weekly. 1

Administration Guidelines

Timing Considerations

• The FDA-approved label for Mounjaro explicitly states that it can be administered "once weekly, any time of day, with or without meals" 1
• For once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonists like tirzepatide, the specific time of day is less important than maintaining consistency in your weekly schedule 2
• According to Table 5.5 in the American Diabetes Association guidelines, for once-weekly medications like tirzepatide, "no change of time" is needed 2

Practical Administration Tips

• Inject Mounjaro subcutaneously in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm 1
• Rotate injection sites with each dose to prevent injection site reactions 1
• If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible within 4 days (96 hours) after the missed dose 1
• If more than 4 days have passed, skip the missed dose and take the next dose on the regularly scheduled day 1
• The day of weekly administration can be changed if necessary, as long as the time between two doses is at least 3 days (72 hours) 1

Dosing and Titration

• Start with 2.5 mg once weekly for 4 weeks (initiation dose) 3
• Increase to 5 mg once weekly after 4 weeks 3
• If additional glycemic control is needed, increase the dosage in 2.5 mg increments after at least 4 weeks on the current dose 1
• The maximum dosage is 15 mg once weekly 1
• This gradual titration approach helps minimize gastrointestinal side effects 3

Common Side Effects Management

• Gastrointestinal side effects are most common (nausea 31%, diarrhea 23%, vomiting 12%) 3
• To minimize these effects:
  • Reduce meal size
  • Limit alcohol and carbonated drinks
  • Avoid high-fat diets 3
• Antiemetics like ondansetron and loperamide may be used to manage nausea and diarrhea if needed 3

Special Considerations

• If undergoing surgery, consider stopping tirzepatide at least one week before elective procedures to minimize the risk of aspiration due to delayed gastric emptying 3
• No dose adjustment is required for patients with renal impairment 3
• Contraindicated in patients with personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 1

Remember that consistency in your weekly dosing schedule is more important than the specific time of day you choose to administer Mounjaro.