From the Guidelines
Advise patients to inject Mounjaro (tirzepatide) subcutaneously once weekly, on the same day each week, into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm, with a starting dose of 2.5 mg for the first 4 weeks, then increasing to 5 mg, with potential further increases to 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and up to 15 mg based on glycemic response and tolerability, as recommended by the most recent guidelines 1.
When initiating Mounjaro, it is essential to consider the patient's individual characteristics, such as kidney function, to determine the appropriate dosing regimen. According to the 2025 standards of care in diabetes, the dual GIP and GLP-1 RA (SQ) has a very high glucose-lowering efficacy and is associated with significant weight loss 1.
Key considerations for patients taking Mounjaro include:
- Storing pens in the refrigerator and allowing them to warm to room temperature for 30 minutes before injection
- Inspecting the solution to ensure it's clear and colorless
- Demonstrating proper injection technique and emphasizing the importance of rotating injection sites
- Instructing patients to take Mounjaro with or without food at any time of day
- Advising patients to contact their healthcare provider if they experience severe or persistent side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or decreased appetite
The most recent guidelines recommend a patient-centered approach to guide the choice of pharmacologic agents, considering factors such as efficacy, hypoglycemia risk, effect on weight, side effects, cost, and patient preferences 1. By following these guidelines and considering the individual patient's needs, healthcare providers can optimize the use of Mounjaro and improve patient outcomes.
From the FDA Drug Label
Instruct patients how to prepare and administer the correct dose of MOUNJARO and assess their ability to inject subcutaneously to ensure the proper administration of MOUNJARO. Inform patients if a dose is missed, it should be administered as soon as possible within 4 days after the missed dose. If more than 4 days have passed, the missed dose should be skipped and the next dose should be administered on the regularly scheduled day.
To advise patients on the proper use of Mounjaro (tirzepatide), key instructions include:
- Preparing and administering the correct dose
- Injecting subcutaneously
- Managing missed doses:
- Administer the missed dose as soon as possible within 4 days
- Skip the missed dose if more than 4 days have passed and resume the regular schedule 2
From the Research
Proper Use of Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)
To advise patients on the proper use of Mounjaro (tirzepatide), consider the following:
- Mounjaro is approved for use as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycaemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) 3.
- It comes as single-dose prefilled pens and single-dose vials, and is administered via once-weekly subcutaneous injections 3.
- The dosage of tirzepatide is typically initiated at 2.5 mg/week and escalated by 2.5 mg every 4 weeks until the assigned dose is achieved 4.
Administration and Dosing
Key points to consider:
- Tirzepatide is available in doses of 5 mg, 10 mg, and 15 mg 4, 5.
- Patients should be instructed on proper injection technique and dosing schedule 3.
- The medication should be stored in the refrigerator and protected from light 3.
Safety Profile
Adverse events associated with tirzepatide include:
- Gastrointestinal events such as nausea, diarrhea, decreased appetite, and vomiting 3, 4, 5.
- Hypoglycemia, although the risk is lower compared to insulin glargine 4, 5.
- No increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events has been observed 3, 5.
Monitoring and Follow-up
Regular monitoring of: