From the FDA Drug Label
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.
The recommended dosing schedule for MOUNJARO is as follows:
- Starting dose: 2.5 mg subcutaneously once weekly
- Dose escalation: increase to 5 mg after 4 weeks, and then by 2.5 mg increments every 4 weeks as needed
- Maximum dose: 15 mg subcutaneously once weekly If a dose is missed, administer MOUNJARO as soon as possible within 4 days (96 hours) after the missed dose 1.
From the Research
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) dosing should be initiated at 2.5 mg injected subcutaneously once weekly for the first 4 weeks, then increased to 5 mg once weekly for at least 4 weeks, with further increments of 2.5 mg every 4 weeks as needed, up to a maximum dose of 15 mg once weekly, as supported by the most recent and highest quality study 2.
Key Considerations
- The initial dose of 2.5 mg helps patients adjust to the medication and minimize gastrointestinal side effects.
- Each dose increase should only occur after at least 4 weeks on the previous dose to allow the body to adjust.
- Mounjaro works by activating both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, which helps improve insulin secretion, reduce glucagon levels, slow gastric emptying, and increase satiety, leading to improved blood sugar control and potential weight loss.
Administration and Side Effects
- Patients should administer the injection on the same day each week, rotating injection sites between the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
- Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, decreased appetite, vomiting, and constipation, which typically improve over time as the body adjusts to the medication.
Evidence-Based Recommendation
The recommended dosing regimen is based on the latest evidence from a randomized clinical trial 2, which demonstrated the efficacy and safety of tirzepatide in improving glycemic control and weight loss in patients with type 2 diabetes. This study provides the most up-to-date and high-quality evidence for the use of Mounjaro, supporting the recommended dosing regimen.