Mounjaro

What is Mounjaro?

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a prescription weight loss injection that helps reduce appetite and improve how your body manages blood sugar. It mimics two natural hormones (GLP-1 and GIP) that regulate hunger and satiety, making you feel fuller for longer and helping you eat less. Combined with a healthy diet and exercise, Mounjaro can support significant and sustained weight loss.

How to Use Mounjaro Pens?

• ➤ Mounjaro is administered once a week using a pre-filled injection pen.
• ➤ Inject it under the skin (subcutaneous) in your stomach, thigh, or upper arm.
• ➤ Rotate the injection site each week to reduce skin irritation.
• ➤ Choose the same day each week that suits you and try to inject at the same time of day.

Who is Mounjaro Suitable For?

Mounjaro is suitable for adults aged 18–84 who have:

• ➤ A BMI over 30 (obese), or
• ➤ A BMI over 27 (overweight) with at least one weight-related condition, such as:

• ➤ Type 2 diabetes
• ➤ High blood pressure
• ➤ High cholesterol
• ➤ Obstructive sleep apnoea
• ➤ Cardiovascular disease

It is not suitable if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have certain medical conditions — your prescriber will check your suitability during your consultation.

Mounjaro Dose Guide

Treatment starts with a low dose to allow your body to adjust and reduce side effects:

• ➤ Typical starting dose: 2.5 mg once weekly for 4 weeks.
• ➤ After this, the dose may be increased gradually (e.g., 5 mg, 7.5 mg, and higher if needed) based on your response and tolerance.
• ➤ Your prescriber will advise on the correct dose and schedule for you.

How Effective is it?

• ➤ Clinical studies show Mounjaro can help patients lose up to 20% of their body weight when combined with a balanced diet and regular exercise.
• ➤ Weight loss varies depending on individual factors, but many patients experience noticeable improvements in weight, energy, and confidence.

Increasing the Dose

➤ Only increase your dose if and when directed by your prescriber. Do not adjust your dose yourself, as increasing too quickly may increase side effects without additional benefit.

How to Dispose of Used Pens

• ➤ After use, place the pen in a sharps disposal bin (available from your pharmacy).
• ➤ Do not throw it in household waste or recycling.
• ➤ Return the full sharps bin to your pharmacy for safe disposal.

How to Store the Pens

• ➤ Before use, store Mounjaro pens in the fridge (2–8°C). Do not freeze.
• ➤ Once in use, the pen can be kept at room temperature (below 30°C) for up to 21 days.
• ➤ Keep the pen in its original packaging to protect it from light.

Ordering for the First Time

• ➤ For your first order, you’ll receive 1 pen that includes 4 doses for your first 28 days of treatment.
• ➤ Store it in a refrigerator between 2–8°C.
• ➤ Mounjaro® comes in a single-dose pen that requires no mixing.
• ➤ You’ll also receive: a sharps bin, 4 needles (one for each injection), swabs to clean your skin, an instruction leaflet, and extra tips to help you lose weight.
• ➤ With each new order, you’ll receive your next pen at the right strength for you.

Potential Side Effects

The most common side effects of Mounjaro are mild and often improve over time. They include:

• ➤ Nausea
• ➤ Vomiting
• ➤ Diarrhoea or constipation
• ➤ Reduced appetite
• ➤ Stomach pain

Less commonly, you may experience headaches, fatigue, or dizziness. If you develop severe abdominal pain, allergic reactions, or symptoms of low blood sugar (especially if you have diabetes), seek medical advice immediately.

Uncommon

These side effects may occur in up to 1 in 100 people:

• ➤ Injection site pain, changed sense of taste, increased heart rate.
• ➤ SERIOUS: acute pancreatitis — severe stomach pain radiating to the back, persistent vomiting (3+ times/day, or coffee ground/bloody vomit). Call 999 or attend A&E immediately.
• ➤ SERIOUS: acute gallbladder disease (cholecystitis) — sudden sharp pain in upper right side of stomach radiating to shoulder, tender area, worsens with deep breathing. Call 999 or attend A&E immediately.

Rare

These side effects may occur in up to 1 in 1000 people:

• SERIOUS: severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) — difficulty breathing, swelling of lips, tongue and/or throat, difficulty swallowing, rapid heartbeat. Call 999 or attend A&E immediately.