Mounjaro - Dr Audrey & Dr R Clinic
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APPOINTMENT

Mounjaro

1) What is Mounjaro?

Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) is a prescription, once‑weekly subcutaneous injection that mimics two natural gut hormones—glucagon‑like peptide‑1 (GLP‑1) and glucose‑dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). By engaging both receptors, tirzepatide helps regulate appetite and fullness while improving insulin response and glucose control.
GLP‑1: multi‑organ benefits
  • Brain: signals satiety, lowers food reward, reduces cravings.
  • Pancreas: boosts glucose‑dependent insulin, suppresses glucagon.
  • GI tract: slows gastric emptying → smaller portions feel satisfying.
  • Heart & vessels: favourable effects on weight, BP, lipids observed in trials.
  • Bones: supports gut–bone signalling; may reduce resorption markers.
GIP: complementary actions
  • Pancreas: enhances insulin secretion in a glucose‑dependent way.
  • Brain: contributes to appetite control alongside GLP‑1.
  • Bones: anti‑resorptive signals; supports osteoblast survival.
  • Fat & liver: may improve nutrient handling and post‑meal metabolism.
Dual‑action synergy
Activating both GLP‑1 and GIP receptors delivers amplified effects on appetite, fullness, and metabolic health—translating into powerful, sustained weight loss in clinical studies.

2) Mounjaro weight‑loss principle

 

Appetite & brain pathways

GLP‑1/GIP signals the hypothalamus and reward circuits to lower hunger and reduce hedonic eating. You feel full sooner and think about food less often.

Gastrointestinal pacing

GLP‑1 slows gastric emptying, smoothing post‑meal blood‑sugar spikes and extending fullness between meals.

Metabolic fine‑tuning

Insulin rises and glucagon falls in a glucose‑dependent manner—helping your body store and use energy more efficiently while minimizing hypoglycaemia risk when used alone.

3) Mounjaro weight‑loss effect


Weight Loss & Diabetes Control Effects
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) has been extensively studied for both weight management and diabetes control. Its dual hormone action (GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonism) produces significant improvements in body weight, waist circumference, blood sugar, and lipid metabolism.
Diabetes Control Effect
In the SURPASS-1 Clinical Trial, patients with type 2 diabetes receiving Mounjaro at 5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg doses showed remarkable improvements within 40 weeks. Glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c) levels decreased by 1.87% to 2.07%, while body weight decreased by 7 to 9.5 kg. Furthermore, 31% to 52% of patients achieved normal HbA1c levels (<5.7%), a result superior to many traditional treatments.
Weight Loss Effect

According to a study published in JAMA (Journal of the American Medical Association), a 72-week follow-up in Asian women revealed powerful weight reduction with Mounjaro:

  • 5 mg dose: 16.0% body weight loss at 72 weeks
  • 10 mg dose: 21.4% body weight loss at 72 weeks
  • 15 mg dose: 22.5% body weight loss at 72 weeks
These results demonstrate that Mounjaro provides one of the most significant weight-loss outcomes among currently available medical therapies.
Clinical Comparative Effectiveness
  • Lowering of glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c): Shown to be more effective than insulin injections or other glucose-lowering medications.
  • Weight loss effect: Achieves maximum reductions of up to 22.5% of baseline body weight, compared to 2–7% with traditional weight loss drugs.
  • Waist reduction: Helps reduce waist circumference by 4–6 cm, effectively targeting abdominal fat.
  • Lipid benefits: Lowers triglycerides by 13–26% and reduces low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, contributing to better heart health.

4) Mounjaro appearance

Presentations
  • Single‑dose pre‑filled pen (0.5 mL per pen): 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, 15 mg.
  • Multi‑dose KwikPen®: delivers 4 once‑weekly doses per pen at the selected strength (2.5–15 mg depending on market).
  • Vials (some regions): single‑dose vials for professional use.

5) Recommended dosage

Inject once weekly, with or without food, at any time of day, in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Rotate injection sites.

Standard titration
  1. Weeks 1–4: 2.5 mg weekly (initiation)
  2. Weeks 5–8: 5 mg weekly
  3. Then increase by 2.5 mg every ≥4 weeks as tolerated: 7.5 → 10 → 12.5 → 15 mg weekly (max dose varies by region)
Regional note
In some markets, the highest approved dose for general use may be 10 mg. In others, doses up to 15 mg are available. Always follow local labeling and your prescriber’s guidance.

6) What to do if you miss a dose

  • If you miss a dose, inject it within 4 days (96 hours) after the missed day and then resume your regular schedule.
  • If the next scheduled dose is <3 days (72 hours) away, skip the missed dose and take the next dose on the usual day.

7) Storage information

  • Store refrigerated (2–8 °C). Do not freeze. Protect from light.
  • Single‑dose pens / vials: may be kept at room temperature (below 30 °C) for up to 21 days, then discard if unused.
  • Multi‑dose KwikPen: after first use, may be kept at room temperature (below 30 °C) for up to 30 days; then discard even if medicine remains.

8) Precautions for use

  • Thyroid C‑cell tumour warning: Do not use if you or your family have medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or MEN2. Report neck mass, hoarseness, or trouble swallowing.
  • Pancreatitis: stop and seek care for severe, persistent abdominal pain (± vomiting).
  • Gallbladder disease: report right‑upper‑quadrant pain, fever, or jaundice.
  • Diabetic retinopathy (DR): rapid A1C improvements may transiently worsen DR; monitor if you have a history of DR.
  • Hypoglycaemia risk increases when used with insulin or sulfonylureas—your clinician may lower those doses.
  • GI conditions & procedures: delayed gastric emptying can affect tolerance and anaesthesia; tell your care team before surgery/endoscopy.
  • Oral contraceptives: use a non‑oral method or add a barrier for 4 weeks after starting and after each dose escalation.
  • Pregnancy & breastfeeding: not recommended; discuss family planning before starting.

9) How to inject

Where to inject
Subcutaneous injection into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Avoid areas that are tender, bruised, or scarred. Rotate sites each week.
Single‑dose pens
  1. Wash hands. Take pen from fridge; allow to warm at room temp for ~30 minutes.
  2. Check label, dose, and expiry; inspect solution (clear, colourless to pale yellow).
  3. Choose site; clean with alcohol swab and let dry.
  4. Remove cap, press pen firmly to skin at 90°, and press/hold the button until the indicator shows completion.
  5. Dispose of the entire pen in a sharps container. Do not reuse.
Multi‑dose KwikPen® (4 doses/pen)
  1. Attach a new needle; perform an air shot/flow check if the leaflet instructs.
  2. Dial to your weekly dose (e.g., 5 mg); confirm in the dose window.
  3. Inject at 90° and press the button fully; keep pressed and count slowly to 10.
  4. Remove needle; place a new cap and store pen without a needle attached.
  5. After 30 days from first use, discard pen—even if medicine remains.

10) Mounjaro is suitable for?

  • Adults with type 2 diabetes needing better glycaemic control (as monotherapy or add‑on).
  • Adults with obesity (BMI ≥30) or overweight (BMI ≥27 with weight‑related comorbidity) for long‑term weight management—in regions where this indication is approved.

11) Who can’t use Mounjaro?

  • Personal/family history of MTC or MEN2.
  • Known severe hypersensitivity to tirzepatide or excipients.
  • Pregnancy or planning pregnancy soon; not recommended in breastfeeding.
  • Type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis.
  • Children/adolescents: safety not established in many regions.

12) Side effects of Mounjaro

Common (≥5%)
  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea or constipation
  • Decreased appetite, indigestion, abdominal pain
  • Fatigue, injection‑site reactions
Call your clinician
  • Severe or persistent abdominal pain (possible pancreatitis)
  • Vision changes (if you have diabetic retinopathy)
  • Signs of gallstones (right‑upper‑quadrant pain, fever, jaundice)
  • Allergic reactions (swelling of face/tongue, difficulty breathing)

13) Comparison: Mounjaro vs Saxenda vs Ozempic vs Trulicity

Medicine Class Dosing Typical weight loss* Notes
Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) Dual GLP‑1/GIPreceptor agonist Weekly (2.5 → 15 mg; max may vary by region) ~15–22.5% at higher doses (no diabetes) Often greater weight loss vs semaglutide in comparative studies
Ozempic® (semaglutide 0.5–2 mg) GLP‑1 receptor agonist Weekly ~5–10% (dose‑dependent; T2D) Wegovy® 2.4 mg (obesity indication) averages ~12–15%
Saxenda® (liraglutide 3 mg) GLP‑1 receptor agonist Daily ~5–8% More frequent injections; flexible daily titration
Trulicity® (dulaglutide) GLP‑1 receptor agonist Weekly ~3–5% (T2D) Primarily for glycaemic control; modest weight change