Mounjaro

Mounjaro (generic name: tirzepatide) is an injectable prescription medicine that is used to treat adults with type 2 diabetes. It is prescribed along with diet and exercise to improve control of blood sugar levels. Mounjaro is widely used thanks to its efficacy and safety as a single therapy or with other diabetes medicines<

Tirzepatide (GIP/GLP-1 RA) is a single molecule combining glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA). It activates the secretion of GIP and GLP-1 receptors from the intestines on ingestion of glucose or nutrients, which in turn stimulates insulin secretion from pancreatic β cells.  It also is active in regions of the brain that regulate food intake. Tirzepatide slows down the emptying of the stomach after eating, leaving people feeling full for longer and suppressing appetite.

While there is no cure for diabetes, it was found in studies of Mounjaro that after 52 weeks,  when administered both with or without other diabetes medications, 75% to 90% of patients with an average starting HbA1C of 7.9% to 8.6% reached an HbA1C of less than 7%.

Mounjaro is also effective to induce weight reduction and its sister drug Zepbound has been approved by the FDA for weight loss since  November 2023.  In studies, weight loss in adults ranged from 12 lb (5 kg) to 25 lb (10 kg). The results in trials where candidates received tirzepatide surpassed the weight lost in trials of other GLP-1 agonists.

Mounjaro can only be prescribed off-label for patients classified as overweight (Body Mass Index between 27 and 30) with at least one weight-related comorbid condition, such as dyslipidemia, hypertension, obstructive sleep apnea, or cardiovascular disease) or obese (BMI 30 or higher).

Mounjaro is not for use in people with type 1 diabetes.

Dosage

Follow the prescribing doctor’s dosage instructions which are printed on the label of the box. Check with a doctor or pharmacist if there are any doubts regarding the proper dosage and treatment regimen.

People prescribed Mounjaro will often begin on a low dose and gradually increase based on tolerance and healthcare guidance.

Mounjaro Kwikpen contain 4 doses. It should be administered once each week on the same day of the week and at approximately the same time of day. It must injected in rotation in either the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm by choosing a different site each week.

If a dose is missed, it can be made up for within three days, but beyond that, the dose must be skipped and the routine dose taken on the due date. Do not take two doses of Mounjaro within 72 hours of each other and if it is necessary to change the day, make sure there are at least 72 hours in between doses.

If taking insulin and Mounjaro simultaneously, do not inject them close together in the same area.

Carefully read the information and follow instructions on the manufacturer Eli Lilly and Company’s Product Insert leaflet that comes with the medication to ensure safe usage. Watch a step-by-step video on how to use Mounjaro. We cannot be held liable for any harm caused by incorrect usage.

Storage

Store Mounjaro in the refrigerator (2–8°C/36-48°F). Do not freeze and if one has been frozen, do not use it. Store the pens and vials in their original packaging in order to protect them from light.>

Mounjaro can be kept unrefrigerated, but not above 30ºC (86°F), for up to 21 days. If the medicine has been left out of the refrigerator for more than 21 days, it must be discarded, even if the expiry date has not yet been reached.