Mounjaro is a once-weekly weight loss injection containing tirzepatide as its active ingredient. It works by curbing your appetite and helping you feel fuller for longer, making it easier to lose weight when combined with a healthy diet and exercise plan. What is Mounjaro dosing? It’s to allow your body to become accustomed to the side effects.
The treatment follows a dosing schedule where the dose gradually increases every 4 weeks unless a lower maintenance dose is preferred. Below, we explore the different Mounjaro doses, their timing, and which dose offers the best results for weight loss.
Before diving into the Mounjaro dosing, we will review some basics about Mounjaro. Use the navigational table below to skip to topics of interest.
Table of contents
- What is Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)?
- Comparison of GLP-1 and GIP effects
- Mounjaro dosing options
- How to use your Mounjaro dose
- Mounjaro dosing schedule and guidance
- Mounjaro dosing
- How can I tell it’s time to transition to a maintenance dose of Mounjaro?
- What if I miss my Mounjaro dose?
- Where can I buy Mounjaro?
- Frequently asked questions about Mounjaro
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Mounjaro 2.5mg Injection£145.99 – £565.99 -
Mounjaro 10mg Injection£185.99 – £735.99 -
Mounjaro 15mg Injection£229.99 – £899.99
What is Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)?
Mounjaro was developed by Eli Lilly and contains the active ingredient, tirzepatide. It combines two chemically modified gut hormones—glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP).
These hormones, called incretins, stimulate insulin release in response to food intake. Because Mounjaro has GLP-1 and GIP properties, it is known as a “twincretin”.
Incretins like GLP-1 and GIP contribute to weight loss by:
Early research on diet-induced obese (DIO) mice showed that combining GLP-1 and GIP resulted in significantly greater weight loss. Recognising its potential, Eli Lilly patented tirzepatide in 2016 and later validated its effectiveness in humans through the SURMOUNT trials.
The table below highlights the effects of GLP-1 and GIP.
Comparison of GLP-1 and GIP effects
Mounjaro dosing options
The active ingredient in Mounjaro is tirzepatide, and is available in six different dosage strengths:
Mounjaro is administered weekly as a subcutaneous injection, typically in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. To learn how to safely administer Mounjaro, read our blog, “How to inject Mounjaro”.
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Mounjaro 12.5mg Injection£229.99 – £899.99 -
Mounjaro 7.5mg Injection£185.99 – £735.99 -
Mounjaro 5mg Injection£145.99 – £565.99
How to use your Mounjaro dose
Mounjaro is provided as a convenient, pre-filled injectable pen, so there’s no need to measure or prepare the dose yourself. It’s recommended to take Mounjaro once a week, on the same day and at the same time each week.
Maintaining a consistent schedule helps ensure the medication works effectively and minimises potential side effects by keeping steady levels in your body.
Mounjaro injection sites: Where and how to inject
When using Mounjaro, it’s essential to choose the proper injection site. This medication is injected just under the skin (subcutaneously) in one of the following areas:
- Stomach (abdomen)
- Upper thigh
- Upper arm (requires assistance for proper administration).
How to inject Mounjaro
If you are self-administering, you can inject Mounjaro into your abdomen or upper thighs. Injections into the upper arm should only be done with help from someone else.
To avoid irritation and ensure proper rotation, divide the injection site into two sections on each side of your body (see diagram for reference). Alternate the injection site weekly so the same area isn’t used again for at least four weeks.
For abdominal injections:
- Keep at least a 5 cm (2-inch) gap from your belly button.
- Ensure each injection is at least one finger width away from the previous site.
Proper site rotation helps reduce soreness and irritation, making your treatment more comfortable.
Mounjaro dosing schedule and guidance
Before starting Mounjaro, reading the patient information leaflet for detailed instructions and advice is important.
Mounjaro dosing schedule
| Mounjaro Dose | Duration |
|---|---|
| 2.5 mg | First 4 weeks |
| 5 mg | At least 4 weeks, or as a maintenance dose |
| 7.5 mg | At least 4 weeks |
| 10 mg | At least 4 weeks, or as a maintenance dose |
| 12.5 mg | At least 4 weeks |
| 15 mg | At least 4 weeks, or as a maintenance dose |
Mounjaro starting dose
- Starting Dose: You begin with the Mounjaro 2.5mg dose once a week for the first four weeks.
- Dose Increase: After the first four weeks on the Mounjaro 2.5mg, you move to the Mounjaro 5mg injection.
This step-by-step increase allows your body to adjust to the medication and reduces the risk of side effects. Studies have shown that most side effects occur during this adjustment phase as the body adapts to Mounjaro.
Why you should always start with Mounjaro 2.5mg
When starting Mounjaro, the initial dose is always 2.5mg of tirzepatide, even if you’ve previously used Mounjaro or other weight loss injections. For instance, you cannot transition directly from a high dose of Wegovy to a high dose of Mounjaro because their active ingredients differ.
Wegovy contains semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist, while Mounjaro includes tirzepatide, which acts on both GLP-1 and GIP receptors. These differences in active ingredients mean your body may respond differently, making it essential to begin with the 2.5mg starting dose to allow your body to adjust.
If you’re planning to switch and need guidance, contact us for a FREE consultation—our experienced prescribers will help you transition safely and effectively.
Side effects and appetite in Week 1 on Mounjaro
During the initial phase of taking Mounjaro, your body begins to adapt to the medication, and it’s common to experience mild gastrointestinal side effects.
Clinical studies have shown that most side effects occur during this early period as the body gets accustomed to Mounjaro.
Can I stay on a lower dose for more than four weeks?
If you experience side effects when you transition to a higher dose, you can remain at the lower dose for a while longer to allow your body to get used to Mounjaro. If you are unsure when to move to the next dose, please get in touch with us for a FREE consultation to get you started on Mounjaro.
Mounjaro dosing
| Mounjaro Dose | When to take it |
|---|---|
| 2.5 mg | Take for at least 4 weeks* |
| 5 mg** | Take for at least 4 weeks, or you can remain on Mounjaro 5 mg as a maintenance dose so long as you are happy with your weight loss and can tolerate the side effects. |
| 7.5 mg | Take for at least 4 weeks |
| 10 mg** | Take for at least 4 weeks, or you can remain on Mounjaro 10 mg as a maintenance dose so long as you are happy with your weight loss and can tolerate the side effects. |
| 12.5 mg | Take for at least 4 weeks |
| 15 mg** | At least 4 weeks. This is the maximum maintenance dose, and you should not exceed it. |
** Mounjaro 5mg, Mounjaro 10mg and Mounjaro 15mg can be used as maintenance doses so long as you are happy with your weight loss and can tolerate the side effects.
Mounjaro dosing progression
Typically, doses increase every 4 weeks, but you may stay on a lower dose longer if:
- You experience severe side effects.
- You are satisfied with your weight loss results at Mounjaro 5 mg or Mounjaro 10 mg.
You can increase your dose any time, provided you’ve been on your current dose for at least 4 weeks.
The maximum weekly dose is Mounjaro 15 mg. Exceeding this limit may cause serious side effects and health risks.
Following the Mounjaro dosing schedule ensures safe and effective weight loss with Mounjaro. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us for your FREE Mounjaro weight-loss consultation.
Mounjaro maintenance doses
The whole purpose of Mounjaro dosing is to allow you to reach one of Mounjaro’s maintenance doses safely. These Mounjaro maintenance doses are the doses that you will remain on long-term to achieve your weight loss goals. It’s the Goldilocks combination that works for you, minimal side effects with maximum weight loss. There are three Mounjaro maintenance doses:
Mounjaro dosing allows you to reach your destination Mounjaro maintenance dose with minimal side effects experienced.
How can I tell it’s time to transition to a maintenance dose of Mounjaro?
When beginning Mounjaro, your dosage is gradually increased to allow your body to adapt. This is the whole ethos of Mounjaro dosing. During this adjustment period, you should experience reduced appetite and notice weight loss.
Some people find that the lower Mounjaro 2.5mg dose has little to no effect on their appetite. However, taking it for four weeks is important to reduce the chances of side effects.
So, it’s a matter of if you are still experiencing side effects. If you are, then you should remain on the lower dose for longer.
To achieve the best results from Mounjaro, it is important to combine treatment with a consistent exercise routine and a nutritious, balanced diet.
If you have any questions or concerns about the dose escalation of Mounjaro, please contact us for your FREE Mounjaro weight-loss consultation.
Which maintenance dose of Mounjaro should I choose?
Everyone responds differently to Mounjaro, so your maintenance dose will depend on factors such as your current dose, how well you tolerate the medication, and your overall health and lifestyle. Common maintenance doses are:
Finding the right dose for you may take some trial and error. A licensed healthcare professional can guide you through the options to identify the most effective dose.
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us for your FREE Mounjaro weight-loss consultation.
Which maintenance dose of Mounjaro causes the most weight loss?
The SURMOUNT 1 trial assessed the weight loss effectiveness of Mounjaro (tirzepatide) in non-diabetic individuals. Participants included those with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 kg/m² or higher or 27 kg/m² or higher with at least one weight-related condition, such as hypertension.
Over 72 weeks, participants receiving the highest dose of Mounjaro (15 mg) achieved an average weight loss of 22.5% of their body weight, with nearly 90% achieving at least a 5% reduction in weight. In comparison, semaglutide, another GLP-1-based medication, demonstrates an average weight loss of 12.4%, making Mounjaro’s results significantly more impactful.
Summary of total weight loss after 72 weeks with Mounjaro:
- 5 mg Tirzepatide: 16.4 kg (36.1 lbs)
- 10 mg Tirzepatide: 22.4 kg (49.4 lbs)
- 15 mg Tirzepatide: 23.8 kg (52.5 lbs)
- Placebo: 2.6 kg (5.7 lbs)
What if I miss my Mounjaro dose?
If you forget to use Mounjaro:
- If it’s been 4 days or less since your missed dose, inject it as soon as you remember. Then, continue with your next dose on your usual scheduled day.
- If it’s been more than 4 days, skip the missed dose and take your next dose as scheduled.
Do not take two doses to make up for the missed one. There should be at least 3 days between two doses.
Where can I buy Mounjaro?
Mounjaro is a prescription-only medicine, so it requires a prescription. At Medical Mojo, you can get Mounjaro delivered to your door by following these simple steps:
- Continual weekly support from our weight-loss team to help you stay on track with your weight-loss goals.
- Complete the online health questionnaire.
- One of our prescribers will review your request and prescribe Mounjaro if appropriate.
- Our pharmacy will dispense your Mounjaro via Royal Mail using the Tracked 24 service so you can easily check the status of your order.
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Frequently asked questions about Mounjaro
Can I drink alcohol while using Mounjaro?
It’s recommended to limit alcohol consumption while using Mounjaro, as alcohol may increase the risk of side effects like nausea or dizziness. To learn more about Mounjaro and alcohol, please read our blog, “Can you drink alcohol while taking Mounjaro?”
Can I take Mounjaro with levothyroxine?
There is no confirmed interaction between Mounjaro and levothyroxine, but you should monitor your thyroid levels closely. To learn more, read our blog, “Can I take Mounjaro with levothyroxine?”
Does Mounjaro cause thyroid cancer?
Although there were concerns in the pre-clinical trials with rodents, there is very little evidence to suggest that Mounjaro causes thyroid cancer. To learn more, read our blog, “Does Mounjaro cause thyroid cancer?”
How much weight can I lose with Mounjaro?
In the SURMOUNT 1 trial, which looked at the effect that Mounjaro had on weight loss in non-diabetic individuals, they found the following results:
Mounjaro weight loss table
| Week | Tirzepatide (5mg) | Tirzepatide(10mg) | Tirzepatide (15mg) | Placebo |
| 0 | 105 kg | 105 kg | 105 kg | 105 kg |
| 4 | 101 kg | 100.5 kg | 100 kg | 104.5 kg |
| 8 | 96.5 kg | 95.5 kg | 95 kg | 104 kg |
| 12 | 93.5 kg | 91.5 kg | 90 kg | 103.5 kg |
| 16 | 91.5 kg | 89 kg | 87 kg | 103 kg |
| 24 | 90 kg | 86 kg | 84.5 kg | 102.5 kg |
| 36 | 89.3 kg | 84.5 kg | 83 kg | 102.4 kg |
| 48 | 89 kg | 83.5 kg | 82 kg | 102.4 kg |
| 72 | 88.6 kg | 82.6 kg | 81.2 kg | 102.4 kg |
| Week | Tirzepatide (5mg) | Tirzepatide(10mg) | Tirzepatide (15mg) | Placebo |
| 0 | 231 lbs | 231 lbs | 231 lbs | 231 lbs |
| 4 | 222.2 lbs | 221.3 lbs | 220.5 lbs | 230 lbs |
| 8 | 212.7 lbs | 210.5 lbs | 209.4 lbs | 229 lbs |
| 12 | 206 lbs | 201.6 lbs | 198.4 lbs | 228 lbs |
| 16 | 201.6 lbs | 196.2 lbs | 191.8 lbs | 227 lbs |
| 24 | 198.4 lbs | 189.6 lbs | 186.2 lbs | 226 lbs |
| 36 | 196.8 lbs | 186.3 lbs | 183 lbs | 225.8 lbs |
| 48 | 196.2 lbs | 184 lbs | 180.7 lbs | 225.8 lbs |
| 72 | 195.3 lbs | 182.1 lbs | 179 lbs | 225.8 lbs |
Weight-loss results from SURMOUNT 1 trial using Mounjaro 5mg, Mounjaro 10mg and Mounjaro 15mg. Studies reveal that the highest maintenance dose of Mounjaro, 15mg per week, can support weight loss of up to 22.5% of a person’s starting body weight.
Does Mounjaro help with sleep apnoea?
Studies have found that Mounjaro has helped the symptoms of sleep apnoea. To learn more, read our blog, “Mounjaro and sleep apnoea.”
Does Mounjaro cause hair loss?
Unfortunately, Mounjaro has been shown to cause hair loss in about 5% of individuals. However, whether this is due to the effects of Mounjaro itself or the effects of rapid weight loss is not fully understood. To learn more, read our blog, “Does Mounjaro cause hair loss?”
How long do the side effects of Mounjaro last?
When you first start taking Mounjaro, you may experience side effects such as nausea, bloating and constipation. This is why Mounjaro follows a dose escalation process, which allows your body to adjust gradually to Mounjaro. These side effects usually subside within days or weeks as your body becomes accustomed to Mounjaro. To learn more, read our blog, “How long do the side effects of Mounjaro last?”
Can I start Mounjaro at 5 mg?
No, the starting dose of Mounjaro is 2.5 mg. Following the recommended dosing schedule is important to minimise side effects and help your body adjust to the medication safely.
Can I stay on 2.5 mg of Mounjaro?
Staying on Mounjaro 2.5mg is generally not recommended. After 4 weeks, the dose should increase to Mounjaro 5 mg. If you experience severe side effects at 2.5 mg, contact us, and we will discuss ways to alleviate the side effects, or we may suggest an alternative treatment.
Can you lose weight on 2.5 mg of Mounjaro?
Some weight loss may occur with Mounjaro 2.5 mg, but the most noticeable results typically come from the maintenance doses. Many people begin seeing weight loss within the first few weeks, although this could also be influenced by diet and exercise. The clinical studies have demonstrated that significant weight loss occurred with the three maintenance doses of Mounjaro. The following weight loss was observed after 72 weeks in the SURMOUNT 1 triall:
Summary of Total Weight Loss After 72 Weeks with Mounjaro:
- 5 mg Tirzepatide: 16.4 kg (36.1 lbs)
- 10 mg Tirzepatide: 22.4 kg (49.4 lbs)
- 15 mg Tirzepatide: 23.8 kg (52.5 lbs)
- Placebo: 2.6 kg (5.7 lbs)
When do you move from 2.5 mg to 5 mg of Mounjaro?
Usually, you will increase your dose to Mounjaro 5 mg after 4 weeks on Mounjaro 2.5 mg. If side effects make it difficult to increase the dose, contact us to discuss the dose escalation.
Can you take Mounjaro every 14 days?
No, Mounjaro should be taken once a week at the same time and on the same day. Sticking to this weekly schedule ensures the medication stays effective. Taking it every 14 days could lead to hunger between doses. You can maintain a lower maintenance dose if necessary but still follow the weekly schedule.
What are Mounjaro dosing options?
Mounjaro is available in six different dosage strengths:
Why is Mounjaro dosing important?
Mounajro has a number of dosing options that you must follow to minimise the effects of side effects. This slow incremental increase of Mounjaro allows your body to become accoustomed to Mounjaro, so that at higher doses you reap the benefits but not the side effects.
Have questions about Mounjaro?
Get a FREE telephone consultation with one of our pharmacists, who will call you and help you understand what the right options are for you.
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Achieving weight loss with Mounjaro and personalised support
A recent study highlighted the significant role of personalised telephone coaching in achieving weight loss. Participants who received one-on-one coaching experienced far greater weight loss than those without coaching, with the most substantial results observed over a 12-month. The coaching sessions offered continuous support by encouraging progress tracking, providing valuable resources, and helping participants stay committed to their goals.
Medical Mojo’s customised weight loss program
Medical Mojo offers a comprehensive weight loss coaching service designed to help you reach your goals. Our tailored program includes:
- Regular check-ins to assess your progress and maintain motivation.
- Expert advice to set realistic, achievable goals.
- Personalised coaching to provide continuous support throughout your weight loss journey.
- FREE needles and sharps bins to ensure you have everything you need to get started.
Let Medical Mojo support you in achieving the results you’ve been striving for. With expert guidance, individualised plans, and the right resources, successful weight loss has never been more attainable. Take the first step today and see how we can help you on your path to a healthier, happier you.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice.
References
- Bokvist, K.B., Finan, B., Friedrichsen, S., & Heise, T. (2016). Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) agonists combined with glucose-dependent insulinotropic peptide (GIP) receptor agonists for the treatment of metabolic disorders. United States Patent US9474780B2. Retrieved from https://patents.google.com/patent/US9474780/en.
- Coskun, T., Sloop, K.W., Loghin, C., Alsina-Fernandez, J., Urva, S., Bokvist, K.B., Cui, X., Briere, D.A., Cabrera, O., Roell, W.C. and Kuchibhotla, U., 2018. LY3298176, a novel dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus: from discovery to clinical proof of concept. Molecular metabolism, 18, pp.3-14.
- Jastreboff, A.M., Aronne, L.J., Ahmad, N.N., Wharton, S., Connery, L., Alves, B., Kiyosue, A., Zhang, S., Liu, B., Bunck, M.C. and Stefanski, A., 2022. Tirzepatide once weekly for the treatment of obesity. New England Journal of Medicine, 387(3), pp.205-216.
- Medicines.org.uk. (n.d.). Summary of Product Characteristics: Mounjaro (tirzepatide). Retrieved from https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/15481/smpc#about-medicin
- Sinha R, Papamargaritis D, Sargeant JA, Davies MJ. Efficacy and Safety of Tirzepatide in Type 2 Diabetes and Obesity Management. J Obes Metab Syndr. 2023 Mar 30;32(1):25-45.
- Unick, J.L., Pellegrini, C.A., Dunsiger, S.I., Demos, K.E., Thomas, J.G., Bond, D.S., Lee, R.H., Webster, J. and Wing, R.R., 2024. An Adaptive Telephone Coaching Intervention for Patients in an Online Weight Loss Program: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Network Open, 7(6), pp.e2414587-e2414587.
- Wilding, J.P., Batterham, R.L., Calanna, S., Davies, M., Van Gaal, L.F., Lingvay, I., McGowan, B.M., Rosenstock, J., Tran, M.T., Wadden, T.A. and Wharton, S., 2021. Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity. New England Journal of Medicine, 384(11), pp.989-1002.
