Description
Mounjaro® is a medicine for weight loss and weight maintenance. It is delivered in the form of a weekly injection and contains the active ingredient tirzepatide. Tirzepatide mimics two of the body’s own hormones called glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1(GLP-1), both of which are released from your intestine after a meal. This ‘dual-receptor’ medicine works by stimulating insulin secretion, slowing stomach emptying and by signalling greater fullness and reduced hunger to the brain, as well as generally reducing your cravings for food. Additionally, it has shown to have further metabolic and fat-regulating effects than that of a ‘single-receptor’ medicine.
Patient suitability
• Adults with a BMI over 30
• Or with a BMI over 27 plus weight-related conditions (e.g. high blood pressure or prediabetes)
This treatment should be used in conjunction with a reduced calorie meal plan and increased physical activity.
Starting treatment:
• 2.5mg once weekly
Dose increase:
• After 4 weeks: 5mg
• Then increase in 2.5mg increments every 4 weeks:7.5mg, 10mg, 12.5mg, 15mg
• There is no need to increase further if the current dose is effective and well tolerated. You can stay on the same dose for a longer period.
How to choose your next dose:
• Current dose is well tolerated with no or only mild side effects – you can move up a dose
• Ongoing side effects on your current dose – stay on your current dose or move down a dose
• Happy with your current dose and no side effects – you can stay on your current dose
Medication administration:
• Injection sites: abdomen, thigh, upper arm
• Once a week on the same day each week
Forgotten doses:
• Take it within 4 days
• Afterwards carry on as normal
Further information:
• Each pack contains 4 doses (lasting 1 month)
• Each dose level has its own pen – please use the correct strength
• Pens should be refrigerated when possible
• Once opened, they can be stored unrefrigerated for up to 30 days (below 30°C). After this, they must be discarded
• Do not freeze
