Mounjaro Dosing Guide – When and How to Take Mounjaro

Mounjaro is the brand name for the drug Tirzepatide, and is a medication approved for the treatment of obesity. Mounjaro is the first weight loss medication with dual action as both a Glucose-dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide (GIP) and Glucagon like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. This unique dual action makes this Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) highly effective for weight loss and sugar management. 

Mounjaro works by activating GIP and GLP-1 receptors and mimicking these natural hormones in the body. Both these hormones are involved in increasing insulin secretion, reducing glucagon secretion, slowing emptying of the stomach (promoting a feeling of fullness) and reducing appetite. 

The hormone GIP enhances insulin secretion from the pancreas in response to meals, reduces the production of glucagon (a hormone that raises blood sugar) and improves the sensitivity of insulin body tissue to glucose (helping cells better absorb glucose). 

The hormone GLP-1 stimulates insulin release in a glucose dependent manner (only when glucose is high, reducing the risk of hypoglycemia). GLP-1 also reduces the production of glucose raising hormones such as glucagon. With regards to weight loss, GLP-1 and the drug’s mimicking it slow the rate of stomach emptying, hence promoting a sense of satiety for longer. GLP-1 also acts on the hunger centres in the brain and reduces appetite. 

Overall the effects of GLP-1 and GIP help diabetics manage their condition and contribute to weight loss by controlling blood sugar levels, reducing appetite and promoting a sense of satiety. 

As a drug, Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) is administered via a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection once a week. For ease of access, it comes in prefilled pens that you can administer on either the thigh, abdomen or upper arm. 

Mounjaro has been shown to be highly effective, showing significant reductions in Hba1c levels (long term blood sugar marker) and promoting weight loss. 

You can now buy Mounjaro online from Meds For Less and expect next day delivery to your home address. You can also look for other weight loss or diabetes medications on our website to suit your health needs.

Mounjaro Dosing Schedule

Mounjaro has an easy and once weekly based dosing schedule. The appropriate mounjaro dosing for weight loss, for you will be decided in consultation with your healthcare provider and will be based on what your therapeutic goals are and your individual tolerance.

Everyone starts of with a 2.5mg once weekly dose for the first 4 weeks to help your body get used to the effects and side effects of Mounjaro. After the first 4 weeks, there is a dose escalation to 5mg weekly for the next 4 weeks. 

Before increasing your dose, your doctor will check your blood sugar levels and decide if more sugar control is needed. If so they can increase your dose every 4 weeks via the following schedule:

• 7.5 mg once weekly
• 10mg once weekly
• 12.5mg once weekly
• 15mg once weekly (the maximum possible dose)

While changing doses, your doctor will also see how well you are responding to the current doses. If you are experiencing a high level of side effects, they might keep you on a lower dose for your safety.

Mounjaro should be administered once every week and if possible,the same time every week with or without meals. It can be administered as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection in the abdomen, thigh or upper arm. It’s advisable to rotate around the site of injection to prevent irritation. 

If you miss a dose, you can take it within 4 days of when you were originally due to take it. If more than 4 days have passed, skip the missed dose and continue with your normal schedule. 

Benefits of Mounjaro for Weight Management

Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) has many substantial benefits for weight management making it an effective medicine for people suffering from type 2 diabetes or obesity related challenges. Its dual action on GIP and GLP-1 receptors helps with both blood sugar control and weight loss. 

Clinical trials like the SURMOUNT studies have shown that Mounjaro is extremely effective at weight loss, helping non diabetics lose 22.5% of their body weight when combined with lifestyle changes over a 72 week period. The trials also showed that diabetics lost a significant amount of weight while on Mounjaro.

Mounjaro helps promote weight loss by conducting appetite suppression. It slows the emptying of the stomach which creates a lasting feeling of fullness and reduces the temptation to eat. The GLP-1 mimicking action of Mounjaro also acts on the brain’s appetite centres and increases a sense of satiety and reduces cravings. 

Mounjaro’s action on GIP receptors increases the body’s ability to burn fat and helps with weight loss by reducing fat mass. 

The weight loss effects achieved by Mounjaro can improve conditions related to obesity such as hypertension (high blood pressure), dyslipidemia or sleep apnoea. 

The benefits of Mounjaro over previous generation GLP-1 mimetic (semaglutide based) drugs such as Wegovy or Ozempic been demonstrated as Mounjaro’s dual action mechanism allows it to be more rapid and effective. 

How to Administer Mounjaro

Mounjaro can be administered as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection. The best place to inject mounjaro is either the upper arm, outer thigh or the abdomen region. Mounjaro should be injected in the following way:

1. Prepare the pen, checking the pen is in date and the solution is clear and free of any particles.
2. Wash your hands thoroughly 
3. Choose an Injection site
4. Cleanse the Injection site with an alcohol wipe
5. Pull the cap of the pen, there is no need to twist or bend the cap. It should pull straight off. 
6. Hold the pen at a 90 degree angle against your skin and press down firmly until you hear a second click (this should take about 10 seconds) 
7. Safely dispose of the pen in a sharp bin

You must administer an injection of Mounjaro every week at the same time, this can be with or without food. Its advisable to rotate the site of injection every week to prevent local skin irritation. 

If you miss a dosage, you should aim to take it within 4 days of when it was originally due. If more than 4 days have passed, skip the missed dose and continue with your normal schedule. 

 Adjusting Mounjaro Dosage

Adjusting the dose of Mounjaro is a carefully managed process that is done in partnership between you and your healthcare provider. The aim is to ensure you receive the maximal positive effect of your treatment while minimising the experience of any side effects. While doses are adjusted according to individual needs, a brief guide to dose management is as follows:

The initial starting dose for Mounjaro is 2.5 weekly for the first 4 weeks for everyone who takes it. This is primarily to get the body used to the effects of Mounjaro, build tolerance and reduce the risk of side effects.

After 4 weeks on this starting dose, your healthcare provider will increase the dose to 5mg for at least the next 4 weeks and see how you fare. If needed, the dose can be increased in increments of 2.5 mg every 4 weeks till the right weight loss dosage for you is found.

The dosing schedule starts at 2.5 mg initial dose weekly for 4 weeks and then increases to 5mg in the 5th week. From there it can be increased to 7.5, 10 or 12.5 mg every 4 weeks if required. The maximum possible dose of Mounjaro is 15 mg weekly. 

Adjusting the weight loss dosing will be based on your blood sugar control which will be monitored using blood sugar levels, weight loss effects and tolerance or side effects to the drug. Your healthcare advisor will monitor your health and discuss the need for any dose adjustments with you. 

Potential Side Effects and Precautions

Like most medications, Tirzepatide can cause side effects however not everyone is affected by these. These side effects can range from mild to severe and tend to get more intense as the dose increases. However with continued use, both mild side effects and some severe ones tend to subside.

Common but mild Mounjaro side effects of Tirzepatide include:

• Gastro-intestinal (Gut) related side effects
  • Nausea (more common when initially starting or taking a new dose)
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomitting
  • Constipation
  • Abdominal discomfort and bloating
• Decreased appetite, this effect is often intended as it helps with weight loss but a chronically decreased appetite can lead to fatigue
• Injection site redness, swelling or irritation

Serious but rare side effects of Tirzepatide include:

• Gallbladder issues leading to jaundice
• Pancreatitis which can cause severe abdominal pain, nausea and back pain
• Kidney problems due to severe dehydration form consistent vomiting or diarrhea (if these occur) 
• Severe allergic reactions such as rash, swelling of mouth or lips and difficulty breathing

If you experience any of the symptoms of these rare but more serious side effects, please seek medical attention immediately.

Due to Mounjaro’s powerful actions, it’s important to take some precautions while using it. These include:

• Informing your healthcare provider if you have a medical history of:
  • Pancreatitis 
  • Gallbladder issues
  • Kidney problems
  • Thyroid cancer 

Or a family history of:

• Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma
• Multiple endocrine neoplasia 

As taking Mounjaro can make it more likely to suffer from these conditions again

• Being cautious if you are taking hypoglycemia causing drugs such as sulfonylureas, insulin or other GLP-1 mimicking drugs (Ozempic, Wegovy) due to a risk of hypoglycemia and overdose.

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, it’s best to consult your healthcare provider about using Mounjaro during this time as there is limited data on the effects of Mounjaro on pregnant or breastfeeding women. 

How to Recognize and Respond to Overdosing

Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) is a very powerful medicine and overdosing on it can result in serious side effects, particularly severe gastrointestinal/gut (GI) issues and dangerous blood sugar fluctuations. Recognising the signs of overdose and knowing how to respond to it is important if it does happen. 

Signs of Mounjaro overdose includes:

• Severe Gastrointestinal (GI) issues such as:
  • Intense nausea and vomiting
  • Persistent diarrhea
  • Severe abdomen pain or cramping
• Hypoglycemia (Clinically Low blood sugar) which can lead to symptoms such as dizziness or lightheadedness
• Dehydration and excessive thirst 
• Electrolyte imbalances which can lead to muscle cramps and weakness

Ways of responding to potential Mounjaro overdoses includes:

• Stop taking the medication immediately
• Consult a healthcare professional as soon as possible
  • If symptoms are severe such as seizures or loss of conciousness, call emergency services (999) or immediately have yourself brough to the nearest emergency department
• Treat symptoms of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) with measures such as glucose tablets or gels, honey or sugar. A healthcare professional will be able to administer the right amount of glucose.
• Rehydrate by sipping water to counter the dehydrating effects of vomiting or diarrhea. Try to avoid other dehydrating drinks such as alcohol or coffee. 

Ways of preventing overdose includes:

• Follow your prescribed dosing schedule and take that dose once a week
• Do not increase the dose on your own even if you feel that the current dose is ineffective
• Keep a timer or reminder to help you remember to take your dose on time
• Store the medicine injections safely in a fridge and away from the reach of others (such as children) who may inadvertently use it. 

For more information on the proper usage of Mounjaro and preventing overdose, please consult your healthcare provider or patient information leaflet for the appropriate Mounjaro patient information. 

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