Mounjaro dosage guide for weight loss

One medication that has been gaining attention is Mounjaro, a weight loss injection.

But how does it work? What is the correct dosage? And what are the potential benefits and side effects?

Starting weight loss injections can be overwhelming, with the different doses and not knowing what to expect. So in this article, we have laid it all out for you.

Understanding Mounjaro and its role in weight loss

Mounjaro is a brand name for the drug Tirzepatide. It's used to aid weight loss in individuals struggling with obesity.

This medication is a GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist. It mimics an incretin hormone, which helps regulate blood sugar and appetite.

Mounjaro is not a first-line treatment for weight loss. It's typically prescribed when lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise or other medications have not worked.

The medication is administered via subcutaneous injection. This means it's injected under the skin, usually in the abdomen, thigh or upper arm.

How does Mounjaro work?

Mounjaro works in more than one way to aid in weight loss:

• It mimics an incretin hormone to regulate blood sugar and appetite.
• It's administered via subcutaneous injection.
• It's typically prescribed when other weight loss methods have failed.
• It's used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

Understanding how Mounjaro works is the first step in using it effectively for weight loss.

Starting your journey: Initial dosage and adjustments

This medicine is gradually increased based on your response and tolerability.

These increases are made every four weeks. The maximum dosage is 15 mg once weekly.

You should always start Mounjaro on the lowest dose possible then gradually increase every 4 weeks as follows:

Weeks 1 - 4: Mounjaro 2.5mg

Weeks 5 - 8: Mounjaro 5mg - you can stay on this strength if you are still losing weight

Weeks 9 - 12: Mounjaro 7.5mg

Weeks 13 - 16: Mounjaro 10mg - you can stay on this strength if you are still losing weight

Weeks 17 - 20: Mounjaro 12.5mg

Weeks 21+: Mounjaro 15mg - you can stay on this strength if you are still losing weight

Why the gradual dosage increase?

Increasing the dosage gradually is important when using weight loss injections such as Mounjaro treatment, as this approach helps minimise side effects.

When increasing the dose, you may experience side effects, including nausea (feeling sick), diarrhoea, and abdominal pain. A gradual increase in dosage can help your body adjust to the medication.

Always consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your dosage. They can provide guidance based on your response.

Different dosage options for Mounjaro

Mounjaro offers different dosage options tailored to individual needs. The dosage regimen is carefully determined based on factors like response to treatment and tolerability.

Initial Dosage: Mounjaro 2.5 mg Once Weekly

The standard starting dose for Mounjaro is 2.5mg administered once weekly. This initial dosage allows for a gradual introduction of the medication into the body.

Gradual dose escalation

Following the initial dose, the dosage may be adjusted at four-week intervals. The increments are made based on your healthcare provider's assessment of your response and tolerance to the medication.

Maximum dosage: Up to 15 mg once weekly

The maximum dosage for Mounjaro is 15 mg once weekly, although you can stay on a lower dose if it suits you and you are still losing weight. This upper limit ensures the medication is used effectively while managing potential side effects.

Individualised treatment approach

It's important to emphasise that the dosage of Mounjaro is highly individualised. Your healthcare provider will personalise your treatment plan to optimise weight loss benefits while minimising adverse effects.

Understanding the different dosage options for Mounjaro is crucial in achieving successful weight loss outcomes. Consult your healthcare provider for specific guidance on the most suitable dosage regimen for your needs.

How much weight can I expect to lose from each of these doses?

Taken from Lily’s Tirzepatide study (Tirzepatide for weight loss is branded Mounjaro in the UK and Zepbound in the US). The table below shows how much weight participants lost on average as a percentage of their starting weight when taking the different Mounjaro doses. This study took place over 72 weeks (around 1 year and 4 months).

Source: Lily, Zepbound

People in the trial lost more weight with the higher strengths of Mounjaro. Some people will choose to stay on the lower strengths of Mounjaro others will gradually increase the dose to suit them. 

So, why do some people stay on the lower dose? As you can see from the table above, you can experience a successful weight loss of up to 15% of your starting body weight with the 5mg injection. Staying on the lower dose will lessen the chance of side effects often experienced with dosage increases.

Some people experience a plateau in weight loss when taking the lower doses for a while as your body will start to get used to the medicine and it will start becoming ineffective, this is why many people decide to increase their dose eventually. Again, this will depend on the individual and what works for them.

Possible Mounjaro side effects

Common side effects with Mounjaro include:

• Injection site reactions such as redness, swelling and pain
• Diarrhoea  
• Vomiting  
• Constipation  
• Decreased appetite  
• Nausea  
• Indigestion  
• Stomach Pain

For a full list of side effects refer to the Mounjaro patient information leaflet here.

How soon do side effects start after injecting Mounjaro?

This depends on the individual; you could expect to experience side effects in the first few days after injecting the medicine. These effects could also take a longer time to appear, this could depend on your health and the dosage you take.

How long will my injection site reaction last with Mounjaro?

Injection site reactions are possible with Mounjaro, the symptoms include redness, itching, bruising, pain and swelling. These effects should not be severe and would typically go away after a few days.

To manage this side effect you can apply ice, a warm compress or take paracetamol for pain relief.

If the irritation continues after this time, please contact your prescribing doctor. 

Where to buy Mounjaro

Mounjaro weight management injections are available to buy from Oxford Online Pharmacy through the online doctor's service to help you lose weight. Head over to the website to learn more and assess your suitability for the weight loss treatment. 

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References:

1. Lily, Zepbound Clinical Data
2. Oxford Online Pharmacy, Mounjaro