Type of medication: Weight management
Drug name: Tirzepatide (Mounjaro, by Eli Lilly)
Strength (mg): 2.5mg, 5mg, 7.5mg, 10mg (progressive dosing)
Drug details: A once-weekly self-injectable prescription medication whose active ingredient, tirzepatide, mimics both the human hormones GLP-1 and GIP. It works by reducing appetite, increasing fullness, slowing digestion, and improving the body's response to insulin to achieve significant weight loss.
Benefits*:
Highly effective weight loss: Clinical trials show Mounjaro helps users lose up to 22% of their body weight when combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Dual mechanism: By acting on both the GLP-1 and GIP hormone pathways rather than just one, Mounjaro offers more comprehensive control of appetite and satiety.
Superior appetite control: Mounjaro significantly reduces hunger and cravings and helps you feel full longer, making it easier to maintain a lower-calorie diet without relying on willpower alone.
Improved metabolic health: Weight loss with Mounjaro improves blood sugar control, blood pressure, and cholesterol levels.
Convenient weekly dosing: Mounjaro requires only one injection per week, improving adherence and fitting more easily into your lifestyle.
How to take it and precautions*:
Starting dose: Treatment begins with a low dose of 2.5mg once weekly for the first 4 weeks. This initial phase minimises gastrointestinal side effects and allows your body to adjust to the medication.
Increasing the dosage: The dose is gradually increased every 4 weeks following this schedule, up to a maximum of 10mg weekly:
- Weeks 1–4: 2.5mg weekly
- Weeks 5–8: 5mg weekly
- Weeks 9–12: 7.5mg weekly (if needed)
- Week 13 onwards: 10mg weekly (maintenance dose, as determined by your doctor)
This gradual escalation helps your body adapt and reduces side effects. Your maintenance dose is determined by your doctor based on your response and tolerance.
Method of administration: Mounjaro is a subcutaneous injection administered into the fatty tissue beneath the skin. Common injection sites include the abdomen, thighs, or upper arms.
Important: Rotate injection sites with each dose to reduce the risk of skin reactions.
Injection time: Injections can be administered at any time of day, with or without meals. Choose a consistent day each week (e.g., every Monday) to maintain your schedule. The day can be changed if needed, as long as at least 3 days (72 hours) pass between doses.
Missed injection:
- If less than 4 days (96 hours) have passed since your missed dose, take it as soon as you remember.
- If more than 4 days have passed, skip the missed dose and resume your regular weekly schedule.
- Do not double dose to make up for a missed injection.
Pen usage: Each Mounjaro pen is a multi-dose pen containing 4 doses (a 4-week supply). Use a new needle for every injection. Once finished, dispose of the pen safely in a sharps container. Do not share pens between individuals.
Monitoring and follow-up: Regular check-ins with your doctor are essential to monitor weight loss progress, manage side effects, and ensure optimal results. Your doctor may adjust your treatment plan based on your response and tolerance.
Doctor's prescription: Required
Platform provided by: Noah
*Results and dosing vary from person to person. Always follow your doctor's instructions. All prescription treatments are subject to a registered doctor's assessment and are provided only where deemed suitable and safe.
