Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)
Patient Information Leaflet
What is Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)?
Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) is a weekly injection for adults trying to lose weight. It helps people with high BMIs (body mass indexes) lose weight. It contains the active ingredient tirzepatide. Mounjaro® is also known as Zepbound.
As of November 2023, Mounjaro® has been approved as a weight loss treatment in the UK. It is now available on prescription at LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor.
If prescribed, it’s important that Mounjaro® is used alongside healthy lifestyle changes, such as more physical activity and a reduced calorie diet.
How does Mounjaro work?
- Suppresses Appetite: Mimics naturally occurring hormones to make you feel less hungry
- Regulate Blood Sugar: Helping you feel fuller for longer
- Food leaves your stomach slower: Slows down digestion to encourage smaller portions
How effective is Mounjaro?
When it comes to weight loss every person is different. Some people will lose weight faster than others. Mounjaro® can help you lose weight from the first dose alongside a healthy diet and regular exercise.
Clinical trials have shown that on average, patients lost up to 22.5% of their original weight on the highest dose of Mounjaro® (15mg) after 72 weeks. Most adults (91%) can also expect to lose at least 5% of their body weight when using Mounjaro®.
Mounjaro vs. other weight loss injections
Mounjaro® weight loss injections are one of several medicated weight loss options currently available via prescription. Others in the market include Wegovy®, Saxenda® and Ozempic®.
But what’s the difference between Mounjaro®, Wegovy® and Ozempic®?
| Mounjaro | Wegovy | Ozempic | |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Weekly Injections |
|
|
|
|
Active Ingredient |
Tirzepatide |
Semaglutide |
Semaglutide |
|
Use |
Weightloss |
Weightloss |
Blood sugar regulation in Type 2 Diabetes |
|
Reduce and regulation appetite |
|
|
|
|
People losing 5% of their body weight |
91% |
84% |
– |
How to use Mounjaro
Looking at your kwikpen for the first time, you may be wondering “how do I take Mounjaro®?”.
You inject Mounjaro® once a week into your tummy, thigh or upper arm.
You should inject Mounjaro® on the same day every week. You can take it at any time of day. You might want to set a reminder on your phone, so you don’t forget what day you normally take it.
What foods can’t you eat whilst taking Mounjaro?
If you experience nausea while taking Mounjaro® you may want to avoid foods with strong tastes or smells. Instead choose bland foods like crackers, rice or toast. You may also want to avoid fats and fatty foods while using Mounjaro®.
Do I need to be in a calorie deficit on Mounjaro?
When taking Mounjaro® you should follow a calorie-controlled diet and an increased exercise plan. Being in a calorie deficit, where you’re burning more calories than you’re taking in can help you to lose weight when using Mounjaro®.
You should make sure your diet is full of fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein and low-fat dairy products. Reducing how much sugar and fat you eat can also help you to consume less calories.
What happens if you miss a dose of Mounjaro?
If you’ve missed a dose of Mounjaro® you should take the missed dose within 4 days after the missed dose. Try to take it as soon as possible after you’ve realised you’ve missed it.
If more than 4 days have passed since the missed dose, then skip it and take your next dose on your scheduled day. Make sure not to take 2 doses within 3 days of each other.
Who can use Mounjaro?
People who can use Mounjaro® include:
- Adults with a BMI of 30 or above
- Adults with a BMI of 27 or above with weight related health problems, such as a history of heart attack, stroke, or breathing problems during sleep
You shouldn’t use Mounjaro® if you’re allergic to any of the ingredients. Our clinicians will make sure it’s safe for you to use, especially if you:
- Have issues with food digestion
- Have ever had pancreatitis
- Have eye problems
- Are using diabetes medication
- Are under 18
Mounjaro dosage
Mounjaro® comes in several doses. Depending on where you are in your treatment journey, you will need to take a different dose.
The starting dose is 2.5mg. This increases in increments of 2.5mg until you reach 15mg. The dose is gradually increased to make sure you can cope with any side effects. You will need to stay on each dose for four weeks before you increase it.
If all goes to plan and you can tolerate the treatment, your dosing schedule will look like this:
| Week | Dosage (Weekly) |
|---|---|
|
Weeks 1-4 |
2.5mg |
|
Weeks 5-8 |
5mg |
|
Weeks 9-12 |
7.5mg |
|
Weeks 13-16 |
10mg |
|
Weeks 17-20 |
12.5mg |
|
Weeks 21 onwards |
15mg |
What are the side effects of Mounjaro?
More extensive side effect details here
Like with all medications, there is a chance you may experience some side effects when taking it. Common side effects may affect more than 1 in 10 people using the weight loss medication.
Mounjaro® side effects often get better over time as your body gets used to treatment. You might find that you only experience side effects while your dose is being increased.
Potential side effects are broken down into common and uncommon:
| Common side effects | Uncommon side effects |
|---|---|
|
|
How to manage the side effects of Mounjaro®
Side effects are usually mild. As your body gets used to the treatment any side effects are likely to lessen and disappear. Give your body a regular break between each treatment by injecting Mounjaro® on the same day every week.
To manage side effects:
- Eat smaller meals
- Eat more regularly
- Stop eating when you feel full
- Stay hydrated
- Avoid fat / fatty foods
- If you feel sick, sip water and eat plain foods like toast, crackers or rice
- Increase your fibre intake if you’re constipated
- Exercise regularly
- If you’re experiencing headaches you can take paracetamol
If you start experiencing any side effects, please talk to your GP. Learn more about the side effects of Mounjaro® by visiting the patient information leaflet.
