Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes. It is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonist, which helps to improve glycemic control and reduce body weight.
## How does Mounjaro work?
Mounjaro works by:
1. Stimulating insulin secretion: Tirzepatide stimulates the release of insulin from the pancreas, helping to lower blood sugar levels.
2. Suppressing glucagon secretion: Tirzepatide reduces the production of glucagon, a hormone that raises blood sugar levels.
3. Slowing gastric emptying: Tirzepatide slows down the movement of food from the stomach to the small intestine, reducing postprandial glucose spikes.
## Benefits of Mounjaro
1. Improved glycemic control: Mounjaro helps to lower HbA1c levels and reduce blood sugar fluctuations.
2. Weight loss: Mounjaro has been shown to produce significant weight loss in clinical trials.
3. Cardiovascular benefits: Mounjaro may help to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events.
## Administration and dosing
Mounjaro is administered via injection once weekly. The recommended dose is 2.5 mg, 5 mg, or 10 mg, with the dose titrated based on individual patient response.
Mounjaro's dosage varies based on individual factors, such as health history, weight, and treatment response. Here's a general outline:
## Dosage Information
- Starting dose: 2.5 mg once a week for the first four weeks ¹ ²
- Maintenance dose: 5 mg once a week, which can be increased to 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, or 15 mg, depending on the patient's response and doctor's evaluation ¹ ²
- Dose escalation: Should be done every four weeks to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal adverse reactions ³
## User Guide
1. Choose your injection site: Select a site on your stomach, thighs, or upper arms, and rotate it each time to prevent skin irritation.
2. Prepare the pen: Remove the base cap, place the base flat on your skin, and unlock the pen.
3. Inject the dose: Press and hold the button for up to 10 seconds, listening for the first click, which indicates the injection has started, and the second click, which confirms the injection is complete ¹.
4. Store the pen: Keep it refrigerated between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C), and avoid freezing or exposing it to temperatures above 86°F (30°C) ¹ ².
## Additional Tips
- Take Mounjaro on the same day each week, at any time of day.
- If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible within four days; otherwise, skip it and resume your regular schedule the following week.
- Monitor your blood sugar levels and report any side effects to your doctor.
