Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) – Pharmaceutical Product Information

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a prescription medicine used in the UK for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and, in eligible adults, for weight management. It contains tirzepatide, a medicine that acts on two hormone receptors involved in blood-sugar regulation and appetite: GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1).

Mounjaro is supplied as a pre-filled injection pen and should only be used following assessment and prescribing by an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.

What Is Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)?

Mounjaro is a pharmaceutical product containing tirzepatide as its active ingredient. It belongs to a class of medicines known as GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists.

Tirzepatide works by activating receptors involved in blood-glucose control and appetite regulation. This can help improve blood-glucose levels in people with type 2 diabetes and can reduce hunger and increase feelings of fullness in people using it for authorised weight-management treatment.

What Is Mounjaro Used For?

In the UK, Mounjaro is authorised for specific medical uses.

Type 2 Diabetes

Mounjaro can be used alongside diet and exercise to improve blood-glucose control in adults, adolescents and children aged 10 years and above with type 2 diabetes.

For adults, it may be used on its own when metformin is unsuitable because of intolerance or contraindications, or together with other medicines used to treat diabetes.

Weight Management

Mounjaro is also authorised for weight management in adults, including weight loss and weight maintenance, alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

For this indication, eligibility generally includes a BMI of 30 kg/m² or above, or a BMI of 27 kg/m² to below 30 kg/m² together with at least one weight-related health condition, such as hypertension, dyslipidaemia, obstructive sleep apnoea, cardiovascular disease, prediabetes or type 2 diabetes.

Mounjaro is not authorised as a cosmetic or general-purpose weight-loss medicine for people who do not meet the relevant medical criteria.

Mounjaro Dosage Information

The appropriate dose of Mounjaro is determined by a healthcare professional.

For adults, the UK product information states that treatment normally starts at 2.5 mg once weekly. After four weeks, the dose is increased to 5 mg once weekly. If clinically appropriate, further increases can be made in 2.5 mg increments after at least four weeks on the current dose.

The maximum recommended adult dose is 15 mg once weekly.

Patients should not change their Mounjaro dose without advice from their prescriber.

How Is Mounjaro Administered?

Mounjaro is administered as a subcutaneous injection, meaning it is injected beneath the skin.

The injection may be administered into the abdomen, thigh or back of the upper arm. Injection sites should be rotated. Mounjaro can be administered at any time of day and can be taken with or without food.

Patients should carefully follow the instructions supplied with their Mounjaro KwikPen and the advice provided by their healthcare professional.

Available Mounjaro Strengths

UK Mounjaro KwikPen products are available in the following strengths:

• 2.5 mg
• 5 mg
• 7.5 mg
• 10 mg
• 12.5 mg
• 15 mg

Each KwikPen contains four doses.

The strength prescribed should always correspond to the patient’s individual treatment plan.

Possible Side Effects of Mounjaro

Like all medicines, Mounjaro can cause side effects, although not everyone experiences them.

Common gastrointestinal effects can include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhoea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Abdominal discomfort
• Reduced appetite

These effects may be particularly noticeable when treatment is started or when the dose is increased.

Mounjaro can also cause low blood sugar when used with certain diabetes medicines, particularly insulin or sulfonylureas. A healthcare professional may need to adjust those medicines and advise appropriate blood-glucose monitoring.

Important Safety Information

Mounjaro is a prescription medicine and should only be used following an appropriate medical assessment. The UK government advises patients not to obtain GLP-1 medicines from unregulated sellers, social media sources or suppliers that do not require a consultation.

Tirzepatide has been associated with cases of acute pancreatitis, including serious cases. Patients experiencing persistent or severe abdominal pain should seek urgent medical attention. If pancreatitis is suspected, treatment should be stopped and medical advice obtained.

Mounjaro is contraindicated in people with a known hypersensitivity to tirzepatide or any of its ingredients.

Patients should tell their healthcare professional about their medical history, current medicines and any other treatments before starting Mounjaro.

Missed Mounjaro Dose

If a Mounjaro dose is missed, the UK product information states that it can be administered within 4 days of the scheduled dose.

If more than 4 days have passed, the missed dose should be skipped and the next dose taken on the usual scheduled day. Patients should not take two doses close together to compensate for a missed dose.

Mounjaro and Other Medicines

Mounjaro may be prescribed alongside other diabetes medicines, but combinations need to be assessed by a healthcare professional.

When tirzepatide is used with insulin or a sulfonylurea, the risk of hypoglycaemia may increase. A prescriber may therefore consider adjusting the dose of those medicines.

Always provide your prescriber or pharmacist with a complete list of medicines, supplements and other treatments you are taking.

Who Should Not Use Mounjaro?

Mounjaro may not be appropriate for everyone. It should not be used by people with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to tirzepatide or its ingredients.

The safety and suitability of treatment must be assessed individually, particularly for people with significant medical conditions or those taking medicines that can affect blood-glucose levels.

Pregnancy, planned pregnancy, breastfeeding, previous pancreatitis, significant gastrointestinal problems and upcoming surgery should also be discussed with a healthcare professional before treatment.

Storage and Handling

Mounjaro should be stored according to the instructions provided with the medicine and its packaging.

A Mounjaro pen that has been frozen must not be used. Patients should also inspect the medicine before use and should not use it if the solution appears abnormal or contains visible particles.

Why Medical Assessment Matters

Mounjaro is not suitable for everyone seeking weight loss or blood-sugar management. A healthcare professional should assess whether treatment is appropriate based on medical history, BMI where relevant, existing conditions, current medicines and individual treatment goals.

The MHRA specifically advises that GLP-1 medicines should be prescribed only for their licensed medical uses and that patients should obtain them through regulated healthcare channels.

Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) – Frequently Asked Questions

Is Mounjaro the same as tirzepatide?

Mounjaro is the brand name of a medicine whose active ingredient is tirzepatide.

How often is Mounjaro taken?

Mounjaro is administered once weekly. The exact dose is determined by the prescribing healthcare professional.

Is Mounjaro a prescription medicine in the UK?

Yes. Mounjaro is a prescription-only medicine in the UK.

Can Mounjaro be used for weight management?

Yes. Mounjaro is authorised for weight management in eligible adults who meet the relevant BMI and health-condition criteria, alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

Can I increase my Mounjaro dose myself?

No. Dose increases should follow the prescribed treatment schedule and be supervised by an appropriate healthcare professional.

Important Information for Patients

This page provides general pharmaceutical information about Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Always read the official patient information leaflet supplied with your medicine and speak with a doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about suitability, dosage, side effects or interactions.

Mounjaro is a prescription-only medicine. It should only be obtained from a legitimate, regulated pharmacy following the required clinical assessment and prescription process.