Mounjaro (tirzepatide)

Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)

Mounjaro contains tirzepatide, a medicine that activates both glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptors.

In the UK, Mounjaro is authorised for the treatment of adults with insufficiently controlled type 2 diabetes and for weight management in eligible adults. For weight management, it is used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

What is Tirzepatide?

Tirzepatide is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. These pathways play important roles in glucose regulation, appetite and energy intake.

By activating these receptors, tirzepatide can improve blood-glucose control and influence appetite and food intake. Treatment should form part of an appropriate medical and lifestyle programme.

How Does Mounjaro Work?

Mounjaro activates GIP and GLP-1 receptors. Its effects include increasing insulin secretion when blood glucose is elevated, reducing glucagon secretion and influencing appetite and food intake.

The combined GIP and GLP-1 activity distinguishes tirzepatide from medicines that act only on the GLP-1 receptor.

Mounjaro Dose Information

Mounjaro is introduced at a low dose and increased gradually to help improve tolerability.

Treatment stage	Weekly dose
Starting dose	2.5 mg once weekly
After 4 weeks	5 mg once weekly
Further increases	7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg or 15 mg once weekly, when appropriate

Dose increases should normally occur in increments of 2.5 mg after at least four weeks on the current dose. The maximum recommended dose is 15 mg once weekly.

Do not change your Mounjaro dose without advice from your healthcare professional.

Mounjaro for Weight Management

Mounjaro is authorised for weight management in eligible adults with a BMI of 30 kg/m² or greater, or a BMI of at least 27 kg/m² but below 30 kg/m² with at least one weight-related health problem.

Examples of weight-related health problems include dysglycaemia, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, obstructive sleep apnoea, cardiovascular disease or other relevant complications associated with excess weight.

Treatment should be combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

Mounjaro for Type 2 Diabetes

Mounjaro is also authorised for adults with insufficiently controlled type 2 diabetes as an addition to diet and exercise, either alone when metformin is inappropriate or alongside other diabetes medicines.

Important Safety Information

• Mounjaro is a prescription-only medicine.
• Use Mounjaro exactly as prescribed.
• Common adverse effects include nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, constipation and abdominal discomfort.
• Gastrointestinal side effects may be more noticeable during dose escalation.
• Tell your healthcare professional if you use insulin or medicines that can cause hypoglycaemia.
• Seek urgent medical attention if you experience severe, persistent abdominal pain.
• Do not combine Mounjaro with another tirzepatide-containing medicine or another GLP-1 receptor agonist unless specifically instructed by your healthcare professional.
• Mounjaro should not be used during pregnancy.

Product Information

• Active ingredient: Tirzepatide
• Drug class: GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist
• Administration: Subcutaneous injection
• Frequency: Once weekly
• Indications: Type 2 diabetes and weight management in eligible patients
• UK legal category: Prescription-only medicine

Mounjaro Compared With Other GLP-1 Medicines

Mounjaro contains tirzepatide, while medicines such as Wegovy and Ozempic contain semaglutide. Although these medicines are used in related therapeutic areas, their active ingredients, mechanisms, authorised indications and dosing schedules differ.

Read our Wegovy page or Ozempic page for information about these semaglutide medicines.

Related Information

For general information about prescription weight-management treatments, visit our Weight Management Guide.

You can also explore our Weight Management category.

Official UK Medicine Information

For complete prescribing information, including contraindications, warnings, adverse effects and dosing instructions, consult the official Mounjaro Summary of Product Characteristics and Patient Information Leaflet on the UK electronic Medicines Compendium.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Mounjaro?

Mounjaro is a prescription medicine containing tirzepatide. It is authorised in the UK for type 2 diabetes and weight management in eligible patients.

What is the active ingredient in Mounjaro?

The active ingredient is tirzepatide, a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist.

How often is Mounjaro taken?

Mounjaro is administered once weekly by subcutaneous injection.

What is the starting dose of Mounjaro?

The usual starting dose is 2.5 mg once weekly. The dose may be increased after at least four weeks according to the prescribing information.

What is the maximum Mounjaro dose?

The maximum recommended dose is 15 mg once weekly.

Is Mounjaro authorised for weight management in the UK?

Yes. Mounjaro is authorised for weight management in eligible adults alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

Can Mounjaro be used with Wegovy?

Mounjaro should not be combined with another GLP-1 receptor agonist unless specifically instructed by a qualified healthcare professional.

Is Mounjaro prescription only?

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

Where can I find official Mounjaro information?

The UK electronic Medicines Compendium provides the official Mounjaro Summary of Product Characteristics and Patient Information Leaflet.