- Treatment for weight management with Mounjaro®
- Access Mounjaro® following an online medical consultation
- What is Mounjaro®?
- What is the active substance in Mounjaro®?
- Who is the treatment suitable for?
- What dosages are available?
- How does Mounjaro® work in the body?
- How is Mounjaro® used?
- Where is Mounjaro® injected?
- Can I change doses myself?
- How to achieve the best results with Mounjaro®
- When should Mounjaro® not be used?
- What side effects can occur?
- Mounjaro® active substance and excipients
Treatment for weight management with Mounjaro®
Mounjaro® is a prescription-only medicine from Eli Lilly, used in adults for weight management, alongside dietary changes and increased physical activity.
Mounjaro is supplied as a pre-filled pen (KwikPen) and administered once a week, rotating the injection site each time. Pens are available in 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and 15 mg. . single-use needles are provided with each pre-filled pen.
Access Mounjaro® following an online medical consultation
Start the online consultation and complete the medical questionnaire. A UK-registered prescriber will review your answers and, where appropriate, issue a prescription for Mounjaro.
Important information
DoktorABC UK is a digital health platform that connects patients with independent, UK-registered prescribers . DoktorABC UK does not itself provide medical care, issue prescriptions, or dispense medicines. All clinical decisions are made by the UK-registered prescriber following an individual medical assessment.
What is Mounjaro®?
Mounjaro® is a prescription-only medicine whose active ingredient, tirzepatide, is authorised for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and may also be considered for weight management in adults, where clinically appropriate.. It is supplied as a pre-filled injection pen.
Tirzepatide acts on pathways involved in regulating blood glucose levels and appetite control. Clinical studies have evaluated the effects of weight loss in adults who are overweight or obese, and particularly those with weight-related health conditions. Whether it is appropriate will depend on your BMI and personal health profile.
For effective weight reduction, Mounjaro® must be used alongside a healthy diet and increased physical activity.
What is the active substance in Mounjaro®?
Tirzepatide was originally developed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. Research has shown that it also affects appetite regulation and energy intake, making it relevant to weight-management.
It works by regulating blood glucose levels and by acting on hormone receptors involved in metabolic regulation, influencing feelings of fullness and reducing calorie intake. Whether it is suitable for you will depend on individual health factors and determined by a UK-registered prescriber.
Who is the treatment suitable for?
Mounjaro® may be considered for weight management in adults following a thorough medical assessment. TIt may be appropriate for:
- Adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher
- Adults with a BMI of 27 to 29.9 who also have at least one weight-related health condition, , such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, obstructive sleep apnoea, cardiovascular disease or prediabetes
Treatment must be combined with dietary changes and increased physical activity, and is not suitable for everyone. A full medical assessment is required before prescribing.
What dosages are available?
Mounjaro® is started at a dose of 2.5 mg, once weekly. If needed, it can be increased to once every four weeks and up to a maximum of 15mg per week. Your UK-registered prescriber will guide you through any changes in dose.
How does Mounjaro® work in the body?
Mounjaro® acts on two naturally occurring hormones that are released after eating and are involved in glucose metabolism and appetite regulation.
The first,(GLP-1; glucagon-like peptide-1) supports insulin release when blood glucose is elevated, reduces glucagon secretion and contributes to feelings of fullness by slowing digestion.
The second, (GIP: glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) also supports insulin secretion and plays a role in energy balance.
By acting on both pathways simultaneously, tirzepatide influences glucose regulation and appetite control. The degree of effect varies between individuals.
Clinical evidence
In clinical studies, adults who are overweight or obese and were treated with tirzepatide alongside lifestyle changes experienced average weight loss ranging from approximately 15% to 22% over 72 weeks, depending on the dose used, compared with placebo. Individual results vary and cannot be guaranteed.
How is Mounjaro® used?
Mounjaro® can be injected once weekly at any time of day, regardless of meals. It is recommended to administer the medicine at the same time and on the same day of the week to establish a routine.
The dosage follows the schedule in the section above (What dosages are available). Any dose changes should always be made in consultation with a UK-registered prescriber.
Always remember to replace the needle for each use.
Where is Mounjaro® injected?
The medicine is givenas a subcutaneous injection, meaning under the skin. Suitable injection sites include:
- The front of the abdomen (at least 5 cm from the navel).
- The front of the thighs.
- The upper arm.
Injection sites should be rotated to avoid skin irritation. The medicine should not be injected into a vein or muscle. Full instructions for self-injections are included in the patient information leaflet supplied with your medication and should be read carefully before use.
Can I change doses myself?
Changes in your dose should always be made in consultation with a UK-registered prescriber. Do not adjust the dose on your own. It is important to follow the recommended schedule to ensure Mounjaro® is used safely and effectively.
If you think you may have taken too much, seek medical advice or go to your nearest A&E without delay.
How to achieve the best results with Mounjaro®
Mounjaro® is most effective when combined with lifestyle changes. A balanced diet and regular physical activity are central to weight management, and your UK-registered prescriber or dietician can help you develop a plan that’s right for you.
Maintaining these habits throughout your treatment supports the best long-term outcomes.
When should Mounjaro® not be used?
Mounjaro® should not be used if:
- You have a known allergy to tirzepatide or to any of the other ingredients listed in the patient information leaflet
- Type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis (a condition where harmful acids build up in the blood)
Before starting treatment, make sure to give your UK-registered prescriber a full medical history, allergies, and any medicines you are currently taking.
What side effects can occur?
As with all medicines, Mounjaro® can cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them.
Common side effects (may affect up to 1 in 10 people):
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Dizziness
- Injection site reactions such as redness, pain or swelling
Uncommon side effects (may affect up to 1 in 100 people):
- Hypoglycaemia (low blood glucose level)
- Decreased appetite
- Dehydration
- Kidney failure
- Hypersensitivity
If you notice any side effects, please inform your UK-registered prescriber.
Reporting side effects
Suspected side effects can also be reported to the MHRA via the Yellow Card scheme.
Mounjaro® active substance and excipients
Active substance:
- The active substance in Mounjaro® is tirzepatide
Other ingredients:
- Disodium hydrogen phosphate 7 H2O
- Sodium chloride
- Sodium hydroxide
- Hydrochloric acid 36%
- Water for injections
Marketing authorisation holder:
Eli Lilly Nederland B.V.
Papendorpseweg 83
3528 BJ Utrecht
Netherlands
Manufacturer:
Eli Lilly Italia S.p.A.
Via Gramsci 731/733
50019
Sesto Fiorentino
Florence (FI)
Italy