Mounjaro dosage guide

What Strengths Are Available in New Zealand?

Mounjaro is available in six different dose strengths. Each strength is supplied as a prefilled injection pen for once-weekly use.

The available strengths are:

Your healthcare provider will prescribe the strength that is appropriate for your stage of treatment. Most people begin at the lowest strength and increase gradually over time.

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

What Is the Starting Dose?

Treatment with Mounjaro usually begins at 2.5 mg once weekly.

The starting dose is intended to allow your body time to become accustomed to the treatment. It is not intended to provide the full treatment effect but allows you to begin gradually and reduce the likelihood of digestive side effects.

After the first four weeks, the dose is typically increased to 5 mg once weekly, depending on your treatment plan. Any further increases are made step by step, depending on how you respond and how well you tolerate the treatment.

Always follow the dosing plan provided by your healthcare provider, and do not increase your dose unless advised to do so.

How Is the Dose Increased?

After starting at 2.5 mg once weekly, your dose may be increased gradually. The dosing schedule is the same whether Mounjaro is prescribed for type 2 diabetes or for chronic weight management.

Dose increases are typically made in steps of 2.5 mg at a time, with at least four weeks between each increase. This gradual approach helps your body adjust to the medicine and may reduce the likelihood of digestive side effects.

You can read more about possible side effects in our Mounjaro Side Effects guide.

Not everyone will need to move to the highest dose. Your healthcare provider will review how you are responding to treatment and decide whether to increase your dose further. The maximum recommended dose in New Zealand is 15 mg once weekly.

It is important not to change your dose or schedule unless your healthcare provider advises you to do so.

When and How to Inject Mounjaro

Mounjaro is injected under the skin once a week, on the same day each week. You can take it at any time of day, with or without food. Administering the injection on the same day each week may make it easier to stay consistent.

The injection is given under the skin (subcutaneously) of the abdomen (stomach area) or upper leg (thigh). The injection must be given under the skin only and should never be into a vein or muscle. Your healthcare provider will show you the correct technique before you use it yourself.

It is important to rotate the injection site each week within the recommended areas to reduce the chance of skin irritation. For example, you can use a different spot on your abdomen or thigh rather than injecting into the same place each time.

Your healthcare provider will show you how to use the prefilled pen before you inject your first dose. Always follow the instructions provided with your medicine.

If you miss a dose, follow the guidance in the Consumer Medicine Information or speak with your healthcare provider for advice. Do not take two doses at the same time to make up for a missed dose.

What Happens If I Miss a Dose?

If you miss a dose of Mounjaro, take it as soon as possible within four days (96 hours) of your scheduled injection time.

If more than four days (96 hours) have elapsed, skip the missed injection and resume your regular weekly schedule with the next planned dose.

Do not administer two injections together to compensate for a missed dose.

If you are unsure what to do, or if you have missed more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider for advice before restarting treatment.How Long Is Mounjaro Used For?

The length of treatment varies from person to person.

Your healthcare provider will review your progress regularly and review whether ongoing treatment continues to be suitable for you based on your overall health status and response, and how well you tolerate the medicine.

Do not stop using Mounjaro without speaking to your healthcare provider first. If treatment is stopped, your provider can advise you on the next steps and any alternative approaches that may be suitable for you.

Final Notes on Dosing

Following your prescribed dosing schedule carefully helps ensure Mounjaro is used safely and effectively. If you are ever unsure about your dose, injection timing, or what to do after a missed dose, contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist for advice.

Using the medicine exactly as directed and attending regular reviews will help your healthcare provider assess whether your current dose remains appropriate for you.

Important safety information

Prescription medicine. Mounjaro® is approved in New Zealand for improving blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes, as an adjunct to diet and exercise, and for chronic weight management in adults with obesity, or overweight with at least one weight-related comorbidity, in conjunction with a reduced-energy diet and increased physical activity. Mounjaro® contains the active ingredient tirzepatide and is available as a solution for injection in a pre-filled pen (2.5 mg/0.5 mL, 5 mg/0.5 mL, 7.5 mg/0.5 mL, 10 mg/0.5 mL, 12.5 mg/0.5 mL and 15 mg/0.5 mL). Mounjaro® has risks and benefits. Ask your healthcare provider if Mounjaro® is right for you. Use strictly as directed. If you experience side effects, see your doctor, pharmacist, or healthcare professional. For more information, see the Consumer Medicine Information (tirzepatide) available at: https://www.medsafe.govt.nz/Consumers/cmi/m/Mounjaro.pdf