Mounjaro is a prescription-only medicine. This information is intended for patients who have completed an online consultation and have been prescribed Mounjaro. Always read the patient information leaflet.
What is Mounjaro and how does it work?
Mounjaro contains tirzepatide and is licensed for patients who are overweight or living with obesity. Tirzepatide mimics the natural hormones GIP and GLP-1. It helps regulate energy balance, slows digestion, reduces hunger and cravings, and promotes fullness.
How to use Mounjaro
1. Prepare the KwikPen
Select the pen labelled with your prescribed weekly dose.
Check that it is undamaged and in date, and that the medicine is clear and colourless or slightly yellow.
Remove the cap and wipe the red inner seal.
Attach a new undamaged needle securely and remove both caps.
Prime the pen by turning to the prime position. Point the needle upwards, gently tap the cartridge holder, and press the button until it stops. Count to 5. The 0 icon should appear and a small amount of medicine should leave the needle tip.
2. Choose an injection site
Inject into your stomach, at least 5 cm from your belly button, or the front of your thigh. Someone else can inject into your upper arm. Rotate injection sites and clean the chosen area.
3. Inject your dose
Turn the dose knob until it stops and the 1 icon appears.
Position the pen so you can see the window.
Press it firmly against your skin.
Hold the dose knob down until it stops and count to 5. Check that 0 appears before removing the needle.
4. After the injection
Cover and unscrew the needle, then place it in your sharps bin. Never store the pen with a needle attached. Replace the cap to protect Mounjaro from light.
How and when to use it
Inject under the skin once a week on the same day.
Use it at any time, with or without food.
Your dose will usually increase gradually until you reach a maintenance dose.
Check the box, pen, or your Numan account for your prescribed dose.
Do not take Mounjaro if
You are allergic to tirzepatide or another ingredient.
You have diabetes controlled with medication, or take insulin, an insulin secretagogue, or a GLP-1 medicine.
You use another prescription, over-the-counter, or herbal weight-loss product.
You or a family member have had medullary thyroid carcinoma.
You have had acute pancreatitis.
You are pregnant or breastfeeding.
You have an eating disorder, congestive heart failure, kidney disease, liver problems, or have had bariatric surgery.
If you take warfarin, ask your doctor or INR service about more frequent checks.
If you use oral contraception, switch to a non-oral method or add a barrier method for 4 weeks after starting Mounjaro and for 4 weeks after each dose increase.
If you are planning a pregnancy, discuss this with the clinical team and stop Mounjaro at least one month beforehand.
Missed doses
If 4 days or less have passed, take the missed dose as soon as possible.
If more than 4 days have passed, skip it and take your next dose on the scheduled day.
Do not double your dose. Leave at least 3 days between doses.
Contact a clinician if you miss more than one dose.
Side effects
Common effects include headache, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, stomach pain or bloating, wind, burping, reflux, dizziness, tiredness, hair loss, injection-site reactions, and low blood sugar in people with diabetes.
Gastrointestinal effects can cause dehydration and, rarely, reduced kidney function. Drink enough fluids.
Serious effects can include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, kidney problems, an increased resting heart rate, and severe allergic reactions.
⚠️ Stop using Mounjaro and seek immediate medical help for a severe allergic reaction or signs of pancreatitis, such as severe persistent stomach pain that may spread to your back.
Tell your doctor that you take Mounjaro before any procedure involving anaesthesia.
If you feel unwell
If illness significantly affects your appetite or gastrointestinal system and you cannot maintain normal meals and fluids, temporarily stop Mounjaro and skip a dose until you recover. Keep the clinical team updated if a break is required.
Storage
Keep out of the reach of children. Check the expiry date, do not freeze, and refrigerate between 2°C and 8°C. A pen can be stored below 30°C for up to 30 cumulative days, after which it must be discarded. Keep the cap on to protect it from light.
For questions, email [email protected]. For urgent medical attention, call NHS 111 or attend A&E.