Mounjaro (generic name: tirzepatide) is a novel injectable medication approved for the management of diabetes and weight loss. It  is the first in its class of drugs and is a dual GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist. This dual mechanism enhances insulin secretion in response to elevated blood glucose levels, suppresses glucagon secretion, thereby contributing to better glycaemic (glucose) control in patients with Type 2 diabetes. It also controls appetite effectively and slows gastric emptying (emptying of the stomach) resulting in significant weight loss in patients with or without Type 2 diabetes.

Mounjaro is administered through a subcutaneous (under the skin) injection, typically in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. The initial dose is usually low, to minimise side effects, and is gradually increased based on the individual’s response and tolerance. If you are beginning on Mounjaro at Dr Frank’s, please be assured you will receive training and guidance from healthcare professionals on proper injection techniques and dosing schedules.

While Mounjaro is generally well-tolerated, it can cause side effects ranging from mild to severe.
Common side effects include gastrointestinal symptoms such as:

• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhoea
• abdominal pain
• indigestion
• constipation

These often transient and resolve completely over time and as your body acclimatises to the medication. Less common side effects may include:

• pancreatitis
• gall stone formation
• inflammation of the gall bladder
• severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugars), especially when used with certain diabetes medications.

Individuals are always advised to monitor for severe symptoms and seek medical attention immediately.

Mounjaro's effect on weight loss is attributed to its action on appetite regulation centrally in the brain and delayed gastric emptying, leading to reduced food intake and increased satiety. While it offers an effective adjunctive treatment for individuals with obesity and type 2 diabetes, it's important to recognise that to gain the maximum benefit from treatment it should always be part of a comprehensive lifestyle and behaviour change program, including diet and physical activity.

Mounjaro is contraindicated in individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or in individuals with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2.

The safety and efficacy of Mounjaro in pregnant and breastfeeding women have not been established. Animal studies have shown potential adverse effects on the fetus, so it should not be used during pregnancy or breast feeding.

Women with reproductive potential need to use contraception during treatment.

Mounjaro may interact with other medications, including sulfonylureas and insulin (used if you have Type 2 diabetes), increasing the risk of hypoglycemia. Dose adjustments and careful monitoring may be necessary when combining these medications. Your clinician will go through these and advise you as needed.

Additionally, Mounjaro may delay gastric emptying, which could impact the absorption of orally administered medications.

Your clinicians will conduct a thorough medication review to identify potential interactions and adjust treatment regimens accordingly. If you are taking other medications that are of concern in conjunction with Mounjaro, please schedule a call with one of our specialist nurses HERE

Mounjaro should be stored in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) and protected from light. It should not be frozen, and if accidentally frozen, it should be discarded. From the moment of dispensing and once in use, the pen can be kept at room temperature (up to 30°C/86°F) for a specific period (up to 30 days).

If a dose is missed, it should be administered as soon as possible within 4 days after the missed dose.

If more than 4 days have passed, skip the missed dose and administer the next dose on the regularly scheduled day.

In each case, you can then resume the regular once-weekly dosing schedule.

If you have doubled on up doses and/or believe you have overdosed with the medication, please get in touch with us immediately and we can schedule a call with one of our specialist nurses to review your clinical signs and symptoms.

Patients may experience gastrointestinal adverse reactions, including nausea.

There is no specific antidote for overdose of Mounjaro. A prolonged period of observation and treatment of these symptoms may be necessary, taking into account the half-life of Mounjaro (approximately 5 days).

Each individual will have a unique experience and treatment plan based on their progress and symptoms.
If you are starting as a new customer not on any weight loss medication, you will begin month one with the starting dose of 2.5mg and then increase in month two to 5.0mg. From here, the dosing schedule is individualised with dosage increased to 7.5mg > 10.0mg > 12.5mg > 15.0mg.  

Please be advised that our specialist nurses will review your reported progress and updates on a monthly basis and prescribe your next dose in line and according to the information provided.

Yes, this request is possible, however it does require a call with one of our specialist nurses. To transition from Wegovy or Ozempic to Mounjaro, you can book a call with one of our nurses HERE to discuss further. This must be individualised and requires discussion. Please be aware that not all Mounjaro doses are currently available in the U.K. and there is a requirement for a discussion with a specialist nurse before any prescription can be arranged.