Overview: Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a GIP/GLP-1 agonist. It is used to help manage type 2 diabetes and also to lower the risk of serious heart and blood vessel problems. Common side effects include nausea, diarrhea, reduced appetite, vomiting, constipation, stomach pain, or indigestion. If any of these feel severe or will not go away, contact your health care provider. Mounjaro is given as a weekly injection under your skin.
Uses
What is Mounjaro used for?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is commonly used to help lower blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It is also used to lower the risk of major cardiovascular problems (heart attack, stroke, or death) in people who are at high risk for these problems and have type 2 diabetes.
Mounjaro may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.
How does Mounjaro work (mechanism of action)?
Mounjaro works to help keep your blood sugar levels from getting too high. Mounjaro works in the following ways to lower your blood sugar.
- Increases the amount of insulin in your body when your blood sugar (glucose) levels are getting higher. (Insulin is a hormone that helps your body use glucose as a source of energy.)
- Prevents your liver from releasing stored sugar.
- Slows the absorption of things you eat and drink.
Learn more about Managing Type 2 Diabetes With Mounjaro.
How is Mounjaro supplied (dosage forms)?
Brands and other names
- Mounjaro
Dosage forms and strengths
- 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, 15 mg solution for injection (single-dose pen and KwikPen)
- 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, 15 mg solution for injection (single-dose and multi-dose vial)
How should I store Mounjaro?
Store Mounjaro in the original carton to protect it from light. Do not freeze Mounjaro or use it if it has been frozen.
For single-dose Mounjaro pens and vials, store in the refrigerator, between 36 F and 46 F (2 C and 8 C). If needed, you can keep each pen or vial at room temperature, up to 86 F (30 C), for up to 21 days total. Throw away the pen or vial after 21 days at room temperature.
For Mounjaro KwikPen and multi-dose vials, store unopened products in the refrigerator, between 36 F and 46 F (2 C and 8 C), until the expiration date. After first use, store in the refrigerator, between 36 F and 46 F (2 C and 8 C), or at room temperature up to 86 F (30 C). Throw away the vial or KwikPen after 30 total days at room temperature, 30 days after first use, or after 4 weekly doses, even if medicine remains.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of Mounjaro?
The most common side effects of Mounjaro are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Decreased appetite
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Upset stomach or stomach pain
There may be other Mounjaro side effects that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
What are the serious side effects of Mounjaro?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Mounjaro are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Mounjaro may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Mounjaro and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching or skin rash
- Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Thyroid Tumors. Mounjaro may cause thyroid tumors, including a type of cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). Stop using Mounjaro and call your health care provider right away if you have symptoms of thyroid cancer including swelling or a lump in the neck, trouble swallowing, shortness of breath, or hoarseness.
Inflamed Pancreas. Mounjaro may cause inflammation of the pancreas, which is called pancreatitis. Stop taking Mounjaro and call your health care provider right away if you have symptoms of pancreatitis including vomiting or severe pain in the upper part of your belly that travels to your back.
Low Blood Sugar. Mounjaro may cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), usually when used with a sulfonylurea (glimepiride, glyburide, glipizide) or insulin, which can be serious and may lead to death. When you start Mounjaro, your health care provider may change the dose of your other diabetes medicines. Stop using Mounjaro and call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of hypoglycemia.
- Headache
- Crankiness or anxiety
- Hunger
- Dizziness or confusion
- Blurry vision
- Slurred speech
- Sweating
- Feeling jittery or shakiness
- Fast heartbeat
- Seizures
Kidney Damage.Kidney damage can happen when using Mounjaro, especially if you are dehydrated from severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Try to drink plenty of water to avoid dehydration. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of kidney damage.
- Reduced need to pee
- Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
- Weakness or unusual tiredness
- Trouble catching your breath or chest pain or pressure
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Seizures
Severe Stomach Problems. Mounjaro may cause severe stomach problems. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms that are severe or will not go away.
- Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation
- Feeling bloated
- Stomach pain or cramps
Vision Changes (Diabetic Retinopathy).If you have an eye condition called diabetic retinopathy, your vision may temporarily worsen when you start Mounjaro or a higher dose. Keep all appointments to have your vision checked. Tell your health care provider if you have new or worsening vision problems.
Gallbladder Problems. Gallbladder problems can happen with Mounjaro, including cholecystitis and cholelithiasis, which is also known as gallstones. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.
- Fever
- Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (jaundice)
- Pain in your upper stomach area
- Stool (poop) that is clay-colored
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use Mounjaro?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Mounjaro.
- Mounjaro
- Zepbound
- Tirzepatide
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Thyroid Cancer or Endocrine Condition. Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Mounjaro should not be used if you or someone in your family has had thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if you have a condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Talk to your health care provider about your current and past health conditions and your family medical history.
What should I know about Mounjaro before using it?
Do not use Mounjaro unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.
Do not share Mounjaro with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. Do not share injector pens or needles with others. Sharing may harm them or you.
Keep Mounjaro out of the reach of children. Since this medicine can be kept in a refrigerator, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.
If you have nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, drink plenty of water, so that you do not get dehydrated.
Mounjaro should be used on the same day each week, at any time of day.
There are multiple forms of Mounjaro available. Read and follow the instructions for the product you have and make sure you understand how to use it properly. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider.
If you also use insulin, you should not mix the insulin with Mounjaro in the same syringe or injection device. You can use the same area of your body to inject separate insulin and Mounjaro doses, but the injection sites should not be right next to each other.
What should I tell my health care provider before using Mounjaro?
Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Mounjaro is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Other Medicines and Supplements. Mounjaro may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Mounjaro, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.
Planned Surgery or Procedures. Mounjaro slows the movement of food through your digestive system. This may increase the risk of food getting into your lungs during anesthesia or sedation. If you have an upcoming surgery or procedure, tell your health care provider that you use Mounjaro.
Current or Past Medical Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.
- Kidney problems
- Pancreas or gallbladder problems
- Gastroparesis (slow emptying of your stomach)
- Problems digesting food
- Diabetic retinopathy
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Mounjaro could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. If you can get pregnant, talk to your health care provider about effective birth control options. Mounjaro may make birth control pills less effective. Your health care provider may recommend another birth control method for 4 weeks after starting Mounjaro and for 4 weeks after each dose increase.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if Mounjaro passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
How can I get more information about Mounjaro?
For more information about Mounjaro, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.mounjaro.lilly.com or call them at 800-545-5979.
Interactions
Does Mounjaro interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between Mounjaro and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Mounjaro, but alcohol may affect blood sugar levels in people with diabetes. This may interfere with the effect of Mounjaro. It is best to limit the amount of alcohol you drink.
Does Mounjaro interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins, minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
Mounjaro may affect the absorption of some other medicines. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken. In particular, make sure you tell your health care provider if you take birth control pills.
Make sure that you tell your health care provider about any medicines you take to treat diabetes, especially insulin or medicines that increase your insulin levels (see risk of low blood sugar above).
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Mounjaro. Always check with your healthcare provider.
