Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a medication primarily prescribed for managing blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes, and it is also used off-label for weight loss. The correct dosage of Mounjaro is carefully determined by a healthcare provider and involves a gradual increase over time to balance effectiveness with minimizing side effects.
The typical dosing schedule starts with a **2.5 mg injection once a week for the first four weeks**. This initial low dose helps your body adjust to the medication and reduces the risk of gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, constipation, or bloating. After this introductory period, the dose is usually increased every four weeks in increments of 2.5 mg, depending on how well you tolerate the medication and how your blood sugar or weight responds.
The usual progression looks like this:
– Weeks 1 to 4: 2.5 mg once weekly
– Weeks 5 to 8: 5 mg once weekly
– Weeks 9 to 12: 7.5 mg once weekly
– Weeks 13 to 16: 10 mg once weekly
– Weeks 17 to 20: 12.5 mg once weekly
– Weeks 21 to 24: 15 mg once weekly (maximum dose)
This stepwise increase is called titration. It is important because it allows your body to adapt gradually, improving tolerance and reducing side effects. Not everyone will need to reach the maximum dose of 15 mg; some patients achieve good blood sugar control or weight loss at lower doses. Your doctor will decide the best maintenance dose for you based on your individual response and any side effects you experience.
Mounjaro is administered as a subcutaneous injection once per week, using single-dose injection pens. It is important not to combine pens or doses to reach a higher dose; each pen is designed for a specific dose level.
For weight loss, Mounjaro is not officially approved by the FDA, so there is no standardized dosing schedule. However, doctors often follow a similar titration approach as with diabetes treatment, starting low and increasing slowly to minimize side effects while maximizing benefits. The exact dose and timing of increases will be personalized.
Patients should never adjust their dose on their own. All changes should be made under medical supervision to ensure safety and effectiveness. Common side effects during dose escalation include gastrointestinal discomfort, which often improves as your body adjusts.
In summary, the correct dosage of Mounjaro involves starting at 2.5 mg once weekly, then increasing by 2.5 mg every four weeks as tolerated, up to a maximum of 15 mg once weekly. Your healthcare provider will tailor this schedule to your needs, monitoring your response and side effects closely to find the optimal dose for you.
