Mounjaro Injections
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Mounjaro Dosages for Weight Loss
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a weight loss injection taken once per week. It follows a dosing schedule which involves increasing your dose every 4 weeks (unless advised to follow a lower maintenance dose). Here, we look at the starting dose of Mounjaro, the purpose of increasing dosage, and answer all your questions about Mounjaro dosages.
Medically reviewed by
Dr Brenda IkejiLast reviewed: 17 Jan 2025
What's on This Page?
- 1. What strengths does Mounjaro come in?
- 2. Mounjaro dosage chart
- 3. At what dose does Mounjaro start working?
- 4. What dose of Mounjaro is best for weight loss?
- 5. How do I take a dose of Mounjaro?
- 6. How many pen clicks are there for each Mounjaro dose?
- 7. What factors can affect my dosage of Mounjaro?
- 8. Frequently asked questions
What strengths does Mounjaro come in?
Mounjaro medication contains the active ingredient tirzepatide, which is prescribed in different quantities based on the stage of treatment you’re at. The lowest dose of Mounjaro is 2.5mg – which is the starting dose. The highest dose of Mounjaro is 15mg, which is only reached following a gradual dosage increase.
Mounjaro is available in the following dosesages:
- 2.5mg – always the starting dose
- 5mg – maintenance dose
- 7.5mg
- 10mg – maintenance dose
- 12.5mg
- 15mg (maximum maintenance dose)
Your doctor should prescribe each dose for 4 weeks before increasing the dose.
If you experience side effects, or you notice successful weight loss results on a dose of 5mg or 10mg, your doctor may advise you to stay on a lower dose.
15mg is the maximum Mounjaro dosage, taking more than 15mg once a week could cause severe side effects.
Mounjaro dosage chart
Once you start Mounjaro, your dosage will change with time. Your doctor should only advise you to change your dose after 4 weeks of taking your current dose.
For example, you may start on 2.5mg and 4 weeks later you will be able to take 5mg, and so on.
Here are some general guidelines for when to increase your Mounjaro dose:
| Mounjaro dose | When to take it |
|---|---|
2.5 mg |
For the first 4 weeks |
5 mg |
For at least 4 weeks, or beyond this as your maintenance dose |
7.5 mg |
For at least 4 weeks |
10 mg |
For at least 4 weeks, or beyond this as your maintenance dose |
12.5 mg |
For at least 4 weeks |
15 mg |
For at least 4 weeks, or as the maximum maintenance dose |
What is the starting dose for Mounjaro?
The starting dose for Mounjaro is always 2.5mg for 4 weeks. This remains the same whether you’re starting the treatment for the first time, switching from another weight loss injection, or restarting after a break from Mounjaro.
Read more about what to expect from your first Mounjaro dose.
What is the maintenance dose for Mounjaro?
The maintenance dose is the dose you will take for the duration of your treatment once you’ve stopped switching doses.
The maintenance doses for Mounjaro are:
- 5mg
- 10mg
- 15mg (maximum maintenance dose)
The right maintenance dose for you will depend on how your body responds to the treatment. Your doctor will then assess how your body responds to Mounjaro.
For example, if after starting on 2.5mg, moving up to 5mg and then 7.5mg you experience negative effects, you may need to move down to a maintenance dose of 5mg for the rest of your treatment.
Though, if you reach the maintenance dose of 10mg and are not experiencing any side effects but would like to see better results from the treatment, your doctor may advise you to increase your dosage to 12.5mg and then 15mg.
A doctor will help you find the best dosage according to your personal needs and weight loss treatment goals.
Why do you have to increase the doses of Mounjaro?
Broadly speaking, you have to increase the doses of Mounjaro to get better weight loss results. Studies have shown that you can lose up to 22.5% of your initial weight at the highest dose of 15mg.
Gradually increasing the doses of Mounjaro also lessens the risks of side effects, and helps your body get used to the treatment. This process is called titration.
“When starting your Mounjaro treatment, you should always follow the recommended dose increase guidelines to minimise side effects like nausea and digestive issues, unless advised otherwise by your doctor. Most patients typically have a dosage increase every 4 weeks to get the maximum benefit from the treatment. However, you may need to stay on a lower maintenance dose longer if you experience more side effects or are happy with your results on a lower dose.
Communicating your progress and any side effects with your doctor is crucial to ensure you’re on the right dose for you, and review whether you need any revisions to your treatment plan."
Dr Brenda Ikeji
Medical Editor
Exactly when to increase your Mounjaro dose and by how much depends on your individual response to treatment. While most patients increase their dose every 4 weeks, this is not always the right option for some people.
When you use ZAVA’s weight loss service, our doctors are available to talk about how Mounjaro affects you and to ensure that you are getting the right results from your new weight loss treatment. It’s important that you are comfortable and safe during your treatment and our doctors can support you every step of the way.
At what dose does Mounjaro start working?
Mounjaro should start to work at 2.5mg which is the starting dose for the treatment. After just one dose, you may feel fuller after eating or feel like your appetite has decreased, but it can take longer for your weight to start coming down.
If you have started Mounjaro and feel as though it is not working, you should speak with your doctor. It may be the case that the treatment is not right for you, or you may need to increase your dose, if you are on a dose below 15mg.
If you have been unable to lose at least 5% of your starting weight 6 months after reaching your maintenance dose, your doctor may suggest stopping or switching treatment.
What dose of Mounjaro is best for weight loss?
The maximum dose of 15mg is the most effective for weight loss. Higher doses of Mounjaro are typically more effective for weight loss, but are not always recommended for everyone. You should build up your dosage by following a schedule and the advice of your doctor.
Clinical studies have reported that patients can lose up to 22.5% of their starting weight after 72 weeks while taking the highest maintenance dose of 15mg.
When testing the effectiveness of 5mg, 10mg and 15mg across 72 weeks, it was concluded that 96% of patients taking 10mg and 15mg saw a body weight reduction of 5%, while 89% of patients taking 5mg lost 5% of their body weight in the same period of time.
How do I take a dose of Mounjaro?
Mounjaro comes as an injectable pen, with pre-filled doses, allowing you to inject the right amount with ease. When taking your dose of Mounjaro, you must:
- take it once a week, at the same time and same day
- inject it into the upper legs, abdomen or you can inject into the upper arms with the help from somebody else
- switch where you inject each week to prevent irritation
How to use your Mounjaro pen
Prepare
- Clean your hands with soap and water.
- Remove the pen from any outer packaging and check the expiration date, dose, and that there’s no sign of damage. The liquid should not be cloudy, discoloured, or have floating particles (except air bubbles which can be removed in the priming stage).
- Wipe the red inner seal with a swab.
- Attach a new needle to the pen by pushing the needle on and twisting it tight, keeping the outer cap on to avoid injury. Make sure the needle is sealed and undamaged.
- Choose your injection site – we recommend the abdomen (stomach) or upper legs (thigh), but you can use the back of your upper arm with help. Clean it with a sterile wipe or soap and water if you haven’t already.
Prime
- Remove the outer needle cap and put it safely beside you for after the injection. Remove the inner needle shield and throw it away. Turn the dose knob at the bottom of the pen until you hear 2 clicks. This puts the pen in priming mode.
- Prime the pen by holding it with the needle pointing up. Tap the cartridge gently if you can see any air bubbles that need to come to the surface. Press down on the dose knob until it stops, hold it down and count to 5 slowly. A small amount of medicine should come out – don’t inject this dose into your body.
Inject
- Adjust the dose knob to ‘1’.
- Insert the needle into your skin, keeping the dose counter visible and avoiding any veins or muscles. You don’t need to pinch your skin to do this. Press down on the dose knob and count slowly to 5. You should see the dose count move to ‘0’. There’s also a small click when the dose has been injected.
- Remove the needle from your skin and place the outer cap back on so you can dispose of it safely in a sharps bin.
- Replace the pen cap and store it back in the refrigerator, or a safe place away from sunlight and children. Remove the needle before storage.
When Mounjaro is used around the same time each week, it can be more effective and reduce potential side effects.
Where to inject Mounjaro
For more information on how to dose Mounjaro, view our step-by-step guide and be sure to follow the guidelines in the patient information leaflet.
If you have any concerns, you should speak to your doctor or a pharmacist.
How many pen clicks are there for each Mounjaro dose?
Generally, there are two clicks per Mounjaro dose. One click is heard when getting the pen ready, and the other happens after the injection is complete.
Before each injection, you’ll need to first listen for two additional clicks that let you know that the pen has been activated, or ‘primed’. People tend to use clicks and doses interchangeably, but there are more clicks than doses in a Mounjaro pen.
How do I change the dose on my Mounjaro pen?
Mounjaro is only available in the form of a pre-filled injectable pen, meaning it is not possible to change the dose inside it. Each pen comes with 4 doses containing a fixed amount to be injected once a week for 4 weeks.
You should finish each pen before increasing your dose.
If you have any concerns about your Mounjaro dose or want to change your dose due to side effects, speak with your doctor. Never try to change your dosage without approval from a doctor.
What if I miss a dose of Mounjaro?
If you miss the day and time you usually take your medication, don’t worry. Here’s what to do if you miss your Mounjaro dose:
- If it has been 4 days or less since you should have taken your dose, you can still take it. After this, inject your next dose as usual on your scheduled day.
- If it has been more than 4 days, or 96 hours, since you should have taken Mounjaro, skip the missed dose, then inject your next dose as usual on your next scheduled day.
Do not take 2 doses at once to make up for a missed dose.
There should always be at least 3 days between your Mounjaro doses. If you have any concerns or queries about missing Mounjaro doses, speak with your doctor or a pharmacist.
Can I split my Mounjaro dose?
No, you shouldn’t split your Mounjaro dose.
Mounjaro pens are pre-filled with the prescribed dosage which should be injected once a week at the same day and time. Splitting your dose of Mounjaro means you don’t get the correct amount of medication. As a result, the medication will be less effective.
Then, it may take you longer to reach your weight loss goals, and you may be more at risk of experiencing side effects.
It would also be difficult to split a dose of Mounjaro due to the fact that it is a pre-dosed injectable pen. You should never use the same needle of a pen twice.
If you have any specific questions about splitting your Mounjaro dose, speak with your doctor. You should only ever take your treatment as directed by your doctor.
What should I do if I take too much Mounjaro?
Speak to your doctor immediately, even if you are not experiencing any symptoms.
Too much Mounjaro may cause low blood sugar and could make you feel sick, or be sick. To be safe, get in touch with your doctor if you think you have taken too much Mounjaro and they can advise the best course of action for your safety.
If you have taken too much Mounjaro and are experiencing side effects that are significantly affecting you, dial 999 or go to A&E.
What if I want to change the day I take Mounjaro?
You can change the day you take your Mounjaro injection, but be sure that you leave at least 3 days (72 hours) since you took the last dose.
For example: if you usually take your injection on a Monday at 8am, and you want to change this to a Tuesday at 8am, you would need to wait until the following Tuesday (8 days).
After this, you can take your next dose on that same day the following week, and so on. Once you’ve changed your dose, it is best to try and stick to the same day and time each week. Changing the day that you take your Mounjaro dose can reduce its effectiveness.
How can I manage my Mounjaro dose schedule while travelling?
Taking your weight loss medication abroad may seem nerve-wracking at first. The good news is that as long as you’re prepared, travelling with Mounjaro injections shouldn’t be a problem.
Dosage while abroad
If your trip falls on one or more planned injection days, ensure that you bring the required doses with you. While Mounjaro works best when taken at the same time each week, we understand that it can be difficult when travelling to find a suitable time or place to administer your injection. Changes in time zones might also impact your dosage schedule. However, it’s perfectly fine to take your injection a day or two later than your usual dosage time, as long as it’s not more than 4 days (96 hours) since your last dose, otherwise you’ll need to skip it.
If you’re worried about when and where you’ll be able to take your Mounjaro dose on holiday, the best thing to do is plan ahead to ease your stress, or speak to your doctor for advice.
Can you skip your Mounjaro dose on holiday?
While it’s possible to pause or skip your weight loss treatment for a week, we wouldn’t recommend this, as it can set you back in your weight loss journey. This is because the effects of the medication may begin to wear off, and your appetite could start increasing. Skipping your treatment for 2 weeks or more means that you’ll need to go back to the lowest Mounjaro dose (2.5mg) when you return home.
Your treatment plan doesn’t have to be restrictive, however. Providing you experience mild or no side effects, you can still indulge and enjoy food and drink on holiday while on weight loss medication. Learn more about adapting your diet to Mounjaro, and read our advice on combining Mounjaro and alcohol to prepare for your upcoming trip.
What factors can affect my dosage of Mounjaro?
There are many criteria that doctors take into account when deciding which Mounjaro dose is best, but the main factors affecting your dose are:
- whether you’re already using Mounjaro
- how long you’ve been taking Mounjaro
- which maintenance dose suits you
If you’re not already taking Mounjaro, you will start on the lowest dose of 2.5mg. If you’re already taking Mounjaro, your dosage will be increased every 4 weeks up to a maintenance dose of 5mg, 10mg or 15mg.
The maintenance dosage of Mounjaro that you are advised to stick with will depend on:
- whether treatment is effective on lower doses
- any side effects you experience at higher doses
If I improve my diet and exercise routine, will my Mounjaro dosage be lowered?
Improving your diet and exercise routine will not necessarily mean that your Mounjaro dose will be lowered.
Mounjaro is typically prescribed alongside the recommendation to follow a reduced-calorie diet and regular exercise for weight loss.
Your doctor should adjust your Mounjaro dose according to how effective the treatment is for you, and/or whether you are experiencing side effects. Pre-existing health conditions including type 2 diabetes, and other personal needs are also factored into dosage.
If you find that you are following a low-calorie diet, taking up regular exercise and your body is responding well to the dosage you have been prescribed, it is likely that all of these factors are contributing to the effectiveness of your treatment.
Speak with your doctor if you are unsure about the necessary steps you should take when it comes to exercise and nutrition when taking Mounjaro.
For more general guidance on nutrition and exercise, take a look at the NHS Eat Well guide, Better Health Food Scanner app, or NHS Live Well Exercise guide.
What if I can’t tolerate my new dose?
If since taking your current dose of Mounjaro you are experiencing side effects that are affecting your daily life, you need to speak to your doctor as soon as possible.
Your doctor may suggest moving down to or staying on a lower dose. You will possibly try a higher dose again after 4 weeks, or if you’re happy with your weight loss results so far, you may stay on a (potentially lower) maintenance dose that you can tolerate. You might be able to increase your dose again later.
It’s fairly normal when starting a new Mounjaro dose to get side effects like feeling or being sick. They are not usually severe and should go away over time.
To help with side effects, we recommend that you:
- stop eating when you feel full
- avoid fatty, deep-fried or greasy foods such as takeaways, dairy products like cheese and butter and cakes or pastries
- try bland foods (such as crackers or toast)
- eat smaller meals throughout the day
- keep hydrated and drink plenty of water
If you are concerned about whether or not Mounjaro is right for you, be sure to speak with your doctor or a pharmacist.
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Frequently asked questions
How long can I take Mounjaro for?
Mounjaro is approved for long-term use for weight-loss management. It can be taken as long as it remains beneficial and safe (you have no side effects affecting you) for your weight loss maintenance plan.
As with any weight loss treatment plan, it’s important to monitor your progress and communicate whether you think any adjustments may be necessary.
How many doses are there in one Mounjaro pen?
Each Mounjaro KwikPen provides four fixed doses, with one dose of 0.6ml to be taken every week. Once all four doses have been used, the pen should be safely disposed of.
You may notice some extra liquid inside the Mounjaro pen after the final dose, but this should be discarded.
How long does one dose of Mounjaro stay in your system?
Mounjaro medication stays in your body for an extended period due to its long half-life of approximately five days. This means it takes around five days for the amount of the medication in your blood to reduce by half. With weekly injections, you’ll have a consistent level of the medication in your system to support your treatment.
If you stop taking Mounjaro, it can stay in your system for around 30 days. How long it lasts may depend on factors like dosage, as well as individual metabolism and kidney function. Being aware of this can help you better understand and plan your treatment or discuss any concerns with your doctor.
Can I lose weight on 2.5mg of Mounjaro?
You might notice some weight loss while taking the 2.5mg dose of Mounjaro, but the most significant results typically come with the higher maintenance doses. Many people begin to see changes within the first few weeks of treatment, though this could also be influenced by adopting a new healthy diet and exercise routine as part of their weight-loss plan.
An increase to 5mg is usually recommended after the initial 4-week period of 2.5mg. If you’re experiencing severe side effects, then more time on the starting dose or alternative treatment options may be recommended by your doctor.
Can I go from 5mg to 10mg Mounjaro?
No. It’s risky to go straight from 5mg to 10mg as it doesn’t allow your body time to get used to the smaller dose increase up to 7.5mg first. Always follow the dosage plan agreed with your doctor.
How much your Mounjaro dose increases each month depends on a few different criteria, but it’s primarily based on how well you’re responding to treatment. You might not need to go beyond 5mg at all if it’s a suitable maintenance dose.
What happens if you double dose Mounjaro?
Taking two doses of Mounjaro, either by combining multiple injections or taking more than prescribed, is not safe and should be avoided. Mounjaro doses are carefully titrated, meaning they are gradually increased according to your doctor’s plan to ensure the treatment works effectively and safely. Skipping this process could lead to heightened side effects and put your health at risk. Common symptoms of taking too much Mounjaro include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, headache, and dizziness.
Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) is rare but can occur, particularly if you are also taking other medications for diabetes. Monitoring your blood sugar at home, if possible, can be helpful in mild cases. If you’re unsure whether your symptoms require medical attention, it’s best to call 111 or consult your doctor for guidance. Always follow your prescribed dosing schedule to avoid unnecessary risks.
Important: If you experience severe or persistent symptoms like frequent vomiting, blood in your vomit, or abdominal pain that doesn’t go away, you should seek medical attention immediately.
I've accidentally ordered the wrong dose of Mounjaro, can I still use it?
This is a good question. If you’re supposed to be on 5mg of Mounjaro but have ordered 2.5mg by mistake, technically double dosing your Mounjaro is providing you with the required amount of active tirzepatide.
However, we’d advise against this due to the risk of miscalculating the number of Mounjaro pen clicks and potential negative side effects.
Due to clinical safety guidelines, you cannot return your injection pen and exchange it for a different dose once it has been sent to you. If you have ordered the wrong dose, you will need to safely dispose of it and order the correct dosage. See how our service works for more information.
Can I swap from Wegovy to Mounjaro?
You can swap from Wegovy to Mounjaro, but remember to follow the instructions given by your doctor. When you swap from Wegovy to Mounjaro, you should take the following steps:
- Discuss swapping from Wegovy to Mounjaro with your doctor.
- Under the advice of your doctor, stop taking Wegovy when your last pen is finished (if you are stopping due to side effects, you may be advised to stop straight away).
- You’ll need to wait at least 5 weeks before starting Mounjaro. There needs to be a break between medications which allows time for Wegovy to leave your system before starting Mounjaro.
- Start taking Mounjaro, following your treatment dosage schedule. Even if you were taking Wegovy at the highest dose, you will have to start Mounjaro from the lowest one (2.5mg).
If you have any specific questions about swapping from Wegovy to Mounjaro, you should speak to your doctor.
For more information, here is a Wegovy to Mounjaro dosage ‘conversion chart’:
Mounjaro (mg):
- Week 1-4: 2.5 mg (starting dose)
- Week 4-8: 5 mg (maintenance dose)
- Week 8-12: 7.5 mg
- Week 12-16: 10 mg (maintenance dose)
- Week 16-20: 12.5 mg
- Week 20+: 15 mg (maximum maintenance dose)
Wegovy (mg):
- Week 1-4: 0.25 mg (starting dose)
- Week 4-8: 0.5 mg
- Week 8-12: 1 mg
- Week 12-16: 1.7 mg
- Week 16-20: 2.4 mg (maximum maintenance dose)
Can I swap from Ozempic to Mounjaro?
You can swap from Ozempic to Mounjaro, though you must remember to follow the instructions given by your doctor if you do.
When you swap from Ozempic to Mounjaro, you should take the following steps:
- Discuss swapping from Ozempic to Mounjaro with your doctor.
- Under the advice of your doctor, stop taking Ozempic when your final dose is finished. If you are stopping due to side effects, you may be stopping straight away.
- You’ll need to wait at least 5 weeks before starting Mounjaro. This is the time for the medication to leave your system and for your body to take a break between both treatments.
- Start taking Mounjaro and following the treatment dosage schedule. Even if you were taking Ozempic at the highest dose, you will have to start Mounjaro from the lowest one (2.5mg).
If you have any specific questions about swapping from Ozempic to Mounjaro, speak with your doctor.
For more information, here is an Ozempic to Mounjaro dosage ‘conversion chart’:
Mounjaro (mg):
- Week 1-4: 2.5 mg (starting dose)
- Week 4-8: 5 mg (maintenance dose)
- Week 8-12: 7.5 mg
- Week 12-16: 10 mg (maintenance dose)
- Week 16-20: 12.5 mg
- Week 20+: 15 mg (maximum maintenance dose)
Ozempic (mg):
- Week 1-4: 0.25 mg (starting dose)
- Week 4-8: 0.5 mg
- Week 8-12: 1 mg (maintenance dose)
Brenda studied medicine at St Georges University of London and has most recently worked in John Radcliffe Oxford University Hospitals, covering acute and general medicine. Before her medical career, Brenda was a medical scientist in microbiology working in several NHS diagnostic laboratories across England. She has also completed her Masters in Public Health and MSc in Genomic Medicine. She is currently a GP registrar.
Last reviewed: 17 Jan 2025
Sources
Lilly Medical https://medical.lilly.com/us/products/answers/can-multiple-mounjaro-tirzepatide-injections-be-combined-to-make-a-larger-dose-165235 [accessed 23 July 2024]
Mounjaro | EMC https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/15484/smpc#gref [accessed 17th January 2025]
Mounjaro | EMC | Patient Information Leaflet https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.15484.pdf [accessed 17th January 2025]
Endocrine via Springer https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s12020-024-03896-z#:~:text=Conclusion,for%20long%2Dterm%20weight%20management. [accessed 17th January 2025]
NHS BMI https://www.nhs.uk/health-assessment-tools/calculate-your-body-mass-index/ [accessed 17th January 2025]
NHS Eat Well https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/eat-well/food-guidelines-and-food-labels/the-eatwell-guide/ [accessed 17th January 2025]
NHS Live Well https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/exercise/ [accessed 17th January 2025]
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