Mounjaro® is taken once a week as a small injection under the skin, usually in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Treatment starts at a low dose and is gradually increased over several weeks. This gradual dose increase is important, as it helps the body adjust and reduces the likelihood of side effects.

Most people work up to a maintenance dose over time, although dose adjustments may be made depending on how well the medication is tolerated and how each individual responds. Your prescriber will guide you through this process and review progress during treatment.

Your Mounjaro® treatment starts at a low dose to help your body adjust, with gradual increases every four weeks until you reach the maintenance dose.

Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) is not suitable for everyone. You should not use Mounjaro if you are allergic to tirzepatide or any of the ingredients in the medication. This is the formal contraindication stated in the EMA product information and patient leaflet. [3]

In addition, Mounjaro® for weight management should not be used in children and adolescents under 18 years of age, as safety and efficacy have not been established in this group for weight management. [3]

Speak to a Clinician Before Starting Mounjaro. A clinician should assess suitability before treatment if any of the following apply to you:

• You are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or may become pregnant. Tirzepatide is not recommended during pregnancy, and the EMA states it should be discontinued at least 1 month before a planned pregnancy.
• You are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed. The leaflet advises discussing this with your clinician before starting or continuing treatment.
• You have severe problems with food digestion, including severe gastroparesis. Tirzepatide has not been studied in patients with severe gastrointestinal disease and should be used with caution.
• You have a history of pancreatitis.
• You have diabetic retinopathy or diabetic macular oedema, or a history of significant diabetic eye disease.
• You have kidney problems, particularly if you are at risk of dehydration from nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea.
• The product information notes that dehydration may reduce kidney function, and experience in severe renal impairment is limited.
• You have liver disease, particularly severe hepatic impairment, where clinical experience is limited.
• You have gallstones, gallbladder inflammation, or other gallbladder concerns. Gallbladder-related events, including gallstones and inflammation of the gallbladder, are recognised adverse effects and may require further assessment.

Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) is not suitable for everyone. You should not use Mounjaro® if you are allergic to tirzepatide or any of the ingredients in this medication. This is the formal contraindication listed in the official product information.

Mounjaro® may also not be appropriate for you, or may require careful clinical assessment, if any of the following apply:

You are under 18 years of age for weight management treatment
You are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
You have severe digestive problems, including severe gastroparesis
You have a history of pancreatitis
You have diabetic retinopathy or diabetic macular oedema
You have kidney problems, especially if you are at risk of dehydration from nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea
You have liver problems
You have gallbladder problems, including gallstones or gallbladder inflammation
You use insulin or a sulphonylurea, as your risk of low blood sugar may be increased and your treatment may need adjusting
If any of the above apply, Mounjaro may not be suitable. A qualified clinician should review your medical historybefore treatment is prescribed.