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Mounjaro®
Tirzepatide in a once-weekly pen, FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes. May be prescribed off-label for weight management at your prescriber's discretion.
- Molecule
- Tirzepatide
- Form
- Prefilled weekly injection pen
- FDA status
- Approved for type 2 diabetes; not approved for weight management
- Off-label
- May be prescribed for weight management at a licensed provider's discretion; off-label means the FDA has not approved that use
- Made by
- Eli Lilly; dispensed as the manufacturer's product
- Compounded
- Never
How it works
In plain terms.
The same tirzepatide as Zepbound®, at the doses approved for type 2 diabetes. It activates GLP-1 and GIP receptors to improve blood-sugar control, slow stomach emptying and reduce appetite. Use for weight management is an off-label decision by the prescriber.
How to take it
- Once a week, same day each week, under the skin of the stomach, thigh or upper arm.
- The label's schedule starts at 2.5 mg and steps up; your prescriber sets the pace.
- Your pharmacist will walk you through the pen.
What to expect
- Nausea and early fullness in the first weeks at each step.
- Prescribers sometimes choose it when Zepbound® is unavailable or not covered.
- Regular check-ins with your prescriber.
Not for
- Anyone with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN 2.
- Anyone with a history of pancreatitis, unless a prescriber decides otherwise.
- Pregnancy, or planning pregnancy within two months.
- Anyone using another GLP-1 medication.
Important safety information
Read before you start. Your prescriber reviews the full profile with you.
Tirzepatide: Zepbound® (pen and vial) and Mounjaro®
Boxed warning. Tirzepatide caused thyroid C-cell tumors in rodents; it is unknown whether it causes thyroid tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), in people. Do not use if you or a family member has had MTC or MEN 2. Tell your prescriber about any lump or swelling in the neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath.
Zepbound® is FDA approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity, or overweight with at least one weight-related condition, and for moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnoea in adults with obesity. Mounjaro® is FDA approved for type 2 diabetes; a prescriber may prescribe it off-label for weight management at their discretion, and off-label means the FDA has not approved that use. Both are dispensed only as the manufacturer's product.
- Serious risks include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, kidney problems from dehydration, severe allergic reactions, worsening of diabetic eye disease, and low blood sugar (especially with insulin or sulfonylureas).
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviour have been reported with weight-management medicines; report any new or worsening mood changes.
- Tirzepatide slows stomach emptying and may reduce the effectiveness of oral contraceptives for several weeks after starting or increasing a dose; use a back-up method. It may increase the risk of aspiration during anaesthesia, tell any clinician treating you.
- Do not use if pregnant; stop at least two months before a planned pregnancy.
- Common side effects: nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, constipation, stomach pain, indigestion, injection-site reactions, tiredness, hair loss, heartburn.
This is not a complete list of side effects, warnings, or interactions. Read the full prescribing information or medication guide, and talk to your prescriber or pharmacist. Report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Mounjaro®, Zepbound® and KwikPen® are registered trademarks of Eli Lilly and Company. FarmaciaRx is not affiliated with or endorsed by Eli Lilly.
Request a consultation
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There's no charge to request a consultation. A California-licensed prescriber reviews your intake before anything is prescribed.
Prefer to talk? Call (714) 215-4740, Mon to Sat 9 am to 7 pm Pacific.
Questions about Mounjaro®
Anything else, call (714) 215-4740.
Mounjaro® or Zepbound®?
Same molecule. Zepbound® is the tirzepatide product approved for weight management; Mounjaro® is approved for diabetes and may be used off-label. Your prescriber will explain the choice.
Is it compounded?
No. Manufacturer's product only.
Does the birth-control note apply?
Yes, the same as Zepbound®: reduced absorption of oral contraceptives for a few weeks after starting or increasing a dose.