GLP-1 & incretin medicines

Mounjaro

tirzepatide · Dual GIP / GLP-1 receptor agonist · Eli Lilly

✓Last reviewed · Written by Dr. George Grunberger · Medical review: pending — clinician review in progress · How we review

In short

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP / GLP-1 receptor agonist made by Eli Lilly, used for blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. Schedule: once weekly. It is prescription-only in the US and Canada.

FormPrefilled pen (and vials), subcutaneous injection
How oftenOnce weekly
United StatesFDA-approved for type 2 diabetes. Not approved for weight loss in the US — Zepbound is the tirzepatide brand for that.
CanadaApproved in Canada; check the Drug Product Database for current indications.
PrescriptionRequired
⚠ Boxed warning: risk of thyroid C-cell tumors. Do not use if you or a family member has had medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if you have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).

What it is used for

  • Blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes

Mounjaro dosage

Per the official label. Your prescriber sets your dose — never change it on your own.

Mounjaro label dosing schedule
1Weeks 1–42.5 mg weekly (starter)
2Week 5 on5 mg weekly
3If neededIncrease by 2.5 mg every 4 weeks or more
4Maximum15 mg weekly
Mounjaro dose stepsWeeks 1–4: 2.5 mg; Week 5 on: 5 mg; Maximum: 15 mg2.5 mgWeeks 1–45 mgWeek 5 on15 mgMaximum
Mounjaro label titration, step by step. Doses go up only as tolerated and as your prescriber decides.

How to take it

Inject under the skin of the stomach, thigh or upper arm once weekly, any time of day, with or without food.

Storage

Refrigerate 36–46°F (2–8°C). Single pens may be kept unrefrigerated up to 86°F (30°C) for up to 21 days.

Side effects

Common

  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Abdominal pain
  • Indigestion / heartburn
  • Fatigue
  • Decreased appetite

Serious — get medical help

  • Pancreatitis (severe stomach pain that may spread to the back)
  • Gallbladder problems, including gallstones
  • Low blood sugar when combined with insulin or a sulfonylurea
  • Kidney problems, often from dehydration after vomiting or diarrhea
  • Serious allergic reactions
  • Diabetic retinopathy complications (people with type 2 diabetes)
  • Pulmonary aspiration during anesthesia or deep sedation — tell your surgical team you take it

Who should not use it

  • Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, or MEN 2
  • Prior serious allergic reaction to the drug or its ingredients
  • Pregnancy (stop before a planned pregnancy as advised by your prescriber)
  • Use together with another GLP-1 receptor agonist

Cost

LillyDirect self-pay pricing has mirrored Zepbound (from about $299/month for 2.5 mg). Verify before filling.

GLP-1 cost without insurance →

How to buy Mounjaro legally

  1. Get a prescription from your doctor or a licensed telehealth provider.
  2. Fill it at a licensed pharmacy, or through the manufacturer's self-pay pharmacy.
  3. Verify any online pharmacy first (US: safe.pharmacy; Canada: your provincial pharmacy college register).

Buying legally in the USA → Buying legally in Canada →

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

Is Mounjaro the same as Zepbound?

Same molecule (tirzepatide) and same dose steps. Mounjaro is approved for type 2 diabetes; Zepbound for weight management and sleep apnea.

Can Mounjaro be mixed with insulin?

Never mix them in the same syringe. If both are injected in the same area, keep the injections apart.

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Sources

Checked against these primary sources on .

GLP-1 & incretin medicinesZepboundtirzepatide · Once weeklyGLP-1 & incretin medicinesOzempic (injection)semaglutide · Once weeklyCompareMounjaro vs Ozempic for type 2 diabetes
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