Storage
Refrigerate unopened Mounjaro pens at 36–46 °F (2–8 °C) in the original box. Do not freeze. After first use, you may store at room temperature (≤ 86 °F / 30 °C) for up to 21 days, then discard. Keep it out of direct sun and heat. For more information, visit Mounjaro’s official site.
Instructions
This information is intended for individuals who have been prescribed Mounjaro by their Alan Health provider.
For instructions on how to administer this medication, please visit the manufacturer’s website: Mounjaro website
Understanding your insulin syringe
Measuring your dose
Insulin syringes are used for subcutaneous injections. They are marked in Units on the insulin syringe barrel (see illustration). Insulin syringes facilitate the precise measurement of tiny amounts of liquids which are ideal for medications such as insulin that require small and accurate dosing. Unit marks are also expressed in mL’s and can be interchangeably referenced. A prescriber may write a prescription in Units or in mL’s.
Within the amount of liquid is the prescribed mg dosage of your medication (see mg chart). Milligrams (mg) is not an amount of liquid, but rather the amount of drug that is within. The conversion between units and milligrams varies depending on the concentration of the product being used.
What can I expect?
Safety information
The most common side effects of MOUNJARO® (tirzepatide) include nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting.
Other common side effects may include decreased appetite, constipation, indigestion (dyspepsia), and abdominal pain. If these symptoms persist or worsen, stop taking the medication and contact your healthcare provider.
A full list of side effects can be found here.
Indications
MOUNJARO® is a prescription medication that acts as both a GIP receptor and GLP-1 receptor agonist. It is indicated:
- As an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
BLACK BOX WARNING: Risk of Thyroid C-Cell Tumors
Tirzepatide causes thyroid C-cell tumors in rats. It is unknown whether this risk applies to humans.
Do not use MOUNJARO® if you:
- Have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
- Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant without consulting your healthcare provider.
Contraindications
Do not take MOUNJARO® if you:
- Have a personal or family history of MTC or MEN 2.
- Have type 1 diabetes.
- Have a history of pancreatitis.
- Have severe gastrointestinal problems such as gastroparesis or issues digesting food.
- Have a known allergy to tirzepatide, any other GLP-1 drug, or any inactive ingredients in MOUNJARO® (including sodium chloride, sodium phosphate dibasic heptahydrate, and water for injection; pH may be adjusted with hydrochloric acid or sodium hydroxide).
- Have a history of suicidal ideation or behavior.
Warnings and Precautions
- Pancreatitis: Has been reported. Discontinue promptly if suspected. Do not restart if confirmed.
- Gallbladder Disease: Has occurred in clinical trials. Monitor for symptoms and follow up with gallbladder studies if cholelithiasis is suspected.
- Severe Gastrointestinal Disease: Not studied in patients with severe GI disease; use is not recommended.
- Hypoglycemia: Use with insulin or insulin secretagogues increases risk. Monitor blood glucose closely; adjust doses as needed.
- Kidney Injury: Monitor renal function in patients experiencing severe gastrointestinal reactions.
- Diabetic Retinopathy: MOUNJARO® has not been studied in patients with advanced or untreated diabetic retinopathy. Monitor for progression in patients with a history of diabetic eye disease.
- Increased Heart Rate: Monitor periodically.
- Suicidal Ideation or Behavior: Monitor for new or worsening depression or suicidal thoughts. Discontinue if symptoms appear.
- Hypersensitivity: Serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis and angioedema, have been reported. Discontinue immediately if suspected and seek medical attention.
- Pulmonary Aspiration Risk: GLP-1 receptor agonists have been associated with aspiration risk during general anesthesia or sedation. Inform providers before any surgery or procedure.
Drug Interactions and Limitations of Use
- MOUNJARO® delays gastric emptying, which may impact the absorption of oral medications. Use caution with time-sensitive oral drugs.
- Do not combine MOUNJARO® with other tirzepatide-containing medications or GLP-1 receptor agonists.
- MOUNJARO® is not indicated for patients with type 1 diabetes.
- The safety of MOUNJARO® in patients with a history of pancreatitis has not been established.
Reproductive Considerations
- Pregnancy: Based on animal studies, MOUNJARO® may cause fetal harm. Discontinue immediately if pregnancy is recognized.
- Reproductive Planning: Discontinue MOUNJARO® at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy due to its long half-life.
- Females Using Oral Contraceptives: Tirzepatide may reduce the effectiveness of oral birth control. Use a non-oral contraceptive or add a barrier method during the 4 weeks after treatment initiation and after each dose escalation.
To Report Adverse Reactions, contact the FDA:
- By phone: 1-800-FDA-1088
- Online: www.fda.gov/medwatch
Disclaimer
These statements are intended for informational purposes and do not replace professional medical advice. Talk to your healthcare provider about any questions or concerns related to MOUNJARO®.
Note: The above statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the side effects of Mounjaro?
Potential side-effects can vary between individuals, based on medical history and lifestyle factors. The most common side effects are gastrointestinal: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. These often occur during dose titration and typically decrease over time. Rare but serious risks include pancreatitis and gallbladder issues.
How much weight can I lose on Mounjaro?
Clinical studies have shown an average weight loss of 15–22% of body weight in people using Mounjaro alongside lifestyle changes—more than what’s typically seen with GLP-1-only medications.
How do I store Mounjaro pens?
Store in the refrigerator between 36–46°F. Pens may be stored at room temperature (up to 86°F) for up to 21 days after being removed from refrigeration.
Additional support
For details about your medication and dosing, please log in to your patient portal. Your physician is here to help with any medical questions. If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 right away.
