Key takeaways

  • Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a prescription medication used with diet and exercise to help adults with type 2 diabetes manage blood sugar levels. Mounjaro comes as an injection given under the skin.
  • Common side effects of Mounjaro include nausea, diarrhea, and decreased appetite. Serious side effects like sudden pancreatitis and gallbladder problems are also possible.
  • Mounjaro is not FDA approved for weight loss, though a doctor may prescribe it off-label for this purpose.

Mounjaro basics

Mounjaro is a brand-name medication. It contains the active ingredient tirzepatide. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) There isn’t a generic version of the drug available.

Mounjaro has a boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the “What should be considered before using Mounjaro?” section.

Mounjaro is used with exercise and a balanced diet to help manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is a condition that causes high blood sugar. Having high blood sugar levels over time can raise your risk of other conditions, such as heart attack, kidney problems, vision problems, or nerve conditions. It’s important to manage your blood sugar levels to lower your risk of these conditions.

Symptoms of type 2 diabetes may include:

  • feeling thirsty
  • urinating more often than usual
  • fatigue
  • blurry vision
  • wounds that are slow to heal

Mounjaro treats type 2 diabetes by lowering your blood sugar. It does this in multiple ways:

  • by helping your body release more insulin (a hormone that decreases your blood sugar levels)
  • by slowing sugar production in your liver
  • by slowing the emptying of food from your stomach, which can make you feel full for longer

Like most drugs, Mounjaro may cause mild or serious side effects. The lists that follow describe some of the more common side effects that Mounjaro may cause. These lists don’t include all possible side effects.

Keep in mind that side effects of a drug can depend on other health conditions you have and other medications you take.

Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about the potential side effects of Mounjaro. They can also suggest ways to help reduce side effects.

Mild side effects

Here’s a list of some of the mild side effects that Mounjaro can cause. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or read Mounjaro’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects of Mounjaro that have been reported include:

Mild side effects of many drugs may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. But if they become bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from Mounjaro can occur, but they aren’t common. If you have serious side effects from Mounjaro, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects of Mounjaro that have been reported include:

For more information about Mounjaro’s boxed warning, see the “What should be considered before using Mounjaro?” section.

Does Mounjaro make you tired?

In studies, people taking Mounjaro didn’t report tiredness or fatigue as a side effect.

It’s possible for tiredness to be a symptom of Mounjaro’s side effects, such as hypoglycemia or severe digestive side effects. Everyone’s experience with Mounjaro can be different. Fatigue can also be a symptom of type 2 diabetes itself.

If you feel tired after starting Mounjaro treatment, be sure to talk with your doctor about possible causes and ways to help reduce your fatigue.

Allergic reaction

For some people, Mounjaro can cause an allergic reaction. In general, symptoms of allergic reaction can be mild or, in rare cases, serious.

Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include skin rash, itchiness, and flushing (warmth, swelling, redness, or deepening of colour in your skin).

Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet. They can also include swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat, which can cause difficulty breathing.

What might help

If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest a treatment to manage your symptoms and can determine whether you should keep taking Mounjaro.

If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or difficulty breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.

If your doctor confirms you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Mounjaro, they may have you switch to a different treatment.

Whether you have health insurance or not, cost may be a factor when you’re considering Mounjaro. What you’ll pay for Mounjaro may depend on several things, such as your treatment plan, which form of Mounjaro you use, and the pharmacy you use.

If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. A Mounjaro Savings Card may also be available.

Mounjaro coupons

To save money on your Mounjaro prescription, explore the Optum Perks coupons that follow.

Note: Optum Perks is a sister site of Healthline. Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with insurance copays or benefits.

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Find answers to some commonly asked questions about Mounjaro.

Are there long-term side effects of Mounjaro?

It’s possible. Some side effects may be temporary, especially mild side effects. For example, nausea, diarrhea, or constipation might last for a few days or weeks after you start Mounjaro.

Other side effects can be long term, particularly serious side effects like sudden pancreatitis (swelling and inflammation of the pancreas) or severe digestive problems that can lead to sudden kidney damage. In studies, these serious side effects were not common. But if they occur, they can last a long time and need to be treated long term.

If you have questions or concerns about long-term effects of Mounjaro, talk with your doctor.

Does Mounjaro cause body aches?

No, Mounjaro isn’t expected to cause body aches. This wasn’t a side effect reported in studies of Mounjaro. But Mounjaro can cause certain side effects that have back pain or abdominal pain as symptoms.

For example, Mounjaro may raise your risk of sudden pancreatitis. Symptoms of pancreatitis may include back pain or abdominal pain that doesn’t go away. In some cases, you may also experience vomiting.

If you have any symptoms of pancreatitis during your Mounjaro treatment, call your doctor or go to the hospital right away. This is a serious side effect that can be life threatening in some cases.

Abdominal pain could also be a symptom of gallbladder problems, which is a side effect of Mounjaro. This is a serious condition that needs immediate treatment. Other symptoms of gallbladder problems include fever, nausea, and vomiting.

If you develop body aches or pain during your Mounjaro treatment, call your doctor right away. They can determine what may be causing your symptoms and the best way to treat them. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number.

Is Mounjaro used for weight loss?

Mounjaro is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for use as a weight loss drug. But because the drug is prescribed along with exercise and a balanced diet, some people may lose weight during their Mounjaro treatment.

Your doctor may also prescribe Mounjaro off-label for weight management. (With off-label use, your doctor prescribes a medication for a different use than what it was approved for.)

In studies, some people using Mounjaro reported weight loss. This may be due to the drug working to slow down your digestion, which can help you feel full for a longer time. Decreasing blood sugar levels and improving the body’s response to insulin helps manage type 2 diabetes better, which may also aid in weight loss. In addition, this drug can cause nausea or decreased appetite, which can lead to weight loss.

Mounjaro contains the active ingredient tirzepatide. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) Another drug, Zepbound, also contains the same active ingredient and is approved for weight loss. It’s prescribed along with exercise and a balanced diet. Your doctor can advise you on whether Zepbound may be a suitable alternative to Mounjaro for weight loss.

If you have questions about weight loss with Mounjaro, talk with your doctor.

Is Mounjaro insulin?

No, Mounjaro is not insulin. It’s a type of drug called a dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. Mounjaro is the first GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist drug.

Although Mounjaro and insulin have different effects on the body, Mounjaro does increase how sensitive your body is to insulin. Mounjaro also signals your pancreas to make more insulin after you eat. For details about how Mounjaro works, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Mounjaro is often prescribed with insulin for type 2 diabetes treatment. You can see examples of insulin that may be prescribed with Mounjaro in the “How is Mounjaro used?” section.

If you have questions about how Mounjaro compares with insulin, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Your doctor will recommend the dosage of Mounjaro that’s right for you. The dosages discussed here are commonly used, but always use the dosage your doctor prescribes.

Form and strengths

Mounjaro comes as a liquid solution that’s given as an injection under your skin using single-dose, prefilled pens.

Mounjaro is available in the following strengths:

  • 2.5 milligrams (mg) per 0.5 milliliters (mL)
  • 5 mg/0.5 mL
  • 7.5 mg/0.5 mL
  • 10 mg/0.5 mL
  • 12.5 mg/0.5 mL
  • 15 mg/0.5 mL

Recommended dosages

You’ll inject Mounjaro once per week. Your doctor will likely have you start treatment with a 2.5-mg dose of Mounjaro. After 4 weeks of treatment, they’ll increase your dose to 5 mg per week. Starting with a lower dose helps your body get used to the medication.

If your current dose of Mounjaro isn’t managing your blood sugar well enough, your doctor may increase your dose even more. This will be done after another period of 4 weeks, and in increments of 2.5 mg, if needed. For Mounjaro, 15 mg per week is the maximum dosage.

Questions about Mounjaro’s dosing

Here are some common questions about Mounjaro’s dosing.

  • What if I miss a dose of Mounjaro? If you miss your dose of Mounjaro, take it as soon as you remember, as long as it’s within 4 days of when the dose was due. Then continue with your regular dosing schedule. But if more than 4 days have passed since you missed your dose, skip your missed dose and take your next dose on its usual day. Then, continue with your regular dosing schedule. (You should take your Mounjaro doses at least 72 hours apart.)
  • Will I need to use Mounjaro long term? Yes, you’ll likely use Mounjaro long term. This drug helps manage type 2 diabetes, which is a long-term condition. So, if Mounjaro works for you, your doctor will likely recommend using it long term.
  • How long does Mounjaro take to work? Mounjaro begins working right after you inject your first dose, but it may take some time before you see a change in your blood sugar level. Some people start seeing an effect within a few weeks of starting treatment. If you have questions about when you can expect to see results with Mounjaro, talk with your doctor.

Your doctor will explain how to use Mounjaro. They’ll also explain how much to inject, how often, and the best time of day to inject it. Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions.

Using Mounjaro

Mounjaro comes as a liquid solution in a single-use prefilled pen. You’ll inject Mounjaro under your skin once per week. You can take your dose with or without food.

Mounjaro can be injected into your abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. (If you want the drug injected into your upper arm, you’ll need someone else to give you the injection.) You should rotate the areas where you inject the drug to help prevent skin irritation at the injection site.

Before you start your Mounjaro treatment, your doctor or pharmacist can show you how to inject the drug. For step-by-step instructions or a video on how to use Mounjaro, see the drug manufacturer’s website.

It’s important to note that if you take insulin along with Mounjaro, you can inject your doses into the same area of your body, such as your thigh. But try to use different injection sites that are a few inches apart to avoid injection site reactions, such as pain or irritation. Also, you should never mix insulin with Mounjaro in the same syringe.

If you have questions about the administration of Mounjaro, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Using Mounjaro with other drugs

Your doctor may prescribe other drugs along with Mounjaro to help manage your blood sugar levels. Examples of these drugs include:

It’s important to note that using Mounjaro with other diabetes treatments, especially insulin, can increase your risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). This can be serious or even life threatening if not treated quickly.

As a result, your doctor may monitor your blood sugar levels more often if you use Mounjaro with other treatments. In some cases, your doctor may decrease the doses of your other diabetes medications to help prevent low blood sugar.

Some important things to discuss with your doctor when considering treatment with Mounjaro include your overall health, any medical conditions you may have, and whether you’re taking any other medications. Learn more about the considerations to discuss with your doctor below.

Interactions

Taking medications, vaccines, foods, and other things with a certain drug can affect how the drug works. These effects are called interactions.

Before starting Mounjaro, be sure to tell your doctor about all medications you take, including prescription and over-the-counter types. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, or supplements you use. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you about any interactions these items may cause with Mounjaro.

Mounjaro can interact with several types of drugs. These drugs include:

This list does not contain all types of drugs that may interact with Mounjaro. Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about these interactions and any others that can occur with Mounjaro.

Boxed warning

Mounjaro has a boxed warning about the risk of thyroid cancer. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

Using Mounjaro may raise the risk of developing thyroid cancer. In studies, animals given Mounjaro had an increased risk of thyroid cancer. But it’s not known whether Mounjaro could cause thyroid cancer, specifically medullary thyroid cancer (MTC), in humans.

If you or a family member has a history of MTC or if you have multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), tell your doctor before using Mounjaro. Due to the associated risks, they’ll likely recommend a different treatment option for you.

During your Mounjaro treatment, you should watch for symptoms of thyroid cancer, including:

Your doctor may also recommend that you have certain blood tests or ultrasounds (a type of imaging test) done to check your thyroid throughout your treatment.

If you have questions about the risk of thyroid cancer with Mounjaro, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Other precautions

Mounjaro may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions. These are known as drug-condition interactions. Other factors may also affect whether Mounjaro is a good treatment option for you.

Talk with your doctor about your health history before you use Mounjaro. Factors to consider include:

Do not inject more Mounjaro than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to serious side effects.

What to do in case you use too much Mounjaro

Call your doctor if you think you’ve injected too much Mounjaro. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. Or go to the nearest emergency room.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.