medications+

Australian patient guide

Weight managementPage 1 of 2

Mounjaro tirzepatide

Understanding your treatment

Taken
Once a week
How
Injection under the skin
Active ingredient
Tirzepatide

What is it for?

Mounjaro can help adults lose weight alongside changes to food and activity. It acts on appetite and blood sugar signals. You may feel less hungry and satisfied sooner. Your GP will decide whether it suits your health needs. [1, 7]

What results might I see?

A 72-week study in adults without diabetes found average weight loss of about 15–21%, depending on dose, versus about 3% with placebo. Everyone received food and activity support. Your result may differ; these are not personal targets. [5]

Your weekly dose

  1. 2.5 mgWeeks 1–4
  2. 5 mgFrom week 5
  3. 7.5 mgIf prescribed
  4. 10 mgIf prescribed
  5. 12.5 mgIf prescribed
  6. 15 mgMaximum

Usually 2.5 mg weekly for 4 weeks, then 5 mg weekly. Further increases are prescribed in 2.5 mg steps, at least 4 weeks apart, up to 15 mg weekly. Follow your prescription. Ask your pharmacist to demonstrate your device; follow its injection and storage leaflet. [8, 2]

Missed an injection?

Take it if the next scheduled dose is at least 3 days away. Otherwise skip it. Keep at least 72 hours between injections and never double up. After several missed doses, ask your prescriber how to restart. [2]

Common side effects: how often?

People taking Mounjaro in the studies who reported each effect
NauseaAbout 1 in 427.5%
DiarrhoeaAbout 1 in 520.9%
ConstipationAbout 1 in 713.6%
VomitingAbout 1 in 910.8%

Two 72-week weight-management studies; doses combined; adults with and without diabetes. These are reports during treatment, not a risk per injection; “1 in” figures are approximate. Try small meals and regular sips of fluid. Contact your GP if symptoms persist or affect eating or drinking, especially before a dose increase. Urgent signs: page 2. [1, 9]

Use this guide with advice from your GP or pharmacist.
Sources [numbered above] and full guide: medications.alexanderqho.com/drugs/mounjaro
Sources checked: 3 October 2026. Published revision 5.
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medications+

Australian patient guide

Weight managementPage 2 of 2

Mounjaro tirzepatide

Staying safe and planning ahead

Call 000 in an emergency

Trouble breathing, tongue or throat swelling, collapse, or immediate danger from thoughts of self-harm need emergency help. [2, 10]

Get urgent medical advice

Severe persistent tummy pain, especially spreading to the back; repeated vomiting with inability to keep fluids down; very little urine; or tummy pain with fever or yellow skin need assessment. If pancreatitis is suspected, do not take another dose until assessed. Severe bloating with vomiting and no stools or wind also needs urgent care. Sudden vision loss also needs urgent care. [1, 2, 11]

Pregnancy and the contraceptive pill

Do not use during pregnancy. Plan with your GP to stop at least one month before trying to conceive. If pregnant, stop and contact your prescriber. Discuss breastfeeding. If you use the pill, switch to a non-oral method or add condoms for 4 weeks after starting and after every dose increase. [1, 3]

Keep your healthcare team informed

Tell your GP about all medicines and health conditions. If using insulin or certain diabetes tablets, ask for a low-blood-sugar plan. Tell the procedural team before surgery or sedation. Report new depression or mood changes promptly. [1, 4, 10]

Make a follow-up plan

Arrange reviews of benefits, side effects and nutrition. Weight regain can happen after stopping; plan any change with your GP. This summary is not a complete list of precautions. Read your medicine leaflet and the full guide. [6, 2]

Notes for your next appointment