How often to use Mounjaro and when to increase your dose
How often do you use Mounjaro? When you start to take Mounjaro for weight loss, knowing how often you should use it is important. The newest weight loss medication on the market is now Mounjaro, and how often to use it might be a bit confusing, especially if you are switching from another weight loss medication.
The Mounjaro KwikPen is a disposable, multi-dose, single-patient-use, pre-filled pen. It is administered by yourself with an injection under the skin of the abdomen, thighs or upper arms.
When to increase the dose is normally down to your healthcare provider if you are taking Mounjaro.
With the active ingredient tirzepatide, Mounjaro is designed for adults with type 2 diabetes and adults with obesity on a weight loss journey, alongside a balanced diet and exercise. It is important to remember that it is usually prescribed long term to lose weight and maintain a healthy body weight.
How often do you need to use Mounjaro?
So, how often do you use Mounjaro? Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is injected once per week. The recommended starting dose is 2.5mg which is usually used for 4 weeks. After 4 weeks, your healthcare provider will typically increase your dose to 5mg. The 5mg dose should also be used once a week for 4 weeks.
Your dosage of Mounjaro will continue to increase until you find one that is suitable for you. Your prescriber will try to keep the Mounjaro doses as low as possible until they find the most effective dose. If additional doses are needed, the maximum you will be given is 15mg.
There are six doses available and Mounjro has received MHRA approval[1]. Your doctor or healthcare provider will show you how to use Mounjaro before you use it for the first time so you know what you are doing.
Choosing your injection day
It is important that you inject your dose of Mounjaro on the same day each week. Ensuring that you continue to use the injection on the same day helps to keep a steady level of the drug in your body. By taking the medication at the same time each day, it will allow it to work effectively.
You should pick a date and time that works best for you. Make sure you are able to easily fit Mounjaro into your daily routine.
Tips to help you remember to inject
- Set reminders on your phone
- Leave post it notes around your house
- Inject around the same time you are carrying out another task that you do at the same time daily
Choosing the best time of day
When it comes to injecting yourself with the Mounjaro pen there is no best time. The best time to use the pen is at whatever time works for you and your schedule.
Anytime of the day is fine for you to inject yourself. It doesn’t matter if you have a full stomach or not.
Ultimately, the best time of day to use Mounjaro is at the time that you will remember to use it!
Will I get more side effects at certain times of a day?
The side effects of Mounjaro are not something that should hinder your daily life. They include things such as:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Constipation
- Decreased appetite
- Abdominal pain
- Injection site reactions
- Heartburn or other indigestion symptoms like burping that smells like rotten eggs
You might find that your nausea is worse at night or first thing in the morning. The reason why it is worse at these times is because when you lie flat on your back, your gastric juices can rise causing you to feel more nausea and discomfort.
Mounjaro can also put you at risk of hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia is when you have low blood sugar, something that is common in people with diabetes. Although it can happen at any time of day, many people will experience it whilst they are sleeping. If you think you are at risk of low blood sugar you should try and have a snack before bed.
You should always talk to your healthcare provider about low blood sugar before using Mounjaro.
Pay attention to any other medications you are taking. If you begin a new medication, please discuss this with your prescriber in case there is a possibility of drug interactions.
If you are looking to lose weight and you have multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2, do not use Mounjaro.
Changing your injection schedule
Sometimes it might be necessary for you to change your injection schedule as we know that our daily schedules can change. It is possible for you to change the date and time you administer your Mounjaro injection.
Changing injection time
If you need to change the time you are using the injection, then you can go ahead and do so. As long as you remain consistent with your new time then it shouldn’t impact your weight loss journey.
Changing injection day
If you want to change the day of the week you are using Mounjaro then you must make sure that there is a minimum of 3 days (72 hours) between each dose[2].
You should never inject 2 doses of Mounjaro within 3 days of each other.
If you have changed your day or time then don’t forget to update your reminder to match your new one.
What to do if you miss a dose?
If you miss a dose of Mounjaro, don’t panic! You should inject the next dose as soon as possible, as long as it is within 4 days (96) hours after the missed dose. If more than 4 days have passed then you need to skip the missed dose and use your next one on the usual scheduled day.
Remembering to order your next pen on time
You must take into consideration that your pen needs to be ordered on time so that you can follow your treatment plan.
Make sure that you order your pen with ample time so you know that you have got it ready for your next dose.
When starting your Mounjaro journey it can be difficult to get into a routine when it comes to self administering the medication. Make sure that you are keeping track of your doses and setting yourself reminders so that you are taking the medication on time; this will also prevent you from missing a dose.
Remember, when it comes to Mounjaro, when you need to increase the dose it will be communicated to you via your GP or healthcare provider.
Your weight loss journey is your own. It is important to remain motivated and ensure that alongside keeping up with your doses of Mounjaro, you are exercising and maintaining a balanced diet too.
