Key takeaways
- The starting dosage of Mounjaro is 2.5 milligrams (mg) once per week for 4 weeks, followed by a maintenance dosage of 5 mg once per week.
- If needed, your doctor may increase your dose in increments of 2.5 mg every 4 weeks, up to a maximum dosage of 15 mg once per week.
- You can inject your Mounjaro doses under the skin of your abdomen or upper thigh, or have a caregiver inject it into the back of your upper arm.
Mounjaro is a prescription drug that’s prescribed with a balanced diet and exercise to help manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. The drug comes in a vial or injection pen that’s given under the skin once per week.
The active ingredient in Mounjaro is tirzepatide. Mounjaro belongs to a group of drugs called dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist.
This article describes the dosages of Mounjaro, as well as its strengths and how to inject it.
The following information describes the dosage that’s commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you.
Mounjaro form
Mounjaro comes as a liquid solution in the following forms:
- single-dose vial
- multidose vial
- single-dose injection pen
- multidose injection pen (KwikPen)
Mounjaro KwikPens and multidose vials contain 4 doses each.
Note: Mounjaro’s multidose vials and KwikPen were approved in January 2026. Because they’re newer forms, it may take time for them to become widely available.
Mounjaro strengths
Mounjaro is available in several strengths:
- 2.5 milligrams per 0.5 milliliters (2.5 mg/0.5 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
Note: The multidose vial is formulated for 0.6 mL doses rather than 0.5 mL. However, it has the same strength per dose as other forms of Mounjaro.
Typically, your doctor will start you on a low dosage of Mounjaro and adjust it over time. They’ll ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
This Mounjaro dosage chart outlines the recommended dosages for type 2 diabetes:
| Starting Mounjaro dosage | 2.5 mg once per week for 4 weeks |
|---|---|
| Maintenance (ongoing) dosage | 5 mg once per week |
| Possible dosage increases | Your doctor may continue to increase your dose in increments of 2.5 mg every 4 weeks, if needed, until your target blood sugar levels are reached. |
| Maximum (highest) dosage | 15 mg once per week |
Mounjaro comes as a solution in a vial or pen. You’ll administer Mounjaro weekly as a subcutaneous injection into the skin of your abdomen or upper thigh. If a caregiver is injecting the dose for you, they can also administer it into the back of your upper arm. It’s important to rotate the injection site with each dose.
The drug’s manufacturer provides written and video instructions for injecting Mounjaro doses. Be sure to ask your doctor or pharmacist for a demonstration of how to inject the medication. A caregiver could also learn how to administer your Mounjaro injections.
How long will you use Mounjaro?
If you and your doctor determine that Mounjaro is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely use it long term. This is as long as it’s effective for your condition and does not cause bothersome side effects.
Do not take more Mounjaro than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.
What to do in case you take too much Mounjaro
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken 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.
There’s no recommended dose of Mounjaro for weight loss. This is because the drug is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for this use.
However, some doctors may prescribe Mounjaro off-label for weight loss. With off-label use, an FDA-approved drug is prescribed for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.
If your doctor prescribes Mounjaro for weight loss, they’ll determine the best starting and maintenance dosage for you based on your medical history and any conditions you have.
Dose increases for Mounjaro are usually needed for several reasons. They include:
- to allow your body to adjust to Mounjaro
- to help lower the risk of side effects from Mounjaro
- to make sure Mounjaro is effectively managing your condition at the lowest dosage possible
- to adjust to any changes in your condition
It’s important to always follow your doctor’s dosage instructions to ensure Mounjaro is safe and effective for you.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about changes in your Mounjaro dosage. If you experience bothersome side effects with Mounjaro dose increases, talk with your doctor.
» Read more: Mounjaro dose increases: Why it matters and what to expect
If you miss your Mounjaro dose, inject it as soon as possible within 4 days of the originally scheduled date. If more than 4 days have passed, skip the missed dose and inject your next one on the next regularly scheduled day. Never inject a double dose of Mounjaro to make up for a missed dose.
Disclaimer: While Medical News Today strives for factual, comprehensive, and current drug information, this article is not a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional’s expertise. Always consult a doctor before taking or discontinuing any medication. Drug information is subject to change and may not cover all uses, directions, precautions, warnings, interactions, reactions, or adverse effects. The lack of a warning does not guarantee a drug’s safety, effectiveness, or appropriateness for all patients or specific uses. Learn more about our approach to content integrity.
