Mounjaro 5 mg
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) 5 mg is a once-weekly injectable medication designed to help adults manage type 2 diabetes and, in some cases, support weight loss. Manufactured by Eli Lilly, Mounjaro is a dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist, a unique mechanism that sets it apart from other diabetes medications. It works by mimicking the activity of two hormones—glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1)—which play key roles in blood sugar regulation and appetite control. This dual action makes Mounjaro effective for both glycemic control and weight management, though its use for weight loss is often off-label unless prescribed under its weight-loss-specific brand, Zepbound.
Use for Type 2 Diabetes
Mounjaro 5 mg is FDA-approved for adults with type 2 diabetes to improve blood sugar levels when used alongside diet and exercise. It helps the body produce more insulin when needed, reduces glucose production by the liver, and slows digestion to prevent rapid blood sugar spikes. Clinical studies have shown that 75% to 90% of patients using Mounjaro, across doses including 5 mg, achieved an A1C below 7%, with average starting A1Cs ranging from 7.9% to 8.6%. Results were measured over 40 to 52 weeks, demonstrating significant glycemic control. The 5 mg dose is typically the first maintenance dose after a 4-week initiation period at 2.5 mg, with potential increases to 7.5 mg or higher (up to 15 mg) if additional control is needed. Mounjaro is not suitable for type 1 diabetes or children under 18, and its safety in patients with a history of pancreatitis is unknown.
Use for Weight Loss
While Mounjaro is not FDA-approved specifically for weight loss, it is often prescribed off-label for this purpose due to its significant weight-loss effects. The same active ingredient, tirzepatide, is approved for weight loss under the brand name Zepbound. Mounjaro reduces appetite, increases feelings of fullness, and slows gastric emptying, leading to reduced calorie intake. In clinical trials like SURMOUNT-1, participants without diabetes lost up to 22.5% of their body weight (around 52 pounds) on higher doses over 72 weeks. For those with type 2 diabetes (SURMOUNT-2), weight loss averaged 13.4% to 15.7% (29.8 to 34.4 pounds) on 10 mg and 15 mg doses. At 5 mg, weight loss is more modest, averaging around 12 pounds, but still notable. Patients using Mounjaro for weight loss should pair it with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Warnings and Contraindications
Mounjaro carries a boxed warning, the FDA’s most serious alert, for the risk of thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). In animal studies, tirzepatide caused thyroid tumors, though it’s unclear if this applies to humans. Do not use Mounjaro if you or a family member have a history of MTC or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Symptoms to watch for include a lump in the neck, hoarseness, or trouble swallowing—contact your doctor immediately if these occur.
Other serious risks include pancreatitis (severe abdominal pain with or without vomiting), low blood sugar (especially when combined with insulin or sulfonylureas), kidney problems (due to dehydration from nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea), and gallbladder issues (e.g., gallstones, signaled by upper abdominal pain or jaundice). Mounjaro may also cause severe gastrointestinal side effects, temporary vision changes, or rare mood changes like depression or anxiety. It’s not recommended for patients with severe gastrointestinal disease, such as gastroparesis, or those with a history of severe allergic reactions to tirzepatide.
Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure Mounjaro 5 mg is safe for you, and follow their dosing instructions carefully.