MOUNJARO 2.5 mg/dose KwikPen – Injection Solution (Pre-filled Pen)

Product Description

MOUNJARO 2.5 mg/dose KwikPen – Injection Solution (Pre-filled Pen)

Mounjaro is a prescription medication containing the active ingredient tirzepatide, designed for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults. It works by helping to lower high blood sugar levels when needed. Mounjaro is also prescribed for weight management in obese or overweight adults with a body mass index (BMI) of 27 kg/m² or higher. By regulating appetite and influencing metabolic processes, it can help individuals reduce food intake and consequently lose weight.

In type 2 diabetes, Mounjaro is effective both as a monotherapy—especially in individuals who cannot take metformin, another commonly prescribed diabetes medication—and as part of a combination therapy. When used alongside other diabetes medications, it can help those whose blood sugar levels are not adequately controlled by other treatments, including oral diabetes medications or injectable insulin.

Beyond diabetes management, Mounjaro has been shown to support weight reduction in individuals who are obese (BMI ≥ 30 kg/m²) or overweight (BMI of 27–30 kg/m²) and have weight-related health issues, such as:

• Prediabetes or type 2 diabetes
• High blood pressure
• Abnormal blood fat levels (dyslipidemia)
• Obstructive sleep apnea (breathing issues during sleep)
• A history of heart attack, stroke, or blood vessel problems.

The medication works by mimicking hormones involved in blood sugar regulation and appetite control, ultimately leading to improvements in glucose metabolism and weight loss. However, it is important to understand that Mounjaro must be used in conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise plan, as advised by your healthcare provider.

Dosage:

The dosage of Mounjaro varies according to individual needs and is determined by a healthcare provider. The starting dose for most patients is 2.5 mg once weekly for the first four weeks of treatment. This low dose allows the body to adjust to the medication. After the initial four weeks, the dose is typically increased to 5 mg once weekly.

If necessary, your doctor may further adjust your dose in increments of 2.5 mg, depending on how well you are responding to the medication. The potential doses include 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, or 15 mg once weekly. Each dose should be taken for a minimum of four weeks before moving to a higher dose.

It is crucial to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding dose adjustments. Never alter your dose unless explicitly instructed to do so by your doctor, as incorrect usage can lead to undesirable effects or reduce the medication’s efficacy.

Timing of Administration:

Mounjaro should be administered once per week, and you should try to use the medication on the same day each week. It can be injected at any time of day, with or without regard to meals. To help you remember, marking your calendar or setting a weekly reminder can be useful.

If you need to change the day of the week for your injection, ensure that at least three days have passed since your last dose before making the change. Once you’ve selected a new day, maintain the same weekly schedule moving forward.

Blood Sugar Monitoring:

If you are taking Mounjaro in combination with other medications for diabetes—such as sulfonylureas or insulin—it is particularly important to monitor your blood sugar levels as directed by your healthcare provider. This will help ensure that your blood sugar stays within a healthy range and will alert you to any signs of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which can occur when multiple medications are used together.

Missed Dose:

If you forget to inject Mounjaro and less than four days have passed since your scheduled dose, you should administer the missed dose as soon as possible. Then, resume your regular weekly schedule. However, if it has been more than four days, skip the missed dose entirely and proceed with your next dose on your regular schedule.

Never inject two doses to make up for a forgotten dose, and always ensure there is a minimum of three days between injections.

Overdose:

If you accidentally use more Mounjaro than prescribed, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately. Overdosing on tirzepatide can lead to symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, or hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Your healthcare provider will advise you on how to manage these symptoms and any additional steps you may need to take.

Stopping Mounjaro:

Do not stop taking Mounjaro without consulting your doctor. If you are using Mounjaro to manage type 2 diabetes, discontinuing the medication may result in an increase in blood sugar levels, which can pose serious health risks. If you have concerns about the medication or experience side effects, discuss these with your healthcare provider before making any decisions about stopping treatment.

How to Inject:

Mounjaro is administered via subcutaneous injection (an injection under the skin). You can inject the medication into three main areas:

• The abdomen (stomach area, at least 5 cm away from your belly button)
• The thigh
• The upper arm (you may need help from someone else for this site)

It’s possible to use the same general area for each weekly injection, but make sure to rotate the specific injection sites within that area. For instance, if you inject into your abdomen one week, use a slightly different spot the next week to avoid irritation.

If you are also injecting insulin, make sure to use a different injection site for each medication to avoid complications.

Before using the medication, it’s important to carefully read the instructions provided with the pen and ensure that you are familiar with the injection process.

Side Effects:

Like all medications, Mounjaro can cause side effects, although not everyone will experience them. Some of the most common side effects (affecting more than 1 in 10 people) include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea

These side effects are often mild and typically decrease over time as the body adjusts to the medication. They are more common at the beginning of treatment but usually become less frequent with continued use. If these side effects persist or worsen, contact your healthcare provider.

Other common side effects (affecting up to 1 in 10 people) include:

• Low blood sugar (especially if used with sulfonylureas or insulin)
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Reduced appetite
• Dizziness
• Digestive issues such as bloating, constipation, and heartburn

In some cases, more serious side effects can occur, although they are rare. For example, acute pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) can occur, causing severe abdominal pain that may spread to the back. If you experience this, seek immediate medical attention. Additionally, severe allergic reactions (e.g., difficulty breathing, swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat) can also occur and require emergency care.

Warnings and Precautions:

Before starting Mounjaro, inform your doctor if you have any of the following conditions, as special precautions may be required:

• Severe digestive issues or gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying)
• A history of pancreatitis
• Eye problems such as diabetic retinopathy
• Kidney issues, particularly if dehydration (due to vomiting or diarrhea) occurs at the start of treatment

Children and adolescents under 18 years of age should not use Mounjaro, as it has not been studied in these age groups.

Interactions with Other Medications:

Inform your healthcare provider about any other medications you are taking, as Mounjaro can interact with other drugs, particularly those used to manage diabetes, such as sulfonylureas and insulin. Your doctor may need to adjust the doses of these medications to prevent hypoglycemia.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:

Mounjaro is not recommended during pregnancy, as its effects on an unborn baby are unknown. Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception while using Mounjaro. Additionally, it is unclear whether tirzepatide passes into breast milk, so women who are breastfeeding should consult their healthcare provider before starting treatment.

Conclusion:

Mounjaro offers a powerful solution for managing both type 2 diabetes and weight in adults. However, it is important to use the medication under the supervision of a healthcare provider, adhere to recommended dosages, and be aware of potential side effects and precautions. By following your doctor’s advice and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, you can achieve optimal results with Mounjaro.