Rx only
Fact box
- Therapeutic class
- Other blood glucose lowering drugs, excl. insulins
- Action class
- GLP-1 Receptor Agonist
- Mechanism
- G-Protein-linked Receptor Interactions
- Habit forming
- No
- Availability
- Prescription (Rx)
Brand names
MounjaroZepbound
Available as
0.5 ML0.5 ML · Injection12.5 MG/ML · Injectable Solution16.7 MG/ML · Injectable Solution20.8 MG/ML · Injectable Solution25 MG/ML · Injectable Solution4.17 MG/ML · Injectable Solution8.33 MG/ML · Injectable Solution2.4 ML
FDA label sections are from openFDA and may not reflect the most recent labeling — confirm against the current DailyMed label.
⚠ Boxed warningWARNING: RISK OF THYROID C-CELL TUMORS In both male and female rats, tirzepatide causes dose-dependent and treatment-duration-dependent thyroid C-cell tumors at clinically relevant exposures. It is unknown whether MOUNJARO causes thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), in humans as human relevance of tirzepatide-induced rodent thyroid C-cell tumors has not been determined [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 ) and Nonclinical Toxicology ( 13.1 )]. MOUNJARO is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of MTC or in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) [see Contraindications ( 4 )] . Counsel patients regarding the potential risk for MTC with the use of MOUNJARO and inform them of symptoms of thyroid tumors (e.g., a mass in the neck, dysphagia, dyspnea, persistent hoarseness). Routine monitoring of serum calcitonin or using thyroid ultrasound is of uncertain value for early detection of MTC in patients treated with MOUNJARO [see Contraindications ( 4 ) and Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )]. WARNING: RISK OF THYROID C-CELL TUMORS See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Tirzepatide causes thyroid C-cell tumors in rats. It is unknown whether MOUNJARO causes thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), in humans as the human relevance of tirzepatide-induced rodent thyroid C-cell tumors has not been determined ( 5.1 , 13.1 ). MOUNJARO is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of MTC or in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Counsel patients regarding the potential risk of MTC and symptoms of thyroid tumors ( 4 , 5.1 ).
Uses
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE MOUNJARO ® is indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults and pediatric patients 10 years of age and older with type 2 diabetes mellitus. MOUNJARO ® is a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist indicated as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults and pediatric patients 10 years of age and older with type 2 diabetes mellitus. ( 1 )
How it works
12.1 Mechanism of Action Tirzepatide is a GIP receptor and GLP-1 receptor agonist. It contains a C20 fatty diacid that enables albumin binding and prolongs the half-life. Tirzepatide selectively binds to and activates both the GIP and GLP-1 receptors, the targets for native GIP and GLP-1. Tirzepatide enhances first- and second-phase insulin secretion, and reduces glucagon levels, both in a glucose-dependent manner.
How to use / dosing
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION The recommended starting dosage is 2.5 mg injected subcutaneously once weekly. ( 2.1 ) After 4 weeks, increase to 5 mg injected subcutaneously once weekly. ( 2.1 ) If additional glycemic control is needed, increase the dosage in 2.5 mg increments after at least 4 weeks on the current dose. ( 2.1 ) Maximum dosage ( 2.1 ): Adults: 15 mg subcutaneously once weekly. Pediatric patients 10 years of age and older: 10 mg subcutaneously once weekly. Administer once weekly at any time of day, with or without meals. ( 2.2 ) Inject subcutaneously in the abdomen, thigh, or another person should inject in the back of the upper arm. Rotate injection sites with each dose. ( 2.2 ) Refer to the Full Prescribing Information for additional important administration instructions about MOUNJARO presentations. ( 2.2 ) 2.1 Recommended Dosage The recommended starting dosage of MOUNJARO is 2.5 mg injected subcutaneously once weekly [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 )] . Follow the dosage escalation below to reduce the risk of gastrointestinal adverse reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 ) and Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . The 2.5 mg dosage is for treatment initiation and is not intended for glycemic control. After 4 weeks, increase the dosage to 5 mg injected subcutaneously once weekly. If additional glycemic control is needed, increase the dosage in 2.5 mg increments after at least 4 weeks on the current dose. The maximum dosage of MOUNJARO is: 15 mg injected subcutaneously once weekly in adults. 10 mg injected subcutaneously once weekly in pediatric patients. If a dose is missed, instruct patients to administer MOUNJARO as soon as possible within 4 days (96 hours) after the missed dose. If more than 4 days have passed, skip the missed dose and administer the next dose on the regularly scheduled day. In each case, patients can then resume their regular once weekly dosing schedule. The day of weekly administration can be changed, if necessary, as long as the time between the two doses is at least 3 days (72 hours). 2.2 Important Administration Instructions Inform patients and their caregiver(s) which MOUNJARO presentation (e.g., vial, pre-filled single-dose pen, single-patient-use KwikPen) they will receive and ensure they receive training appropriate for that specific presentation. If the prescribed MOUNJARO presentation changes, ensure patients and caregivers receive appropriate training and instruct them to consult the Instructions for Use for the newly prescribed presentation. Prior to initiation, train patients and their caregiver(s) on proper injection technique for the prescribed MOUNJARO presentation [see Instructions for Use] . After training, a patient may self-inject MOUNJARO if the healthcare provider determines that it can be properly administered, except for the following: MOUNJARO KwikPen is not recommended for self-administration by pediatric patients. MOUNJARO KwikPen is not recommended for self-administration by those who are visually impaired. Instruct patients using MOUNJARO vials to use a syringe appropriate for dose administration (e.g., a 1 mL syringe capable of measuring a 0.5 mL or 0.6 mL dose) and always use a new syringe and needle for each injection. Administer MOUNJARO once weekly, any time of day, with or without meals. Inject MOUNJARO subcutaneously in the abdomen, thigh, or another person should inject in the back of the upper arm. Rotate injection sites with each dose. Inspect MOUNJARO visually before use. It should appear clear and colorless to slightly yellow. Do not use MOUNJARO if particulate matter or discoloration is seen. When using MOUNJARO with insulin, administer as separate injections and never mix. It is acceptable to inject MOUNJARO and insulin in the same body region, but the injections should not be adjacent to each other.
Side effects
6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following serious adverse reactions are described below or elsewhere in the prescribing information: Risk of Thyroid C-cell Tumors [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Acute Pancreatitis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Hypoglycemia with Concomitant Use of Insulin Secretagogues or Insulin [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] Hypersensitivity Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] Acute Kidney Injury Due to Volume Depletion [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.5 )] Severe Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.6 )] Diabetic Retinopathy Complications in Patients with a History of Diabetic Retinopathy [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.7 )] Acute Gallbladder Disease [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.8 )] Pulmonary Aspiration During General Anesthesia or Deep Sedation [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.9 )] The most common adverse reactions, reported in ≥5% of patients treated with MOUNJARO are nausea, diarrhea, decreased appetite, vomiting, constipation, dyspepsia, and abdominal pain. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Eli Lilly and Company at 1-800-LillyRx (1-800-545-5979) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. Adverse Reactions in the Clinical Trials of Adults with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Pool of Two Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trials in Adults The data in Table 1 are derived from 2 placebo-controlled trials [1 monotherapy trial (SURPASS-1) and 1 trial in combination with basal insulin with or without metformin (SURPASS-5)] in adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus [see Clinical Studies ( 14.2 , 14.4 )] . These data reflect exposure of 718 patients to MOUNJARO and a mean duration of exposure to MOUNJARO of 36.6 weeks. The mean age of patients was 58 years, 4% were 75 years or older and 54% were male. The population was 57% White, 27% Asian, 13% American Indian or Alaska Native, and 3% Black or African American; 25% identified as Hispanic or Latino ethnicity. At baseline, patients had type 2 diabetes mellitus for an average of 9.1 years with a mean HbA1c of 8.1%. As assessed by baseline fundoscopic examination, 13% of the population had retinopathy. At baseline, eGFR was ≥90 mL/min/1.73 m 2 in 53%, 60 to 90 mL/min/1.73 m 2 in 39%, 45 to 60 mL/min/1.73 m 2 in 7%, and 30 to 45 mL/min/1.73 m 2 in 1% of patients. Pool of Seven Controlled Clinical Trials Adverse reactions were also evaluated in a larger pool of adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus participating in seven controlled clinical trials which included two placebo-controlled trials (SURPASS-1 and -5), three trials of MOUNJARO in combination with metformin, sulfonylureas, and/or SGLT2 Inhibitors (SURPASS-2, -3, -4) [see Clinical Studies ( 14.3 )] and two additional trials conducted in Japan. In this pool, a total of 5119 adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were treated with MOUNJARO for a mean duration of 48.1 weeks. The mean age of patients was 58 years, 4% were 75 years or older and 58% were male. The population was 65% White, 24% Asian, 7% American Indian or Alaska Native, and 3% Black or African American; 38% identified as Hispanic or Latino ethnicity. At baseline, patients had type 2 diabetes mellitus for an average of 9.1 years with a mean HbA1c of 8.3%. As assessed by baseline fundoscopic examination, 15% of the population had retinopathy. At baseline, eGFR was ≥90 mL/min/1.73 m 2 in 52%, 60 to 90 mL/min/1.73 m 2 in 40%, 45 to 60 mL/min/1.73 m 2 in 6%, and 30 to 45 mL/min/1.73 m 2 in 1% of patients. Common Adverse Reactions Table 1 shows common adverse reactions, not including hypoglycemia, associated with the use of MOUNJARO in the pool of placebo-controlle
Safety advice
Conservative summary derived from FDA labeling — defaults to “consult your doctor” unless the label is explicit. Not a substitute for your clinician’s advice.
PregnancyUnsafe
8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Available data with MOUNJARO use in pregnant women are insufficient to evaluate for a drug-related risk of major birth defects, miscarriage, or other adverse maternal or fetal outcomes. There are risks to the mother and fetus associated with poorly controlled diabetes in pregnancy (see Clinical Considerations) . Based on animal reproduction studies, there may be risks to the fetus from exposure to tirzepatide during pregnancy. MOUNJARO should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risk to the fetus. In pregnant rats administered tirzepatide during organogenesis, fetal growth reductions and fetal abnormalities occurred at clinical exposure in maternal rats based on AUC. In rabbits administered tirzepatide during organogenesis, fetal growth reductions were observed at clinically relevant exposures based on AUC. These adverse embryo/fetal effects in animals coincided with pharmacological effects on maternal weight and food consumption (see Data) . The estimated background risk of major birth defects is 6–10% in women with pre-gestational diabetes with an HbA1c >7% and has been reported to be as high as 20–25% in women with an HbA1c >10%. The estimated background risk of miscarriage for the indicated population is unknown. In the U.S. general population, the estimated background risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2–4% and 15–20%, respectively. Clinical Considerations Disease-Associated Maternal and/or Embryo/Fetal Risk Poorly controlled diabetes in pregnancy increases the maternal risk for diabetic ketoacidosis, pre-eclampsia, spontaneous abortions, preterm delivery, and delivery complications. Poorly controlled diabetes increases the fetal risk for major birth defects, stillbirth, and macrosomia-related morbidity. Data Animal Data In pregnant rats given twice weekly subcutaneous doses of 0.02, 0.1, and 0.5 mg/kg tirzepatide (0.03-, 0.07-, and 0.5-fold the MRHD of 15 mg once weekly based on AUC) during organogenesis, increased incidences of external, visceral, and skeletal malformations, increased incidences of visceral and skeletal developmental variations, and decreased fetal weights coincided with pharmacologically-mediated reductions in maternal body weights and food consumption at 0.5 mg/kg. In pregnant rabbits given once weekly subcutaneous doses of 0.01, 0.03, or 0.1 mg/kg tirzepatide (0.01-, 0.06-, and 0.2-fold the MRHD) during organogene
BreastfeedingCaution
…or 0.25 mg/kg tirzepatide twice weekly from implantation through lactation, F 1 pups from F 0 maternal rats given 0.25 mg/kg tirzepatide had statistically significant lower mean body weight when compared to controls from post-natal day 7 through post-natal day 126…
AlcoholNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
DrivingNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
KidneyCaution
…( 5.4 ) Acute Kidney Injury Due to Volume Depletion: Monitor renal function in patients reporting adverse reactions that could lead to volume depletion.…
LiverNo information
No specific information in the FDA label.
Warnings & precautions
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Acute Pancreatitis: Has been observed in patients treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists, or MOUNJARO. Discontinue if pancreatitis is suspected. ( 5.2 ) Hypoglycemia with Concomitant Use of Insulin Secretagogues or Insulin: Concomitant use with an insulin secretagogue or insulin may increase the risk of hypoglycemia, including severe hypoglycemia. Reducing dose of insulin secretagogue or insulin may be necessary. ( 5.3 ) Hypersensitivity Reactions: Serious hypersensitivity reactions (e.g., anaphylaxis and angioedema) have been reported. Discontinue MOUNJARO if suspected and promptly seek medical advice. ( 5.4 ) Acute Kidney Injury Due to Volume Depletion: Monitor renal function in patients reporting adverse reactions that could lead to volume depletion. ( 5.5 ) Severe Gastrointestinal Adverse Reactions: Use has been associated with gastrointestinal adverse reactions, sometimes severe. MOUNJARO is not recommended in patients with severe gastroparesis. ( 5.6 ) Diabetic Retinopathy Complications in Patients with a History of Diabetic Retinopathy: Has not been studied in patients with non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy requiring acute therapy, proliferative diabetic retinopathy, or diabetic macular edema. Monitor patients with a history of diabetic retinopathy for progression. ( 5.7 ) Acute Gallbladder Disease: Has occurred in clinical trials. If cholelithiasis is suspected, gallbladder studies and clinical follow-up are indicated. ( 5.8 ) Pulmonary Aspiration During General Anesthesia or Deep Sedation: Has been reported in patients receiving GLP-1 receptor agonists undergoing elective surgeries or procedures. Instruct patients to inform healthcare providers of any planned surgeries or procedures. ( 5.9 ) Never share a MOUNJARO KwikPen between patients, even if the pen needle is changed. ( 5.10 ) 5.1 Risk of Thyroid C-Cell Tumors In both sexes of rats, tirzepatide caused a dose-dependent and treatment-duration-dependent increase in the incidence of thyroid C-cell tumors (adenomas and carcinomas) in a 2-year study at clinically relevant plasma exposures [see Nonclinical Toxicology ( 13.1 )] . It is unknown whether MOUNJARO causes thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), in humans as human relevance of tirzepatide-induced rodent thyroid C-cell tumors has not been determined. MOUNJARO is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of MTC or in patients with MEN 2. Counsel patients regarding the potential risk for MTC with the use of MOUNJARO and inform them of symptoms of thyroid tumors (e.g., a mass in the neck, dysphagia, dyspnea, persistent hoarseness). Routine monitoring of serum calcitonin or using thyroid ultrasound is of uncertain value for early detection of MTC in patients treated with MOUNJARO. Such monitoring may increase the risk of unnecessary procedures, due to the low test specificity for serum calcitonin and a high background incidence of thyroid disease. Significantly elevated serum calcitonin values may indicate MTC and patients with MTC usually have calcitonin values >50 ng/L. If serum calcitonin is measured and found to be elevated, the patient should be further evaluated. Patients with thyroid nodules noted on physical examination or neck imaging should also be further evaluated. 5.2 Acute Pancreatitis Acute pancreatitis, including fatal and non-fatal hemorrhagic or necrotizing pancreatitis, has been observed in patients treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists, or MOUNJARO [see Adverse Reactions ( 6 )] . After initiation of MOUNJARO, observe patients carefully for signs and symptoms of acute pancreatitis, which may include persistent or severe abdominal pain (sometimes radiating to the back) and which may or may not be accompanied by nausea or vomiting. If pancreatitis is suspected, discontinue MOUNJARO and initiate appropriate management. 5.3 Hypoglycemia with Concomitant Use of Insulin Secretagogues or Insulin Patients receiving MOUNJARO in
Contraindications
4 CONTRAINDICATIONS MOUNJARO is contraindicated in patients with: A personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] . Known serious hypersensitivity to tirzepatide or any of the excipients in MOUNJARO. Serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis and angioedema, have been reported with MOUNJARO [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.4 )] . Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2. ( 4 ) Known serious hypersensitivity to tirzepatide or any of the excipients in MOUNJARO. ( 4 )
Pediatric use
8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of MOUNJARO as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in pediatric patients 10 years of age and older with type 2 diabetes mellitus have been established. Use of MOUNJARO for this indication is supported by a 30-week, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial with a 22-week open label extension in 99 pediatric patients [see Clinical Studies ( 14.5 )] . Adverse reactions reported in pediatric patients 10 years of age and older treated with MOUNJARO were similar to those reported in adults with the exception of a higher incidence of vomiting, abdominal pain, and hypoglycemia [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )] . The safety and effectiveness of MOUNJARO have not been established in pediatric patients less than 10 years of age.
⚑ About half of pediatric medication use is off-label and not described in FDA labels — absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children. Confirm with your clinician.
Interactions (label text — not an interaction checker)
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS MOUNJARO delays gastric emptying and has the potential to impact the absorption of concomitantly administered oral medications. ( 7.2 ) 7.1 Concomitant Use with an Insulin Secretagogue (e.g., Sulfonylurea) or with Insulin When initiating MOUNJARO, consider reducing the dose of concomitantly administered insulin secretagogues (e.g., sulfonylureas) or insulin to reduce the risk of hypoglycemia [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )]. 7.2 Oral Medications MOUNJARO delays gastric emptying and thereby has the potential to impact the absorption of concomitantly administered oral medications. Caution should be exercised when oral medications are concomitantly administered with MOUNJARO. Monitor patients on oral medications dependent on threshold concentrations for efficacy and those with a narrow therapeutic index (e.g., warfarin) when concomitantly administered with MOUNJARO. Advise patients using oral hormonal contraceptives to switch to a non-oral contraceptive method or add a barrier method of contraception for 4 weeks after initiation and for 4 weeks after each dose escalation with MOUNJARO. Hormonal contraceptives that are not administered orally should not be affected [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.3 ) and Clinical Pharmacology ( 12.2 , 12.3 )].
Overdose
10 OVERDOSAGE In the event of an overdosage, consider contacting the Poison Help line (1-800-222-1222) or a medical toxicologist for additional overdosage management recommendations. Initiate appropriate supportive treatment according to the patient's clinical signs and symptoms. A period of observation and treatment for these symptoms may be necessary, taking into account the half-life of tirzepatide of approximately 5 days.
Current FDA labels (DailyMed)
72 marketed products on record (RxNorm)
Reference only — not clinical advice. Verify against current FDA labeling and consult a licensed provider. About half of pediatric drug use is off-label and is not reflected in FDA labels; absence of pediatric information does not mean a medicine is unused or unsafe in children.