weight management · 2025 · 6 min read

Mounjaro care plan

Your guide to starting and staying on Mounjaro (tirzepatide) safely.

What is Mounjaro?

Mounjaro is a once-weekly injection approved for weight loss in Australia. It's a dual-action medication that mimics two gut hormones (GLP-1 and GIP) to powerfully reduce appetite, increase fullness, slow stomach emptying, and improve blood sugar control. Studies show average weight loss of 15 to 22% over 72 weeks when combined with diet and exercise.

How Mounjaro works

• Targets brain hunger signals to reduce cravings and emotional eating.
• Slows digestion so meals feel more satisfying with smaller portions.
• Boosts insulin response and lowers blood sugar as an added benefit.
• Supports muscle preservation during weight loss (better than single GLP-1s).

Best results come from pairing it with protein-rich meals and regular movement.

Mounjaro dosing schedule

Start low and go slow to reduce side effects. Each pen has a fixed dose:

• Weeks 1 to 4: 2.5 mg (lowest dose), once weekly
• Weeks 5 to 8: 5 mg, once weekly
• Weeks 9 to 12: 7.5 mg, once weekly
• Weeks 13 to 16: 10 mg, once weekly
• Week 17 and beyond: 12.5 mg or 15 mg (maintenance doses), once weekly

Key tips

• Pick the same day each week (for example, every Wednesday).
• If you miss a dose by more than 3 days, skip it and resume your regular schedule.
• Each dose increase stays for 4 weeks before stepping up.
• You do not need to go to the highest dose. Your target weight will determine your maintenance dose.

How to inject Mounjaro

Like Wegovy, there are 3 easy steps to injecting Mounjaro, using the pre-filled KwikPen:

1. Prepare: Check the solution is clear (not cloudy). Wash hands. Pick a site:
   • Belly (at least 5 cm from navel)
   • Upper thigh (front)
   • Upper arm (have someone help)
   Change sites each week to avoid irritation.
2. Inject:
   • Remove paper tab and cap from pen.
   • Insert yellow needle into skin at 90° angle.
   • Press injection button fully and hold for 5 seconds until dose counter shows zero.
   • You'll hear 2 clicks, first when it starts, second when finished.
3. Done: Remove needle safely (dispose in a sharps bin). No need to massage the area.

Pro tips

• Watch the official injection video from the Eli Lilly website. First injection takes practice.
• Make sure the storage temperature is between 2°C and 8°C.
• Store the pens in the original packaging to protect your pen from light.
• Mounjaro can last unrefrigerated for up to 21 days. Just make sure the temperature does not get any higher than 30°C.

Common side effects

Most occur in the first 4 to 8 weeks and improve as your body adjusts:

Very common (30 to 50% of people)

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or constipation
• Stomach pain or bloating

Less common

• Headache, fatigue, dizziness, heartburn

Rare but serious (seek help immediately)

• Severe belly pain spreading to back (pancreatitis risk)
• Gallbladder pain (upper right belly, fever)
• Vision changes or rapid heartbeat
• Severe allergic reaction (rash, swelling, breathing trouble)

How to reduce nausea (the biggest challenge)

Start these strategies from Day 1:

• Eat small, frequent meals, think 4 to 5 mini meals daily.
• Choose bland, low-fat foods, boiled eggs, plain chicken, rice, mashed potato, bananas.
• Avoid triggers: greasy food, dairy, spicy meals, fizzy drinks, alcohol.
• Hydrate smartly, sip water or electrolyte drinks slowly all day.
• Timing tricks: inject at bedtime, or eat a small protein snack 30 minutes before.
• Pharmacy helps: ginger chews, seasickness bands, or GP-prescribed anti-nausea tablets (Maxolon).

Good news: 85% of nausea settles after 4 weeks on the same dose.

Red flags: contact your GP the same day if

• Severe stomach pain (especially upper belly or back-radiating)
• Vomiting that won't stop (more than 24 hours)
• Yellow skin or eyes, pale stools, dark urine (gallbladder warning)
• Feeling faint, confused, or very dehydrated
• Chest pain, fast heartbeat, or leg swelling
• Thoughts of harming yourself (very rare)
• Trouble breathing, severe rash, or face or throat swelling

Regular check-ups: GP visit every 4 weeks when starting, then every 3 months. Monitor weight, blood pressure, and blood tests.

Your success roadmap

• Weekly tracking: weigh yourself, measure waist, note energy levels.
• Eat smart: 1.2 to 1.6 g protein per kg body weight daily (eggs, fish, Greek yoghurt, lentils).
• Move daily: 30 minutes brisk walking, plus 2 resistance training sessions weekly.
• Sleep and stress: 7 to 8 hours sleep, mindfulness or walking for stress relief.
• Refill planning: scripts are private pay, so plan 28-day supplies ahead.

You've got this. Mounjaro works best as part of your healthy lifestyle.

Dr Ahmed Al-Obaidi · FRACGP

General information only, not personal medical advice. Talk to your own GP about what suits you.