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 15-22% 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 1-4: 2.5 mg (lowest dose) – once weekly
Weeks 5-8: 5 mg – once weekly
Weeks 9-12: 7.5 mg – once weekly
Weeks 13-16: 10 mg – once weekly
Week 17+: 12.5 mg or 15 mg (maintenance doses) – once weekly

Key tips:

• Pick the same day each week (e.g., 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 injection Mounjaro, using the pre-filled KwikPen:

1. Prepare: Check the solution is clear (not cloudy). Wash hands. Pick a site:

   • Belly (at least 5cm 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 tip:

• Watch the official injection video from Eli Lilly website. First injection takes practice!

• Make sure the temperature is between 2°C to 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 first 4-8 weeks and improve as your body adjusts:

Very common (30-50% 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 (Biggest Challenge)

Start these strategies from Day 1:

• Eat small, frequent meals – think 4-5 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 min 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 Same Day If:

• Severe stomach pain (especially upper belly or back-radiating)

• Vomiting that won’t stop (more than 24 hours)

• Yellow skin/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/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: 1.2-1.6g protein per kg body weight daily (eggs, fish, Greek yogurt, lentils)
✅ Move daily: 30 min brisk walking + 2x resistance training weekly
✅ Sleep & stress: 7-8 hours sleep, mindfulness or walking for stress relief
✅ Refill planning: Scripts are private pay, plan 28-day supplies ahead

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