What is Mounjaro?
Mounjaro is a new medication from Eli Lilly containing the active ingredient tirzepatide. It is a "dual agonist" that mimics two gut hormones at the same time: GLP-1 and GIP.
What makes Mounjaro special: Unlike Ozempic or Wegovy, which only mimic GLP-1, tirzepatide acts on two hormone receptors. This leads to a stronger effect on weight and blood sugar.
Current approval:
- Approved in the EU for type 2 diabetes
- Approved in the US for weight reduction (under the name Zepbound)
- Also approved in the EU for weight management in adults
Study results: In the SURMOUNT study, participants lost an average of 20-22% of their body weight.
Active Ingredients & Mechanism of Action
Active ingredient: Tirzepatid
Tirzepatide is a dual agonist that mimics two incretin hormones:
GLP-1 effect:
- Increased feeling of fullness
- Slowed gastric emptying
- Improved insulin secretion
GIP effect:
- Additional appetite suppression
- Improved fat metabolism
- Synergistic effect with GLP-1
The combination leads to:
- Appetite reduction
- Greater weight loss
- Better blood sugar control
- Improved fat metabolism
SURMOUNT study results:
- 15 mg: average weight loss of 22.5%
- 10 mg: average weight loss of 21.4%
- 5 mg: average weight loss of 16.0%
Who is it suitable for?
Current approval (EU):
- Type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults
- In combination with diet and exercise
Approval for weight management (EU, adults):
- BMI ≥ 30 or
- BMI ≥ 27 with at least one weight-related comorbidity
- In addition to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity
Not suitable in cases of:
- Type 1 diabetes
- Pregnancy
Available Dosages
Dose escalation schedule:
- Weeks 1-4: 2.5 mg weekly
- Weeks 5-8: 5 mg weekly
- Weeks 9-12: 7.5 mg weekly (optional)
- Weeks 13-16: 10 mg weekly (optional)
- From week 17: 12.5 or 15 mg weekly (optional)
Maintenance doses:
- 5 mg, 10 mg or 15 mg – depending on effect and tolerability
- Maximum dose: 15 mg once weekly
Note: The dose is adjusted individually. Not everyone needs the maximum dose.
Dosage form and pack sizes
The medicines catalogue lists 7 pack variants: 6 strengths in 2 pack sizes.
- Dosage form
- Injektionslösung in einem Fertigpen
- Strengths
- 2,5 mg, 5 mg, 7,5 mg, 10 mg, 12,5 mg, 15 mg
- Pack sizes
- 1 Pen, 3 Pens
| Strength | Pack | PZN | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2,5 mg | 1 Pen | 18241230 | 28 days |
| 5 mg | 1 Pen | 18241218 | 28 days |
| 7,5 mg | 1 Pen | 18241201 | 28 days |
| 10 mg | 1 Pen | 18241187 | 28 days |
| 10 mg | 3 Pens | 18241193 | 84 days |
| 12,5 mg | 1 Pen | 18241170 | 28 days |
| 15 mg | 1 Pen | 18253693 | 28 days |
Packs listed in the German medicines catalogue. Which of them are currently available and what they cost is shown in the price overview.
The Pharmazentralnummer (PZN) is the nationwide unique identifier of a pack in Germany.
Duration is the catalogue value for the usual dosage. How long a pack actually lasts depends on the dose your doctor prescribes.
How to Take
Administration:
- Once weekly, on the same day of the week
- Subcutaneous injection
- Abdomen, thigh or upper arm
- Regardless of meals
Prefilled pen:
- One single-use pen per dose
- Easy to use
- Needle already built in
Changing the day of the week: Possible if at least 3 days have passed since the last injection.
Storage:
- In the refrigerator (2-8°C)
- Can be stored at room temperature for up to 21 days on a one-time basis
Contraindications
Contraindications:
- Hypersensitivity to tirzepatide or any of the other ingredients
Caution in cases of:
- History of pancreatitis
- Severe gastrointestinal diseases, including severe gastroparesis
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Gallstone disease
- Severe renal or hepatic insufficiency
Pregnancy:
- Stop at least 1 month before a planned pregnancy
Possible Side Effects
Very common (>10%):
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Vomiting
- Abdominal pain
- Decreased appetite
Common (1-10%):
- Heartburn
- Flatulence
- Belching
- Fatigue
- Hypoglycemia (in people with diabetes)
- Injection site reactions
Uncommon:
- Gallstones
- Increased heart rate
- Hair loss
Rare but serious:
- Pancreatitis
- Severe allergic reactions
- Worsening of diabetic retinopathy
Note: GI side effects are common at the beginning, but usually improve. Slow dose escalation helps.
Interactions
Insulin and sulfonylureas:
- Increased risk of hypoglycemia
- Dose reduction of these medications necessary
Oral contraceptives:
- Reduced absorption possible
- Additional contraception in case of GI symptoms
Oral medications in general:
- Delayed absorption due to slower gastric emptying
Frequently Asked Questions
There is no general answer. In the EU, Mounjaro® is approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and for weight management in adults. Which medicine is suitable in an individual case depends on pre-existing conditions, other medicines and tolerability, and is decided by a doctor.
Ozempic and Wegovy contain semaglutide, a pure GLP-1 agonist. Mounjaro contains tirzepatide, which mimics both GLP-1 and GIP. This dual action leads to stronger effects on weight and blood sugar.
In the EU, Mounjaro is also approved for weight management. The approval covers adults with a BMI of 30 or more, or with a BMI of 27 or more and at least one weight-related comorbidity, in each case in addition to a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Mounjaro costs several hundred euros per month. Statutory health insurance funds generally only cover the costs for type 2 diabetes. For obesity without diabetes, the costs usually have to be paid out of pocket.
Similar Medications
Is Mounjaro right for you?
A licensed doctor will review your information and issue a prescription if suitable. Discreet and secure.
Important Notice
This information does not replace medical advice. If you have questions about your health or the suitability of this medication, please consult a doctor or pharmacist.
Important Safety Information
This service operates under German pharmaceutical law (HWG). For risks and side effects, read the package leaflet and consult your doctor or pharmacist. All medications are dispensed from a licensed pharmacy in Germany.