Important safety information
What you should know before taking Mounjaro.
Mounjaro® for weight loss
(tirzepatide) injection
A weekly shot to lose weight
Lose 20% of your body weight on average in 1 year*
Mounjaro is approved for type 2 diabetes
Same active ingredient as Zepbound, which is FDA-approved for weight loss and available through Ro
What is Mounjaro?
Mounjaro is a medication that is FDA-approved to improve blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes. Recently, Zepbound received FDA approval for weight loss in adults with obesity (BMI≥30) or overweight (BMI≥27) with a weight-related condition. Both Mounjaro and Zepbound have the same active ingredient, tirzepatide, and are available in the same dose strengths.
How does Mounjaro work?
Tirzepatide, including both Mounjaro (FDA-approved for treatment of type 2 diabetes) and Zepbound (FDA-approved for weight loss), is a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist and a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) agonist. This means that tirzepatide acts like the GLP-1 and GIP hormones to lower blood sugar levels and decrease your appetite so you lose weight. It also slows down how fast food moves through your body, which may help you stay full for longer. Both Mounjaro and Zepbound are once-weekly medications administered via a single-use prefilled injection pen with the prescribed dose. You administer the injection under the skin of your stomach, thigh, or arm.
Is Mounjaro available in the Body Program?
Ro does not currently offer Mounjaro (tirzepatide), which is FDA-approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. However, Zepbound (tirzepatide), which was recently FDA-approved for weight loss, is available as a treatment option in the Body Program. Both medications are once-weekly injections that come in the same doses. To learn more about Zepbound, click here.
Mounjaro treats type 2 diabetes but may be prescribed for weight loss, if appropriate. Mounjaro may have serious side effects, including possible thyroid tumors. Do not use if you or your family have a history of a type of thyroid cancer called MTC or MEN 2. Read more about serious warnings and safety info.
Revolutionary medication
Tirzepatide is a once-weekly injectable medication, FDA-approved under the brand name Mounjaro to treat type 2 diabetes and FDA-approved under the brand name Zepbound for weight loss. Tirzepatide is a dual-action GLP-1/GIP agonist that works by mimicking your body’s natural hormones, helping you feel fuller faster and for longer.
While Mounjaro is not available, Zepbound is offered through the Body Program. Learn more about Zepbound to get started.
Mounjaro
tirzepatide
Questions we hear every day
Are there foods to avoid while taking Mounjaro or Zepbound (tirzepatide)?
There are no specific foods that you need to avoid when taking tirzepatide. However, some people taking tirzepatide experience gastrointestinal side effects, like nausea, until a steady dose is reached. For this reason, some people choose to avoid certain foods that may exacerbate their side effects.
What are the side effects of Mounjaro or Zepbound (tirzepatide)?
Some of the most common side effects of tirzepatide are:
Nausea
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Constipation
Stomach pains
Upset stomach
Indigestion
Injection-site reactions
Fatigue
Belching and gas
Hair loss
Heartburn
More severe side effects are rarer, but possible. Serious side effects include:
Thyroid cancer—The FDA has issued its most serious warning (called a BOXED WARNING) that GLP-1s like semaglutide may be associated with a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). So far, this side effect has only been seen in laboratory studies using rodents, so the risk to humans has not been determined. Semaglutide is contraindicated in patients with a family history of MTC or in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
Pancreatitis
Gallbladder disease
Low blood sugar
Kidney disease
Severe allergy (hypersensitivity)
Vision problems (diabetic retinopathy)
Rapid heartbeat
Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
Please see the full Prescribing Information (Mounjaro, Zepbound, including the BOXED WARNING, for complete safety information.
How do you store Mounjaro or Zepbound (tirzepatide)?
You should keep tirzepatide in the refrigerator (36°F to 46°F) and store the pens in their original packaging to protect them from light. Do not freeze the tirzepatide pens.
If you are traveling, you can keep your tirzepatide unrefrigerated for up to 21 days. Just make sure the temperature does not get any higher than 86°F (30°C). If tirzepatide is stored at room temperature, it should not be returned to the refrigerator.
How long does it take for Mounjaro or Zepbound (tirzepatide) to start working?
Tirzepatide starts to work after you take your first dose, but it will likely take several weeks to months to see a change in your weight or blood sugar levels.
Can you switch GLP-1 drugs?
The short answer is yes you can switch GLP-1 drugs. However, each one has a different dose and dosing schedule so be sure to discuss this with your provider before making the change. Some people may experience more or different side effects when switching from one GLP-1 drug to another. And it will still take several weeks for the full effect of the new drug to take hold.
From experts at Ro
Healthy bedtime reading
Tirzepatide 101
What is tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide is a once-weekly injectable medication, FDA-approved under the brand name Mounjaro to treat type 2 diabetes as well as under the brand name Zepbound for weight loss. Both medications are administered via a once-weekly injection using a pre-filled single-dose pen.
How does tirzepatide work?
Tirzepatide works similarly to other GLP-1 medications, such as Wegovy (an FDA-approved drug for weight loss) and Ozempic (an FDA-approved drug for type 2 diabetes). However, tirzepatide differs from the other medications in that it is a dual-action GLP-1 (short for glucagon-like peptide 1) and GIP (short for glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) medication. This means that it works by mimicking the action of both the GLP-1 and GIP hormones, which help regulate your metabolism. In doing so, tirzepatide makes you feel fuller faster and for longer. It also communicates with the part of your brain in charge of hunger and satiety, helping you regulate how much you eat. When combined with an appropriate diet and exercise, this makes tirzepatide an effective treatment for weight loss.
Do you prescribe tirzepatide for weight loss?
Yes, Zepbound, the brand name tirzepatide medication that is FDA-approved for weight loss, is now available as a treatment option in the Body Program. Mounjaro, the brand name tirzepatide medication that is FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes is not available through Ro.
What is tirzepatide's dosing?
Tirzepatide comes in doses of 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and 15 mg. Similar to other GLP-1 medications, tirzepatide dosing gradually increases. If prescribed, you’ll start on the lowest dose (2.5 mg) for the first four weeks, and then work with your provider to slowly increase your dose every four weeks until you reach a steady dose that works best for you.
How do you take tirzepatide?
Tirzepatide is a once-weekly injection that comes in a pre-filled, single-dose pen. If prescribed, you’ll receive detailed instructions from your provider on how to inject it in your stomach, arm, or thigh.