Mounjaro dosing
Every Mounjaro dose and when it changes, the four ways it comes, how many units a vial dose is, and how to store it.
Key facts
- Mounjaro starts at 2.5 mg weekly; increases are 2.5 mg, at least 4 weeks apart, if more blood sugar control is needed.
- Maximum 15 mg a week in adults, 10 mg in children aged 10 and over.
- Single-dose vial: 50 units at every strength. Multi-dose vial: 60 units. Pens need no syringe.
- A missed dose can be taken within 4 days; after that, skip it.
Mounjaro dosing chart
Mounjaro is tirzepatide approved, with diet and exercise, to improve blood sugar control in adults and children aged 10 and over with type 2 diabetes, and to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes at high risk. For weight management, the same molecule is sold as Zepbound.
| Step | Weekly dose | When | Used in | Page |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Start | 2.5 mg | first 4 weeks at least | starting dose | 2.5 mg → |
| Step 2 | 5 mg | after at least 4 weeks on the previous dose | adults and children | 5 mg → |
| Step 3 | 7.5 mg | after at least 4 weeks on the previous dose | adults and children | 7.5 mg → |
| Step 4 | 10 mg | after at least 4 weeks on the previous dose | adults and children | 10 mg → |
| Step 5 | 12.5 mg | after at least 4 weeks on the previous dose | adults only | 12.5 mg → |
| Maximum | 15 mg | after at least 4 weeks on the previous dose | adults only | 15 mg → |
Choosing the Mounjaro maintenance dose
Unlike Zepbound, the Mounjaro label does not name maintenance doses. It starts at 2.5 mg and increases by 2.5 mg, after at least 4 weeks on the current dose, only if more blood sugar control is needed. The maximum is 15 mg in adults and 10 mg in children.
The steps exist to limit nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, which are most common in the weeks after each increase.
Mounjaro pens and vials
Mounjaro comes in the same six strengths in four presentations. Only the vials are drawn with a syringe.
| Mounjaro presentation | Holds | Each dose | How the dose is given |
|---|---|---|---|
| Single-dose pen | 1 dose | 0.5 mL | Automatic: press against the skin; no syringe, no dialling |
| Single-dose vial | 1 dose | 0.5 mL | Drawn with a syringe: 50 units on a U-100 syringe |
| Multi-dose vial | 4 doses, 2.4 mL | 0.6 mL | Drawn with a syringe: 60 units on a U-100 syringe |
| KwikPen | 4 doses, 2.4 mL | 0.6 mL | Dialled on the pen with a new pen needle each time; no syringe |
Mounjaro concentrations by strength
Every branded dose comes in the same volume, so the concentration rises with the strength. This is why the unit count never changes.
| Strength | Single-dose pen / vial | Multi-dose vial / KwikPen |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5 mg | 5 mg/mL | 4.17 mg/mL |
| 5 mg | 10 mg/mL | 8.33 mg/mL |
| 7.5 mg | 15 mg/mL | 12.5 mg/mL |
| 10 mg | 20 mg/mL | 16.7 mg/mL |
| 12.5 mg | 25 mg/mL | 20.8 mg/mL |
| 15 mg | 30 mg/mL | 25 mg/mL |
Work out a vial dose in units
Filled from the calculator. Add your next step and print. Nothing is sent or stored.
Missed doses, timing and injection sites
Mounjaro can be injected at any time of day, with or without meals, in the abdomen or thigh, or the back of the upper arm if someone else gives it. Rotate the site each week.
Storing Mounjaro
Keep it in the original carton, away from heat and light, and never freeze it.
| Presentation | In the fridge (2–8 °C / 36–46 °F) | Out of the fridge (up to 30 °C / 86 °F) |
|---|---|---|
| Single-dose pen or vial | Until the expiry date | Up to 21 days in total, then throw it away |
| Multi-dose vial or KwikPen, unopened | Until the expiry date | Throw away after 30 days |
| Multi-dose vial or KwikPen, in use | Fridge or room temperature; throw away 30 days after first use or after 4 doses, even if medicine is left | |
Getting tirzepatide prescribed
Frequently asked questions
What is the Mounjaro starting dose?
2.5 mg once a week. After at least 4 weeks the dose can go up by 2.5 mg if more blood sugar control is needed.
What is the highest dose of Mounjaro?
15 mg once a week in adults and 10 mg in children aged 10 and over with type 2 diabetes.
Is Mounjaro dosed differently from Zepbound?
The steps are the same, but Mounjaro is increased only if more blood sugar control is needed, while the Zepbound label names 5, 10 and 15 mg as maintenance doses.
How many units is a Mounjaro vial dose?
50 units (0.5 mL) from a single-dose vial and 60 units (0.6 mL) from a multi-dose vial, at every strength.