Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is available in six dose strengths: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and 15 mg. Understanding the titration schedule is essential for getting the best results while minimising side effects.
The Starting Dose: 2.5 mg
Everyone starts Mounjaro at 2.5 mg once weekly. This is a titration dose — it's not primarily intended for therapeutic effect but rather to help your body adjust to the medication. You'll stay on this dose for at least four weeks before your first increase.
The Titration Process
Mounjaro follows a stepwise dose escalation:
- Weeks 1–4: 2.5 mg once weekly
- Weeks 5–8: 5 mg once weekly
- Weeks 9–12: 7.5 mg once weekly
- Weeks 13–16: 10 mg once weekly
- Weeks 17–20: 12.5 mg once weekly
- Weeks 21 onwards: 15 mg once weekly (maximum dose)
Not everyone needs to reach 15 mg. Your prescriber may recommend staying at a lower dose if you're achieving good results and tolerating the medication well.
Maintenance Doses
The maintenance doses for Mounjaro are 5 mg, 10 mg, and 15 mg. The intermediate doses (7.5 mg and 12.5 mg) are titration steps designed to help you adjust between the maintenance levels. Your prescriber will determine the right maintenance dose based on your response and tolerability.
What Each Dose Looks Like
Each dose comes in a colour-coded KwikPen for easy identification:
- 2.5 mg — purple
- 5 mg — brown/red
- 7.5 mg — yellow
- 10 mg — dark green
- 12.5 mg — blue
- 15 mg — orange
Each box contains four single-use pens — a month's supply.
Adjusting Your Dose
Your prescriber may slow the titration if you experience significant side effects such as persistent nausea or vomiting. Conversely, if you're tolerating the current dose well but not seeing adequate results, they may recommend moving to the next level. Never adjust your dose without consulting your prescriber.
Cost Considerations
Higher doses tend to cost more. In the UK, private prescription prices typically increase with each dose level. Comparing pharmacy prices through MedsLens can help you manage costs, particularly at higher doses where the price difference between pharmacies can be substantial.
Key Points
- Always start at 2.5 mg and follow the prescribed titration schedule
- Not everyone needs to reach the maximum 15 mg dose
- Each pen is colour-coded — always check you have the correct dose
- Discuss any concerns about dose adjustments with your prescriber