Mounjaro

Tirzepatide

Service reviewed by Aans Memon, GPhC-registered pharmacist (GPhC - 2085817)
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Important: Mounjaro is a prescription-only medicine. A pharmacist will assess your suitability during a consultation. This page provides factual information only and is not intended as a promotion.

What is Mounjaro?

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. It is administered as a once-weekly subcutaneous injection and is licensed in the UK for chronic weight management in adults with:

  • BMI of 30 kg/m² or above (obesity), or
  • BMI of 27 kg/m² or above (overweight) with at least one weight-related comorbidity such as hypertension, type 2 diabetes, or dyslipidaemia

It should be used alongside a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.

Dual-Action Mechanism

Unlike single-receptor medications, Mounjaro works on two hormone pathways simultaneously, which may contribute to its enhanced effectiveness for weight management.

GLP-1 Receptor Activation

  • - Reduces appetite and food cravings
  • - Slows gastric emptying
  • - Enhances insulin secretion
  • - Improves blood sugar control

GIP Receptor Activation

  • - Enhances insulin response to meals
  • - May improve fat metabolism
  • - Works synergistically with GLP-1
  • - Contributes to greater weight loss

Clinical Evidence

SURMOUNT Clinical Trial Programme

The efficacy of tirzepatide for weight management was studied in the SURMOUNT clinical trial programme, which included over 5,000 participants without type 2 diabetes.

22.5%

Average weight loss at highest dose after 72 weeks

96%

of participants achieved at least 5% weight loss

63%

achieved at least 20% weight loss at highest dose

From £160

per month starting dose at participating pharmacies

Source: Jastreboff AM, et al. N Engl J Med. 2022;387(3):205-216.

Prices are set by each pharmacy. Treatment requires an in-person consultation — your prescriber will decide whether it is clinically appropriate for you.

Dosing Schedule & Pricing

Mounjaro is started at a low dose and gradually increased over 20+ weeks to reduce gastrointestinal side effects. The maintenance dose is individualised based on tolerability:

PeriodWeekly DosePurposePrice/Month
Weeks 1-42.5mgInitial dose to minimise side effects£160
Weeks 5-85mgFirst dose increase£175
Weeks 9-127.5mgContinued titration£190
Weeks 13-1610mgFurther dose escalation£210
Weeks 17-2012.5mgApproaching maintenance£230
Week 21+15mgMaximum maintenance dose£250

Note: Your pharmacist may adjust your maintenance dose (10mg, 12.5mg, or 15mg) based on your individual response and tolerability. Prices are set by each pharmacy, are indicative and may vary — treatment is only supplied after an in-person consultation.

Side Effects

Common Side Effects

May affect more than 1 in 10 people

  • Nausea (especially during dose escalation)
  • Diarrhoea
  • Decreased appetite
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Abdominal pain
  • Indigestion

Serious Side Effects

Seek medical attention if you experience

  • Pancreatitis (severe abdominal pain radiating to the back)
  • Gallbladder problems
  • Hypoglycaemia (especially if used with insulin or sulfonylureas)
  • Kidney problems
  • Severe allergic reactions (rare)

Contraindications

Mounjaro should not be used if you:

  • Are allergic to tirzepatide or any other ingredients
  • Have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
  • Have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
  • Are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant
  • Have a history of pancreatitis
  • Have severe gastrointestinal disease (e.g., gastroparesis)

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about weight management treatment

About Mounjaro (The Drug)

Mounjaro is a prescription-only injectable medication used for weight management and type 2 diabetes. Its active ingredient is tirzepatide, which mimics two natural hormones (GLP-1 and GIP) to reduce appetite, increase feelings of fullness, and regulate blood sugar levels.
Mounjaro works by activating receptors for two hormones: Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and Glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). This unique "dual-action" mechanism slows down stomach emptying (making you feel full longer) and signals the brain to reduce food cravings more effectively than single-hormone treatments.
Yes, Mounjaro and Zepbound contain the same active ingredient, tirzepatide. In the US, "Mounjaro" is branded for diabetes and "Zepbound" for weight loss. In the UK, Mounjaro is approved for both weight management and type 2 diabetes, so you will receive a Mounjaro-branded pen for weight loss.
Clinical trials (SURMOUNT-1) have shown that Mounjaro can lead to weight loss of up to 22.5% of body weight after 72 weeks. This makes it currently the most effective weight loss medication available, surpassing the results typically seen with single-hormone injections like Wegovy.
Mounjaro mimics two hormones (GIP and GLP-1), whereas Wegovy mimics only one (GLP-1). While both are effective once-weekly injections, studies suggest Mounjaro may lead to greater total weight loss (up to 22.5% vs 15%) due to its dual mechanism of action.

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