Your Journey to Better Health Starts with Mounjaro
An advanced once-weekly treatment that helps control Type 2 diabetes and supports meaningful weight management when combined with healthy lifestyle choices.
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a breakthrough once-weekly injection that works differently from other diabetes and weight-management medications.
Dual-Action Mechanism: Activates both GIP and GLP-1 receptors to enhance your body's natural ability to regulate blood sugar and appetite.
Glucose-Dependent: Stimulates insulin release only when blood sugar is high, reducing the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia).
Convenient Weekly Dosing: The long half-life (~5 days) allows for simple once-weekly injections with flexibility if you miss a dose.
Pre-Filled Pen: Single-use, disposable pens available in doses from 2.5 mg up to 15 mg for gradual, personalized titration.
Did you know? Mounjaro is considered among the highest-efficacy agents for both blood sugar lowering and weight reduction, often preferred for patients with obesity-related conditions.
Treatment Uses
Who Can Benefit from Mounjaro?
Mounjaro is prescribed for specific health conditions. Your doctor will determine if it's right for you after a thorough evaluation.
Type 2 Diabetes
Used alongside diet and exercise to improve blood sugar control in adults with Type 2 diabetes. It is not for Type 1 diabetes or diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).
Chronic Weight Management
For adults with BMI ≥30, or BMI ≥27 with weight-related conditions like high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or sleep apnea. Must be combined with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity.
Obstructive Sleep Apnea (OSA)
Zepbound (same medicine, different brand) is FDA-approved to treat moderate-to-severe OSA in adults with obesity, alongside dietary changes and increased activity.
Administration Guide
How to Take Mounjaro
Simple steps for safe and effective self-injection at home. Your healthcare provider will teach you the proper technique before you begin.
1
Choose Your Day
Pick the same day each week. You can change the day if needed, as long as there are at least 72 hours (3 days) between doses.
2
Prepare the Pen
Wash your hands. Check that the solution is clear and colorless to faint yellow. Do not use if frozen, discolored, or contains particles.
3
Select Injection Site
Rotate between your abdomen (stay 2 inches away from the belly button), thigh, or upper arm. Do not inject into muscle or vein.
4
Inject & Dispose
Insert the needle into the fatty tissue, press the button, and hold. Dispose of the used pen in a sharps container immediately.
Abdomen
Thigh
Upper Arm
Titration Schedule
Your Dosing Journey
Mounjaro follows a "start low, go slow" approach. Your dose is gradually increased every 4 weeks based on how well you tolerate the medication and your treatment goals.
Weeks 1-4
2.5 mg
Starting dose to help your body adjust. This dose is for initiation only and is not intended for long-term blood sugar control.
Weeks 5-8
5 mg
First maintenance dose. If you are tolerating well and need more glycemic control or weight loss, your doctor may increase.
Weeks 9-12
7.5 mg
Optional increase if additional control is needed. Always stay on each dose for at least 4 weeks before stepping up.
Weeks 13-16
10 mg
Intermediate higher dose. Many patients achieve excellent results at this level with manageable side effects.
Weeks 17-20
12.5 mg
Further titration for patients who need maximal effect. GI side effects may be more noticeable at this stage.
Week 21+
15 mg
Maximum approved dose. Ideal for patients with severe obesity or those needing maximal glucose lowering.
Missed dose? If it has been less than 4 days since your missed dose, take it as soon as possible and resume your normal schedule. If more than 4 days have passed, skip the missed dose. Never double up.
Clinical Results
Expected Benefits
Clinical trials (SURPASS and SURMOUNT) have demonstrated significant improvements in both blood sugar control and body weight.
2.0%
Average HbA1c Reduction
15-22%
Average Weight Loss at 72 Weeks
Once
Weekly Injection Only
Beyond the Numbers
Reduced appetite and improved portion control
Better blood pressure and cholesterol levels
Potential improvement in sleep apnea severity
Reduced risk of fatty liver disease progression
Increased energy and improved mobility
Better cardiovascular health markers
Patient Safety
Side Effects & Safety
Most side effects are mild and improve over time. Knowing what to expect helps you manage your treatment confidently.
Common Side Effects
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation
Decreased appetite and early fullness
Mild abdominal pain or indigestion
Injection site reactions (redness, itching)
Mild headache or dizziness
Tips: Eat slowly, choose small frequent meals, avoid high-fat foods, and drink 1.5-2 liters of water daily.
Call Your Doctor Immediately If
Severe stomach pain that won't go away (possible pancreatitis)
Upper right belly pain, yellow skin/eyes, fever (gallbladder issues)
Signs of dehydration: dizziness, fainting, very little urine
Neck lump, trouble swallowing, hoarseness, or breathing difficulty
Signs of allergic reaction: rash, swelling, wheezing, trouble breathing
Need Immediate Help?
If you experience severe symptoms, go to the nearest emergency room or call 9999 (Oman Emergency). For non-urgent concerns, contact Salam Polyclinic at +968 2412 1300.
Important Safety Information
Who Should NOT Take Mounjaro
Your safety is our priority. Inform your doctor about your full medical history before starting treatment.
Condition
Level
Reason / Guidance
Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC) or MEN2
Absolute
Boxed warning due to rodent C-cell tumors. Strictly contraindicated.
Serious allergy to tirzepatide
Absolute
History of anaphylaxis or angioedema from this medication.
Pregnancy or breastfeeding
Avoid
Animal data show fetal harm. Weight loss during pregnancy can also harm the baby.
History of pancreatitis
Caution
Not well studied. Most clinicians avoid or use with extreme caution and close monitoring.
Severe GI disease / gastroparesis
Caution
Delayed gastric emptying may worsen symptoms significantly.
Kidney disease or dehydration risk
Caution
GI losses can trigger acute kidney injury. Stay well hydrated.
Gallbladder disease
Monitor
Increased risk of gallstones. Report upper right belly pain immediately.
Diabetic retinopathy
Monitor
Rapid glucose improvement can temporarily worsen retinopathy.
Drug Interactions: Mounjaro delays stomach emptying, which may affect absorption of oral medications with narrow therapeutic indexes (e.g., warfarin, levothyroxine, cyclosporine). Birth control pills may be less effective — use backup contraception for 4 weeks after starting and after each dose increase. Always tell your doctor about all medications and supplements you take.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Get answers to the most common questions about starting and living with Mounjaro.
Store pens in the refrigerator (2°C to 8°C). Do not freeze. If needed, each single-dose pen may be kept at room temperature for up to 21 days. Once at room temperature, do not return it to the fridge. Protect from light and heat. Throw away any unused pen after 21 days at room temperature.
Metformin and SGLT2 inhibitors can generally be continued at the same dose. If you take insulin or sulfonylureas (e.g., gliclazide), your doctor will likely reduce the dose to prevent low blood sugar. Do not combine Mounjaro with DPP-4 inhibitors or other GLP-1 receptor agonists as there is no added benefit.
Most patients experience reduced appetite and feel full sooner. This is an expected effect. Eat slowly, choose nutrient-dense foods, and stop eating when you feel satisfied — not stuffed. Your dietitian at Salam Polyclinic can help you plan balanced meals.
Do not stop suddenly without discussing with your doctor, especially if you have diabetes. Stopping abruptly can cause blood sugar to rise. If side effects are bothersome, your doctor may pause dose increases or step back to a lower dose rather than stopping completely.
During the first 3-4 months, you will typically be reviewed every 4 weeks (in-person or telehealth) to assess tolerance and adjust your dose. Once stable, visits are every 3-6 months. Diabetics need HbA1c checks every 3 months until stable, then every 6 months.
Moderate alcohol consumption may be acceptable, but avoid heavy drinking. Alcohol can irritate the stomach, worsen nausea, and increase the risk of pancreatitis. Always discuss your alcohol use with your doctor.
Ready to Take Control of Your Health?
Our experienced physicians at Salam International Polyclinic will assess your individual needs, discuss whether Mounjaro is right for you, and guide you through every step of your treatment journey.
