HEALTH ADVICE · WEIGHT LOSS
Mounjaro dosage and maintenance
Mounjaro isn’t a race to 15 mg. The SmPC sets a gradual step-up, and the recommended maintenance doses are 5, 10 and 15 mg — the right one is the lowest dose that gives you good results with manageable side effects.
The titration schedule
| Weeks | Dose | Stage (per SmPC) |
|---|---|---|
| 1–4 | 2.5 mg | Starting dose (not a maintenance dose) |
| From week 5 | 5 mg | Recommended maintenance dose |
| +4 weeks min | 7.5 mg | Optional step-up (2.5 mg increment) |
| +4 weeks min | 10 mg | Recommended maintenance dose |
| +4 weeks min | 12.5 mg | Optional step-up |
| +4 weeks min | 15 mg | Maximum dose / recommended maintenance |
Per SmPC: start 2.5 mg once weekly; increase to 5 mg after 4 weeks; further increases in 2.5 mg steps after a minimum of 4 weeks on the current dose. Recommended maintenance doses are 5, 10 and 15 mg; maximum is 15 mg once weekly.
What “maintenance” means
The SmPC lists 5, 10 and 15 mg as the recommended maintenance doses. Some people settle at 5 mg; others need 10 or 15 mg. Higher is not automatically better — larger doses bring more side effects, and if your current dose is delivering steady progress there is no need to climb further.
The SmPC also notes a review point for weight management: if someone has not lost at least 5% of their initial body weight six months after reaching the highest tolerated dose, the prescriber should reconsider whether to continue, weighing benefits and risks for that individual.
Missed doses (per SmPC)
If a dose is missed, take it as soon as possible within 4 days of the missed dose. If more than 4 days have passed, skip it and take the next dose on the regular day. The dosing day can be changed if needed, as long as there are at least 3 days between two doses.
How to inject (per SmPC)
Inject under the skin of the abdomen or thigh; the upper arm may be used if someone else gives the injection. Any time of day, with or without meals. Rotate the injection site with each dose. If you also inject insulin, use a different site. Read the Instructions for Use and Patient Information Leaflet before your first dose.
Frequently asked questions
No. 5, 10 and 15 mg are all recommended maintenance doses; the right dose is the lowest that works for you.
No — increases are prescribing decisions and happen no sooner than every 4 weeks, in 2.5 mg steps.
The SmPC suggests reviewing treatment if you haven’t lost at least 5% of your starting weight six months after reaching your highest tolerated dose — your prescriber will discuss options.
The SmPC states no dose adjustment is needed for age or for renal/hepatic impairment, though caution applies in severe cases — tell us your full history.
Ready to start?
Mounjaro is available through our prescriber-reviewed consultation.
Clinical review
- Electronic medicines compendium (emc). Mounjaro KwikPen solution for injection — Summary of Product Characteristics. Product 15481. medicines.org.uk/emc/product/15481/smpc
- Electronic medicines compendium (emc). Mounjaro KwikPen — Patient Information Leaflet. medicines.org.uk/emc/product/15481/pil
- National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE). Tirzepatide for managing overweight and obesity. Technology appraisal guidance TA1026. nice.org.uk/guidance/ta1026
- MHRA Yellow Card scheme (report suspected side effects). yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk
