What is Mounjaro: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

How to take Mounjaro

Mounjaro comes as an injectable solution that is typically administered once per week. Here are the steps to take Mounjaro:

• Choose your injection site: The best injection site varies between individuals. Consult your healthcare provider to find the most appropriate location. Common injection sites include the stomach, thighs, or the back of the upper arms.

• Clean the injection site: Always clean the area and ensure it’s dry before injecting. Use an alcohol swab to clean the skin and let it dry for a few seconds.

• Prepare the Mounjaro single-dose pen: Remove the pen cap and attach a new needle to the pen by screwing it on tightly.

• Dial the dose: Turn the dose selector on the pen to the number of units prescribed by your healthcare provider.

• Inject Mounjaro: Pinch the skin at the injection site and insert the needle at a 90-degree angle. Press the injection button on the pen until it stops. Hold for 5-10 seconds to ensure the full dose of Mounjaro is administered.

• Dispose of the needle safely: Remove the needle from the pen and dispose of it in a designated sharps container. Recap the pen and store it safely until the next use.

Change the location where you inject the medication with each dose. In addition, Mounjaro can be taken with or without a meal. Follow your healthcare provider's advice and the instructions included with the Mounjaro pen for proper use and dosing.

What to do if you miss a dose of Mounjaro

• Take the missed dose as soon as possible if it is within 4 days (96 hours) after the missed dose. This will help maintain the effectiveness of the medication.

• If more than 4 days have passed since the missed dose, skip the missed dose and proceed with your next dose on the regularly scheduled day. This helps avoid potential complications from taking two doses too close together.

• Do not take two doses of Mounjaro within 3 days of each other to avoid possible side effects or an overdose.

• Remember to resume your regular once-weekly dosing schedule after taking the missed dose or after skipping it if more than 4 days have passed.

• Consult your doctor, pharmacist, or caregiver if you have any concerns or questions about missed doses and the appropriate next steps.

Mounjaro contraindications

• Mounjaro is contraindicated in people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), as the drug may increase the risk of developing thyroid C-cell tumors or thyroid cancer.

• Mounjaro should not be used in those who have had serious allergic reactions or hypersensitivity reactions to the drug or its ingredients. Mounjaro may cause serious allergic reactions, which can lead to life-threatening adverse effects.

• Patients with a history of kidney complications, such as acute kidney injury or kidney failure, should be cautious when using Mounjaro. The drug may worsen existing kidney conditions or increase the risk of developing kidney problems.

• Severe stomach problems and acute pancreatitis: Mounjaro has not been studied extensively in patients with a history of pancreatitis or severe stomach issues. Using the medication in these situations may worsen the existing condition or lead to complications.

• Patients with a history of nonproliferative diabetic retinopathy requiring acute therapy, proliferative diabetic retinopathy, or diabetic macular edema have not been studied with the use of Mounjaro. It is important to monitor for the progression of retinopathy if Mounjaro is prescribed. 

• Mounjaro has been linked to acute gallbladder disease in clinical trials. Patients should be monitored for symptoms of cholelithiasis, and the use of Mounjaro should be reconsidered in patients developing this condition.

Mounjaro warnings

• Mounjaro carries a boxed warning for the risk of thyroid cancer, the most serious warning issued by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

• People with a history of gastrointestinal problems, such as slowed emptying of the stomach or trouble digesting meals, should use caution when taking Mounjaro.

• The drug may increase the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in some individuals. Monitor blood glucose levels regularly while using this medication, especially if you use other antidiabetic drugs like sulfonylureas or insulin.

• Mounjaro might not be suitable for individuals with chronic renal failure or a history of worsening chronic renal failure.

• Patients with a history of diabetic retinopathy should be cautious, as Mounjaro may worsen this condition.

• It is not known whether Mounjaro harms an unborn baby during pregnancy or a breastfeeding child. In addition, Mounjaro may reduce the effectiveness of birth control medications. Consult a healthcare provider for more information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before starting treatment. 

• Inform your healthcare provider about any medical conditions, medical history, or other medications you are taking before starting Mounjaro treatment.

Mounjaro interactions

Although Mounjaro can be an effective diabetes medication, it may also interact with other drugs and substances. These interactions could potentially lead to unwanted side effects or affect the efficacy of Mounjaro and other medications. Some potential Mounjaro interactions include:

• Birth control pills and oral hormonal contraceptives: Mounjaro may affect how well birth control pills work. Discuss the use of birth control pills with a healthcare provider before starting Mounjaro treatment.

• Insulin: Combining Mounjaro with insulins, such as insulin glargine or insulin aspart, may increase the risk of hypoglycemia. Monitor blood sugar levels closely and consult a healthcare provider for dosage adjustments when necessary.

• Other diabetes medications: Mounjaro may interact with other diabetes drugs such as sulfonylureas or glinides, potentially leading to hypoglycemia. Tell the prescribing doctor about other diabetes medications to avoid dangerous interactions.

• GLP-1 receptor agonists: Since Mounjaro belongs to the GLP-1 receptor agonist class of drugs, combining it with other GLP-1 receptor agonists may lead to additive side effects. 

This is not a complete list of drug interactions. Consult a healthcare provider about the use of medications while taking Mounjaro.