Mounjaro Dosage: Complete 2.5mg→15mg Titration Chart + Missed Dose Protocol

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is an FDA-approved once-weekly injectable medicine manufactured by Eli Lilly for adults and children aged 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes. The active ingredient tirzepatide is a dual GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) and GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist that helps lower blood sugar levels and promotes weight loss when used alongside diet and exercise.

The FDA-approved Mounjaro dosing schedule involves a minimum 20-week titration from 2.5 mg to the maximum dose of 15 mg, helping prevent gastrointestinal intolerance that affects many patients.

Each single-dose pen delivers a precise dose subcutaneously once weekly. The SURMOUNT-1 clinical trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine demonstrated that participants achieved an average 21% body weight reduction at the 15 mg maintenance dose over 72 weeks.

TL;DR: Mounjaro Dosing Quick Facts

• Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is an FDA-approved injectable medication with six dose strengths: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and 15 mg per 0.5 mL injection. 
• Treatment begins at 2.5 mg once weekly for 4 weeks to help your body adjust, then increases to 5 mg. 
• Your healthcare provider may increase doses in 2.5 mg increments every 4 weeks based on tolerance and treatment response. The maximum maintenance dose is 15 mg weekly. 
• If you miss a dose, take it within 4 days (96 hours); if more than 4 days pass, skip it and resume your regular schedule. 
• Clinical trials show 15 mg tirzepatide achieves approximately 21% body weight reduction at 72 weeks. 
• Store pens refrigerated at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C), or at room temperature up to 86°F (30°C) for a maximum of 21 days.

FDA-Approved Dosing Schedule

According to the official prescribing information from Eli Lilly, the starting dose of 2.5 mg is intended solely for treatment initiation to allow your body time to adjust it is not intended for glycemic control.

Healthcare providers individualize dosing based on each patient’s specific health status, medical history, and treatment goals. The dose can be increased in 2.5 mg increments after at least 4 weeks on the current dose, with the maximum maintenance dose being 15 mg once weekly.

Studies indicate that higher doses of tirzepatide may be associated with greater reductions in body weight, though the optimal dose varies depending on whether the primary goal is managing type 2 diabetes or supporting weight management.

Standard SURMOUNT Titration Schedule

The table below outlines the recommended titration schedule based on FDA guidelines and SURMOUNT clinical trial protocols:

Source: SURMOUNT-1 Trial data published in NEJM (2022)

Available Mounjaro Pen Doses

Mounjaro comes in single-dose pens (also available as single-dose vials) with a clear, colorless to slightly yellow solution. Each pen delivers exactly one weekly dose. The different dosage forms are color-coded on the pen label for easy identification:

Always check the pen label before injection to confirm you are using the right dose of Mounjaro. Your healthcare professional should show you how to use the injectable pen properly before you start Mounjaro.

Why Increase Mounjaro Dose

Dosage increases of Mounjaro are considered if the current dose is well-tolerated and further improvement in blood sugar or weight is desired. Your healthcare provider may recommend increasing to a higher dose when you experience a weight loss plateau, your appetite returns, or you’re losing less than 1 pound per week.

The minimum time between dose increases is 4 weeks, allowing your body to adjust to each new dose level and minimizing gastrointestinal side effects. Studies indicate that higher doses of tirzepatide are associated with greater weight loss, with clinical trials showing significant additional weight reduction when increasing from 5 mg to 15 mg.

Clinical Escalation Criteria

Lowest Mounjaro Dose Effectiveness

According to Eli Lilly’s prescribing information, the 2.5 mg dose is for treatment initiation and is not intended for glycemic control or significant weight loss. Some patients may find a lower maintenance dose effective while others may require higher doses individual response varies considerably.

2.5 mg vs 5 mg Clinical Data

Missed Dose Protocol

According to the FDA-approved Medication Guide: if you miss a dose of Mounjaro, take the missed dose as soon as possible within 4 days (96 hours) after the missed dose. If more than 4 days have passed, skip the missed dose and take your next dose on the regularly scheduled day.

Important: Do not take 2 doses of Mounjaro within 3 days of each other. If you forget a Mounjaro dose, do not inject a double dose to make up for it. You may change the day of the week you use Mounjaro as long as there are at least 3 days (72 hours) between doses.

Timing-Based Management

Mounjaro Dosing Chart: Weight Loss Trajectory

Clinical trials published in the New England Journal of Medicine demonstrated significant and sustained weight loss over 72 weeks with tirzepatide. 

The SURMOUNT-1 trial showed dose-dependent results, with higher doses achieving greater weight reduction. 

Higher doses of Mounjaro are associated with greater weight loss, with clinical trials showing a substantial increase in weight loss when increasing from 5 mg to 15 mg.

72-Week Weight Loss Trajectory

Source: Jastreboff AM, et al. Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity. N Engl J Med. 2022;387:205-216

Pen Administration Protocol

Mounjaro should be injected under the skin (subcutaneously) of your stomach (abdomen), thigh, or back of your upper arm. Another person should give you the injection in the upper arm if you cannot reach. You should inject Mounjaro once weekly, at the same time and day each week. Always read the Instructions for Use that come with your Mounjaro pen before using it. [Official Mounjaro Administration Guide]

KwikPen Usage Rules

Storage Guidelines: Mounjaro pens should be stored in the refrigerator between 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). Do not freeze your Mounjaro pen. Store your pen in the original carton to protect from light. If needed, you may store your pen at room temperature below 86°F (30°C) for up to 21 days. Mounjaro pens must be discarded after 21 days if stored outside the refrigerator, even if medication remains. [Drugs.com Storage Guide]

Check the expiration date on the pen label and carton Mounjaro pens have an expiration date and should not be used after this date.

References

1. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) Prescribing Information
2. Jastreboff AM, Aronne LJ, Ahmad NN, et al. Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity. N Engl J Med. 2022;387:205-216
3. Eli Lilly and Company. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) Full Prescribing Information
4. Eli Lilly and Company. Mounjaro Medication Guide
5. National Center for Biotechnology Information. Tirzepatide. StatPearls