Description
Titration explained
Titration, a method of gradually increasing your medication strength, is important for finding the right balance between effectiveness and minimising side effects. Starting with a low dose helps reduce the chances of side effects.
With Mounjaro, your healthcare provider will slowly raise your dose every four weeks, allowing your body to adjust. This step-by-step approach ensures effective treatment without causing unwanted symptoms.
Regular communication with your prescriber is crucial to find the right dose. While it might seem like titration slows down the process, it’s a necessary way to keep your treatment controlled, sustainable and safe.
The Mounjaro titration path
Mounjaro is available in various doses: 2.5mg, 5mg, 7.5mg, 10mg, 12.5mg and 15mg. Your Mounjaro starting dose will begin with a 2.5mg injection once a week for the first month.
After this initial period, you may switch to a 5mg injection once a week. If necessary, your prescriber may decide to increase your dosage by 2.5mg every four weeks.
This gradual adjustment can bring your dosage up to 7.5mg once a week, then to 10mg, 12.5mg, and a maximum of 15mg. It’s important to note that not everyone will need the higher doses for Mounjaro to be effective.
When your dosage will increase
Everyone who uses Mounjaro will start on the lowest dose of 2.5mg; this will then increase to 5mg after four weeks.
This will then increase by a further 2.5mg every month if both you and your prescriber are happy, taking into consideration how effective your current dose is and if you’re experiencing any side effects.
For example, if you’re experiencing minimal side effects and you’re still having food cravings or you haven’t lost enough weight, this is when your prescriber will consider increasing your dose.
Sometimes, other factors may impact how often your dose increases, such as your age and if you have any health conditions.
Why can’t I start on the highest dose of Mounjaro?
Starting Mounjaro at its highest dose is not recommended because your body needs time to adjust to the medication properly. Begin with the lowest dose to understand how the treatment affects you, including changes in appetite and potential side effects.
Your Mounjaro dose can only be increased every four weeks. You might think that jumping straight in at the highest dose will result in quicker weight loss, but this isn’t the case.
Your body will likely be unable to tolerate a high dose right away, resulting in potential side effects, which could make you want to stop treatment altogether.
Starting with the highest possible dose of tirzepatide from the beginning may result in worse side effects, as your body is not accustomed to the treatment. Moreover, it does not guarantee more significant long-term weight loss.
Always follow your prescriber’s dosing instructions. They can evaluate your results, address any side effects, and adjust your treatment for the best possible outcome.
Side effects while following your titration plan
Like all medications, Mounjaro may have side effects in some individuals, although not everyone will have them.
If you have concerns about potential side effects, it is advisable to consult your healthcare provider for guidance. Common side effects of Mounjaro may include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Reduced appetite
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Indigestion (possibly resulting in sulphur burps)
- Stomach pain
Certain side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea, are more likely during the initial increase of your Mounjaro dose. Fortunately, these effects typically diminish over time as your body adjusts to the medication.
