Mounjaro is a brand-name subcutaneous injection prescribed for type 2 diabetes. Mounjaro contains the active ingredient tirzepatide.

Mounjaro is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes, in addition to diet and exercise. Mounjaro has certain limitations of use that you can learn more about in the “Mounjaro uses” section.

What is Mounjaro?

Here is key information about Mounjaro:

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is available only as a brand-name medication. It’s not currently available in generic form.

A generic drug is an exact copy of the active ingredient in a brand-name medication. Generics usually cost less than brand-name drugs.

Typically, your doctor will start you on a low dosage. Then they’ll adjust it over time to reach the amount that’s right for you. Your doctor will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

The following information describes Mounjaro dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to follow the dose your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Drug forms and strengths

Mounjaro comes as a liquid solution in single-dose, prefilled pens. You’ll give yourself doses as subcutaneous injections.

Mounjaro is available in several strengths:

  • 2.5 milligrams (mg) per 0.5 milliliters (mL)
  • 5 mg/0.5 mL
  • 7.5 mg/0.5 mL
  • 10 mg/0.5 mL
  • 12.5 mg/0.5 mL
  • 15 mg/0.5 mL

Dosage for type 2 diabetes

You’ll inject Mounjaro once per week. The typical starting dose is 2.5 mg. After 4 weeks, your doctor will likely increase your dosage to 5 mg once per week.

If your blood sugar level remains too high, your doctor will likely continue to increase your dose. They will typically increase your dosage by 2.5 mg every 4 weeks until your blood sugar level is within a range that’s healthy for you.

The maximum dosage of Mounjaro is 15 mg once per week.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose of Mounjaro, you can take it as soon as you remember, up to 4 days late. Then continue your usual dosing schedule. If more than 4 days have passed, skip the missed dose and take the next dose on its regularly scheduled day. You should take doses of Mounjaro at least 3 days (72 hours) apart.

To help make sure that you do not miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or using a reminder app on your phone.

Will I need to use this drug long term?

Mounjaro is meant to be used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Mounjaro is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely use it long term.

For more information about Mounjaro’s dosages, you can refer to this Mounjaro dosage guide for type 2 diabetes.

Mounjaro can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur during Mounjaro treatment. These lists do not include all possible side effects.

For more information about the possible side effects of Mounjaro, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to manage any side effects that may concern or bother you.

Note: The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) tracks side effects of drugs it has approved. If you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Mounjaro, you can do so through MedWatch.

Mild side effects

Mild side effects of Mounjaro can include:

  • mild digestive problems, such as nausea, diarrhea, reduced appetite, vomiting, constipation, or heartburn
  • abdominal pain
  • injection site reaction
  • mild allergic reaction

To learn more about the last side effect, see “Allergic reaction” later in this article.

This is a partial list of mild side effects from Mounjaro. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist or view Mounjaro’s prescribing information.

Most of these side effects may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. However, if they become more severe or do not go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from Mounjaro are not common, but they can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Serious side effects and their symptoms can include:

  • Acute pancreatitis (sudden inflammation of the pancreas). Symptoms can include:
    • severe abdominal pain that does not go away
    • back pain
    • vomiting
  • Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) if Mounjaro is used with certain other diabetes medications. (For information about other medications that may be prescribed with Mounjaro, see the “Mounjaro use with other treatments” section.) Symptoms of hypoglycemia are usually mild but can become severe if not treated promptly. Severe symptoms can include:
    • irritability
    • sweating
    • shaking
    • hunger
    • fast heart rate
    • dizziness
    • headache
    • loss of consciousness
    • coma
  • Acute (short-term or sudden) gallbladder disease, such as gallstones. Symptoms can include:
    • fever
    • pain in your abdomen
    • nausea and vomiting
  • Severe digestive problems, such as severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. These may lead to dehydration and kidney problems.
  • Risk of thyroid cancer. Mounjaro has a boxed warning for this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. (To learn more, see the “Mounjaro precautions” section.)
  • Severe allergic reaction.
ALLERGIC REACTION

As with most drugs, some people can have an allergic reaction after using Mounjaro. This side effect wasn’t common in clinical trials of Mounjaro.

Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:

A more severe allergic reaction, called anaphylaxis, is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include:

  • swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
  • swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat
  • difficulty breathing

Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to Mounjaro, as the reaction could become severe. Call 911 or your local emergency number if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Mounjaro is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. The drug is meant to be used in addition to diet and exercise. (For more information, see the “Mounjaro use with other treatments” section.)

Mounjaro has two limitations of use:

  • The drug is not approved for use in people with type 1 diabetes. Based on how Mounjaro works, it would likely be ineffective in managing this condition.
  • Mounjaro may not be safe for you if you have or have had pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas).

Note: Mounjaro may also be prescribed off-label for other conditions. Off-label drug use is when an FDA-approved drug is prescribed for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.

Type 2 diabetes explained

When you eat, your body naturally makes hormones called incretins. These hormones signal your pancreas to release insulin and also help you feel full. Incretins help keep your blood sugar within a range that’s healthy for you. This process is called the incretin effect.

Type 2 diabetes diminishes the incretin effect. This leads to hyperglycemia (high blood sugar). Over time, having too much sugar in your blood can cause complications of diabetes. These may include damage to your nerves, eyes, kidneys, and certain tissues. High blood sugar can also increase your risk of cardiovascular problems, such as a heart attack or stroke.

Possible symptoms of type 2 diabetes can include:

  • weight loss
  • fatigue
  • extreme thirst
  • urinating more often than usual
  • blurry vision

You can learn more about diabetes by visiting our diabetes hub.

Effectiveness for type 2 diabetes

Tirzepatide (the active ingredient in Mounjaro) has been shown to be effective in managing blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.

You can read about how the drug performed in clinical trials.

Mounjaro and children

Mounjaro is for use only in adults with type 2 diabetes. The drug is not approved for use in children.

Mounjaro is used to help manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes. With this condition, the body doesn’t respond to insulin in the typical way. (Insulin is a type of hormone that helps move sugar from the blood into cells. The cells use insulin as energy.) Eventually, an organ called the pancreas creates less insulin.

Mounjaro is a type of drug called a dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. Mounjaro is the first medication in the GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist drug class.

What Mounjaro does

Mounjaro’s mechanism of action (how it works in the body) is to imitate the effects of hormones called incretins. Specifically, Mounjaro mimics incretins known as GIP and GLP-1 by activating certain receptors (binding sites) in the body.

By activating these receptors, Mounjaro lowers fasting and post-meal blood sugar levels. The drug does this by:

  • signaling your pancreas to release more insulin after you eat
  • making your body extra sensitive to insulin
  • stopping your liver from making additional sugar

Mounjaro also slows the movement of food through your digestive tract, which can make you feel full for longer than usual.

When used along with a nutritious diet and regular exercise, Mounjaro may help manage your blood sugar level. (For more about the drug’s use with diet and exercise, see the “Mounjaro use with other treatments” section.)

How long does it take to work?

Mounjaro starts working after your first dose. However, it may take several weeks or months until you know the drug’s full effect on your blood sugar level. This is because your doctor will slowly increase your dose of Mounjaro until they find the amount that’s right for you. They’ll usually increase the dose every 4 weeks.

Your doctor can tell you about what to expect during Mounjaro treatment, including how often they’ll monitor your blood sugar and A1C level. (A1C is a blood test that measures your average blood sugar level over the previous 3 months.)

As with all medications, the cost of Mounjaro can vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.

Financial and insurance assistance: If you need financial support to pay for Mounjaro, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available.

A savings card is available for Mounjaro. For more information and to find out whether you’re eligible for support, you can call 833-807-MJRO (833-807-6576) or visit the manufacturer’s website.

Learn more about saving money on prescriptions.

Generic version: Mounjaro is not available in a generic form. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active ingredient in a brand-name medication. Generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

Note: For more information about saving on the price of Mounjaro, refer to this article about Mounjaro’s cost.

Mounjaro coupons

You can visit Optum Perks for price estimates of Mounjaro. These estimates are based on the use of Optum Perks coupons. Note: Optum Perks coupons cannot be used with any insurance copays or benefits.

Here are coupon options for Mounjaro:

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Mounjaro.

What should I do if I’m traveling and need to bring Mounjaro?

You can take Mounjaro with you while you’re traveling. You may store the medication unrefrigerated at temperatures up to 86°F (30°C) for up to 21 days.

For plane travel, keep Mounjaro and any other medications in your carry-on bag rather than your checked luggage. This way, you do not have to be concerned about losing your medication.

If you have more questions about traveling with Mounjaro, talk with your doctor or pharmacist or check with your airline.

How can I manage nausea due to Mounjaro?

Nausea is one of the more common side effects of Mounjaro. In clinical trials, nausea was more likely to occur during dose increases.

When you start Mounjaro treatment, your doctor will likely prescribe a higher dose every 4 weeks. They’ll usually continue increasing your dose until they find the amount that’s right for you. Nausea should go away over time once you’re taking the same dose regularly.

Until then, here are some tips to help manage nausea with Mounjaro:

  • Avoid foods that are high in fat, such as fried foods.
  • Eat bland foods, such as crackers, bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast.
  • Have small, frequent meals instead of three large meals each day.
  • Stop eating as soon as you feel full.

Rarely, nausea and vomiting may lead to dehydration and kidney problems in people using Mounjaro. If your nausea does not go away or leads to severe vomiting, talk with your doctor.

Is Mounjaro used for weight loss?

Mounjaro is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a weight-loss drug. However, doctors may prescribe Mounjaro off-label to help with weight management. (Off-label drug use is when an FDA-approved drug is prescribed for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.) Mounjaro is approved to help manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes alongside diet and exercise.

Some people may lose weight with Mounjaro. Moderate weight loss was seen in people who took the medication in clinical trials. This is because of how Mounjaro works in the body. Also, some of the drug’s common side effects, such as nausea and reduced appetite, may contribute to weight loss.

Your doctor may prescribe Zepbound instead of Mounjaro for weight loss. Zepbound and Mounjaro contain the same active ingredient, tirzepatide. Zepbound is approved for weight loss and weight management in certain adults.

For people who have obesity or are overweight, losing weight may help lower blood sugar levels. This can make diabetes easier to manage. Reaching and maintaining a weight that’s healthy for you may also slow down the progression of diabetes.

If you have questions about ways to manage your weight, talk with your doctor.

Can I purchase Mounjaro online?

If you’re considering purchasing Mounjaro online, talk with your doctor. They can help determine whether Mounjaro might be right for you and provide a prescription.

You could also look into purchasing Mounjaro through a telemedicine provider such as Calibrate or Ro. Through these services, a licensed telehealth professional will give you a health evaluation. If the evaluation shows that Mounjaro could be a helpful option for you, the telehealth professional may provide an electronic prescription. You can then use this prescription to order the medication through the service’s site. After you start using the medication, the service will provide coaching and other support.

If you get a Mounjaro prescription through a telemedicine provider such as Calibrate or Ro, we encourage you to tell your doctor. It’s important that your doctor knows about all medications you take.

Mounjaro is meant to be used along with diet and exercise. In addition, your doctor may prescribe Mounjaro alone or with other medications that treat type 2 diabetes.

Mounjaro and diet and exercise

Following a balanced diet and exercise program is important for helping manage blood sugar levels. Your doctor can recommend a diet and exercise plan to follow while using Mounjaro.

Your doctor can explain how certain food groups, such as carbohydrates, can affect your blood sugar level. They can also review important factors in a diabetes diet, such as portion management and planning mealtimes.

In addition, your doctor can recommend a registered dietitian or nutritionist or fitness professional to help develop a diet and exercise plan that works for you.

Mounjaro and other drugs

In clinical trials, Mounjaro was effective for managing blood sugar levels when people took it by itself. The drug was also effective when people took it in combination with other diabetes medications. Some examples of drugs that people took with Mounjaro in these trials were:

If you also use insulin, you can administer Mounjaro and insulin at the same time. You may also inject both Mounjaro and insulin within the same body area, such as your abdomen. However, you should not use the same exact spot. Instead, administer them a few inches apart.

Keep in mind that taking certain diabetes medications, including insulin or sulfonylureas, can increase the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) with Mounjaro. To learn about symptoms of this side effect, see “Serious side effects” in the “Mounjaro side effects” section. Your doctor or pharmacist can advise you on how to help manage hypoglycemia.

Doctors usually recommend limiting your alcohol intake while taking medications that lower blood sugar, such as Mounjaro.

Drinking alcohol can increase the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in people with diabetes. Hypoglycemia is a possible side effect of Mounjaro. Alcohol can also mask the warning symptoms of hypoglycemia. (To learn about symptoms of hypoglycemia, see “Serious side effects” in the “Mounjaro side effects” section.)

Hypoglycemia can become serious if it’s not treated quickly. For these reasons, drinking alcohol during Mounjaro treatment carries risks.

If you drink alcohol, be sure to talk with your doctor about how much, if any, is safe for you to consume during Mounjaro treatment.

Mounjaro can interact with several other medications. It can also interact with certain supplements and certain foods.

Different interactions can cause various effects. For instance, some interactions can interfere with how well a drug works. Other interactions can increase side effects or make them more severe. Drug-condition interactions can also cause certain effects. For information about these interactions, see the “Mounjaro precautions” section.

Mounjaro and other medications

Here is an overview of medications that can interact with Mounjaro. This article does not discuss all drugs that may interact with Mounjaro.

Before using Mounjaro, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

Certain oral medications: Mounjaro can slow gastric emptying (movement of stomach contents into the small intestine). Slowed gastric emptying due to Mounjaro mainly occurs when you first start treatment and after your doctor increases your dose. This condition may reduce the effectiveness of certain oral medications, such as:

  • Warfarin: If you take a blood thinner called warfarin (Jantoven), your doctor may monitor you extra closely during Mounjaro treatment. They may need to adjust your dosage of warfarin more often than usual.
  • Birth control pills: If you take birth control pills, your doctor will likely recommend that you switch to a non-pill form of birth control, such as the patch or vaginal ring. Or your doctor may recommend adding a barrier method of birth control (such as condoms) during the first phase of Mounjaro treatment. For more details about this, see the “Mounjaro and birth control” section.

Certain diabetes medications: Certain diabetes medications can increase the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) if taken with Mounjaro. Your doctor may have you monitor your blood sugar level often if they prescribe any of these drugs. They can also advise you on how to recognize the symptoms of hypoglycemia and what to do about them. (To learn about symptoms of hypoglycemia, see “Serious side effects” in the “Mounjaro side effects” section.)

Examples of these medications include:

Note: If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Mounjaro and herbs and supplements

No herbs or supplements have been specifically reported to interact with Mounjaro. However, you should still check with your doctor or pharmacist before using any of these products during Mounjaro treatment.

Mounjaro and foods

No food interactions have been specifically reported with Mounjaro. If you have any questions about eating certain foods with Mounjaro, talk with your doctor.

To learn more about potential interactions with Mounjaro, refer to this article on Mounjaro interactions.

You should use Mounjaro according to the instructions your doctor gives you.

Mounjaro comes as a liquid solution in single-dose, prefilled pens. You’ll give yourself doses as subcutaneous injections. This type of injection is given just under the skin.

You’ll inject Mounjaro using the following sites:

  • abdomen
  • thigh
  • outer area of the upper arm (only if someone else gives your dose to you)

Be sure to use a different injection site each week. Repeatedly using the same injection site might irritate the area.

If you also use insulin, you can administer Mounjaro and insulin at the same time. You may inject both Mounjaro and insulin within the same body area, such as your abdomen. However, you should not use the same exact spot. Instead, be sure to administer them at least a few inches apart.

When to use

You’ll inject Mounjaro once per week at any time of day.

Using Mounjaro on the same day each week helps keep a steady level of the drug in your body. This helps the medication work effectively.

If needed, you can change the day of the week you give yourself Mounjaro. To do this, make sure to wait at least 3 days (72 hours) between doses. For example, perhaps you usually inject Mounjaro on Sundays, and your last dose was at 8 a.m. that day. To switch your injection day to later in the week, you should wait until at least Wednesday at 8 a.m. to give yourself your next dose.

To help make sure that you do not miss a dose, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or using a reminder app on your phone.

Accessible labels and containers

If your prescription label is hard to read, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Some pharmacies offer labels that have large print, braille, or a code you scan with a smartphone to convert text to speech. If your local pharmacy does not have these options, your doctor or pharmacist may be able to direct you to one that does.

If you can become pregnant, consider the following information about pregnancy, fertility, birth control, and breastfeeding. You can also refer to this Mounjaro and pregnancy, breastfeeding, and birth control article for more information.

Mounjaro and pregnancy

Your doctor will likely recommend not using Mounjaro while you’re pregnant. This is because it is unknown whether Mounjaro is safe to use during pregnancy. Pregnant people were not included in the drug’s clinical trials.

Based on animal studies, tirzepatide (the active ingredient in Mounjaro) may cause harm to a fetus.

If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, talk with your doctor. They can recommend safe ways to help manage diabetes during this time.

Mounjaro and fertility

It is unknown whether Mounjaro affects fertility (the biological ability to become pregnant or impregnate someone else).

In animal studies, male animals given tirzepatide (the active ingredient in Mounjaro) did not have fertility problems. Some female animals given tirzepatide had signs of reduced fertility. These signs were thought to be related to the females’ reduced food intake and body weight. However, animal studies do not always reflect what could happen in humans.

If you have questions about Mounjaro and your fertility, talk with your doctor.

Mounjaro and birth control

It is unknown whether Mounjaro is safe to use during pregnancy. If you or your partner can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your birth control needs during Mounjaro treatment.

It’s important to note that Mounjaro may interact with certain types of birth control pills. Mounjaro may reduce the effectiveness of hormonal birth control pills at certain times. These times are during the first 4 weeks of Mounjaro treatment and 4 weeks after each dose increase. (See the “Mounjaro dosage” section for details about this medication’s typical dosing.)

If you take an oral form of hormonal birth control, your doctor will likely recommend either:

  • switching to a non-oral birth control method, such as the patch or vaginal ring, or
  • adding a barrier method of birth control, such as condoms

You may be able to switch back to your birth control pill 4 weeks after the last dose increase. If you have questions about this, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Mounjaro and breastfeeding

Your doctor will likely recommend not using Mounjaro while breastfeeding. It is unknown whether the drug is safe to use during this time. Researchers have not yet studied Mounjaro’s effects on breast milk.

If you’re breastfeeding or considering it, talk with your doctor before starting Mounjaro treatment. They can recommend safe ways to help manage diabetes.

This drug comes with several precautions. These are considered drug-condition interactions.

FDA warning: Risk of thyroid cancer

This drug has a boxed warning. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A boxed warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

In animal trials, tirzepatide (the active ingredient in Mounjaro) was found to cause thyroid cancer. Specifically, animals developed thyroid C-cell tumors. It is unknown whether Mounjaro might cause thyroid cancer, such as medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), in humans. No reports of thyroid cancer occurred among people who used the medication in clinical trials.

Due to this possible risk, doctors typically will not prescribe Mounjaro if you or a family member has had MTC. They also won’t prescribe it if you have a condition called MEN 2. The term “MEN 2” is short for multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2. This genetic condition may cause thyroid cancer.

During Mounjaro treatment, tell your doctor right away if you notice symptoms of thyroid tumors, such as:

  • a mass or lump in your neck
  • painful swallowing
  • difficulty breathing
  • hoarseness that does not go away

Your doctor will likely pause your Mounjaro treatment if you have these symptoms. If your doctor confirms you have thyroid cancer, they’ll usually have you stop using the drug.

If you have questions or concerns about your risk of thyroid cancer with Mounjaro, talk with your doctor.

Other precautions

Before starting Mounjaro treatment, talk with your doctor about your health history. The drug may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. These include:

  • Pancreatitis: It is unknown whether Mounjaro is safe for people with a history of pancreatitis. Having this condition in the past may increase your risk of developing pancreatitis as a side effect of Mounjaro. Your doctor may prescribe a different treatment option for you.
  • Kidney problems: If you develop severe vomiting and diarrhea with Mounjaro, it’s possible to become dehydrated. This could lead to kidney problems. If you already have kidney problems and your doctor prescribes Mounjaro, they may monitor your kidney function closely.
  • Diabetic retinopathy: Mounjaro may cause temporary worsening of diabetic retinopathy. If you have this condition, talk with your doctor. They may recommend watching for any changes in your vision, such as blurred vision. Your doctor may also want you to visit an ophthalmologist if the diabetic retinopathy does not improve on its own over time.
  • Digestive system problems: It is unknown whether Mounjaro is safe for people with digestive system problems, such as gastroparesis. Having this condition may increase your risk of severe digestive problems as a side effect of Mounjaro. Your doctor may prescribe a different treatment option for you.
  • Upcoming surgery: In people who are under general anesthesia or deep sedation for surgery, Mounjaro may cause pulmonary aspiration (accidental inhalation of liquid or other substances). While this was not reported in clinical trials, there were reports of this happening after the drug became available on the market. Tell your doctor if you have a planned surgery before starting Mounjaro or need surgery while you are receiving the drug.
  • Allergic reaction: If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Mounjaro or any of its ingredients, your doctor will likely not prescribe Mounjaro. Ask your doctor what other medications may be better options for you.
  • Pregnancy: Your doctor will likely recommend not using Mounjaro while you’re pregnant. For more information, see the “Mounjaro and pregnancy” section.
  • Breastfeeding: Your doctor will likely recommend not using Mounjaro while breastfeeding. For more information, see the “Mounjaro and breastfeeding” section.

Note: For more information about the potential negative effects of Mounjaro, see the “Mounjaro side effects” section earlier in this article.

Do not use more Mounjaro than your doctor recommends. For some drugs, doing so may lead to unwanted side effects or overdose.

What to do in case you use too much Mounjaro

If you think you’ve used too much of this drug, call your doctor. You can also call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. However, if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or your local emergency number, or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

When you get Mounjaro from the pharmacy, the pharmacist will add an expiration date to the label on the packaging. This date is typically 1 year from the date they dispensed the medication.

The expiration date helps guarantee that the medication remains effective during this time. The current stance of the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is to avoid using expired medications. If you have unused medication that has gone past the expiration date, ask your pharmacist how to dispose of it correctly.

Storage

How long a medication remains good to use can depend on many factors, including how and where you store the medication.

You should store Mounjaro pens in their original carton in the refrigerator at a temperature of 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). This helps protect the drug from light. You should not freeze Mounjaro.

You can also keep Mounjaro pens out of the refrigerator at temperatures of up to 86°F (30°C) for up to 21 days. If you leave a pen unrefrigerated for longer than this time, you should not use it.

Disposal

Right after you’ve used a Mounjaro pen, dispose of it in an FDA-approved sharps disposal container. This helps prevent others, including children and pets, from accidentally using the pen or harming themselves with the needle. You can buy a sharps container online, or ask your doctor, pharmacist, or health insurance company where to get one.

For tips on disposing of prescription drugs, see this article on safe medication disposal. You can also ask your pharmacist for information about how to dispose of your medication.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.