The newest treatment for diabetes is Mounjaro (tirzepatide), which was approved by the FDA in May 2022 (ref)
It is a dual-targeted medication that improves blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes when used in addition to diet and exercise. (Ref)
Mounjaro was found to be more effective than other diabetes therapies in clinical studies.
Another new diabetes medication is Teplizumab, a monoclonal antibody that modifies T cells to prolong the pancreas’ ability to produce insulin. (Ref)
Steglujan (ertugliflozin and sitagliptin) is another medication that was approved in 2017 to improve blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes when used along with diet and exercise. (Ref)
What is Mounjaro and how does it work?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a once-weekly non-insulin injection for adults with type 2 diabetes to help lower A1C along with diet and exercise. (Ref)
It is a dual-targeted medication that works as a “dual agonist” or a “dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist”.
It is similar to GLP-1 receptor agonists, which have been shown to lower glucose levels and lead to weight loss.
Mounjaro has been shown to improve glucose levels and dramatically improve weight in clinical trials. It works by stimulating the release of insulin and suppressing the release of glucagon, which helps to lower blood sugar levels.
It also slows down the emptying of the stomach, which helps to reduce appetite and promote weight loss.
What is the mechanism of action of Mounjaro?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. (Ref)
It is a single molecule that selectively binds to and activates both the GIP and GLP-1 receptors. (Ref)
Mounjaro works by stimulating the release of insulin and suppressing the release of glucagon, which helps to lower blood sugar levels. It also slows down the emptying of the stomach, which helps to reduce appetite and promote weight loss. (Ref)
Mounjaro has been shown to improve glucose levels and dramatically improve weight in clinical trials. (Ref)
In studies with or without diabetes medications, 75% to 90% of people taking Mounjaro reached an A1C of less than 7%, with an average starting A1C of 7.9% to 8.6% across the 5-mg, 10-mg, and 15-mg doses. (Ref)
What is the recommended dosage for Mounjaro?
The recommended starting dosage of Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is 2.5 mg injected subcutaneously once weekly. (Ref)
This dosage is for treatment initiation and is not intended for glycemic control.
After 4 weeks, the dosage should be increased to 5 mg. The maximum dosage of Mounjaro is 15 mg injected subcutaneously once weekly.
If a dose is missed, patients should administer Mounjaro as soon as possible within 4 days (96 hours) after the missed dose.
If more than 4 days have passed, patients should skip the missed dose and administer the next dose on the regularly scheduled day.
In each case, patients can then resume their regular once-weekly dosing schedule. The day of weekly administration can be changed, if necessary, as long as the time between the two doses is at least 3 days (72 hours).
How long should the treatment last?
The duration of treatment with Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is not specified in the search results. However, the recommended starting dosage of Mounjaro is 2.5 mg injected subcutaneously once weekly. (Ref)
After 4 weeks, the dosage should be increased to 5 mg.
If additional glycemic control is needed, the dosage can be increased in 2.5 mg increments after at least 4 weeks on the current dose.
The maximum dosage of Mounjaro is 15 mg injected subcutaneously once weekly. In clinical trials, the median time to reach at least a 5% weight loss was 16 weeks with Mounjaro 5 mg, 12 weeks with Mounjaro 10 and 15 mg, and 24 weeks with placebo. (Ref)
The duration of treatment with Mounjaro may vary depending on the individual patient’s response to the medication and the severity of their condition.
What are the side-effects of Mounjaro?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) may cause several side effects, including nausea, diarrhea, decreased appetite, vomiting, constipation, indigestion, and abdominal pain. (Ref)
Other side effects that may occur include allergic reactions, change in vision, dehydration, shakiness, slurred speech, and unusual tiredness or weakness.
These side effects may go away during treatment as the body adjusts to the medicine. However, if any of these side effects persist or worsen, patients should contact their healthcare provider immediately.
It may also cause serious side effects, such as pancreatitis, diabetic retinopathy, and kidney injury. Patients should seek medical attention immediately if they experience symptoms such as severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, or if they notice changes in their vision or urine output.
It is important for patients to discuss the risks and benefits of Mounjaro with their healthcare provider before starting treatment.
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