Mounjaro Dosage Chart & Titration Schedule
Complete guide to Mounjaro dosing, pen identification, titration schedule, and what to expect at each dose level with the KwikPen injection system.
Mounjaro Dosage Overview
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is available in six dose strengths: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and 15 mg. Each dose is administered as a single subcutaneous injection once per week. The dosing regimen is highly customizable based on your individual response, tolerability, and therapeutic goals. Most patients start at the lowest dose and gradually titrate upward over several weeks to minimize side effects and maximize tolerability.
The standard approach is to increase by 2.5 mg every four weeks, but your healthcare provider may adjust this schedule based on your progress and how well you\'re tolerating each dose.
Complete Mounjaro Dosage Chart
| Dose Strength | Pen Color | Typical Timeline | Expected Effects |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2.5 mg | Yellow | Weeks 1–4 (Starting dose) | Mild appetite suppression, minimal nausea |
| 5 mg | Teal/Blue-green | Weeks 5–8 | Moderate appetite suppression, some nausea, constipation common |
| 7.5 mg | Purple | Weeks 9–12 | Strong appetite suppression, nausea may peak then improve |
| 10 mg | Orange | Weeks 13–16 | Potent appetite suppression, side effects often plateau |
| 12.5 mg | Gray | Weeks 17–20 | Maximum appetite suppression, most patients tolerate well |
| 15 mg | White | Weeks 21+ (Maintenance) | Maximum dose, strongest effects, typically well-tolerated |
Standard Titration Schedule
The recommended titration schedule for Mounjaro follows a step-wise approach, increasing by 2.5 mg every four weeks. This allows your body time to adapt and helps minimize gastrointestinal side effects. However, this schedule is flexible and can be modified based on your individual response.
| Week(s) | Dose | Action |
|---|---|---|
| 1–4 | 2.5 mg | Start here; yellow pen |
| 5–8 | 5 mg | Increase to teal pen if tolerating 2.5 mg well |
| 9–12 | 7.5 mg | Increase to purple pen |
| 13–16 | 10 mg | Increase to orange pen |
| 17–20 | 12.5 mg | Increase to gray pen |
| 21+ | 15 mg | Optional increase to white pen (maximum dose) |
Pen Color Identification & Storage
Each Mounjaro pen is distinctly color-coded to help you quickly identify your dose strength. Always verify the dose on the pen's label before injecting, especially if you're transitioning between doses.
- 2.5 mg: Yellow pen—contains a single 2.5 mg dose
- 5 mg: Teal/blue-green pen—contains a single 5 mg dose
- 7.5 mg: Purple pen—contains a single 7.5 mg dose
- 10 mg: Orange pen—contains a single 10 mg dose
- 12.5 mg: Gray pen—contains a single 12.5 mg dose
- 15 mg: White pen—contains a single 15 mg dose
Storage Instructions: All Mounjaro pens should be stored in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) in their original packaging. Do not freeze. Once you remove a pen from the refrigerator, it can remain at room temperature (up to 30°C or 86°F) for 21 days before it expires. Write the date on the pen when you remove it from the refrigerator so you know when it expires.
How to Use the Mounjaro KwikPen
The Mounjaro KwikPen is a pre-filled, single-use injection pen designed for ease of use. Follow these step-by-step instructions:
Before Injection
- Remove from refrigerator: Take your Mounjaro pen out of the refrigerator 30 minutes before injection to allow it to reach room temperature. This reduces discomfort during injection.
- Inspect the liquid: Hold the pen up to a light and check that the liquid is clear and colorless. If it's cloudy, discolored, or contains particles, do not use it.
- Choose your injection site: You can inject Mounjaro in the abdomen (stomach area, at least 2 inches from the belly button), thigh (front of the thigh), or upper arm (back of the arm). Rotate injection sites weekly to reduce skin irritation.
- Prepare the skin: Clean the injection site with an alcohol wipe and let it air dry completely (30 seconds).
During Injection
- Remove the needle cover: Twist the gray needle cover off the pen.
- Pinch the skin: Gently pinch or gather the skin at your injection site between your thumb and fingers.
- Insert the needle: Push the needle straight in at a 90-degree angle (perpendicular to your skin).
- Press and hold: Press the injection button firmly until you hear a click. Hold the button down and continue counting to three (3 seconds total). The click indicates the injection is complete.
- Remove the needle: Pull the needle straight out at the same angle you inserted it.
- Massage gently: Lightly massage the injection site for about 10 seconds with your finger (not the alcohol wipe) to help distribute the medication and reduce bruising.
After Injection
- Recap the needle: Replace the gray needle cover by twisting it back on (or as instructed).
- Discard safely: Place the used pen in a sharps container or a puncture-proof container at home. Do not throw it in the regular trash.
- Record injection: Write down the date and time of your injection to help you stay on schedule and remember when your next dose is due.
Side Effects by Dose Level
Understanding what to expect at each dose helps you mentally prepare and recognize normal versus abnormal side effects.
2.5 mg (Starting Dose)
Most patients tolerate 2.5 mg very well. Common experiences include mild appetite suppression (you might eat less without feeling deprived) and possible mild nausea that typically passes within a few hours of injection. Many people experience virtually no side effects at this dose.
5 mg
At 5 mg, nausea becomes more noticeable for many patients, though still manageable. Appetite suppression is more pronounced, and some report mild vomiting or changes in taste. Constipation becomes common at this level. Most side effects improve significantly by the end of the 4-week period.
7.5 mg
This is often the "peak discomfort" dose for many patients. Nausea may be more intense during the first week, but it typically improves by weeks 3–4. GI side effects are common but usually not severe. Appetite suppression is strong, and food aversions may develop.
10 mg & Above
Interestingly, many patients report that side effects plateau or even improve at 10 mg and higher doses. Your body has adapted to tirzepatide by this point, and nausea often becomes minimal. Appetite suppression is maximized and stable. This is why some patients say higher doses actually feel "easier" than the titration period.
Missed Dose & Dose Adjustment Guidance
What If I Miss an Injection?
If you miss your weekly Mounjaro injection, try to take it as soon as possible within the first 4 days (96 hours) of your scheduled injection day. Once you've taken the missed dose, resume your regular weekly injection schedule. For example, if your injection day is normally Monday and you miss it, you can still inject on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, or Friday morning and then resume your Monday schedule the following week.
If more than 4 days have passed since your scheduled injection day, skip the missed dose entirely and take your next dose on your normally scheduled day. Never inject two doses within the same week.
Can I Stay at a Lower Dose?
Yes, you don't have to reach the maximum 15 mg dose. Many patients find their therapeutic sweet spot at 7.5 mg, 10 mg, or 12.5 mg and remain at that dose indefinitely. If you're achieving your weight loss goals and tolerating side effects well, there's no medical need to increase further. Discuss your preferred dose with your healthcare provider.
Skipping or Extending the Gap Between Doses
Some patients wonder if they can space out injections to every 10 days or skip weeks to reduce costs or side effects. While this isn't recommended without provider guidance, research shows that even missing a dose occasionally isn't dangerous. However, spacing doses farther apart will reduce the medication's effectiveness and may allow your appetite to return. Always consult your healthcare provider before intentionally deviating from the weekly schedule.
Tips for Successful Dosing
- Mark your calendar: Set a weekly reminder on your phone for the same day and time each week (e.g., every Monday at 8 AM)
- Plan your injection site rotation: Keep track of where you last injected to vary your sites and prevent lipodystrophy (fatty lumps)
- Keep a simple log: Write down each injection date and any side effects you experience to share with your provider
- Allow time to adjust: Give each dose at least 4 weeks before deciding it's not working or causes too many side effects
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water, especially when experiencing nausea or constipation
- Consider meal timing: Some patients report less nausea if they inject after a light meal rather than on an empty stomach
- Bring pens to appointments: If attending a healthcare visit, bring your current Mounjaro pen so your provider can verify you're using the correct dose
Related Guides & Resources
For more information about Mounjaro and related treatments, explore these guides:
- Tirzepatide: Complete Overview
- Mounjaro Coupon & Savings
- Mounjaro vs. Ozempic Comparison
- Compounded Tirzepatide Guide
Frequently Asked Questions
The standard starting dose of Mounjaro is 2.5 mg injected subcutaneously once weekly. This dose is designed to minimize side effects during the initial phase of treatment while your body adapts to tirzepatide. Most patients tolerate the 2.5 mg dose well and can progress to higher doses after 4 weeks.
Mounjaro doses are typically increased every 4 weeks (once per week for 4 injections) in 2.5 mg increments, assuming you're tolerating the current dose well. This means you'd go from 2.5 mg to 5 mg to 7.5 mg, and so on. However, if you're experiencing significant side effects, your healthcare provider may extend the interval between increases or keep you at your current dose longer.
The maximum recommended dose of Mounjaro is 15 mg once weekly. Some healthcare providers may keep patients at 12.5 mg or 10 mg if that's where they're achieving their therapeutic goals with acceptable side effects, as higher doses don't always mean better results.
Each Mounjaro dose strength comes in a color-coded pen: 2.5 mg is yellow, 5 mg is teal/blue-green, 7.5 mg is purple, 10 mg is orange, 12.5 mg is gray, and 15 mg is white. The dose strength is clearly labeled on the pen and in the packaging. Always verify the dose on the pen label before injecting to ensure you're using the correct strength.
If you miss an injection, take it as soon as possible within the first 4 days (96 hours) after the scheduled injection day. Then resume your regular weekly injection schedule. If more than 4 days have passed, skip the missed dose and inject your next dose on your regularly scheduled day. Never take two doses within the same week.
While you can technically skip doses, doing so interrupts your treatment continuity and may allow your appetite to increase, potentially undoing weight loss progress. If you need to pause Mounjaro for medical reasons, discuss this with your healthcare provider. Some patients take temporary breaks (1–2 weeks) without major side effects, but longer breaks may reset your tolerance.
At 2.5 mg, side effects are usually minimal—mild nausea or stomach discomfort. At 5 mg, nausea becomes more common, and some experience vomiting or constipation. By 7.5 mg–10 mg, side effects typically plateau or even improve as your body adjusts. By 12.5 mg–15 mg, most patients either have minimal side effects or have already adapted. The intensity and type of side effects vary significantly by individual.
Step-by-step: (1) Remove the pen from the refrigerator 30 minutes before injection, (2) Check the liquid (should be clear and colorless), (3) Pinch your skin on the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm, (4) Insert the needle at a 90-degree angle, (5) Press the injection button firmly until you hear a click, (6) Hold for 3 seconds, (7) Remove the needle, (8) Massage the injection site gently for 10 seconds. Always follow the instructions provided with your specific pen.
No, you should not adjust your Mounjaro dose on your own. Dose adjustments should only be made under the guidance of your healthcare provider, who will consider your weight loss progress, side effects, and overall health. Self-adjusting doses can lead to safety issues or suboptimal treatment outcomes.
Taking more Mounjaro than prescribed can significantly increase the risk of severe gastrointestinal side effects including severe nausea, vomiting, and potential dehydration. If you accidentally take a higher dose than prescribed, contact your healthcare provider or poison control immediately. Monitor for severe symptoms and seek immediate medical attention if needed.