What Is Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) and How Does It Work?

Mounjaro (tirzepatide), a breakthrough drug for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. The active substance in Mounjaro is tirzepatide, which acts in the same way as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). Tirzepatide is the first and only GIP and GLP-1 agonist Approved for Type 2 diabetes.

What’s all the buzz about? Understanding the hype around Mounjaro let’s break it down:

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, and 15 mg per 0.5 mL injection, is a prescription medicine for adults with type 2 diabetes used along with diet and exercise to improve blood sugar (glucose). It is not known if Mounjaro can be used in people who have had pancreatitis. Mounjaro is not for use in people with type 1 diabetes. It is not known if Mounjaro is safe and effective for use in children under 18 years of age.

What is Mounjaro used for?

Mounjaro is used along with exercise and a balanced diet to help manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is a condition that causes high blood sugar. Having high blood sugar levels over time can raise your risk of other conditions, such as heart attack, kidney problems, vision problems, or nerve conditions. It’s important to manage your blood sugar levels to lower your risk of these conditions.

Symptoms of type 2 diabetes may include:

• feeling thirsty

• urinating more often than usual

• fatigue

• blurry vision

• wounds that are slow to heal

Mounjaro treats type 2 diabetes by lowering your blood sugar. It does this in multiple ways:

• by helping your body release more insulin (a hormone that decreases your blood sugar levels)

• by slowing sugar production in your liver

• by slowing the emptying of food from your stomach, which can make you feel full for longer

Mounjaro has two limitations of use:

• The drug isn’t approved for use in people with type 1 diabetes.

• In people with pancreatitis (swelling and inflammation of the pancreas) or who have had this condition in the past, Mounjaro should not be used for treatment.

What are Mounjaro’s side effects?

Like most drugs, Mounjaro may cause mild or serious side effects. The lists that follow describe some of the more common side effects that Mounjaro may cause. These lists don’t include all possible side effects.

Keep in mind that side effects of a drug can depend on:

• other health conditions you have

• other medications you take

Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about the potential side effects of Mounjaro. They can also suggest ways to help reduce side effects.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from Mounjaro can occur, but they aren’t common. If you have serious side effects from Mounjaro, call your doctor right away.

Serious side effects of Mounjaro that have been reported include:

• pancreatitis (swelling and inflammation of the pancreas)

• gallbladder problems

• hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)

• severe digestive side effects, such as severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, which may lead to dehydration and kidney problems

• boxed warning: risk of thyroid cancer

• severe allergic reaction

Conclusion:

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) marks a significant advancement in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, offering a dual-action approach through GIP and GLP-1 receptor activity. While it has shown promising results in managing blood sugar and supporting weight loss, it's important to understand its uses, limitations, and potential side effects. As always, consult your healthcare provider to see if Mounjaro is right for you—and stay informed as research continues to evolve around this game-changing therapy.

Elite Expertise is always committed to equipping pharmacists and healthcare professionals with the knowledge, confidence, and clinical skills they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving pharmaceutical landscape. Whether you're preparing for international licensing exams or aiming to stay current and ahead in your professional path, our evidence-based courses and expert-led guidance ensure you are always a step ahead. Follow us if you want to stay current with healthcare content like this!

Stay updated. Stay empowered!

⚠️ Disclaimer

The information provided in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or treatment, including Mounjaro (tirzepatide). Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read here. The mention of specific countries or product approvals is accurate to the best of our knowledge at the time of writing but may change as regulatory decisions evolve.

About the Author

Sahana Rao

Sahana Chinthapatla is renowned for her expertise in scientific and medical writing, backed by an MPharm in Pharmacology and years of experience in research analysis and scientific writing.

As the Head Business Writer at Elite Expertise, she provides insightful and well-researched content on KAPS, OPRA, PEBC, PSI and global pharmacy pathways, guiding aspiring pharmacists in their professional journeys.

Follow On

Head Business Writer | Elite Expertise