Mounjaro is a drug that belongs to a class called a dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GLP) and Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist. Mounjaro is considered to be the first medication in the GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist drug class.
On May 13, 2022, the Food and Drug Administration approved the use of Mounjaro once weekly injections for Type 2 Diabetes treatment. Mounjaro works to improve blood sugar in adults with addition to diet and exercise. There are currently a variety of doses and strengths of Mounjaro injections available including:
- 2.5 milligrams (mg) per 0.5 milliliter (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.
Mounjaro not only improves blood sugar and A1C in Type 2 Diabetic adults, however, it also aids in weight loss. It does this by slowing gastric emptying, reducing glucagon levels, decreasing food intake, increasing insulin sensitivity as well as enhancing first and second-phase insulin secretion.
According to studies provided by the FDA three different doses of Mounjaro (5 milligrams, 10 milligrams, and 15 milligrams) were evaluated in five clinical trials as either a stand-alone therapy or as an add-on to other diabetes medicines. In these studies on average patients who received the maximum recommended dose of Mounjaro (15 milligrams) had lowered their A1c levels by 1.6% more than placebo when used as a stand-alone therapy, and 1.5% more than placebo when used in combination with long-acting insulin. In trials comparing Mounjaro to other diabetes medications, patients who received the maximum recommended dose of Mounjaro had a lowering of their HbA1c by 0.5% more than Semaglutide, 0.9% more than insulin degludec and 1.0% more than insulin glargine.
Obesity was common among all study participants, with an average body mass index of 32 to 34. Among patients randomized to the maximum recommended dose, the average weight loss with Mounjaro was 15 pounds more than placebo and 23 pounds more than placebo when used with insulin. The average weight loss with the maximum recommended dose of Mounjaro was 12 pounds more than Semaglutide, 29 pounds more than insulin degludec, and 27 pounds more than insulin glargine. However, patients receiving insulin without Mounjaro tended to gain weight during these studies.
The Four steps to use Mounjaro Pens:
- Choose your injection site. Your healthcare provider can help you choose the injection site that is best for you. You or another person can inject the medicine in your stomach, thighs, or the back of your upper arms. Another person should give you the injection in the back of your upper arm.
- Pull off the base cap.
- Place the base flat on your skin, then unlock.
- Press and hold the button for up to 10 seconds. Listen for the first click. It means the injection has started. The second click means that the injection is complete.
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Jake Riekert, PharmD 2023 Candidate
