Part of our mounjaro patient information.
Mounjaro dose schedule
Mounjaro contains tirzepatide. The following schedule describes the adult New Zealand product information. It helps you understand your prescription, while your clinician decides whether an increase is appropriate for your health and response.
| Weekly dose | Place in treatment | Before moving up |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5 mg | Starting dose for four weeks | Then increase to 5 mg as prescribed |
| 5 mg | A recommended maintenance dose | At least four weeks, and only if needed |
| 7.5 mg | Intermediate dose step | At least four weeks, and only if needed |
| 10 mg | A recommended maintenance dose | At least four weeks, and only if needed |
| 12.5 mg | Intermediate dose step | At least four weeks, and only if needed |
| 15 mg | Maximum weekly dose and a maintenance option | No higher recommended dose |
After the first increase to 5 mg, this is not an automatic monthly ladder. Your prescriber may keep you at an appropriate maintenance dose. The recommended maintenance doses are 5 mg, 10 mg and 15 mg; the right one depends on your individual treatment plan.
Why the Mounjaro starting dose is 2.5 mg
The first four weeks introduce the medicine gradually. Stomach-related side effects can occur when treatment starts or the dose increases, so moving slowly gives you and your clinician time to see how you tolerate it.
Early appetite changes vary. Feeling hungry at times does not mean the starting dose has failed, and feeling very full is not a reason to stop eating regular, nourishing meals. Tell your clinician if you cannot eat or drink enough, or if nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea is interfering with your day.
Use our Mounjaro side effects guide to recognise symptoms that need prompt help and to prepare a useful symptom record. Do not move up early or skip a dose step to try to speed up weight loss.
Choosing a Mounjaro maintenance dose
A maintenance dose is the dose your prescriber intends you to continue, with ongoing review. The highest dose is not a target everyone needs to reach. Your clinician considers your health goals, weight trend, appetite, nutrition, side effects and other medicines.
A single week on the scales gives a limited picture. Record the longer trend and how the plan works in daily life. If progress has slowed, the discussion may include eating patterns, activity, sleep, treatment interruptions and whether another part of your care needs attention. Increasing the dose is one possible prescribing decision, not the only response.
At Stela, the first three months include monthly follow-up. Use that time to describe both benefits and difficulties. Our progress review guide helps you organise information beyond the number on the scales.
KwikPen strength, milligrams and millilitres
The Mounjaro KwikPen supplied in New Zealand contains four weekly doses. Every full KwikPen dose has a volume of 0.6 mL, but the amount of tirzepatide in that volume depends on the pen strength. A 5 mg pen and a 10 mg pen do not give the same medicine dose simply because the liquid volume is the same.
Check the prescribed milligram strength on the label. Use the pen’s full-dose setting according to its Instructions for Use; do not calculate a smaller dose from clicks, split a pen between people or withdraw leftover solution into a syringe.
After the fourth injection, a small amount of liquid may remain. Discard the pen as instructed rather than trying to make a fifth dose. Ask the dispensing pharmacist to demonstrate the pen before your first injection and confirm which compatible needles you need, because needles are not included with the KwikPen.
Missed doses, breaks and switching medicines
A missed injection, a longer treatment break and switching from another medicine are different situations. Tell your prescriber the exact date and strength of your last injection, including any medicine prescribed elsewhere. That information matters when deciding how to restart.
Read our Mounjaro missed-dose guide for a forgotten weekly injection, and contact your clinician if you have missed several doses or are unsure how much was delivered. Never take a double dose to catch up.
Wegovy and Mounjaro have different active ingredients. Their milligram numbers are not equivalent, so a previous Wegovy strength cannot be converted into a Mounjaro strength by comparing numbers. A change needs a prescribing plan. Keep unused medicine separate and clearly labelled so you do not accidentally use the wrong pen.
Before your next Mounjaro prescription
Have these details ready so your review leads to clear instructions:
- Current strength, the date you started it and the date of your last injection.
- Your usual injection day, doses remaining and any missed doses.
- Symptoms after each injection and whether you can eat and drink normally.
- Weight trend and changes in hunger, energy and everyday activity.
- All other medicines and supplements, including medicines for diabetes.
- Pregnancy plans, contraception changes and any upcoming anaesthetic or procedure.
Mounjaro can reduce the effectiveness of an oral contraceptive pill. The product advice is to use a non-oral method or add a barrier method for four weeks after starting and for four weeks after each dose increase. Our Mounjaro and the contraceptive pill guide explains what to discuss with your clinician.
Ask for the next dose strength and start date in writing. Also confirm who to contact if symptoms occur before the appointment. Store the pen correctly between doses; the KwikPen storage guide includes a travel checklist and the New Zealand temperature limits.
Severe or persistent stomach pain, repeated vomiting, dehydration or new vision problems need prompt medical assessment. Call 111 for collapse, breathing difficulty or swelling of the face or throat. If you think you used too much Mounjaro, seek urgent advice from your doctor or the National Poisons Centre on 0800 764 766.
You can read the New Zealand Mounjaro consumer leaflet alongside the instructions in your own carton.
Your questions
Do I have to reach 15 mg of Mounjaro?
No. Fifteen milligrams is the maximum weekly dose, not a goal for every person. Your prescriber chooses an appropriate maintenance dose and reviews its benefits and side effects.
Can I increase Mounjaro after two weeks?
The product information specifies at least four weeks on the current dose before a further increase. Do not increase early; discuss your response with your prescriber.
Is the liquid left in my KwikPen another dose?
No. Each KwikPen provides four prescribed doses. Dispose of it after the fourth injection as instructed, even when some liquid remains.
Review the dose that works for your care
A Stela doctor follow-up costs $150. Bring your current prescription and symptom record so we can discuss the next step in your weight-management plan.
Book your follow-up