Mounjaro
Mounjaro dosing schedule: how the doses step up
5 min read · Updated August 2026 · Reviewed by the Miva clinical team
Mounjaro is a once-weekly injection. You start at a low dose designed to let your body adjust rather than to drive weight loss, then step up gradually.
Your clinician sets your schedule — the outline below is the standard pattern used in Canada.
The standard titration schedule
Each dose is given once a week, on the same day each week, at any time of day, with or without food.
| Weeks | Dose | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1–4 | 2.5 mg once weekly | Starting dose — tolerance only, not a treatment dose |
| 5–8 | 5 mg once weekly | First maintenance dose; many people see clear appetite change |
| 9–12 | 7.5 mg once weekly | Optional step if more effect is needed and 5 mg is well tolerated |
| 13–16 | 10 mg once weekly | Maintenance dose |
| 17–20 | 12.5 mg once weekly | Optional step |
| 21+ | 15 mg once weekly | Maximum dose |
You don't have to reach the highest dose
5 mg, 10 mg and 15 mg are all recognised maintenance doses. If you're losing weight steadily and feeling well on a lower dose, staying there is a reasonable clinical decision.
Equally, if a step up brings side effects you can't manage, going back down a level or holding for an extra four weeks is normal practice — not a setback.
Injecting the pen
Tirzepatide is injected under the skin of the abdomen, thigh or upper arm. Rotate the site each week and keep at least 5 cm away from your belly button.
- Take the pen out of the fridge a few minutes beforehand — a cold injection stings more
- Check the liquid is clear and colourless before use
- Press and hold until the dose window shows the injection is complete
- Never share a pen, even with a new needle
- Dispose of pens in a sharps container
If you miss a dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember, as long as there are at least 4 days (96 hours) until your next scheduled dose. If it's closer than that, skip it and take the next dose on your usual day.
Never take two doses within three days to catch up. If you've missed several weeks, speak to your clinician — you may need to restart at a lower dose to rebuild tolerance.
Frequently asked questions
How long can I stay on Mounjaro?
Obesity is a long-term condition and tirzepatide is intended as long-term treatment. Weight regain is common after stopping, so plans usually focus on a maintenance dose plus nutrition, activity and muscle-preserving protein intake.
What time of day should I inject?
Any time — the dose lasts a week. Pick a day and a routine you'll remember. Some people prefer injecting on an evening before a quieter day, since nausea can be strongest in the first 48 hours.
Can I change my injection day?
Yes, as long as there are at least 3 days (72 hours) between the last dose and the new one.
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are prescription-only medicines in Canada. This page is general information, not medical advice — a Canadian-licensed clinician reviews every assessment and decides whether treatment is suitable for you.
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