How the Starting Dose Works and Why It Begins Low
When Mounjaro is first prescribed, the 2.5 mg dose is generally used for around four weeks. This is not the target or maintenance dose for most people — it is an introductory phase. After that initial period, your prescriber will assess how you have responded before making any adjustments. The pace and direction of any titration is an individual clinical decision, not a fixed schedule everyone follows identically.
Why the low starting dose matters
Mounjaro acts on GLP-1 and GIP receptor pathways, which influence appetite and how quickly the stomach empties. Starting at a lower dose gives your digestive system time to adapt, which many people find reduces the likelihood of noticeable gastrointestinal side effects in the early weeks. Side effects such as nausea or stomach discomfort are commonly reported at the start, and they often lessen over time — but how pronounced they are can vary from person to person.
Starter doses on other GLP-1 medicines
If you have been prescribed Wegovy (semaglutide) rather than Mounjaro, the same principle of starting low applies — the Wegovy starter dose follows a similarly gradual titration approach. The specific strengths and schedules differ between the two medicines, so always refer to the patient information leaflet supplied with your pen and follow your prescriber's guidance.
What comes after the starter phase
For many people, the journey does not stay at 2.5 mg. Your prescriber may move the dose upward over several months, working toward a dose that suits your individual response and tolerability. You can read more about what later stages can look like in our overview of maintenance dosing on Mounjaro. For broader context on the 5 mg stage that often follows the starter phase, see our guide to Mounjaro 5 mg.
According to information on the electronic Medicines Compendium, tirzepatide is supplied in pre-filled pens across a range of dose strengths. Always check the patient information leaflet that comes with your pen for specific handling and storage guidance, as details can vary by strength and batch.
average weekly weight change in the first 16 weeks of Mounjaro & Wegovy use*
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Tracking Your Starter Dose with GLP Trackr
The earliest weeks on Mounjaro are when consistent logging matters most. GLP Trackr's dose logging feature lets you record each injection — the date, time, and dose strength — so you always have a clear record of where you are in your treatment. This is especially useful during the starter phase, when it can be easy to lose track of exactly when your last dose was taken.
Alongside dose logging, the app's reminder system means you can set a weekly alert so a dose is never accidentally missed. If you do miss a dose, do not try to make up for it by doubling up — note it in the app and speak with your prescriber or doctor about what to do next.
As side effects are also most commonly reported in the first few weeks, the side-effect tracker lets you log symptoms like nausea or fatigue as they happen. Over time, this builds a picture you can bring to your next appointment, helping you have a more informed conversation with your prescriber rather than trying to recall details from memory.
GLP Trackr is a tracking tool — it is not a substitute for your prescriber's advice, and any decision about your dose should always be made with them, never on your own. If you experience symptoms that feel severe or persistent, contact your healthcare professional promptly.
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Log every dose with a single tap. Track your dose history, phase in your cycle, estimated medication levels, and upcoming injection dates — with reminders so you never miss a scheduled shot.
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Frequently asked questions.
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is typically started at 2.5 mg once weekly. This introductory dose is used for around four weeks to help the body adjust, before a prescriber considers any change. The timing and direction of any adjustment is an individual clinical decision.
The starting dose and any subsequent changes are decided by your prescriber based on your individual circumstances, response, and tolerability. It is not something to adjust on your own — always follow your prescriber's or doctor's guidance.
If you miss a dose, do not double up. Note the missed injection — you can log it in GLP Trackr — and contact your prescriber or doctor for guidance on what to do next. Your patient information leaflet also provides direction on missed doses.
Side effects such as nausea or stomach discomfort are commonly reported early on. Many people find they ease over time as the body adjusts. If symptoms are severe, persistent, or worrying, contact your healthcare professional promptly rather than waiting.
Wegovy (semaglutide) also uses a low starting dose with gradual titration, though the specific strengths and schedule differ from Mounjaro. Your prescriber will guide the pace of any changes based on how you respond to treatment.