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Dose step 1 of 6

Mounjaro 2.5 mg

This is the starting dose. Its job is to let your stomach adjust; the label doesn't use it as a maintenance dose. Stomach side effects are most likely in these first weeks.

Clinician review pending Updated
Step
1 of 6
on the label
Timing
wk 1 to 4
fastest schedule
Length
4 weeks
minimum
Next step
5 mg
if prescribed

Where 2.5 mg sits on the ladder

What the label says

Mounjaro 2.5 mg: Starting dose. Not meant to control blood sugar on its own.

This is the starting dose. Its job is to let your stomach adjust; the label doesn't use it as a maintenance dose. Stomach side effects are most likely in these first weeks.

Most common side effects on Mounjaro

Side effectMounjaroPlacebo
Nausea12% to 18%4%
Diarrhea12% to 17%9%
Decreased appetite5% to 11%1%

Rates across all label doses, not this step alone. Pooled placebo-controlled type 2 diabetes trials in the Mounjaro label (5 mg, 10 mg and 15 mg).

Is 2.5 mg a maintenance dose?

No. It's the starter dose.

Common questions

How long do you stay on Mounjaro 2.5 mg?

At least 4 weeks on the label before any increase. Many people stay longer.

What comes after Mounjaro 2.5 mg?

The next label step is 5 mg, if your prescriber increases it.

Can you stay on Mounjaro 2.5 mg longer?

Yes. Holding a dose longer is common when side effects need time to settle. Your prescriber decides.

Sources

  1. Mounjaro prescribing information (FDA label on DailyMed)
  2. SURPASS-2 trial publication

Clinician review pending. Drafted from primary sources and waiting for sign-off by a licensed clinician (MD, DO or PharmD) before launch. Every number is checked against its source. Drug facts are re-checked quarterly, prices monthly and whenever a label changes. How we review · Report an error