What is Mounjaro Made Of?

What is Mounjaro (tirzepatide) made of?

Mounjaro belongs to a group of medications called dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP)/glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, although you may hear it simply referred to as “a GLP-1.”

Active ingredient

Mounjaro contains the active ingredient tirzepatide. An active ingredient is what makes a drug work. In Mounjaro’s case, tirzepatide works by stimulating the release of insulin from the pancreas and reducing hyperglycemia (high blood sugar).

It also increases a hormone called adiponectin, which is involved in glucose regulation and can improve glucose sensitivity.

The amount of tirzepatide found in Mounjaro will depend on the dose. Per 0.5 milliliter (mL) vial of Mounjaro, the injection may contain the following amounts of tirzepatide in a single dose vial or pen:

• 2.5 milligrams (mg)
• 5 mg
• 10 mg
• 12.5 mg
• 15 mg

Other ingredients

Alongside the active ingredient, most drugs also contain other ingredients that have other purposes, and Mounjaro is no exception.

According to Mounjaro’s prescribing information, the drug also contains:

• Sodium chloride: This ingredient helps to make injections less painful, maintains the stability of the medication, and prolongs its shelf life. Mounjaro injections contain 4.1 mg of sodium chloride.
• Sodium phosphate dibasic heptahydrate: This ingredient is known as a buffer solution that helps to maintain the stability of Mounjaro. Mounjaro contains 0.7 mg of this ingredient.
• Water: Water helps to carry the other ingredients into your body when it’s injected.

To adjust its acidity, Mounjaro may also have hydrochloric acid, sodium hydroxide, or both added to it.

Mounjaro does not contain any preservatives, which is why it comes in single-use pens that must be thrown away after use.

Also Mounjaro does not contain any venom. It is a synthetic medication developed in a laboratory. When scientists were formulating GLP-1s, they studied a compound called exendin-4, which is found in the venom of Gila monsters. This compound helped spur along the idea of GLP-1s, including Mounjaro. However, Mounjaro does not contain any animal venom.

Are there natural substitutes for Mounjaro?

No, there are no natural substitutes for Mounjaro and none that have been back by science.

Mounjaro vs. Ozempic

Ozempic is a very similar medication to Mounjaro and is a GLP-1. Like Mounjaro, Ozempic is approved to improve blood sugar regulation in adults with T2D, and it may also be used off-label to manage weight in people with obesity.

Despite their similarities, Mounjaro and Ozempic are two different medications that may have different indications, benefits, and risks.

For example, unlike Mounjaro, Ozempic is also FDA approved to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events and worsening kidney disease in people with T2D.

The active ingredient in Ozempic is called semaglutide. The inactive ingredients in Ozempic are disodium phosphate dihydrate, propylene glycol, and water.

Both medications are considered generally safe and effective for their approved indications, although a 2021 trial suggested that tirzepatide (Mounjaro) may be slightly more effective at reducing blood sugar levels and associated with more weight loss than semaglutide (Ozempic) in people with type 2 diabetes.

Both medications are associated with side effects, and most commonly gastrointestinal (stomach-related) side effects, and the percentage of people who experience side effects appears to be similar for both medications.

Which country is Mounjaro made in?

Lilly, the manufacturer of Mounjaro, announced plans to develop manufacturing facilities in the U.S. and Europe. Manufacturing locations will include Indiana, North Carolina, Wisconsin, Ireland, and Germany.

Is Mounjaro safe?

Mounjaro is considered safe and effective if used correctly under the supervision of a healthcare professional. If you think Mounjaro may be right for you, reach out to a healthcare professional. After a careful medical review, they can decide whether to prescribe you the medication.

Always make sure you use Mounjaro with a prescription from a licensed healthcare professional, and buy it from reputable sources like registered pharmacies.

Takeaway

Mounjaro is a type of medication called a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist. It’s made of an active ingredient called tirzepatide, and it also contains other inactive ingredients like water and sodium chloride.

Mounjaro is considered safe and effective to manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes, and it’s usually prescribed alongside recommendations of exercise and a balanced diet.