Taking Mounjaro as prescribed is key to both safety and results. If you’ve ever wondered what happens if you take a double dose, this blog covers the potential risks, how to manage the situation and practical tips to help you avoid it.
What is a Mounjaro dose and how often should you take it?
Mounjaro is a medication that works on two key hormones in the body (GIP and GLP-1) which play an important role in blood glucose control and appetite regulation. At the prescribed dose, Mounjaro helps your body release more insulin when needed, lowers glucagon levels, slows digestion and reduces appetite - all of which can support weight loss.
Mounjaro is taken as a once-weekly injection just under the skin and comes in a convenient four dose pen designed to last four weeks. The medication is available in several dose strengths - 2.5mg, 5mg, 7.5mg, 10mg, 12.5mg and 15mg. This allows your prescriber to gradually increase your dose in a way that’s safe and comfortable for you.
When you start treatment you’ll choose one day of the week for your injection. You can take it at any time of day, however sticking to the same day each week helps keep medication levels steady and supports the best possible results.
What does a Mounjaro double dose mean?
A Mounjaro double dose occurs when two doses are taken too close together such as giving yourself two doses at once or taking another dose on the same day instead of waiting a full week. This can happen by accident, like forgetting you already took your injection, and it should not be done intentionally.
Potential side effects and risks of a Mounjaro double dose.
Taking a double dose of Mounjaro can intensify how the medication works in your body which is likely to increase the risk of side effects. The most common concern after a double dose is stronger gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting and stomach discomfort. This happens because Mounjaro slows digestion and too much of the medication can exaggerate that effect.
Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) is less common when Mounjaro is used on its own, however it may be a concern for people who also take other anti-diabetic medication.
How severe symptoms are can vary from person to person and depends on factors like the dose strength, how your body tolerates the medication and other medications you take. As Mounjaro stays in the body for several days, side effects from a double dose may last longer than expected and can persist for a few days.
What should you do if you take a double dose of Mounjaro?
In many cases a double dose of Mounjaro can be managed at home with close monitoring and supportive care. However, it’s important to know when to seek medical attention.
If you have accidentally administered a double dose start by noting down when and what dose you injected, stay well hydrated and check your blood sugar if you are diabetic. Additionally, contact our clinical team here a Phlo Clinic for further assistance.
Seek urgent medical help if you experience symptoms of severe low blood sugar (such as confusion, fainting or seizures), ongoing vomiting or diarrhoea, signs of severe dehydration or intense abdominal pain as these may indicate a more serious condition.
How to prevent Mounjaro dosing errors in future
Creating a routine and using simple tracking tools can help prevent dosing errors. There are several easy ways to stay on top of your weekly Mounjaro schedule and make sure you never miss or double your dose.
Create a consistent routine
- Choose the same day and time each week for your injection.
- Store and take your medication in the same place every time.
- Link your injection to a weekly habit such as a TV show or household task.
Use tracking tools
- Mark your dose on a calendar immediately after injecting.
- Set a weekly phone reminder and only turn it off after you’ve taken your dose.
- Write the date of your last injection on the pen using a removable label or marker.
- Let a family member or housemate know your injection day so they can help remind you.
- If a caregiver helps with injections, keep a clear record of each dose.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as possible within 4 days. If more than 4 days have passed, skip the missed dose and take your next injection on your regular scheduled day.
References
Electronic Medicines Compendium. (2023). Mounjaro 2.5 mg–15 mg solution for injection in pre-filled pen (tirzepatide) – Summary of Product Characteristics.
