Mounjarotirzepatide
Also known as: Mounjaro KwikPen
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a once-weekly prescription medication used in adults with type 2 diabetes. Learn important safety information and ask Pill4Me about coverage and availability.
Prescriptions (Canada 2024)
8,414,000 prescriptions
Drug class
GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist
DIN (Canada)
02541076, Many other
What is Mounjaro?
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a prescription medication used in adults with type 2 diabetes to help improve blood sugar control. Patients should use it only under the direction of their prescriber.
How it works
Tirzepatide acts on both GIP and GLP-1 receptors. These hormone pathways help regulate blood sugar after meals, support insulin release when glucose is elevated, reduce glucagon, and slow stomach emptying.
Forms & strengths
Subcutaneous injection. Current Canadian product information includes once-weekly presentations in strengths from 2.5 mg to 15 mg.
How to take it
Use only exactly as prescribed by your doctor or nurse practitioner. Do not self-adjust the dose. Ask your pharmacist for product-specific counselling, storage, missed-dose guidance, and injection support.
Side effects
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Stomach discomfort
- Reduced appetite
Serious side effects — seek care immediately
- Pancreatitis symptoms such as severe persistent abdominal pain
- Gallbladder problems
- Dehydration related to ongoing vomiting or diarrhea
- Serious allergic reaction
- Possible thyroid-related warning symptoms such as a neck lump, hoarseness, or trouble swallowing
Important warnings
Do not use if you or a family member have had medullary thyroid cancer or MEN 2
Seek urgent medical attention for severe or persistent abdominal pain
Ongoing nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea can lead to dehydration
Use caution with other diabetes medications that may increase the risk of hypoglycemia
Patients who are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding should speak with their prescriber before use
Who should not take it
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)
- Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
- Previous serious allergic reaction to tirzepatide or any ingredient in the product
Drug interactions
Blood sugar lowering may be stronger when tirzepatide is used with insulin or sulfonylureas, so prescribers may need to adjust therapy. Because tirzepatide slows stomach emptying, it can affect absorption of some oral medications. Patients should ask their pharmacist to review their full medication list.
BC PharmaCare coverage
Coverage for Mounjaro may change over time. As of the most recent BC PharmaCare public review material, tirzepatide (Mounjaro) was under consideration for coverage. Patients should contact Pill4Me for a live coverage check based on their plan, indication, and eligibility.
Coverage details change — confirm with your Pill4Me pharmacist or visit BC PharmaCare.
Frequently asked questions
Is Mounjaro the same as Ozempic?
How often is Mounjaro used?
What side effects are most common when starting Mounjaro?
Can Mounjaro be used by everyone with diabetes?
Is Mounjaro covered in British Columbia?
Related medications
Questions about Mounjaro?
Our Chilliwack pharmacists can review your medications, check for interactions, and answer any questions — at no charge.