Mounjaro weight loss injections are creating a lot of buzz in Ireland. As one of the newest and most potent treatments for obesity, patients are eager to understand how it works, how much it costs, and how to get access. Unlike older medications such as Ozempic, Mounjaro has shown superior results in clinical trials, often helping patients lose 15–20% of their body weight in a year.

But with limited stock, private-only prescriptions, and questions around HSE coverage, it can be confusing to know where to start. This guide pulls together official prescribing information, Irish-specific context, and practical advice to help you make informed choices about whether Mounjaro could be right for you.

What is Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)?

Mounjaro® is the brand name for tirzepatide, a once-weekly injectable medication developed by Eli Lilly. It represents the next step in weight management therapies because it acts on not one but two natural hormones: GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) and GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide).

GLP-1 medications, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, have already proven effective in reducing appetite and slowing digestion. Tirzepatide goes further by also activating GIP, which influences insulin release and fat metabolism. Together, these mechanisms work synergistically to reduce hunger, increase satiety, improve blood sugar control, and support long-term weight loss.

Due to this dual action, clinical studies have demonstrated that Mounjaro can help patients lose a greater percentage of their body weight compared to single-hormone medications.

Approval & Legal Status in Ireland

Mounjaro is currently licensed by the European Medicines Agency (EMA) for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It has also been recommended for obesity treatment, with a full European rollout expected in 2025–2026.

In Ireland today, doctors may prescribe Mounjaro off-label for weight management if a patient meets eligibility criteria. However, it is essential to note that Mounjaro is not covered by the HSE for weight loss, which means patients must obtain it through private consultations and pay out of pocket.

Who is Eligible?

Irish doctors usually follow clear criteria before prescribing Mounjaro. You may be considered eligible if:

• You have a BMI of 30 or higher, classifying you as obese, or
• You have a BMI of 27 or higher and are also living with at least one weight-related health condition such as high blood pressure, sleep apnoea, type 2 diabetes, or cardiovascular disease

Mounjaro is not recommended for:

• Children and adolescents under 18 have not been studied in this group
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women
• Patients with a history of pancreatitis or severe digestive problems, such as gastroparesis

Your doctor will carry out an assessment and may order blood tests before deciding if Mounjaro is safe and appropriate for you.

How to Access Mounjaro in Ireland

Currently, Mounjaro can only be accessed privately. The process usually looks like this:

1. Complete a medical assessment on WeightLossInjections.ie: Your doctor will review your BMI, medical history, and may request additional lab tests.
2. Digital prescription: if you are eligible, you’ll receive a prescription that can be filled at a pharmacy. If, for any reason, we are unable to prescribe for you, we will issue a full refund.
3. Pharmacy dispensing: Patients are utilising the option to access medication from Northern Ireland, which presents a cost saving.
4. Collection or delivery: several Northern Irish pharmacies will deliver directly to addresses in ROI, making access easier for patients across the country, as do pharmacies in the Ireland.

WeightLossInjections.ie provides consultations for €50, with repeat prescriptions available for €30.

How Much Does Mounjaro Cost in Ireland?

Mounjaro is currently only available by private prescription, and the cost varies depending on the dose and the pharmacy used. In general, patients should expect to pay:

• £169- £319 depending on the dose
• Each pen contains four weekly doses
• Higher doses are more expensive

Mounjaro is not yet covered by the HSE for obesity, meaning patients must bear the full cost themselves.

Dosing & Titration Schedule

To minimise side effects, Mounjaro is introduced gradually. The usual titration schedule is:

• Weeks 1–4: 2.5 mg once weekly (starter dose)
• Weeks 5–8: 5 mg once weekly
• Weeks 9–12: 7.5 mg once weekly
• Weeks 13–16: 10 mg once weekly
• Weeks 17–20: 12.5 mg once weekly
• Week 21 onwards: 15 mg once weekly (maximum dose)

Patients typically remain at each dose for four weeks before increasing. Your doctor will decide the right pace for you, based on how well you tolerate the medication and how your weight loss progresses.

What to Do if You Miss a Dose

Missing a dose can happen, but the rules are straightforward:

• If you are less than four days late, take the injection as soon as you remember, then continue as usual.
• If you are more than four days late, skip the missed injection and wait for your next scheduled dose.
• Do not double up to make up for a missed injection.

How to Use the KwikPen Device

Mounjaro comes in a prefilled KwikPen® device, which is designed for ease of use:

• Each pen provides four weekly injections.
• The injection is administered subcutaneously, typically in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. It’s important to rotate injection sites each week to avoid irritation.
• Pens should be stored in the refrigerator (2°C–8°C) until first use. Once in use, they can be stored at room temperature (up to 30°C) for 30 days.

Your doctor or pharmacist will demonstrate how to use the device. Official instructional videos are also available online for additional guidance.

Expected Results

The clinical results of Mounjaro are striking compared to older weight-loss medications. In extensive studies, patients lost, on average, 15–20% of their body weight over the course of a year.

For example, someone weighing 100kg could expect to lose between 15 and 20kg after twelve months of treatment. Many patients report a reduction in appetite within one to two weeks, with visible weight loss typically becoming apparent within two to three months.

These results are strongest when combined with sustainable lifestyle changes such as eating smaller, balanced meals, staying physically active, drinking plenty of water, and getting adequate sleep.

Side Effects: What to Expect

Like any prescription medication, Mounjaro can cause side effects. Most are mild to moderate and improve over time as your body adjusts.

The most common side effects are digestive issues, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain. These are most likely to occur in the first few weeks, especially as doses increase. Other possible effects include bloating, reflux, indigestion, dizziness, hair thinning, or low blood pressure. While less common, serious side effects such as pancreatitis, gallstones, or severe allergic reactions have been reported.

If you experience severe abdominal or back pain, difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face and throat, you should seek urgent medical attention.

Warnings and Precautions

Before starting Mounjaro, your doctor will carefully review your health history. Mounjaro is not recommended for people who have had pancreatitis, severe stomach emptying problems (gastroparesis), or particular eye conditions related to diabetes.

It should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Patients using insulin or sulphonylureas may need dose adjustments to avoid low blood sugar. Because Mounjaro contains benzyl alcohol, it may also pose risks for people with liver or kidney disease.

At WeightLossInjections.ie, we do not prescribe for patients with Type 2 diabetes, as our Clinical Team believes the patient’s own GP best manages this.

Also read- GLP-1 vs GLP-1 and GIP: Which Weight Loss Medication Is Right for You?

Tips for Managing GI Symptoms

The majority of side effects associated with Mounjaro are gastrointestinal. You can minimize discomfort by:

• Eating smaller, more frequent meals rather than large portions.
• Drinking water regularly to stay hydrated.
• Avoiding greasy, spicy, or rich foods.
• Listening to your body and stopping when you feel full.
• Cutting back on alcohol and fizzy drinks, which can worsen nausea

Access in ROI vs NI

Northern Ireland pharmacies offer a lower cost for Mounjaro compared to Irish pharmacies, and Irish digital prescriptions are accepted there.

For convenience, several Northern Irish pharmacies now offer direct delivery to ROI addresses, making it easier for patients across Ireland to access treatment without frequent cross-border trips.

Tracking Your Progress

Mounjaro is most effective when patients actively track their progress. You may find it motivating to:

• Weigh yourself once a week and record changes
• Measure waist circumference monthly
• Track HbA1c levels if you also have diabetes
• Use a calendar, app, or notebook to log injection days and side effects

These records can help both you and your doctor assess progress and make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.

Reporting Side Effects in Ireland

If you experience any side effects, please inform your doctor or pharmacist. In addition, you can report directly to the Health Products Regulatory Authority (HPRA) at www.HPRA.ie

Reporting helps regulators monitor the safety of new medicines and ensures accurate real-world data is available for future patients.

Conclusion

Mounjaro represents a breakthrough in weight management. While access to medication in Ireland is currently limited to private prescriptions, patients who qualify can achieve significant and sustainable weight loss. With careful medical supervision, lifestyle adjustments, and consistent monitoring, Mounjaro offers one of the most effective tools currently available for tackling obesity.

Ready to explore your options? Start your medical assessment here.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. How long does Mounjaro stay in your system?
Tirzepatide has a half-life of around five days, which means it can remain in your system for up to a month after your last injection.

2. Can you drink alcohol while taking Mounjaro?
Alcohol is not strictly prohibited, but it may worsen nausea and increase the risk of low blood sugar in patients who also take insulin or sulphonylureas. Moderation is recommended.

3. How quickly does Mounjaro start working?
Most patients notice reduced appetite within one to two weeks. Visible weight loss is typically seen after eight to twelve weeks.

4. Does Mounjaro cause hair loss?
Some patients have reported temporary hair thinning, often linked to rapid weight loss rather than the medication itself.

5. Can I get Mounjaro through the HSE?
Currently, no. Mounjaro is only available privately in Ireland. HSE coverage may follow once EMA approval for obesity is finalized.

6. What happens if I stop taking Mounjaro?
Weight regain is common if lifestyle changes are not maintained. For sustainable results, many patients require ongoing treatment.

7. Is Mounjaro the same as Ozempic?
No. Ozempic contains semaglutide, which targets only GLP-1. Mounjaro contains tirzepatide, which targets both GLP-1 and GIP, making it more effective for weight loss.