Why is there a Mounjaro stock shortage?
Eli Lilly bases its manufacturing of each individual dose on the demand for the 2.5 mg version, as patients are expected to increase their dose gradually. Unfortunately, the company did not anticipate how many patients would escalate to higher dosages, such as 12.5 mg and 15 mg, resulting in a shortage.
To better manage this shortage, Eli Lilly has placed a limit on the number of units any pharmacy can purchase, leading to inconsistent availability across providers.
The good news is that this issue has now been resolved. However, due to delays in the supply chain, it may take a little while for these doses to return to their previous levels of availability.
Why do you have to increase the Mounjaro dose?
You don’t have to increase your Mounjaro dose. If 2.5 mg is working for you, then you can remain on that strength. However, you might be wondering, "Why am I not losing weight on Mounjaro 2.5 mg?" If this is the case, it likely means that 2.5 mg is not strong enough for you, and an increased dose may be necessary to see results.
Can you take two 2.5 mg doses of Mounjaro to make 5 mg?
No, you should not combine two pens to create a stronger dose. This is due to a lack of clinical data to confirm whether it is safe or effective compared to using a single 5 mg pen.
Studies have shown that combining doses may increase the risk of experiencing more intense side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and injection site reactions.
If you want to increase your dose, you should consult your healthcare provider.
Can you drink alcohol while on Mounjaro?
This is a common question. While you can drink alcohol while taking Mounjaro, it is not recommended. This ties back to earlier points about Mounjaro's effectiveness and the need for dose adjustments.
There is no known dangerous interaction between alcohol and Mounjaro, aside from the potential worsening of side effects. However, as with most medications, alcohol can reduce Mounjaro's effectiveness. This is especially true with Mounjaro, as alcohol contains many empty calories. For weight loss, Mounjaro will not work on its own—it must be supported by a healthy lifestyle.
Additionally, if you are using Mounjaro for diabetes management, it’s important to note that alcohol can impact blood sugar levels, which must be carefully managed.
Sources
- Can multiple Mounjaro (tirzepatide) injections be combined to make a larger dose? – Eli Lilly
- Can Multiple Mounjaro Injections Be Combined? – Pharmacy Planet
- Getting Patients Started on Mounjaro – Lilly
- Mounjaro Full Prescribing Information – Lilly (PDF)