Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a prescription medication approved in Australia for managing type 2 diabetes. It works by activating two hormone receptors (GIP and GLP-1) to improve blood sugar control, enhance insulin sensitivity, reduce appetite, and promote weight loss.

Here's what you need to know:

• Availability: Introduced in late 2023, Mounjaro is available by prescription but not subsidised under the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). It costs approximately $600 per month.
• Eligibility: Typically prescribed to adults with type 2 diabetes, especially those with a BMI ≥30 or BMI ≥25 with weight-related health issues.
• Dosage: Starts at 2.5 mg weekly, gradually increasing to a maximum of 15 mg per week. Injections are subcutaneous and can be taken at any time of day.
• Results: Clinical trials show significant benefits, including:
  
  • HbA1c reduction of up to 2.4%.
  • Weight loss ranging from 15% to 20.9% over 72 weeks.
• Side effects: Common side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, and constipation, which often improve over time.

Quick facts:

• Cost: ~$11.75/day.
• Availability issues: Limited supply until August 31, 2024.
• Usage: Combine with a healthy diet, exercise, and regular glucose monitoring for best results.

Mounjaro represents a promising option for managing type 2 diabetes and improving metabolic health when used under medical supervision and with support from tools like Vively to track your progress, optimise your lifestyle, and stay on course.

How Mounjaro works

Core functions

Mounjaro operates through a dual-action approach, targeting two hormone receptors: glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) This combined activation helps regulate blood sugar levels through several mechanisms:

• Boosts insulin production when blood sugar levels rise
• Enhances insulin sensitivity in cells
• Reduces glucagon secretion
• Slows stomach emptying, leading to prolonged feelings of fullness

These actions create the foundation for the clinical results detailed below.

Treatment results

Mounjaro’s dual mechanism delivers impactful clinical outcomes. In the SURPASS-1 study, nearly 90% of participants reached the standard HbA1c goal of less than 7%

Key clinical results include:

In a phase 2b trial, 30% of patients on the 15 mg dose achieved normoglycemia (HbA1c < 5.7%) within 26 weeks.

Additional benefits include:

• Sustained weight loss: Patients experienced weight reductions between 15% and 20.9% over 72 weeks.
• Better lipid profiles: Lower levels of triglycerides and LDL cholesterol.
• Improved blood Sugar Control: Significant HbA1c reductions.

These findings highlight Mounjaro's potential for individuals managing type 2 diabetes while achieving weight loss and improved metabolic health.

Want to explore another treatment option? Read our complete guide to Ozempic in Australia to see how it supports blood sugar control and weight loss.

Getting Mounjaro in Australia

Now that we've covered the benefits of Mounjaro, let’s dive into how you can access it in Australia.

Who can get Mounjaro

In Australia, eligibility for Mounjaro depends on meeting specific health criteria and undergoing a thorough medical evaluation. Healthcare professionals assess each patient based on their health profile and individual needs.

Typically, Mounjaro is available to individuals with a BMI of 30 or higher, or those with a BMI of 25 or higher if they also have weight-related health concerns, such as type 2 diabetes.

Once a healthcare provider confirms your eligibility, you can move forward with the prescription process.

Steps to get a prescription

• Initial assessment: Start by completing a quick online health assessment with a licensed Australian healthcare provider. This step involves sharing details about your medical history, current health, and treatment goals.
• Consultation with a doctor: Speak with an Australian-registered doctor to discuss your health in more detail, determine if Mounjaro is the right fit for you, and address any questions you might have.
• Prescription process: If your doctor concludes that Mounjaro is suitable for you, they will:
  
  • Issue a prescription
  • Provide clear instructions on how to use the medication
  • Schedule follow-up appointments to monitor your progress

Pricing and availability

Understanding the cost and availability of Mounjaro is essential for planning your treatment.

For added convenience, you can:

• Request an eScript from your doctor
• Upload your prescription to an online pharmacy
• Track your medication delivery through pharmacy platforms
• Set up automatic refills if available

It’s also a good idea to check with your health insurance provider to see if Mounjaro is covered under your plan or if you’re eligible for any rebates.

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Treatment guidelines

To get the most out of Mounjaro, it's important to follow proper treatment guidelines around dosing, injection timing, and monitoring. Here's what to keep in mind as you begin.

Dosage instructions

For the best outcomes, follow a gradual dosing schedule. Start with a 2.5 mg subcutaneous injection once a week during the first 4 weeks. Afterwards, increase to 5 mg weekly. Your healthcare provider may adjust your dose further by adding 2.5 mg every 4 weeks, up to a maximum of 15 mg per week,

Administer the injection subcutaneously in the abdomen or thigh, ensuring you rotate the injection site with each dose. You can take your injections at any time of day, with or without food. If you need to change your injection day, maintain at least a 72-hour interval between doses.

Pair these dosage instructions with regular glucose monitoring to fine-tune your overall treatment plan.

Blood sugar monitoring

Monitoring your blood sugar levels in real time is a key component of effective treatment. Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) can significantly improve outcomes, increasing Time in Range from 39.7% to 61.9% - that’s an additional 5.3 hours per day within target glucose levels.

Using tools like Vively’s CGM program alongside your treatment can help you:

• Track how your glucose levels respond to meals.
• Spot patterns and trends in your blood sugar levels.
• Make informed choices about your diet and physical activity.
• Share detailed glucose data with your healthcare provider.

In addition to monitoring, making adjustments to your diet and exercise routine can further enhance your results.

Diet and exercise

Combining Mounjaro with lifestyle changes can amplify its benefits. In clinical studies, participants using tirzepatide achieved weight loss of 15% to 20.9% of their starting body weight over 18 months when paired with a healthy diet and regular exercise.

Dietary recommendations:

• Include lean proteins, high-fibre foods, and healthy fats.
• Eat a variety of vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and legumes.
• Limit foods high in saturated fats, added sugars, and sodium.

Exercise guidelines:

• Aim for 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity exercise weekly.
• Add strength training exercises 2–3 times per week.
• Stay hydrated before, during, and after workouts.

These combined efforts – adjusted dosing, consistent glucose monitoring, and lifestyle improvements – can help you maximise the effectiveness of your treatment.

Safety and results

Understanding both the potential side effects and expected outcomes of Mounjaro can help you stay informed and confident throughout your treatment. Here's what to expect.

Side effects

When starting Mounjaro, most people experience mild to moderate side effects, especially during the initial weeks of treatment or when adjusting the dose. Knowing how to manage these effects can help you stay comfortable throughout the process.

Here’s a breakdown of common gastrointestinal side effects and their frequency, based on findings from the SURMOUNT-1 trial:

To ease nausea and other digestive issues, consider these tips:

• Take Mounjaro with food.
• Stay hydrated throughout the day.
• Opt for smaller, more frequent meals.
• Try ginger tea to help with nausea.
• Consult your healthcare provider for over-the-counter remedies.

Understanding potential side effects and how to address them is key to sticking with your treatment plan.

Expected outcomes

Mounjaro is designed to deliver steady progress over time, with noticeable results often emerging within the first few months.

‍Weight reduction timeline:

• Month 1: Around 4% weight reduction
• Month 2: 5-6%
• Month 3: 8-9%
• Month 4: 11-12%
• Month 5: 12-13%
• Month 6+: 14-22.5%

For the best results, take Mounjaro as prescribed and share any concerns with your healthcare provider or the TGA.

How Vively supports your long-term metabolic health and weight loss

Improving your metabolic health isn’t just about short-term fixes — it’s about building habits that support better energy, stable blood sugar, and sustainable weight loss over time. That’s exactly where Vively comes in.

Using real-time data from continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), expert coaching, and personalised insights in the app, Vively helps you understand how your body responds to food, exercise, sleep, and stress—so you can make smarter choices that lead to real, lasting results.

One of the most useful features in the app is your Metabolic Health Score, shown above. This score ranges from 0 to 100 and gives you a simple snapshot of how well your body is managing glucose—a key part of metabolic health and weight control.

It’s based on five core markers:

• Average glucose across 14 days.
• Glucose variability: how much your blood sugar fluctuates.
• Number of spikes: how often your glucose rises sharply.
• Time in range: how consistently you stay within a healthy zone.
• Estimated HbA1c: a projection of your long-term glucose average.

Together, these metrics help you track your progress and make targeted changes that support both blood sugar stability and healthy weight loss.

Whether you're using Mounjaro, exploring dietary shifts, or simply getting started on your wellness journey, Vively gives you the tools to see what’s working — and what’s not — so you can make changes that actually stick.

Because better metabolic health doesn't just mean better glucose numbers. It means more energy, better mood, and long-term weight control that lasts.

Summary

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is making strides in managing type 2 diabetes and improving metabolic health in Australia. It stands out as the first approved single molecule targeting both GIP and GLP-1 receptors, offering effective control over blood sugar levels and weight management. Here's a quick overview of the key aspects of Mounjaro therapy in Australia.

Medical oversight

• Always consult a doctor to determine if Mounjaro is right for you and to customise your treatment plan.
• Regular check-ups are crucial, especially if you’re also using sulfonylureas or insulin, as these combinations may increase the risk of hypoglycaemia.

Treatment protocol

• Start with a weekly 2.5 mg injection, gradually increasing the dose to a maximum of 15 mg, as advised by your doctor.
• Stick to the dosing schedule provided by your healthcare provider.
• Staying hydrated can help minimise potential side effects.

Health benefits

Mounjaro’s dual-action mechanism brings several advantages, including:

• Increased insulin secretion
• Better insulin sensitivity
• Reduced appetite
• Lower blood glucagon levels
• Slower absorption of glucose after meals

How Vively helps
Pairing Mounjaro with Vively’s CGM program and coaching can give you a deeper view of how your body is responding to treatment. With tools like the Metabolic Health Score, real-time glucose tracking, and expert guidance, Vively helps you optimise your lifestyle, monitor progress, and stay on trac, making it easier to maintain steady glucose levels and support long-term weight loss.

This combination of medical treatment and personalised insights offers a stronger, more sustainable approach to managing type 2 diabetes and improving your metabolic health.

"Mounjaro is showing strong potential not just for blood sugar control, but also for meaningful weight loss and improved metabolic health. When combined with personalised support, real-time data, and healthy lifestyle habits, it can be a powerful part of a long-term strategy." -- Charlotte Battle, APD and Vively's lead dietitian

Looking for more tools to stay on track? Check out the best weight management apps for Australians to support your health goals.

FAQs

How effective is Mounjaro for managing type 2 diabetes, and what are its potential side effects?

Mounjaro is a medication specifically developed to help adults with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels. It works by imitating certain hormones that play a role in regulating both blood sugar and appetite. This dual action not only helps with glucose control but can also aid in managing weight. For many, combining Mounjaro with a balanced diet and regular exercise has proven to be effective.

Like any medication, Mounjaro can come with side effects. Common ones include nausea, diarrhoea, and a reduced appetite, though these often improve as your body adjusts. If you experience any side effects, it’s essential to discuss them with your healthcare provider to determine if Mounjaro is the best fit for your health needs.

How can I get a prescription for Mounjaro in Australia, and what should I expect during the process?

To get a prescription for Mounjaro in Australia, you'll need to visit a registered doctor. They'll review your medical history and decide if this medication is suitable for your specific needs. If it is, they’ll provide a prescription that you can take to a pharmacy to have it filled.

During your appointment, the doctor will evaluate factors like your type 2 diabetes management requirements and overall health. If Mounjaro isn’t the best option for you, they’ll suggest other treatments to help you control your blood sugar levels.

It’s important to note that Mounjaro is available by prescription only, so you can’t buy it without proper authorisation from a healthcare provider.

Are there any financial assistance programs or insurance options to help cover the cost of Mounjaro in Australia?

Managing the cost of Mounjaro can feel overwhelming, but there are ways to make it more affordable. In Australia, certain private health insurance plans might cover part of the cost for prescriptions like Mounjaro, depending on the specifics of your policy. It’s worth contacting your insurer to understand what your plan includes.

You might also want to look into government assistance options, such as the Pharmaceutical Benefits Scheme (PBS). This program could help lower your out-of-pocket expenses if you meet the eligibility criteria. To find out more, consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist - they can guide you on whether you qualify for any available support programs.