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Clinical reference for Mounjaro (tirzepatide) — mechanism of action, pharmacokinetics, indications, contraindications, key drug interactions, NDC codes, and FDA approval history.
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Mechanism of action
Pharmacology class
Dual GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist
Tirzepatide is a first-in-class dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist. The single 39-amino-acid peptide activates both incretin receptors, producing additive insulinotropic, glucagonostatic, and anorectic effects greater than selective GLP-1 agonism.
Pharmacokinetics
- Half-life
- ~5 days
- T-max
- 8–72 hours
- Metabolism
- Proteolytic cleavage and amide-bond hydrolysis of the C20 fatty-diacid side-chain
- Excretion
- Urine and feces
- Bioavailability
- 80% (subcutaneous)
Contraindications
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma
- Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2
- Serious hypersensitivity to tirzepatide
Key drug interactions
Not exhaustive. See the FDA label for the full interaction list.
| Interacting drug | Severity | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Insulin | major | Severe hypoglycemia risk — reduce insulin dose. |
| Sulfonylureas | major | Additive hypoglycemia risk. |
| Oral contraceptives | moderate | Use barrier method for 4 weeks after initiation and after each dose escalation. |
| Oral medications (general) | moderate | Delayed gastric emptying may slow absorption. |
NDC codes & AWP
Representative NDC codes
- 0002-1495-80 (2.5 mg)
- 0002-1496-80 (5 mg)
- 0002-1471-80 (7.5 mg)
- 0002-1484-80 (10 mg)
- 0002-1506-80 (12.5 mg)
- 0002-1507-80 (15 mg)
AWP per month (US, 2026 estimate)
~$1,070 AWP
FDA approval history
2022
Initial FDA approval for type 2 diabetes glycemic control.
References
Sourcing Mounjaro for your patients
Compare US telehealth and pharmacy partners that dispense Mounjaro — useful when a patient asks about cash-pay options outside of their insurance formulary.
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