Key points
- Mounjaro starts at 2.5 mg weekly and can rise in 2.5 mg steps, at least four weeks apart, up to 15 mg.
- Wegovy starts at 0.25 mg weekly and reaches 2.4 mg after 16 weeks.
- Missed a dose? Mounjaro: take it within 4 days, otherwise skip. Wegovy: within 5 days, otherwise skip.
- Keep unused pens in the fridge, never in the freezer or a hot car.
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) dose schedule
You start at 2.5 mg once a week. After four weeks the dose goes up to 5 mg. After that, your doctor can raise it in 2.5 mg steps, with at least four weeks on each dose. The usual maintenance doses are 5 mg, 10 mg or 15 mg, and 15 mg is the maximum.
| Step | Weekly dose | What it's for | Price per month (MRP) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weeks 1 to 4 | 2.5 mg | Starting dose, to let your body adjust | ₹13,125 |
| Weeks 5 to 8 | 5 mg | First maintenance option | ₹16,406 |
| Then, if needed | 7.5 mg | At least 4 weeks on each dose | ₹20,625 |
| 10 mg | Maintenance option | ₹20,625 | |
| 12.5 mg | Step towards the top dose | ₹25,781 | |
| 15 mg | Maximum dose | ₹25,781 |
* Prices are manufacturers' maximum retail prices (MRP) in India, checked October 2026, and are shown as a guide only. Prices change often and may differ when you buy. Lean Life does not sell medicines online: any medicine is prescribed only after a consultation with a Lean Life doctor, and dispensed by a licensed pharmacy.
Each Mounjaro strength in detail: 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg, 15 mg.
Wegovy (semaglutide) dose schedule
You start at 0.25 mg once a week and step up every four weeks, reaching the maintenance dose of 2.4 mg after 16 weeks.
| Weeks | Weekly dose | Price per month (MRP) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 to 4 | 0.25 mg | ₹5,660 |
| 5 to 8 | 0.5 mg | ₹8,100 |
| 9 to 12 | 1 mg | ₹9,100 |
| 13 to 16 | 1.7 mg | ₹12,750 |
| 17 onwards | 2.4 mg (maintenance) | ₹16,400 |
Generic semaglutide in vials is measured with a syringe. If your doctor prescribes it, you'll be shown how to measure each dose before you start.
Why the dose goes up slowly
Most stomach side effects happen in the weeks after a dose increase. Going up gradually gives your body time to adjust. If you're struggling, your doctor may keep you on the same dose for longer. Not everyone needs the highest dose to keep losing weight.
How to inject
- Inject on the same day each week, at any time of day, with or without food.
- Inject under the skin of your stomach, thigh or upper arm. For Mounjaro, someone else should give injections in the upper arm.
- Use a different spot each week.
- Follow the instructions that come with your pen or vial. Your doctor or nurse will show you the first time.
If you miss a dose
| Medicine | If it's within | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Mounjaro | 4 days of the missed dose | Take it as soon as you remember, then carry on with your usual day. |
| Mounjaro | More than 4 days | Skip it and take the next dose on your usual day. |
| Wegovy | 5 days of the missed dose | Take it as soon as you remember, then carry on with your usual day. |
| Wegovy | More than 5 days | Skip it and take the next dose on your usual day. |
Never take two doses close together to catch up. If you've missed more than one dose, ask your doctor before restarting, as you may need a lower dose. Use the missed-dose checker.
Storing pens in Indian heat
- Keep unused pens in the fridge at 2 to 8°C. Don't freeze them, and don't use a pen that has been frozen.
- Keep them away from the fridge's cooling element.
- Mounjaro KwikPen: once started, it can be kept at room temperature up to 30°C for up to 30 days, then thrown away.
- Wegovy pen: once in use, it can be kept below 30°C or in the fridge for up to 6 weeks. For generic semaglutide, follow your pack's leaflet.
- Indian summers often go above 30°C. Never leave pens in a car, in sunlight or near a stove.
- When travelling, use an insulated pouch with a cool pack and keep pens in your hand luggage on flights.
Questions
Do I need to reach the highest dose?
No. Many people keep losing weight on a lower dose. The licensed maintenance doses for Mounjaro are 5 mg, 10 mg or 15 mg, and your doctor will settle on the lowest dose that works for you.
Can I skip doses or stretch a pen to save money?
No. Skipping or splitting doses makes treatment less effective and can bring back side effects when you restart. If cost is a concern, ask about generic semaglutide.
What if I vomit after injecting?
The injection is absorbed under the skin, so vomiting doesn't remove the dose. Tell your doctor if vomiting keeps happening.
Can I stop suddenly?
Talk to your doctor first. Many people regain weight after stopping, so Lean Life plans a gradual step-down with nutrition and exercise support.
References
- Mounjaro summary of product characteristics, European Medicines Agency
- Wegovy summary of product characteristics, European Medicines Agency
- Lilly Medical. How should the Mounjaro KwikPen be stored?
- Indian maximum retail prices checked October 2026
