Mounjaro Maintenance Dose in Bristol

What is a maintenance dose?

Maintenance dose of a medication can be described as: "The long term dose of a medication that is reached after a period where the dose is adjusted to balance your goals, any side effects you experience and the risks and benefits of the medication. It usually follows a period of titration, where the dose is adjusted over time."

The maintenance dose for Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is usually between 5mg and 15mg and is regularly assessed by your clinician.

Why different maintenance doses exist

• Tolerability Higher doses give greater weight-loss, but the chance of side-effects also rise, so many patients stop at 5mg or 10mg
• Clinical goal For type 2 diabetes, a patient may stop at a lower maintenance dose if their blood glucose control is achieved on 5mg or 10mg. For patients with obesity, weight loss may be being achieved with a lower dose, so the patient may not need the full 15mg dose.
• Cost and convenience Each upward step adds £10 per pen from most UK online pharmacies (e.g. Medicspot, Asda, MedExpress, Cloud Pharmacy, Bristol Weight Loss Clinic).

How dose escalation works

After four weeks on the 2.5mg starter pen, you'll have the option to remain on the same dose or increase your dose to 5mg. If further weight loss or glycaemic improvement is needed - and you are tolerating the treatment - the dose can rise in 2.5mg increments every four weeks, pausing whenever side-effects are experienced.

Here are some key tips during titration:

1. Record your weight at least weekly (at the same time of day)
2. Write down any side effects you have to discuss with your doctor
3. Notify us if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts >48 h
4. Seek immediate medical attention if you have severe vomiting, or stomach or back pain, or if you develop a fever, can't keep water down or feel significantly unwell

What happens after you reach maintenance?

At Bristol Weight Loss Clinic, we review your dose every 4 weeks to ensure your weight loss is safe. We will advise whether further titration up or down is needed based on how you're responding to the treatment.

We will assess your weight loss, alongside side effects and adjust the dose if necessary. It is not safe to adjust the dose without having discussed it with your clinician first.

Who is Mounjaro right for?

Wondering if a long term maintenance dose of Mounjaro is the next step for you? Here are some examples of patients we can support at Bristol Weight Loss Clinic:

• You've lost 15kg on Mounjaro and want to stay at your new weight - without going back to square one.
• You're near your goal weight but still notice food cravings and you're reticent to stop your treatment, aka 'cold turkey'.
• You're making great lifestyle changes and want to explore gradually stepping down to a lower maintenance dose while staying in control.

If any of these sound familiar, our team can help tailor a plan that works long-term - whether that means holding your dose steady, stepping down, or planning a manageable transition off Mounjaro.

FAQs about Mounjaro maintenance dose in the UK

Can you take Mounjaro once a month for maintenance?

No. Tirzepatide's half-life is ~5 days, so monthly dosing would leave two weeks with little appetite suppression, increasing your hunger levels. You must stick to once-weekly injections.

What if I miss a maintenance dose?

Inject as soon as you remember within 4 days. If more than 4 days have passed, skip that injection and resume on your usual day. Do not double the dose.

How much does a maintenance dose pen cost in Bristol?

Prices vary by provider and dose:

• Bristol Weight Loss Clinic - from £129 for 2.5mg
• Asda Online Doctor - from £128.98 for 2.5mg
• Medicspot Weight Loss - from £129 for 2.5mg
• Cloud Pharmacy - from £138.99 for 2.5mg
• MedExpress - from £149.99 for 2.5mg

Please note, prices are subject to change. These prices are accurate at the time of publishing this guide.

Can I lower my Mounjaro dose once I've lost weight?

Yes, many patients successfully taper down their dose once they reach their goal weight. The key is doing it gradually and with support. For most people, 5mg weekly is enough to maintain results if:

• You've built consistent habits around eating, movement, and sleep
• Your weight has been stable for at least 8-12 weeks
• You feel in control of hunger and portion sizes

At Bristol Weight Loss Clinic, we'll review your progress before adjusting your dose and help you make changes safely without risking weight regain.

What happens if I stop Mounjaro completely?

It's a common question and a valid concern. Clinical studies have shown that patients who discontinue GLP-1 receptor agonists like Mounjaro (tirzepatide) often experience significant weight regain. For example, in the SURMOUNT-4 trial, participants who stopped tirzepatide regained an average of 14% of their body weight within a year, compared to continued weight loss in those who remained on the medication.

This may be because the appetite-suppressing effects wear off quickly, but habits may not yet be fully ingrained. We offer two safer options:

• Taper down gradually with regular check-ins to monitor appetite, weight, and mood
• Stay on the lowest effective dose often 5mg, to maintain results with fewer side effects and lower cost

Whether you're ready to taper down or want to keep the weight off long-term, we'll help you make the right call for you.

How Bristol Weight Loss Clinic keeps you on track

Our Mounjaro maintenance dose programme is designed not just to help you lose weight, but to keep it off. When you join, you'll get access to:

• Coaching Weekly 1-2-1 WhatsApp check-ins with your dedicated health coach, there to support, motivate and guide you.
• Cues Practical emails on behaviour change to build habits that stick and essential nutrition when taking GLP-1s.
• Community Join a private, supportive community. Patients who take part lose 21% more weight on average than those who don't.