VEI Body · Mounjaro

Checking criteria and health conditions first:
Mounjaro prescription

Mounjaro is a once-weekly weight loss injection (tirzepatide) that acts on the receptors of two gut hormones, GLP-1 and GIP. In Korea it is approved for chronic weight management in adults alongside a reduced-calorie diet and exercise. At VEI Clinic, a board-certified internist checks the prescribing criteria, your health conditions and current medicines before prescribing.

VEI Clinic, Gangnam — VEI Body · Mounjaro

Mounjaro prescribing criteria

Mounjaro is prescribed, together with diet and exercise, for adults who meet the Korean approval criteria. If you do not meet them or should not use it, we first offer a diet and exercise plan or other options. Even if you do not meet the criteria below, it may still be prescribed at the doctor's discretion after a consultation, as long as there is no reason you should not use it.

Body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher
BMI of 27 to under 30 with at least one weight-related condition such as high blood pressure, abnormal cholesterol, type 2 diabetes, obstructive sleep apnea or cardiovascular disease

How Mounjaro works and its effects

Mounjaro acts on the receptors of two hormones released by the gut after meals (GLP-1 and GIP), increasing fullness, reducing appetite and slowing how fast food leaves the stomach.

In the trial behind its approval (SURMOUNT-1), adults without diabetes who had obesity, or overweight with a weight-related condition, used it for 72 weeks including the dose increase period, with diet and exercise, and lost on average 15.0% of body weight at 5 mg, 19.5% at 10 mg and 20.9% at 15 mg, compared with 3.1% on placebo. These are averages: results vary widely, some people respond less, and weight can return after stopping.

Mounjaro doses and how it is given

To reduce stomach side effects such as nausea, treatment starts at a low dose and is increased at intervals of at least 4 weeks. Whether to increase is decided at your visit based on weight change and side effects.

Starting dose: 2.5 mg once a week for 4 weeks. This dose helps your body adjust and is not a maintenance dose
Increasing: after 4 weeks the dose goes up to 5 mg, and if needed it is raised by 2.5 mg at intervals of at least 4 weeks, up to 15 mg once a week
Injection: on the same day each week, inject yourself under the skin of the abdomen, thigh or upper arm, with or without food
Missed dose: if it is within 4 days (96 hours) of the scheduled day, take it as soon as you remember; if more than 4 days have passed, skip it and take the next dose on schedule. Never take two doses at once

Mounjaro side effects

Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, indigestion and stomach pain are common, usually worst just after a dose increase and easing over time. The injection site may become red or itchy.

Pancreatitis, gallstones or gallbladder inflammation, and dehydration from vomiting or diarrhea leading to reduced kidney function can occur, and low blood sugar can occur when used with insulin or sulfonylurea diabetes medicines. Seek care right away for severe stomach pain spreading to the back, vomiting so persistent you cannot keep water down, or an allergic reaction with shortness of breath or swelling of the face or throat.

Who should not use Mounjaro or needs caution

It is not used if you or a family member has had medullary thyroid cancer, or if you have multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2)
It is not used if you have had a hypersensitivity reaction to its ingredients or have type 1 diabetes
It is not used during pregnancy, when planning a pregnancy, or while breastfeeding
It is not used if you have a history of suicidal behavior or active suicidal thoughts, so tell us before prescribing. If low mood deepens or you have thoughts of suicide during treatment, stop the injections and contact us right away
If you take birth control pills: Mounjaro can reduce their absorption, so for 4 weeks after starting and for 4 weeks after each dose increase, add a barrier method such as condoms or switch to a non-oral method
Tell us before prescribing if you have had pancreatitis or have a severe stomach condition that slows stomach emptying
Tell us in advance if you have surgery, anesthesia or an endoscopy coming up

Mounjaro and Wegovy: the differences

Wegovy (semaglutide) acts only on the GLP-1 receptor, while Mounjaro acts on both the GLP-1 and GIP receptors. Both are once-weekly injections with the same BMI criteria for weight management.

A trial comparing the two directly (SURMOUNT-5) gave adults with obesity but without type 2 diabetes the highest tolerated dose of Mounjaro (10 or 15 mg) or Wegovy (1.7 or 2.4 mg) for 72 weeks; average weight loss was 20.2% with Mounjaro and 13.7% with Wegovy. Which one suits you depends on stomach side effects, health conditions, current medicines and how you responded to past treatment, so we decide together at your visit.

Storage

Keep it in its box in the refrigerator (2 to 8°C) and do not freeze it. If refrigeration is not possible, it can be kept at room temperature not above 30°C for up to 21 days; do not leave it somewhere hot, such as a car in summer. Do not use a pen that has frozen.

What to Expect

Consultation: weight history, eating habits, health conditions and medicines, and family history of medullary thyroid cancer
Tests: body composition and blood tests for blood sugar, liver and kidney function, and cholesterol
Prescription and guidance: how to inject, how to store it, and the dose increase schedule
Follow-up visits: weight, muscle mass and side effects checked around each dose increase, with the dose adjusted

The VEI Clinic Approach

A board-certified internist first checks the prescribing criteria and reasons not to use it. Medicine supports weight management rather than replacing it, so we plan protein intake, strength training and sleep to help preserve muscle. As it is not covered by national health insurance, we explain the cost and expected duration at your visit.

FAQ

Frequently asked questions

How do I get a Mounjaro prescription?

At a visit with a board-certified internist we check your BMI, weight-related conditions, medicines and family history of medullary thyroid cancer, and prescribe it if you meet the criteria. Even if you do not, it may still be prescribed at the doctor's discretion. Body composition and blood tests come first, and we explain how to inject, store it and increase the dose. Mounjaro is a prescription-only medicine and cannot be obtained without a consultation.

Where can I get Mounjaro prescribed in Apgujeong or Gangnam?

VEI Clinic is an internal medicine clinic a one-minute walk from Exit 5 of Apgujeong Station (3F, 162 Apgujeong-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul), where a board-certified internist prescribes Mounjaro after a consultation. For appointments and hours, call +82 2 542 8275.

How much does Mounjaro cost?

Mounjaro is not covered by national health insurance, so the medicine cost depends on the dose, and consultation and test fees are separate. Because the cost changes as the dose goes up, we explain the expected cost before prescribing.

What if Mounjaro side effects are severe?

Nausea and diarrhea are common just after a dose increase and usually ease over time. Eating small amounts slowly and cutting down on fatty food helps, and if symptoms are severe we delay the increase or adjust the dose. Seek care right away for severe stomach pain spreading to the back or persistent vomiting.

Will I regain weight after stopping Mounjaro?

Appetite can return after stopping, and weight may increase again. That is why eating and exercise habits are changed during treatment, and as you near your goal we decide together whether to keep the dose or taper slowly.

How long is Mounjaro used?

There is no fixed length; the trial behind its approval ran for 72 weeks. If weight barely changes after a period of use or side effects are significant, we discuss whether to continue.