Mounjaro in Australia
Mounjaro Key Facts
Yes, approved for diabetes and weight management
TGA approved for type 2 diabetes, chronic weight management, and moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnoea. In the US/UK the weight loss brand is Zepbound; in Australia it remains Mounjaro for all indications.
Strong clinical data; newer class
Extensive trial data from SURMOUNT and SURPASS programmes. Side effects consistent with GLP-1 class. Unique dual-agonist mechanism. TGA issued updated contraception advice due to potential interaction with oral contraceptives.
4 years globally, ~3 years in AU
FDA approved May 2022 for diabetes. TGA approved 2023. Weight management indication added subsequently. Newer than semaglutide products but with extensive trial evidence.
From $395/month (private only)
Private prescription only. Starting dose ~$395/month, higher doses cost more. Not PBS subsidised for any indication. No PBS listing submitted for weight management.
Private prescription from a GP
Available via private prescription. No PBS subsidy. No specialist referral required. Availability improved in 2025-2026.
Mounjaro Australian Regulatory Status
Mounjaro Mechanism of Action
First dual-agonist: targets both GIP and GLP-1 receptors simultaneously. This dual mechanism produces greater weight loss than GLP-1-only drugs. Reduces appetite, slows gastric emptying, improves insulin sensitivity, with additional metabolic benefits through the GIP pathway.
Mounjaro Dosing Schedule
| Dose | Period | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 2.5mg | Weeks 1-4 | Starting dose |
| 5mg | Weeks 5-8 | Escalation / maintenance |
| 7.5mg | Weeks 9-12 | Escalation |
| 10mg | Weeks 13-16 | Escalation / maintenance |
| 12.5mg | Weeks 17-20 | Escalation |
| 15mg | Week 21+ | Maximum maintenance |
Mounjaro Side Effects
Very common
- Nausea (up to 33%)
- Diarrhoea (up to 23%)
- Decreased appetite
Common
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Dyspepsia
- Injection site reactions
Serious (rare)
- Pancreatitis
- Hypoglycaemia (with insulin)
- Gallbladder disease
- Thyroid tumour risk (animal data)
- May reduce effectiveness of oral contraceptives
Mounjaro Clinical Evidence
SURMOUNT-1
20.9% weight loss (15mg)
SURMOUNT-2
15.7% weight loss (diabetes pop.)
SURMOUNT-3
25.3% weight loss (with lifestyle intervention)
SURMOUNT-OSA
Significant improvement in sleep apnoea
Mounjaro Clinical Trial Sources
SURMOUNT-1
NCT0418462220.9% weight loss at 15mg vs 3.1% placebo at 72 weeks in 2,539 adults
N Engl J Med 2022;387:205-216
SURMOUNT-1 (3-Year Extension)
NCT04184622Sustained weight loss to 176 weeks; 93% type 2 diabetes risk reduction in prediabetes
N Engl J Med 2024;392:382-394
SURMOUNT-2 (Type 2 Diabetes)
NCT0465700314.7% weight loss in adults with type 2 diabetes and obesity
Lancet 2023;402:613-626
SURMOUNT-5 (vs Semaglutide)
NCT05822830Head-to-head: tirzepatide superior to semaglutide for weight loss at 72 weeks
N Engl J Med 2025
SURMOUNT-OSA (Sleep Apnoea)
NCT05412004AHI reduction 25-29 events/hr; 17-20% weight loss in adults with sleep apnoea
N Engl J Med 2024;391:1288-1298
Source data from published peer-reviewed studies. Mounjaro clinical trials listed above are the primary weight loss and cardiovascular outcomes studies. Links open in a new tab to external medical databases.
Compare Mounjaro with Other Medications
Mounjaro vs Ozempic
GLP-1 receptor agonist
~15% avg. weight loss
Wegovy vs Mounjaro
GLP-1 receptor agonist
~15-17% avg. weight loss
Contrave vs Mounjaro
Opioid antagonist + NDRI combination
~5-8% avg. weight loss
Orlistat vs Mounjaro
Lipase inhibitor
~3-5% avg. weight loss
Saxenda vs Mounjaro
GLP-1 receptor agonist
~8% avg. weight loss
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Medication Cost CalculatorThis website is for informational and research purposes only. We are not medical professionals and nothing on this page constitutes medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified doctor or specialist before making any decisions about medication.
The weight loss medication landscape in Australia is changing rapidly. Information on this page may become outdated without notice. Data sourced from the TGA, FDA, MHRA, NICE, PBAC, Australian Prescriber, Obesity Evidence Hub, and clinical trial publications. Last reviewed March 2026.