Mounjaro (tirzepatide) has arrived in Malaysia — and the clinical data suggests it may be the most effective weight loss medication available today. Here's everything Malaysian patients need to know about access, pricing, and what the science actually shows.
Key Takeaways
- Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist — the first in its class, made by Eli Lilly
- NPRA approved in Malaysia (August 2025) for type 2 diabetes, with growing off-label use for weight management
- Price: RM1,088–3,000/month depending on dose
- Clinical results: Up to 22.5% body weight loss in the SURMOUNT-1 trial — superior to semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy)
- Dosing: Once-weekly injection, titrated from 2.5 mg up to a maximum of 15 mg
Medical Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. Always consult a licensed healthcare professional before starting any medication. Mounjaro should only be used under medical supervision.
What Is Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)?
Mounjaro is the brand name for tirzepatide, developed by Eli Lilly. What makes it different from Ozempic and other GLP-1 medications is its dual mechanism of action:
- GLP-1 receptor agonist — mimics the GLP-1 hormone to reduce appetite, slow gastric emptying, and improve insulin secretion (same mechanism as Ozempic)
- GIP receptor agonist — also activates glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide receptors, which enhances fat metabolism and may improve the body's response to insulin in ways GLP-1 alone cannot
Think of it this way: if Ozempic activates one key metabolic pathway, Mounjaro activates two simultaneously. This dual action is believed to explain why tirzepatide produces greater weight loss and glucose control than semaglutide in head-to-head comparisons.
How Does the GIP Component Help?
GIP (glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide) was historically underappreciated. Research now shows that GIP receptor activation:
- Enhances insulin sensitivity in fat tissue
- May promote healthier fat distribution and storage
- Appears to amplify the appetite-suppressing effects of GLP-1
- Could have direct effects on brain appetite centres distinct from GLP-1
The combination creates a synergistic effect — the whole is genuinely greater than the sum of its parts.
NPRA Approval and Availability in Malaysia
Mounjaro received NPRA (National Pharmaceutical Regulatory Agency) approval in August 2025 for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults, as an adjunct to diet and exercise.
As with Ozempic, prescribing Mounjaro for weight management in non-diabetic patients is currently off-label in Malaysia, though physicians can use their clinical judgement to prescribe it for obesity.
Where Can You Get Mounjaro in Malaysia?
Since its approval, Mounjaro has been rolling out across Malaysia. It's available through:
- Private hospitals and specialist clinics in Kuala Lumpur, Penang, and Johor Bahru
- Weight management and metabolic health clinics
- Endocrinology departments at major medical centres
- Select aesthetic medicine clinics that have expanded into metabolic health
Availability has improved since launch but can still be inconsistent due to global supply constraints from Eli Lilly. If one clinic is out of stock, try others — supply chains differ between clinics.
Mounjaro Dosing Schedule
Mounjaro follows a careful titration over several months to minimise gastrointestinal side effects:
| Phase | Dose | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | 2.5 mg/week | 4 weeks | Initiation dose — not therapeutic, purely for tolerance |
| Step 2 | 5 mg/week | 4+ weeks | First therapeutic dose; many patients see results here |
| Step 3 | 7.5 mg/week | 4+ weeks | Intermediate dose |
| Step 4 | 10 mg/week | 4+ weeks | Strong efficacy dose |
| Step 5 | 12.5 mg/week | 4+ weeks | Near-maximum |
| Maximum | 15 mg/week | Ongoing | Highest available dose; best results in trials |
Your doctor will adjust the titration pace based on your response and tolerability. Some patients achieve their goals at 5 or 10 mg without needing the maximum 15 mg dose. Do not rush the titration — each step allows your GI system to adapt and reduces the severity of nausea and other side effects.
Mounjaro Price in Malaysia (2026)
| Dose | Estimated Monthly Cost (RM) |
|---|---|
| 2.5 mg | RM1,088–1,400 |
| 5 mg | RM1,200–1,600 |
| 7.5 mg | RM1,500–2,000 |
| 10 mg | RM1,800–2,400 |
| 12.5 mg | RM2,200–2,700 |
| 15 mg | RM2,500–3,000 |
Additional costs to budget for:
- Initial consultation: RM150–350
- Baseline blood work: RM250–500
- Follow-up consultations: RM100–200 every 4–8 weeks
- Periodic blood work: RM150–300 every 3 months
Total first-month cost: RM1,500–2,250 (including consultation and blood work at lower doses).
At maintenance dose (10–15 mg): RM1,800–3,000/month plus periodic monitoring.
Yes, Mounjaro is more expensive than Ozempic. The question is whether the superior results justify the premium. For a detailed price comparison, see our Weight Loss Injection Prices Malaysia 2026 guide.
Clinical Trial Results: The SURMOUNT Programme
The SURMOUNT trials are what make Mounjaro so exciting. These large-scale Phase 3 studies established tirzepatide as the most effective anti-obesity medication tested to date.
SURMOUNT-1 (Non-Diabetic Obesity)
Published in the New England Journal of Medicine (2022), 2,539 participants with BMI ≥30 (or ≥27 with comorbidities) received tirzepatide or placebo for 72 weeks:
- 5 mg dose: 15.0% body weight loss (vs 3.1% placebo)
- 10 mg dose: 19.5% body weight loss
- 15 mg dose: 20.9% body weight loss
- Over one-third of participants on the 15 mg dose lost ≥25% of their body weight
SURMOUNT-2 (With Type 2 Diabetes)
Even in diabetic patients (who typically lose less weight on GLP-1 medications):
- 10 mg dose: 12.8% body weight loss
- 15 mg dose: 14.7% body weight loss
- Significant improvements in HbA1c alongside weight reduction
SURMOUNT-3 (With Intensive Lifestyle Intervention)
When combined with a structured diet and exercise programme:
- Participants achieved an average of 26.6% total body weight loss
SURMOUNT-4 (Maintenance Study)
Participants who achieved weight loss on tirzepatide were randomised to continue or switch to placebo:
- Those who continued maintained their weight loss and lost an additional 5.5%
- Those switched to placebo regained approximately 14% of body weight
This confirms what we see across all GLP-1 medications: continued treatment is necessary for maintained results for most patients.
How Mounjaro Compares to Ozempic
| Feature | Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) | Ozempic (Semaglutide) |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanism | Dual GIP + GLP-1 | GLP-1 only |
| Manufacturer | Eli Lilly | Novo Nordisk |
| Max dose | 15 mg/week | 1 mg/week (2.4 mg as Wegovy) |
| Weight loss (trials) | ~20.9% at max dose | ~14.9% at 2.4 mg (Wegovy) |
| Price (Malaysia) | RM1,088–3,000/month | RM800–1,800/month |
| NPRA approved | Aug 2025 (T2DM) | Yes (T2DM) |
| Injection frequency | Once weekly | Once weekly |
| GI side effects | Similar profile | Similar profile |
The SURPASS-2 trial directly compared tirzepatide to semaglutide 1 mg (Ozempic dose) and found tirzepatide superior for both weight loss and HbA1c reduction at all doses tested. For a more detailed breakdown, read our Ozempic vs Wegovy vs Mounjaro comparison.
Side Effects of Mounjaro
Mounjaro's side effect profile is broadly similar to other GLP-1 medications:
Common (10–30% of Users)
- Nausea — most common, typically worst during dose escalation and improving over time
- Diarrhoea — more common with tirzepatide than semaglutide in some trials
- Constipation
- Decreased appetite — expected therapeutic effect
- Vomiting — usually transient
- Abdominal pain
Less Common but Important
- Injection site reactions — rotate between abdomen, thigh, and upper arm
- Hypoglycaemia — primarily when combined with insulin or sulfonylureas
- Gallbladder issues — as with all rapid weight loss, gallstone risk increases
- Pancreatitis — rare; seek immediate care for severe persistent abdominal pain
Managing Mounjaro Side Effects
- Follow the titration schedule strictly — most side effects occur when doses are increased too quickly
- Eat smaller meals and avoid high-fat, greasy foods during the first few weeks of each new dose
- Stay well hydrated — especially important if experiencing diarrhoea or vomiting
- Protein first: Prioritise lean protein at each meal to prevent muscle loss and maintain satiety
- Ginger tea or supplements for nausea management
- Fibre supplementation (psyllium husk) if constipation develops
Eli Lilly Supply Situation
Global demand for tirzepatide has outpaced supply since launch. In Malaysia, this has manifested as:
- Periodic stock-outs at individual clinics
- Waitlists at some centres, particularly for higher doses
- Price variations driven partly by supply constraints
Eli Lilly has invested billions in expanding manufacturing capacity, including new facilities in the United States and Europe. Supply is expected to stabilise through 2026, but patients should be prepared for occasional disruptions. Tip: Establish a relationship with your prescribing clinic early and ask about their supply reliability.
Who Is Mounjaro For?
Ideal Candidates
- Adults with BMI ≥30
- Adults with BMI ≥27 plus weight-related comorbidities (type 2 diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidaemia, PCOS, sleep apnoea)
- Patients who have plateaued on Ozempic/semaglutide and want to try a more potent option
- People with type 2 diabetes seeking both glucose control and weight management
- Those who can commit to the higher monthly cost and want maximum pharmacological efficacy
Who Should Avoid Mounjaro
- People with personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or MEN 2
- Patients with a history of pancreatitis
- Pregnant or breastfeeding women
- People with severe gastrointestinal conditions
- Those with type 1 diabetes
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Mounjaro better than Ozempic?
Based on clinical trial data, tirzepatide (Mounjaro) produces greater average weight loss than semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy). However, "better" depends on individual factors including tolerability, cost, and your specific health profile. Some patients respond better to one than the other.
Can I switch from Ozempic to Mounjaro?
Yes, switching is possible and fairly common. Your doctor will typically start you at Mounjaro 2.5 mg regardless of your Ozempic dose, as the medications have different mechanisms and dosing scales. Expect a brief adjustment period.
How long do I need to take Mounjaro?
Current evidence suggests that weight regain occurs when the medication is stopped (SURMOUNT-4 trial). Most experts recommend viewing obesity as a chronic condition requiring ongoing management — whether that's continued medication, or medication as a bridge to sustainable lifestyle changes. Discuss a long-term plan with your doctor.
What about the next generation — retatrutide?
Retatrutide is a triple agonist (GLP-1/GIP/glucagon) also from Eli Lilly, showing even more impressive results in trials. Read our retatrutide guide for the full details on what's coming next.
The Bottom Line
Mounjaro represents a genuine step forward in obesity pharmacotherapy. Its dual mechanism of action delivers superior weight loss compared to GLP-1-only medications, with SURMOUNT trial data showing results that would have been unimaginable just a decade ago. In Malaysia, it's now accessible — if expensive — through a growing network of clinics.
If you're considering Mounjaro, work with a qualified physician who can properly assess your suitability, manage the titration, and monitor your health throughout treatment. The medication is powerful, but it works best within a comprehensive approach that includes nutrition, exercise, and long-term planning.