Mounjaro has been approved for management of type 2 diabetes since its introduction to the Australian market in 2023. We approved its use for chronic weight management in September 2024.
Pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly has advised us that a new presentation (or version) of Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is now available in Australia. The new presentation is a multi-dose, pre-filled pen (KwikPen) containing the same dosage amounts as pre-existing Mounjaro vials (2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg and 15 mg). The KwikPen is also approved for the treatment of type 2 diabetes and chronic weight management.
Eli Lilly has also informed us that all strengths of Mounjaro vials will continue to be limited until the end of 2024 and into 2025 due to an unexpected increase in demand. Availability of the 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 7.5 mg, 10 mg, 12.5 mg and 15 mg Mounjaro vials is expected to vary over this time. We recommend that patients and healthcare professionals check the Medicine Shortage Reports Database- external site for the latest supply status of the strength they need.
It is not known what impact the introduction of the Mounjaro KwikPen and the new indication for chronic weight management will have on the overall availability of Mounjaro products.
To help patients during the shortage of Mounjaro vials, we have approved the temporary supply of an overseas-registered tirzepatide product, Mounjaro KwikPen (UK), under section 19A of the Therapeutic Goods Act 1989. More information and supplier contact details are available on the Section 19A approvals database.
We recommend that patients who are unable to fill their script for the correct strength or presentation of Mounjaro in time for their next dose should contact their doctor immediately to have their treatment plan reassessed.
The Mounjaro KwikPen cannot be dispensed using a prescription for the vial presentation, so patients switching to the KwikPen will need a new prescription.
We will continue to monitor the supply of Mounjaro products and publish updates from Eli Lilly on the Medicine Shortage Reports Database- external site.
For more information, visit the About the shortage of Mounjaro (tirzepatide) injections webpage.