My endocrinologist started me on a very low dose of Mounjaro — looking for experiences with microdosing and increasing to 2.5 mg

Hi everyone! I’m looking for experiences from people who have used Mounjaro, especially anyone who started on a very low/microdose.

I’m 41F, and my endocrinologist prescribed Mounjaro mainly for metabolic syndrome, insulin resistance, and weight loss. I’m also taking metformin 850 mg twice a day.

My doctor prescribed a 5 mg Mounjaro KwikPen, but instead of starting with the standard 2.5 mg dose, he instructed me to start with 15 clicks (approximately 1.25 mg) once a week for four weeks, and then increase to 30 clicks (approximately 2.5 mg) weekly.

Here’s how it has gone so far:

July 30: 15 clicks (~1.25 mg)

August 6: 15 clicks (~1.25 mg)

August 13: my endocrinologist gave me permission to increase to 30 clicks (~2.5 mg), so that’s what I’m doing now.

My first dose gave me some mild nausea, earlier satiety, a little diarrhea and later some mild constipation, but the nausea and diarrhea quickly went away. Overall, I tolerated it very well.

One unusual side effect I noticed is that my sense of smell seems much stronger, but unfortunately not in a good way. I’m much more sensitive to smells I dislike, especially things like damp/musty odors. Has anyone else experienced increased sensitivity to smells on Mounjaro?

The problem is that I haven’t really experienced appetite suppression. I still get quite strong cravings for junk food and sweets, and sometimes I actually feel hungrier than before starting Mounjaro. I’ve also gained about 2 kg since starting, although part of that may be water retention, constipation, lack of exercise, and my period (my period started yesterday).

My endocrinologist is aware of the situation and has now approved the increase to 30 clicks after my second dose rather than waiting the full four weeks.

The other thing I’m confused/worried about is the KwikPen itself.

My doctor specifically told me that because I’m using much smaller doses, I would get more doses out of the same 5 mg pen and that it would last longer. However, I’ve since learned that Lilly’s official instructions say the KwikPen should be discarded after 4 doses or 30 days after first use, even if there is medication left.

So now I’m wondering:

Has anyone here been prescribed a similar microdosing/click-counting approach by their endocrinologist? Did you use the same KwikPen for longer than the standard 4-dose/30-day period? What did your doctor tell you about this?

I’m especially interested in real-life experiences with starting around 1.25 mg and then increasing to 2.5 mg, and what happened with appetite, cravings, side effects and weight loss after the increase.

I’m not looking to replace my doctor's advice — I’m just trying to understand whether this approach is something other people have experienced and how it went for them.

Thanks!