Starting a new medication can feel both exciting and daunting, and it’s no different when you begin taking weight-loss drugs like Mounjaro. When you begin treatment, it can take some time for your body to adjust. Some people find that they experience Mounjaro side effects, particularly in the first few weeks. While it can vary from person to person, most side effects are fairly mild, and tend to get better with time. Here, we’ll look at the most common side effects and why they might occur, as well as tips to help manage them and when you should be concerned.
Mounjaro contains the active ingredient tirzepatide, which is a GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist. This means it mimics these hormones, which are produced by the gut and help regulate appetite, fullness, fat storage and blood sugar levels.
Your body has to learn to adjust to the medication, and this is why side effects can arise. The most common side effects are often related to the gastrointestinal system, which is what Mounjaro affects the most.
Most people notice these GI effects when they’re starting treatment, as well as when they’re increasing their dose. Generally, side effects will become more manageable over time.
Clinical studies suggest that almost four out of five patients (77% to 79%) using GLP-1 medications like Mounjaro and Wegovy, which contains semaglutide, will experience at least one side effect. These are the most common side effects:
There are some potential side effects that don’t involve the gut, however. These aren’t quite as common as the side effects listed above, but they still come up from time to time and aren’t usually serious:
Most Mounjaro side effects are mild and more annoying than anything else, but there are some more serious side effects to be aware of. Fortunately, they’re quite rare. They include the following:
There are some people who shouldn’t take Mounjaro at all, due to the higher likelihood of complications and serious side effects. They include people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), people with multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2), and people with a history of pancreatitis.
People who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or under the age of 18 should also avoid Mounjaro.
While you might not be able to get rid of the side effects entirely, people using Mounjaro often find the following helpful in easing symptoms:
Speaking to your prescriber can also help, as they may be able to offer advice that’s tailored to your tirzepatide symptoms and your experience.
It’s important to remember that your side effects are usually temporary and likely won’t last long. If you do have concerns about your side effects – if they’re getting worse, or they aren’t subsiding after a few weeks or months – you should speak to your prescriber or your doctor.
For most people, side effects, like nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and constipation, are mild and last for no longer than a few weeks as your body adjusts to the medication and gradual dosage increases.
Making some small adjustments to your eating habits and lifestyle can help alleviate symptoms. Try eating smaller meals, staying hydrated, avoiding rich and high-fat foods, and eating more slowly. If you’re struggling, you might decide to speak to your prescriber or doctor.
Nausea is one of the most common side effects of Mounjaro, and it’s not usually a huge cause for concern. Symptoms tend to be mild, improving as the body adjusts.
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