What are the Side Effects Of Mounjaro?

When taking any kind of medication, it's normal to experience some side effects, especially if you are using them for the first time. While side effects can vary from person to person, working to understand the most common side effects should put your mind at ease.
Habitual Team
5/28/2024
4
min read
Checked by
5/28/2024
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Quick summary

In this article, we’ll explore some of the most common side effects associated with Mounjaro, alongside the steps you can take to manage or prevent them. This ensures that you can stay on track of your health and your weight loss journey.

Common side effects of Mounjaro.

During clinical trials, the most common side effects of Mounjaro were [1]:

  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Vomiting 
  • Indigestion 
  • Abdominal pain 
  • Decreased Appetite
  • Headaches

Other common symptoms include: 

  • Pain/swelling at the injection site
  • Bloating and inflammation 

As discussed above, it's normal to encounter some side effects when taking medication, especially if you are using it for the first time or adjusting your dosage. As a result, while you may wish to discuss your symptoms with your healthcare provider, the above symptoms are not usually a cause for concern. 

If you are experiencing these initial side effects for a longer period of time, it's also worthwhile reaching out to your healthcare provider. 

What are the less common symptoms of Mounjaro? 

In rare cases, you may experience more severe symptoms when on Mounjaro. This could include [2]: 

  • Pancreatitis 
  • Gastrointestinal Disease
  • Kidney Injury
  • Allergic Reactions
  • Hypersensitivity
  • Diabetic Retinopathy Complications

However, it is important to note that these symptoms are incredibly rare. The majority of those using Mounjora will experience minimal side effects, with some reporting having no issues at all with the medication.

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What should I do if I am experiencing side effects? 

If you are experiencing any negative side effects when taking Mounjaro, then it's best to speak to your healthcare provider. Not only will they address any concerns you may have, but they may also be able to suggest alternative medications if necessary. For example, it could mean that you are better suited to another form of weight loss drug, such as Wegovy or Ozempic

However, as mentioned above, it is incredibly common to experience a few different side effects when taking medication. For serious or severe side effects, do not administer any more Mounjaro until you have spoken to a medical professional. 

How To Manage Mounjaro Side Effects.

There are many different ways to manage some of the more common side effects associated with Mounjaro so that you can minimise the symptoms you are dealing with. 

Ensure that the dosage is correct.

The dosage of Mounjaro you receive will change every month, with the dosage often increasing over time. These fluctuations are orchestrated to prevent a weight loss plateau and bring forth the best results. However, if you are experiencing negative side effects, it may be that you need to alter the dosage you are receiving. 

Discuss your concerns with your healthcare provider, and they will ensure that you remain on the right track for your weight loss goals while still caring for your health. 

Prevent dehydration.

The symptoms of dehydration are comparable to many of the side effects listed above. For example, dehydration can often lead to nausea, headaches and constipation. However, various studies have also found that dehydration has an impact on the way in which our bodies absorb different medications. [3] As such, it's crucial that you remain well-hydrated when on Mounjaro.

In addition to this, proper hydration can also aid weight loss, alongside boosting your overall health and well-being. [4] Generally speaking, you should aim to drink 6-8 glasses of water per day. Tracking your water intake each day can help you achieve proper hydration by making you more aware of your drinking habits or sending you regular reminders to drink water.

Take your Mounjaro alongside food.

According to a recent study, 18% of those taking Mounjaro experience some level of nausea. [5] In some cases, nausea can be remedied by eating and drinking, which could mean that timing your weekly Mounjaro injection to coincide with one of your daily meals could also prove useful if you are dealing with nausea. 

Make changes to your diet. 

It is generally advised that you make changes to your diet when taking Mounjaro. This will allow you to capitalise on the weight loss benefits of the medication while also developing healthy, lifelong habits. However, you can also tailor your diet to accommodate some of the side effects you may be experiencing. For example, adding more fibre to your diet can help with side effects such as constipation. In additon to this, you may want to avoid eating highly processed or sugary foods.

Final Thoughts.

If you are struggling to lose weight, medications such as Mounjaro could play a key role in your weight loss journey when paired with healthy eating and lifestyle adjustments. However, it's important to note that you may experience some side effects, as is typical with any kind of medication. 

Working to better understand the potential side effects ahead of time means that you know what to look out for or what to expect when you begin taking Mounjaro. It also means that you are able to take action quickly should you be dealing with some of the rarer side effects.

If you’d like to find out more about Mounjaro, please do not hesitate to get in touch today.

References

[1] Drug Trials Snapshots: MOUNJARO. U.S Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved 20 May 2024. Accessible here

[2] MOUNJARO- tirzepatide injection, solution. Eli Lilly and Company. Retrieved 20 May 2024. Accessible here.

[3] Puga, A. M., Lopez-Oliva, S., Trives, C. (2019). Effects of Drugs and Excipients on Hydration Status. Nutrients. 11(3)P:669. Accessible here.

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