Mounjaro is an injectable type 2 diabetes treatment that private clinics like myBMI provide for weight loss and weight management. Just like any other medication, it comes with a few potential side effects, so we have compiled a list of the most common side effects of Mounjaro and how you can manage and treat them.
What are the Mounjaro side effects and how long will the side effects of Mounjaro last?
The most common Mounjaro side effects:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Decreased appetite
- Constipation
- Indigestion and Acid Reflux
- Stomach pain
These side effects were reported by less than half of patients taking Mounjaro injections, and just over 3% of patients have had to stop treatment due to side effects (which is a very small amount). We know that once you have started your weight loss journey you don’t want to give up – especially because of side effects. Here are some tips, tricks, and treatments for any Mounjaro side effects you may experience.
Mounjaro and hypoglycaemia
When taking weight loss medication like Mounjaro and suffering from type 2 diabetes or prediabetes, you can suffer from low blood sugar (also known as hypoglycaemia). You may think you are suffering from Mounjaro side effects, but it could also be low blood sugar.
The symptoms of low blood sugar are:
- Feeling anxious
- Feeling shaky
- Feeling hungry
- Feeling confused
Will the side effects get worse when I increase the dose?
When you increase your dose, you may notice that your side effects worsen. If you allow your body time to get used to the new strength of treatment you will notice that the side effects slowly go away.
Dealing with Mounjaro nausea and vomiting
Nausea and vomiting tend to come hand-in-hand. A good way to handle this is by getting plenty of fresh air when you start feeling unwell. You should also take regular sips of water or a cold, still drink, and ensure that you’re eating smaller, but more frequent meals to avoid overfilling your belly. Try incorporating more dry foods like crackers or plain toast into your diet while feeling nauseous or vomiting.
Another good technique for handling nausea and vomiting is simply to distract yourself. Put your favourite film on or listen to your favourite music (but don’t dance too hard). After a while, you should hopefully begin to feel better!
So, take regular sips of cold fluids. Eat smaller amounts more frequently and distract yourself.
You could also try medication for nausea; anti-sickness tablets can help manage your symptoms if the self-help methods mentioned above are not effective in easing your Mounjaro side effects.
How long will nausea and vomiting last?
Nausea should only last for a couple of days whilst your body gets used to the medication, and tends to occur as you increase the dose, but it may last for a few weeks. By using the techniques given above, it shouldn’t bother you too much. If it begins to trouble you or it becomes unbearable, you should speak to a medical professional.
Dealing with Mounjaro diarrhoea
Diarrhoea is passing watery or more frequent stools, and it can be quite uncomfortable to deal with. It can cause belly pains, more nausea, and a loss of appetite. Again, drinking lots of water, juices, and broths can help. But try to avoid drinks like coffee, pure orange or apple juice, and alcohol as these can act as laxatives.
When you feel like your belly is starting to settle, try to eat some solid low-fibre foods like toast, crackers, or rice cakes.
Some over-the-counter medicines can also help when struggling with diarrhoea. Medicines such as Pepto-Bismol or loperamide can help ease diarrhoea.
How long will the Mounjaro diarrhoea last?
This side effect should only last for a few days. You’ll notice that your side effects subside as your body builds a tolerance to each dose. If you continue to experience diarrhoea for a prolonged period, you must ensure that you maintain hydration and again, speak to a medical professional.
Dealing with decreased appetite from Mounjaro
Decreased appetite is a bitter-sweet side effect of Mounjaro. For weight-loss purposes, this is one of the main factors that helps you drop weight. A lower appetite means fewer calories which leads to weight loss. However, if you are using Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes, it may make it harder for you to eat vital meals during the day.
Eating smaller meals more frequently or eating less food is fine as long as you are getting all the nutrients you need. Try to include something from each food group in your meals and you could use vitamin and mineral supplements to fulfil anything you missed.
How long until my appetite returns?
The drug, tirzepatide, is made to make you feel fuller for longer and slow down your digestive system. As you increase your dose, your appetite will decrease. Your appetite will return when you stop using this treatment. Tirzepatide has a prolonged action so this may not be for 1-2 weeks after stopping.
Dealing with Mounjaro constipation
Constipation is when you struggle to poo, and it can cause a lot of belly pain and trapped gas. One of the most effective ways of easing constipation is by eating high-fibre foods and foods that can have natural laxative effects, like beans, broccoli, or dried fruits.
If the constipation persists, you should speak to your doctor or pharmacist. Depending on your condition, they may recommend a stool softener type of laxative or a natural stimulant laxative, like senna tablets.
How long will the constipation last?
Hopefully following the above guidance should give you relief and you should get back to normal bowel movements in a couple of days. But, as mentioned before, persistent constipation should be discussed with a medical professional.
Dealing with Mounjaro indigestion and acid reflux
Indigestion and acid reflux are common side effects of tirzepatide. Because it slows down the digestive system, it is normal to experience some discomfort.
Using ingredients like ginger, peppermint and apple cider vinegar in your foods can help ease indigestion. Antacid and acid reflux medications such as Gaviscon can help to neutralise excess stomach acid and relieve the irritation that causes these symptoms.
Indigestion tends to last from a few minutes to a few hours depending on how long it takes to process and fully digest your food.
Dealing with Mounjaro stomach pains
Mild stomach pain may be experienced alongside nausea, indigestion and constipation. This should resolve after a few days of treatment as your body gets used to Mounjaro.
If you continue to have mild stomach pains there are a few types of medication you can take to ease the discomfort. Buscopan, Imodium and Gaviscon are great at relieving pain in the abdominal. General pain relief such as paracetamol will also help.
Severe stomach pain, sometimes accompanied by nausea, vomiting and acid reflux, can be a sign of something more serious. If your pain does not resolve, please contact us or speak to your doctor.
You may experience these side effects while your body adjusts to Mounjaro. So after some time, the side effects should subside. But if you think that a lower dosage is the best option, it is always a good idea to consult a professional.
Less common serious side effects of Mounjaro
Are there any serious Mounjaro side effects?
Less common serious side effects from taking Mounjaro
Are there any serious Mounjaro side effects?
Mounjaro can cause serious side effects, but this is very rare. Serious side effects include:
- Severe allergic reactions
- Kidney problems
- Pancreatitis
- Gallbladder issues
- Thyroid cancer
Does Mounjaro cause thyroid cancer?
There has been research done by the FDA in the pre-clinical trials on animals where tirzepatide and similar drugs have been shown to cause thyroid C-cell tumours (including medullary thyroid carcinoma) in rats. Furthermore, it’s important to note that Mounjaro is not recommended in individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
Regulatory agencies like the UK Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) continue to monitor the safety of Mounjaro and other GLP-1 receptor agonists for any potential signals of thyroid cancer risk. They have stated this could take many years to determine the outcome as cancer may not always present itself instantaneously.
Does Mounjaro cause hair loss?
Whilst this treatment does not directly cause hair loss, rapid weight loss and lack of nutrients can impact healthy hair growth.
The physiological stress on the body caused by rapid weight loss can affect hair growth. This side effect is usually mild and temporary and your hair loss should stabilise over time. Please ensure that you are having enough protein in your diet.
Because your appetite is reduced, you may not be eating a balanced diet. It may also be necessary to take a vitamin and mineral supplement specifically for healthy hair.
Does Mounjaro cause kidney damage?
Mounjaro doesn’t directly cause kidney injury (AKI), but some of the less serious side effects can cause acute kidney damage. If you suffer from nausea and vomiting, you may become dehydrated and severe dehydration can cause acute kidney injuries. Keeping on top of your side effects will reduce your chances of AKI.
It is important to stay hydrated whilst on treatment to help protect the kidneys. If at any stage your kidney function deteriorates, it is very important that you let us know before continuing treatment. If you notice an increase in swelling in your ankles, feet or hands, increased shortness of breath or blood in your urine, it is very important that you discuss this with your healthcare provider.
Severe stomach problems from Mounjaro
Again, severe stomach problems from Mounjaro tend to come from badly managed common side effects. Simple side effects such as vomiting, diarrhoea and dehydration if left unmanaged can sometimes worsen. In most cases, if you manage your less-serious side effects properly, you shouldn’t develop serious side effects.
At myBMI we can offer free treatments for any side effects you may encounter, as part of your monthly plan, just bring up any concerns or queries during your next consultation.
We have some useful guides that explain what Mounjaro is and how tirzepatide works or you can start your consultation with one of our weight management specialists here:
