What are the side effects of Mounjaro?
Mounjaro has some side effects, although not everybody will get them.
Very common side effects of Mounjaro include:
- diarrhoea
- feeling sick (nausea)
These side effects are not usually severe and are most likely to happen when you first start taking Mounjaro. Mounjaro is introduced gradually to reduce these side effects, allowing your body to adjust to the treatment. Very common side effects should improve within a few weeks, but speak to your doctor if they persist.
Mounjaro can also cause low blood sugar when used with other medicines for type 2 diabetes, such as insulin. Tell your doctor if you get symptoms of low blood sugar, which include shaking, sweating, dizziness, hunger, and an increased heart rate.
Common side effects of Mounjaro include:
- fast pulse
- mild to moderate allergic reaction, such as eczema, itching, or rash
- decrease in appetite
- pain in the stomach
- vomiting (being sick)
- constipation
- indigestion
- bloating
- gas and burping
- heartburn or reflux
- fatigue
- an increase in the levels of pancreatic enzymes, which will show up on a blood test
- itching, redness, or irritation at the injection site
Uncommon side effects of Mounjaro include:
- gallstones
- an increase in calcitonin (a hormone that helps to control calcium levels)
How to manage the side effects of Mounjaro
To manage the side effects of Mounjaro, you can:
- take your treatment at the same time and day each week
- manage nausea symptoms by sipping cold water, avoiding greasy, heavy meals, and eating smaller meals more often
- make sure to eat enough fibre (if you get constipation)
- stay hydrated if you have diarrhoea or nausea
- take anti-diarrhoea tablets
- only take the dose prescribed to you and avoid increasing your dose unless your doctor tells you to
- let your doctor know if you have any side effects that bother you or aren’t going away on their own
- speak to your doctor if you take other medications that may interact with Mounjaro or cause side effects
Are there any long term side effects?
Mounjaro is not known to cause any long term side effects. If you do get any side effects, they will probably go away or get better within a few weeks or will stop when you stop taking the medicine.
Are there any serious side effects of Mounjaro?
Mounjaro, like other medications, can cause a serious allergic reaction. This is known as anaphylaxis and causes breathing difficulties, throat, face and mouth swelling, and fainting.
Mounjaro can also cause an inflamed pancreas, known as acute pancreatitis. This requires urgent medical attention, so speak to your doctor or call 111 or 999 if you have intense and persistent stomach and back pain.