Mounjaro side effects: 10 common and long-term reactions you shouldn’t ignore

Mounjaro, one of many model names for tirzepatide, is a drug that’s useful for individuals with kind 2 diabetes. This once-weekly injectable drugs will be paired with weight loss program and train to assist handle blood sugar ranges. Additionally prescribed off-label for weight reduction, the medication has labored wonders for celebrities like Rosie O’Donnell, Whoopi Goldberg, and Amy Schumer. There are advantages, however it’s best if you’re cautious of Mounjaro unintended effects too. Proper from nausea to constipation, this anti-diabetes drug can have some antagonistic results.

How does Mounjaro work?

“The weekly injection that is available in pre-filled pens mimics the exercise of two pure hormones within the physique,” says endocrinologist Dr Swati Tayal Goray. By mimicking the hormone glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), the medication works as an urge for food suppressant. This hormone is launched after consuming meals, and normally makes individuals really feel fuller. Mounjaro additionally impacts glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP), a hormone that has an impression on metabolism. “Aside from suppressing starvation, these two hormones additionally regulate blood sugar,” says the skilled.

The primary dose of Mounjaro, which will be self-administered into the abdomen, higher arm or thigh, is 2.5 mg. After utilizing it for 4 weeks, the dose will likely be elevated to five mg, in line with the US Meals and Drug Administration.

Is hair loss a facet impact of Mounjaro?

Chances are you’ll marvel if Mounjaro and hair loss have a hyperlink. Nicely, it isn’t a direct facet impact of Mounjaro, however some individuals might expertise it. A research, revealed in The New England Journal of Drugs, confirmed that almost 5 to six p.c of individuals taking tirzepatide (5 mg, 10 mg, and 15 mg) skilled hair loss. “Hair loss is usually a non permanent response to modifications within the weight loss program or weight reduction, however not the medication itself,” says Dr Goray.

What are the widespread Mounjaro unintended effects?

The widespread Mounjaro unintended effects are sometimes gastrointestinal in nature. Listed below are a few of them:

1. Nausea

Whenever you begin utilizing Mounjaro, it can decelerate the emptying of the abdomen. This delay may cause a sense of fullness or unease, usually leading to nausea. “It’s extra widespread when the dose is first began or elevated, and tends to enhance over time because the physique will get used to it,” says the skilled.

2. Vomiting

In some individuals, particularly in the course of the early weeks of remedy, nausea might progress to vomiting. This occurs as a result of the abdomen’s capability to contract and transfer meals turns into gradual. If vomiting is persistent or extreme, it could require dose adjustment or medical consideration.

3. Diarrhea

Diarrhea is likely one of the Mounjaro unintended effects. It will possibly have an effect on how the intestines take up and course of meals. This may occasionally end in looser stools or extra frequent bowel actions. “Diarrhea can vary from gentle to reasonable, and normally decreases with continued use,” says Dr Goray.

4. Constipation

Conversely, some individuals expertise decreased bowel actions or issue passing stools. Mounjaro may cause constipation because of slowed gastrointestinal motion and modifications in urge for food or weight loss program as individuals eat much less. Staying hydrated and rising dietary fiber can assist handle this.

5. Lack of urge for food

Sure, one of many supposed results of Mounjaro is suppression of urge for food. It really works on hormones that sign satiety (fullness) to the mind, serving to individuals eat much less. “Whereas useful for weight reduction, the sudden discount in urge for food will be uncomfortable for some and should result in nutrient deficiencies if not managed properly,” says the skilled.

6. Sulfur burps

These burps normally occur when micro organism within the intestine produce hydrogen sulfide fuel, which is of course current within the digestive tract. However having big quantities of this fuel can result in burps with an disagreeable odor. These burps could also be one of many Mounjaro unintended effects. A research, revealed within the Journal of the Endocrine Society, confirmed {that a} consumer of Mounjaro had nausea, vomiting, indigestion and extreme burping for someday after taking the primary dose of the medication.

What are the Mounjaro long-term unintended effects?

Whereas most individuals can tolerate Mounjaro properly, there are just a few potential long-term dangers. Listed below are among the Mounjaro unintended effects that may be skilled for lengthy:

1. Abdomen issues

If used for a very long time, some individuals might expertise persistent bloating, flatulence or discomfort within the stomach. “That is doubtless as a result of treatment’s continued impression on slowing digestion and altering intestine motility,” says the skilled. Although not extreme, it will probably have an effect on the standard of life if these issues don’t cease.

2. Gallstones

Speedy weight reduction, which is usually seen with Mounjaro, can enhance the chance of gallstone formation. “These stones are exhausting deposits that get shaped within the gallbladder and may trigger ache, indigestion, or in extreme instances, require surgical procedure,” says the skilled. Folks with a historical past of gallbladder points ought to examine with their physician earlier than utilizing the load loss drug.

3. Pancreatitis

There’s a uncommon however severe danger of pancreatitis (irritation of the pancreas), which can result in extreme belly ache, nausea, and vomiting. Although unusual, individuals with a historical past of pancreatitis ought to use the load loss drug with warning.

4. Thyroid tumors

“Lengthy-term use of medicines like Mounjaro might enhance the chance of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), a uncommon kind of thyroid most cancers,” says the skilled. Nevertheless, this has not been confirmed in people. As a precaution, individuals with a private or household historical past of MTC ought to keep away from utilizing Mounjaro.

Learn how to forestall Mounjaro unintended effects?

To stop Mounjaro unintended effects, do the next:

• All the time begin with a low dose after which enhance slowly, as prescribed by the physician. “That is probably the most vital preventive step, because the physique tolerates the medication higher when launched step by step,” says the skilled
• Keep away from fatty or spicy meals whereas taking this weight reduction drug, as they could upset your abdomen.
• Drink water or electrolyte fluids in small sips all through the day to keep away from dehydration because of vomiting.
• Take it solely beneath medical supervision and inform your physician of any Mounjaro unintended effects instantly.

Mounjaro unintended effects like nausea and vomiting normally subside inside just a few days to weeks, as by that point the physique adjusts to the drug. Nevertheless, generally, the antagonistic results will be skilled for an extended time. Make certain to seek the advice of a health care provider relating to them.