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 helpful for individuals with kind 2 diabetes. This once-weekly injectable drugs might be paired with food regimen and train to assist handle blood sugar ranges. Additionally prescribed off-label for weight reduction, the drugs has labored wonders for celebrities like Rosie O’Donnell, Whoopi Goldberg, and Amy Schumer. There are advantages, however it’s best in case you are cautious of Mounjaro unwanted side 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 drugs works as an urge for food suppressant. This hormone is launched after consuming meals, and often 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 professional.

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

Is hair loss a facet impact of Mounjaro?

It’s possible you’ll surprise if Mounjaro and hair loss have a hyperlink. Nicely, it’s not a direct facet impact of Mounjaro, however some individuals could expertise it. A examine, printed in The New England Journal of Drugs, confirmed that just about 5 to six p.c of contributors taking tirzepatide (5 mg, 10 mg, and 15 mg) skilled hair loss. “Hair loss generally is a short-term response to adjustments within the food regimen or weight reduction, however not the drugs itself,” says Dr Goray.

What are the frequent Mounjaro unwanted side effects?

The frequent Mounjaro unwanted side effects are usually gastrointestinal in nature. Listed here are a few of them:

1. Nausea

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

2. Vomiting

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

3. Diarrhea

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

4. Constipation

Conversely, some individuals expertise diminished bowel actions or problem passing stools. Mounjaro may cause constipation as a consequence of slowed gastrointestinal motion and adjustments in urge for food or food regimen as individuals eat much less. Staying hydrated and rising dietary fiber may help 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 helpful for weight reduction, the sudden discount in urge for food might be uncomfortable for some and should result in nutrient deficiencies if not managed nicely,” says the professional.

6. Sulfur burps

These burps often occur when micro organism within the intestine produce hydrogen sulfide gasoline, which is of course current within the digestive tract. However having enormous quantities of this gasoline can result in burps with an disagreeable odor. These burps could also be one of many Mounjaro unwanted side effects. A examine, printed within the Journal of the Endocrine Society, confirmed {that a} person of Mounjaro had nausea, vomiting, indigestion and extreme burping for at some point after taking the primary dose of the drugs.

What are the Mounjaro long-term unwanted side effects?

Whereas most individuals can tolerate Mounjaro nicely, there are a number of potential long-term dangers. Listed here are among the Mounjaro unwanted side effects that may be skilled for lengthy:

1. Abdomen issues

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

2. Gallstones

Fast weight reduction, which is commonly seen with Mounjaro, can enhance the chance of gallstone formation. “These stones are exhausting deposits that get fashioned within the gallbladder and might trigger ache, indigestion, or in extreme circumstances, require surgical procedure,” says the professional. 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 threat of pancreatitis (irritation of the pancreas), which can result in extreme stomach 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 could enhance the chance of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), a uncommon kind of thyroid most cancers,” says the professional. Nonetheless, 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.

The best way to stop Mounjaro unwanted side effects?

To forestall Mounjaro unwanted side effects, do the next:

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

Mounjaro unwanted side effects like nausea and vomiting often subside inside a number of days to weeks, as by that point the physique adjusts to the drug. Nonetheless, generally, the antagonistic results might be skilled for an extended time. Be sure that to seek the advice of a health care provider relating to them.