Overview of Mounjaro

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is mainly used to help adults with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels. It does this by acting on GIP and GLP-1 receptors. This is a new way to treat diabetes.

Common side effects of Mounjaro

Mounjaro’s possible side effects range from mild to serious. Common side effects include:

Feeling and being sick
Diarrhoea
Being less hungry than normal
Constipation
Stomach pain
Indigestion and heartburn
Reactions where the drug was injected

These effects are usually mild. They often go away without much help (Drugs.com, 2024).

Serious side effects and risks

Most side effects of Mounjaro are quite easy to deal with. However, some can be severe. These require medical attention right away:

Inflammation of the pancreas
Severe stomach problems
Very low blood sugar (especially if used with other diabetes medicines)
Gallbladder disease
Thyroid tumours (very serious risk)
Severe allergic reactions

If you have any of these side effects, call your doctor or seek emergency care right away.

Duration of side effects

Most mild side effects of Mounjaro are temporary. They usually appear within the first few weeks of treatment. They may last from a few days to several weeks. Managing them involves treating the symptoms. Sometimes, you might need to talk to your doctor about adjusting your dose.

If side effects last a long time or bother you a lot, you may need to talk to your doctor about whether Mounjaro is still the best choice for you.

Managing side effects of Mounjaro

Tips for patients

To manage side effects:

Drink plenty of water: This helps with feeling sick. It also stops you getting dehydrated from diarrhoea.
Adjust your diet: Eating smaller meals more often can help your stomach feel better.
Monitor blood sugar levels: This is very important to avoid your levels getting too low (hypoglycaemia).
Get regular check-ups: Your doctor can check how the drug is working and change your dose if needed.

Comparing Mounjaro with other diabetes medicines

This section compares Mounjaro with other leading diabetes medicines in detail. We highlight key differences in how well they work, their side effects and what they are used for. This should help you and your doctor make informed decisions.

Overview of diabetes medicines

The table below compares Mounjaro with two other popular diabetes medicines, Metformin and SGLT2 inhibitors. It focuses on their main uses, side effects and general advice.

Medicine	Main use	Common side effects	Notes
Mounjaro	Type 2 diabetes management	Feeling sick, diarrhoea, hypoglycaemia	Acts on both GIP and GLP-1 receptors
Metformin	Type 2 diabetes management	Upset stomach, very low vitamin B12	Usually used first, may reduce heart disease risk
SGLT2 inhibitors	Lowering blood sugar in type 2 diabetes	Urinary tract infections, dehydration	Reduces heart failure risk, helps with weight loss

Conclusion

Mounjaro is a powerful medicine for dealing with type 2 diabetes. However, you should be aware of the possible side effects. You can manage these and stay healthy by working closely with your doctor or pharmacist.

Further resources for UK patients

NHS Direct: Advice on diabetes management and drug side effects
Diabetes UK: Support and resources for diabetes patients in the UK
UK Diabetes Research Network: Latest research and trials relevant to Mounjaro for diabetes management