Mounjaro Side Effects - What You Should Know

Mounjaro Side Effects - What You Should Know



Mounjaro Side Effects: What You Should Know


Adults with type 2 diabetes may be prescribed Mounjaro (tripeptide), an injection. Unfortunately, this medication may cause adverse reactions such as nausea, diarrhoea, and loss of appetite.


Mounjaro belongs to a group of medications known as GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonists and is not available in a generic form. This drug class stimulates the body to produce insulin and helps to lower blood sugar levels.



More Common Side Effects Of Mounjaro


Mounjaro may cause various side effects, some of which may be short-term, and some


May last longer. If you experience any side effects that last longer than a few days, bother you, or become severe, it is essential to contact your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.


People who took Mounjaro in clinical trials reported a variety of side effects, including but not limited to:

  • Nausea

  • Diarrhoea

  • Constipation

  • Appetite loss

  • Vomiting



Mild Side Effects Of Mounjaro


Mild side effects can occur with Mounjaro use. This list doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Mounjaro’s prescribing information.


Possible mild side effects of Mounjaro may include:

  • Nausea

  • Diarrhoea

  • Appetite loss

  • Vomiting

  • Constipation

  • Indigestion

  • Abdominal pain

  • Belching

  • Flatulence

  • Acid reflux

  • Abdominal swelling

  • Mild injection site reaction, such as pain

  • Mild allergic reaction


Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you experience any side effects lasting longer than a few days to weeks. Additionally, seek medical advice if the side effects are severe or cause discomfort.



Serious Side Effects Of Mounjaro


Taking Mounjaro may cause serious side effects. This is not an exhaustive list of all serious side effects associated with the drug. For more information, refer to the prescribing information provided by Mounjaro.


Mounjaro may lead to severe adverse reactions. This list does not include all the potential serious side effects of the drug. To learn more about the risks associated with Mounjaro, you should read through the prescription information provided by the drug's manufacturer.


Reported adverse effects include:

  • Serious gastrointestinal issues, potentially resulting in acute kidney injury.

  • Complications with the gallbladder.

  • Development of pancreatitis.

  • Heightened risk of thyroid cancer.

  • Potential for a severe allergic reaction.



FAQs About The Side Effects Of Mounjaro


People often have questions about the potential side effects of Mounjaro. Here are the answers to some of the most common questions about the drug’s side effects.


Can Mounjaro Cause Kidney Problems?


Although no kidney issues were reported during clinical trials of Mounjaro, the drug belongs to a class of medications known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists, and other drugs in this class have been linked to kidney problems.


Mounjaro is a medication that can treat various conditions, but it can also have some potentially severe side effects. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea can all occur as side effects of Mounjaro, and these symptoms can lead to dehydration. Severe dehydration can cause Acute Kidney Injury (AKI), a serious medical condition. Symptoms of AKI include weakness, less frequent urination, and confusion. It is essential to be aware of these potential side effects and take steps to prevent them.


To learn more about kidney issues and Mounjaro, it is recommended to consult with a doctor or pharmacist.


Is Low Blood Sugar A Side Effect Of Mounjaro?


Mounjaro, when used as a standalone treatment for type 2 diabetes, is not associated with hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) as a side effect. This was evidenced in clinical trials where no reports of such an effect were made.


Mounjaro can interact with another type 2 diabetes drugs, like sulfonylureas (Glucotrol XL, glipizide) and insulins (Tresiba, insulin degludec; NovoLog, insulin aspart; Fiasp, insulin aspart). When combined with these drugs, Mounjaro can cause low blood sugar.


The following symptoms characterise a low blood sugar level:

  • Tremor

  • Tiredness

  • Dizziness or weakness

  • Hunger

  • Sweating


It is essential to discuss with your doctor before beginning treatment with Mounjaro, especially regarding any other medications you take for type 2 diabetes. Additionally, inform your doctor of any other medications you are currently taking.


To help reduce your risk of low blood sugar, your doctor may decrease your dosage of sulfonylurea or insulin drugs while you are being treated with Mounjaro.



Side Effect Specifics


If you want to know what side effects can occur with Mounjaro, please consult the prescribing information. This document will also explain how often these side effects occur in clinical trials.


Risk Of Thyroid Cancer


The FDA has issued a boxed warning to Trusted Source for Mounjaro, highlighting the potential risk of thyroid cancer. Boxed warnings are the most severe type of warnings issued by the FDA and are intended to alert doctors and patients about the possible side effects of the drug.


Despite animal studies indicating an increased risk of MTC with tripeptide (the active drug in Mounjaro), whether this medication increases the risk of thyroid cancer in humans is not yet known. Animal studies do not always accurately predict how a medication will affect humans.


Cancer of the thyroid can cause the following symptoms:

  • Difficulty swallowing

  • Shortness of breath

  • Hoarseness

  • Unusual lump or growth in your neck


What You Can Do


Before starting treatment with Mounjaro or similar drugs, it is essential to let your doctor know if you have a personal or family history of MTC. Because of the risks associated with this drug, physicians typically do not prescribe Mounjaro for your medical condition. Additionally, Mounjaro is usually not recommended if you have had or currently have multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2) cancer.


If you experience any of the mentioned symptoms while taking Mounjaro, it is essential to contact your doctor right away. They will assess your condition to determine if any tests should be done to check for thyroid cancer. If it is not deemed safe to keep taking Mounjaro, they can discuss alternative treatments for type 2 diabetes that may be better suited for you.



Severe Digestive Problems


Mounjaro can lead to digestive issues such as nausea, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain. Although these side effects have been observed in clinical trials of the drug, they are generally mild. In rare cases, however, they can be more serious.


Digestive issues such as nausea, diarrhoea, and vomiting associated with Mounjaro use can be potentially severe.


Dehydration due to severe digestive issues can trigger acute kidney injury (AKI). Signs and symptoms of AKI may include fatigue, decreased urination frequency, and mental confusion.


What You Can Do


If you have digestive issues while taking Mounjaro, please inform your doctor immediately. Your doctor can assess your symptoms and provide the best course of action for your treatment.


If you are experiencing severe digestive issues, your doctor may advise you to discontinue using Mounjaro. If you believe you exhibit signs of AKI, seeking medical attention immediately is essential. Timely treatment is needed to safeguard your kidneys and restore them to their normal state. If left untreated, AKI can bring about severe kidney harm.



Gallbladder Problems


During treatment with Mounjaro, individuals may experience gallbladder issues, ranging from bile duct blocks to the formation of gallstones. These problems were reported in clinical trials.


People suffering from gallstones or bile duct blockage may experience the following symptoms:

  • Decreased appetite

  • Jaundice

  • Back pain, which may spread to your upper abdomen

  • The stool is clay-coloured


What You Can Do


If you have any of the symptoms of gallbladder problems, it is essential to talk to your doctor immediately. Testing can be done to determine if your gallbladder is not functioning correctly. Your doctor will be able to advise you on whether or not it is safe to continue taking Mounjaro treatment and will also provide the best way to address your gallbladder symptoms.


Pancreatitis


Although Mounjaro has been associated with pancreatitis (inflammation and swelling in the pancreas) in rare cases, it should be noted that this side effect was only reported in clinical trials and is considered rare. It is important to note that pancreatitis can be life-threatening in severe cases.


People with pancreatitis before may be more likely to experience symptoms such as vomiting and intense abdominal pain that may extend to the back. However, this has not been confirmed.


What You Can Do


If you have pancreatitis, do not hesitate to contact your doctor. They will likely advise you to discontinue using Mounjaro and suggest the most appropriate treatment for your pancreatitis. If your symptoms appear to be dangerously severe, seek medical assistance as soon as possible, either by calling 911 or heading to the nearest emergency room.



Allergic Reaction


Despite being rarely reported in clinical trials, Mounjaro can cause an allergic reaction in some people.


There are a variety of symptoms that can range from mild to severe, including:

  • A swelling under your skin, usually in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet

  • You may have difficulty breathing if you have swelling in your mouth, tongue, or throat

  • Itching

  • Skin rash

  • Flushing


What You Can Do


If you are experiencing mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, contact your doctor as soon as possible. Your doctor can help you reduce your symptoms and decide whether to continue taking Mounjaro. However, if your symptoms are severe and you believe you may have a medical emergency, immediately connect with your doctor.



Precautions For Mounjaro


Before beginning treatment with Mounjaro, discussing potential precautions with your doctor is essential. This is especially important considering the boxed warning, which outlines the risk of thyroid cancer associated with the drug.


Boxed Warning: Risk Of Thyroid Cancer


The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a boxed warning for this drug to alert users of the risk of thyroid cancer. It is a severe warning; users should read the "Side effect specifics" section for more details.


Other Precautions


Before beginning treatment with Mounjaro, discussing your health history with your doctor is essential. Certain medical conditions or other factors may render this drug an inappropriate treatment option. These drug-condition or drug-factor interactions include but are not limited to:

  • Diabetic Retinopathy It's crucial to inform your doctor if you have diabetic retinopathy before beginning Mounjaro treatment. While taking Mounjaro, your diabetic retinopathy may temporarily worsen. Symptoms of this can include changes in vision, such as blurred vision. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.

  • Digestive Problems. Before taking Mounjaro, tell your doctor about any digestive problems. Mounjaro may worsen such conditions or increase the risk of other digestive issues, such as nausea, diarrhoea, and constipation. Your doctor can decide if it is safe for you to take Mounjaro, depending on the severity of your digestive condition.

  • Pancreatitis: If you have a history of pancreatitis, it is crucial to inform your doctor before starting Mounjaro treatment. Your doctor can then determine if the potential risks of Mounjaro outweigh the benefits for your type 2 diabetes. It is still unclear whether individuals with a history of pancreatitis are more at risk of pancreatitis as a side effect of Mounjaro treatment.

  • Allergic Reaction: If you've had an allergic reaction to Mounjaro or its ingredients, it is important to consult your doctor about alternatives. Depending on your circumstances, your doctor can determine which medication is best for you.



Alcohol With Mounjaro


While there are no known interactions between Mounjaro and alcohol, those with diabetes need to be aware that drinking alcohol can cause their blood sugar levels to become either too high or too low. Therefore, it is advised to monitor your blood sugar levels if you decide to drink alcohol while taking Mounjaro for type 2 diabetes.


Therefore, it is important to talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about drinking alcohol while taking Mounjaro. You may be advised to limit your alcohol consumption during treatment, as alcohol can make it more difficult to recognise symptoms associated with your medical condition.



Pregnancy And Breastfeeding While Taking Mounjaro


Although no definitive evidence suggests that taking Mounjaro during pregnancy is safe, pregnant women with unmanaged diabetes have an increased chance of experiencing preterm labour or pregnancy loss.


If you are pregnant or are considering becoming pregnant, it is important to discuss your diabetes care plan with your doctor. They can guide you on managing your diabetes best while pregnant to ensure your and your baby's health and safety.


If you are breastfeeding or plan to do so, speaking to your doctor about Mounjaro's treatment is important. Your doctor can advise you on the potential risks and benefits of breastfeeding during this treatment and provide alternative feeding options for your child if necessary.



When To Talk With Your Doctor


If you're considering taking Mounjaro, speak with your doctor or pharmacist to learn more about the possible side effects. Although these side effects are generally mild and decrease over time, there is a chance of experiencing more serious side effects. Additionally, you can use drugs.


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