Side Effects of Wegovy and Mounjaro
Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) and Wegovy® (semaglutide) are both quickly becoming popular medications prescribed for weight loss and obesity management. While treatment with wegovy and mounjaro offer significant benefits, we want to make sure that you have an understanding of the potential side effects so that you can manage them effectively if you feel them. We are going to be sharing the more common and more serious side effects of both medications, as well as provide you with a few tips on how to reduce or manage these effects. Before you do anything, always make sure that you consult your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medications or lifestyle – including taking Wegovy and Mounjaro for weight loss.
Mounjaro Side Effects
Serious Warnings
● Thyroid Tumours:
○ Mounjaro may cause thyroid tumours, including a rare form of thyroid cancer known as medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). If you start to notice symptoms like a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or feeling shortness of breath, seek medical attention immediately.
○ Mitigation: If you have a family member or family history of MTC or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2), do not use Mounjaro.
Make sure to always inform your medication provider about your medical history.
● Pancreatitis
○ If you start to feel severe stomach pain that doesn’t go away, which can even start to radiate to your back, this could indicate pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). This is a very serious side effect, and you should stop using Mounjaro and contact your doctor immediately.
○ Mitigation: If you experience persistent or severe abdominal pain, especially with vomiting, stop using Mounjaro and seek medical care immidiately.
● Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar)
○ If you use Mounjaro alongside other medications that lower blood sugar (like insulin or sulfonylureas), Mounjaro could increase the risk of hypoglycemia. Some of these symptoms may include dizziness, sweating, confusion, rapid heartbeat, and feeling weak.
○ Mitigation: Make sure you monitor your blood sugar levels on a regular basis, and discuss with your healthcare provider if you are taking any other blood sugar-lowering medications. It may be necessary to adjust your dosage of those medications before starting to use Mounjaro.
● Kidney Problems
○ Taking Mounjaro can cause dehydration, especially if you experience side effects like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea. Being dehydrated can worsen your kidney function, especially if you have pre-existing kidney problems.
○ Mitigation: Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, specifically water. If you experience severe diarrhoea or vomiting, contact your healthcare provider for advice on maintaining proper hydration.
● Allergic Reactions
○ Some serious allergic reactions to Mounjaro may include swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, and difficulty breathing or swallowing. If any of these occur to you, seek emergency medical help immediately.
○ Mitigation: If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, stop using Mounjaro immediately and contact your healthcare provider or visit the nearest hospital.
Common Side Effects
● Nausea and Vomiting
○ Nausea is the most commonly reported side effect when people take Mounjaro. It may happen as your body starts to adjust to the medication.
○ Mitigation: You will start with a low dose and gradually increase it as advised by your healthcare provider. But do these in order to mitigate nausea and vomiting:
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- – Wait to eat until you are actually hungry (which may come less often now).
- – Stop eating when you are full and feeling satisfied.
- – Opt for smaller but more frequent meals during the day to ease digestion.
- – Eating slowly can help reduce discomfort.
- – Avoid high-fat and greasy foods, as they may worsen your side effects.
- – 30 minutes after taking your dose, try having a crackers, apples, or tea
- – If nausea is an issue, separate your drinks and meals, by drinking 30–60 minutes before or after you eat.
- – Avoid strong smells and odours if possible.
● Diarrhoea, Constipation, and Abdominal Pain
○ When taking Mounjaro, it is quite common to experience stomach discomfort, including indigestion, bloating, and constipation.
○ Mitigation: Try doing the following in order to mitigate these side effects:
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- – Eating smaller portions.
- – More frequent meals.
- – Stay hydrated by drinking a lot of water
If you see that your symptoms persist, consult with your doctor or healthcare provider.
Wegovy Side Effects
Common Side Effects
● Gastrointestinal Issues
○ Similarly to Mounjaro, Wegovy can also cause nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, and stomach pain.
○ Mitigation: Follow the same strategy as with Mounjaro, and also, if nausea is particularly bothersome, try eating bland, low-fat foods and drinking clear liquids.
● Fatigue and Dizziness
○ Some people that take Wegovy might experience fatigue and/or dizziness.
○ Mitigation: Make sure that you are eating enough to maintain your energy levels, and avoid sudden movements that could lead to feeling dizzy. If dizziness continues, consult your healthcare provider to rule out other causes.
● Headache and Stomach Flu
○ Wegovy has been linked to headaches and flu-like symptoms such as body aches and a runny nose.
○ Mitigation: For headaches, try over-the-counter pain relief (make sure that it is approved by your doctor) and ensure you’re staying well-hydrated by drinking a lot of water.
● Low Blood Sugar in Diabetic Users
○ Like Mounjaro, those on Wegovy taking other diabetes medications may start to experience hypoglycemia.
○ Mitigation: Make sure you regularly monitor your blood sugar levels and be aware of the symptoms of low blood sugar. You can have a quick source of glucose (like a sugary drink), available.
Managing Side Effects and What to Do
While being aware of the side effects are an important consideration when starting any new medication, most of these can be mitigated with the right approach to your journey. Here are some general tips:
● Gradually Increase Your Dose
○ Both Mounjaro and Wegovy should be typically started at their lowest doses, which is then gradually increased. This helps your body adjust to the medication for the first 4 weeks and reduces the intensity of common side effects like nausea and gastrointestinal discomfort.
● Staying Hydrated Is Key
○ Dehydration caused from side effects like vomiting or diarrhoea can worsen any kidney problems or increase nausea. Make sure you drink plenty of water, and consider oral rehydration solutions (such as electrolytes) if necessary.
● Monitor Your Body For Any Symptoms
○ Try keeping a log of your side effects to discuss with your healthcare provider. This will help inform your doctor so that they can make any necessary adjustments to your treatment plan.
● Have A Diet Plan
○ Eating smaller, more frequent meals and avoiding high-fat, greasy foods can help with keeping your stomach relaxed and prevent issues like nausea, indigestion, and bloating. If you do have nausea, make sure you try sticking to bland foods like crackers, plain rice, or toast to help alleviate the symptom.
Final Thoughts
Both Mounjaro and Wegovy have proven to be effective weight loss medications, but like any medication, they have potential for side effects. By understanding what to expect and how to manage these side effects, you can make your weight loss journey more comfortable and effective.
If you have any concerns or experience side effects that are persistent or troubling, don’t hesitate to reach out to us or to your dedicated healthcare provider. We will be happy to offer you guidance tailored to your specific needs.
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