How long do Mounjaro’s side effects last?

In this article:

• What to expect
• Why do side effects occur?
• How long do side effects last?
• Factors influencing the duration of side effects
• Managing side effects
• When to see a doctor
• The bottom line
• Expert takeaway

In this article

• What to expect
• Why do side effects occur?
• How long do side effects last?
• Factors influencing the duration of side effects
• Managing side effects
• When to see a doctor
• The bottom line
• Expert takeaway

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that’s used in combination with diet and exercise to treat adults with Type 2 diabetes. This injectable drug is administered weekly and helps lower and control blood sugar levels. While you may experience side effects with Mounjaro, they typically go away within a few days to weeks as you adjust to the medication—but side effects may flare temporarily when you change your dosage.

Save up to 80% on Mounjaro with SingleCare

Different pharmacies offer different prices for the same medication. SingleCare helps find the best price for you.

Mounjaro 5 mg/0.5 mL (4 pens)

23666 - Hampton, VA

$875.00

i Price with signup

Get free coupon

$875.00

i Price with signup

Get free coupon

See Mounjaro prices at all pharmacies

The reality of Mounjaro side effects: What to expect

Most medications cause side effects, and Mounjaro is no different. Gastrointestinal (GI) side effects may occur while taking this injectable drug—particularly at the start of treatment.

Common GI side effects of Mounjaro include:

• Nausea
• Feelings of fullness
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Vomiting
• Burping
• Decreased appetite
• Upset stomach
• Abdominal discomfort or pain
• Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
• Heart rate increase (tachycardia)
• Injection site reactions
• Increased blood levels of pancreatic enzymes (amylase and lipase)

So, how long do Mounjaro side effects last? These side effects will typically go away within a few days or weeks of beginning Mounjaro as your body adjusts to the medication. If symptoms persist, please reach out to your healthcare provider.

Why do side effects occur with Mounjaro?

“Mounjaro works by mimicking two natural hormones, GLP-1 and GIP, which regulate insulin, appetite, and gastric emptying,” says Wiljon Beltre, MD, a bariatric surgeon at Beltre Bariatrics in Orlando, Florida. “The slower process of the stomach emptying can cause nausea or fullness.”

Mounjaro plays a key role in controlling blood glucose levels by increasing insulin levels and reducing the amount of sugar released in your blood. While it’s a common diabetes medication for adults with Type 2 diabetes, it is also often prescribed off-label for weight management, as it promotes weight loss by decreasing appetite and slowing digestion.

People may be more likely to experience side effects of Mounjaro after increasing their dose. Some side effects, such as diarrhea, may occur more frequently at higher doses; however, they typically improve with a steady maintenance dose.

In addition, diet and lifestyle factors play a role in whether or not a person experiences side effects while taking Mounjaro. According to Dr. Beltre, large or high-fat meals, fizzy drinks, or eating too quickly can cause nausea and bloating. For people experiencing constipation or fatigue, not drinking enough can worsen these side effects. It is crucial to talk to your healthcare provider before taking Mounjaro to determine the best lifestyle choices to support your body while on Mounjaro.

Mary J. Charlot, RN, MSN, FNP-C, a family nurse practitioner specializing in primary care, weight loss, and weight management, and founder of NP’s Hired Health & Weight Loss in Lithia Springs, Georgia, emphasizes that side effects vary from person to person because Mounjaro affects each person differently. “Mounjaro delays stomach emptying,” she explains. “Each person will have a different response to this delay in stomach emptying.”

How long do Mounjaro side effects typically last?

Common side effects of Mounjaro, such as nausea and upset stomach, typically last only a few days or weeks, but they may recur when the dosage is increased. Ultimately, these side effects are temporary and should go away as your body adjusts to the medication. Dr. Beltre notes that certain symptoms, such as constipation, may persist if not managed with a proper diet and adequate hydration.

If you continue to experience side effects after taking Mounjaro for a few weeks, please consult your healthcare provider. People experiencing severe side effects may need to discontinue their use of Mounjaro and potentially explore other options for treatment.

Mounjaro is currently not associated with many long-term side effects; however, experts do not yet know whether this is due to limited research. 

In one study, researchers found an increased risk of thyroid cancer in people who had taken GLP-1 receptor agonists (drugs similar to Mounjaro that treat diabetes and obesity). But a later study found no increased risk of thyroid or pancreatic cancer in people who had taken semaglutide. More recently, a clinical study of cancer risks also found no links to an increased risk of thyroid cancer in people who had taken tirzepatide, the active ingredient found in Mounjaro.

However, tirzepatide and GLP-1 agonists in general are known to be associated with an increased risk of gallbladder problems, even if specific problems like gallstones or cholecystitis didn’t always show an apparent increase in studies.

Factors influencing the duration of side effects 

Each person’s experience taking Mounjaro is different. While one person might have a few days of stomach upset before seeing it go away, another person might deal with abdominal pain for several weeks. Sometimes this is due to a person’s individual tolerance, while at other times specific factors may be at play.

As your Mounjaro dosage increases, you may be at a higher risk of side effects that may persist longer than the initial dose. Dose increases are known to cause a spike in side effects, so it is always best to prepare ahead if you know a dosage change is part of your treatment plan.

Dr. Beltre says that improper adherence to your dosing schedule can also contribute to Mounjaro side effects. “Some people’s GI systems are more sensitive to changes in motility,” he explains. “Missing doses or taking them inconsistently can also increase the risk of negative side effects.” He also notes that people with pre-existing GI conditions like reflux, gastroparesis, or irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) may experience more intense side effects. Side effects may also linger due to a lack of hydration or a poor diet.

Eating nourishing, well-rounded meals, staying hydrated, and prioritizing enough rest are all key to reducing the intensity and duration of side effects while on Mounjaro and helping you feel better overall.

Managing and minimizing Mounjaro side effects 

Gastrointestinal symptoms are among the most common side effects of Mounjaro and can cause discomfort or frustration, especially if they linger. However, there are ways to settle your stomach and ease symptoms when you start taking Mounjaro.

Below are a few practical ways to manage and minimize side effects as your body adjusts to the new medication or higher dosage:

• Eat small, frequent meals.
• Avoid heavy, spicy, greasy, or fried foods.
• Chew food thoroughly and eat slowly, putting your fork down between bites and taking your time.
• Stay hydrated, but sip water instead of gulping it.
• Avoid lying down after eating.
• Chew gum or suck on ginger candies to reduce nausea.
• Control heartburn, constipation, and diarrhea with over-the-counter medications such as Prilosec OTC, MiraLAX, and Imodium.

Ultimately, everyone reacts differently to a new medication, and the best thing that you can do is to determine what specifically works for you. “An informed patient is the best patient,” Charlot says. Pay attention to how your body responds to each dose, noting which foods you can digest most easily. A food diary can be a great tool for understanding which foods will fuel you without worsening side effects. 

If you need additional guidance on preventing or minimizing side effects, please reach out to your healthcare provider for professional medical advice.

When to seek medical attention for Mounjaro side effects 

While most side effects of Mounjaro cause some mild discomfort, there’s a chance you might experience more severe symptoms. 

Serious side effects of Mounjaro include:

• Severe abdominal pain
• Severe allergic reaction, such as rash, swelling of the face or tongue, or difficulty breathing (anaphylaxis)
• Extreme, unrelenting vomiting or diarrhea
• Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
• Acute pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
• Kidney problems from severe dehydration
• Gallbladder problems
• Worsening diabetic retinopathy

If you experience any severe side effects, please visit your nearest emergency room or dial 911. These side effects require immediate medical attention and could potentially be life-threatening without treatment.

The bottom line

While there are several side effects associated with taking Mounjaro, they should not last more than a few weeks after beginning the medication or increasing your dosage. As you take this medication, please maintain open communication with your healthcare provider and share any side effects you experience or concerns you may have. Doing this ensures you are taking the best Mounjaro dosage for your health and treatment goals.

Expert takeaway

Side effects like nausea and constipation can be discouraging, especially when first starting the drug. However, they shouldn’t last forever and are usually manageable with habits like staying hydrated and timing meals.