Mounjaro Weight Loss: Safety, Side Effects, & More

What Is Mounjaro?

Mounjaro, with the active ingredient tirzepatide, is a medication FDA-approved to help control blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes patients who are also using diet and exercise as a way to maintain their condition. While patients may lose weight while taking Mounjaro, this is an off-label use for the medication. This means that a medication can be prescribed for reasons other than its FDA-approved uses if a prescriber believes it may benefit a patient. Conversely, an FDA-approved use is one that has been approved by the FDA for the safety and efficacy of the medication.^{1, 2, 3} Currently, Mounjaro is not available as a generic.

This medication belongs to the GLP-1 receptor agonist drug class, and it is unique in that it also targets GIP receptors, which influence appetite. Mounjaro increases insulin sensitivity and impacts the regulation of blood sugar within the body. The mechanisms of Mounjaro cause a person to be satisfied more quickly during meals and may not feel the need to keep eating, which can result in weight loss.

How Does Mounjaro Work for Weight Loss?

Mounjaro is a medication that controls blood sugar levels and reduces appetite. This dual effect means that patients could potentially see more weight loss without experiencing an increased likelihood of blood sugar-related adverse effects. Mounjaro can make a person feel more full, reduce appetite, and make the body more sensitive to insulin.^{1, 2, 3}

FAQs About Mounjaro for Weight Loss

Mounjaro is not currently approved for aiding weight loss, but it can still be used for that reason. Below are frequently asked questions that can help you determine if Mounjaro may be an option for you.

How Quickly Can You Lose Weight on Mounjaro?

How quickly a person will see weight loss on Mounjaro will vary. Some patients notice an immediate reduction in appetite, while others may require a higher dose to have an effect. The rate at which someone will lose weight varies on personal factors like age, activity level, caloric intake, and what other medications they are taking.

How Much Weight Can I Lose on Mounjaro?

According to some studies, the average weight loss ranges from 12 to 17 lbs for the 5-mg dose, 15 to 21 lbs for the 10-mg dose, and 17 to 25 lbs for the 15 mg dose. The average weight loss with the maximum recommended dose of Mounjaro was 15 lbs more than placebo when neither were used with insulin and 23 lbs more than placebo when both were used with insulin.^{4, 5} The amount of weight an individual may lose may vary.

Will Mounjaro Be Approved for Weight Loss?

Mounjaro is not currently FDA-approved as a weight loss medication, but it is expected that the FDA will review and potentially approve it for this use. The FDA had agreed to fast-track the medication for weight loss. This means that the organization will review Mounjaro’s study results on a shortened timeline for the approval process.⁶

Are Drugs Like Mounjaro, Saxenda, & Wegovy a Better Choice Than Surgery?

There are many factors to account for in determining if a weight loss drug is better than surgery for a person. The drugs have data to support that they help a person lose weight, but there is a question of how long-term the results are compared to surgery. It is important to discuss with a doctor the risks and benefits of both options.

How Much Does Mounjaro Cost?

The cost of Mounjaro depends on several factors. The type of insurance you have, the pharmacy you use, and your treatment plan can impact how much Mounjaro will cost. If you need help saving money, you have options like a savings card from Mounjaro’s website, which can lower the cost of the medication if you are eligible. Mounjaro coupons are also available online.

Is Mounjaro a Long-term Treatment for Weight Loss?

It is unknown if Mounjaro is a long-term solution for weight loss management. The FDA has not reviewed this medication for weight loss. There is currently no data to support whether it may be a viable solution in the treatment of obese patients.

How Does Mounjaro Compare With Ozempic for Weight Loss?

Mounjaro and Ozempic are both medications used to manage blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes. They are similar in that they belong to the same class of medication, which is known as a GLP-1 agonist, and have the added benefit of promoting weight loss in obese patients. Both medications are not FDA-approved for weight loss, but the active ingredient in Ozempic (semaglutide) is found in a medication approved for that use, known as Wegovy.

Mounjaro is different in that it is a dual-acting medication that works to lower blood sugar and make a person feel more full, potentially reducing how much they eat.

Side Effects of Mounjaro

All medications have a potential for side effects, and they can range in severity. Some side effects a person might experience while taking Mounjaro would be symptoms involving the gastrointestinal tract, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These are typically temporary effects as they go away with consistent usage of the medication when the body adjusts to it.

Sometimes, side effects may occur and be prolonged or get worse, which may require medical care. Severe side effects associated with Mounjaro relate to its function as a diabetic medication, where it can cause complications with blood sugar and diabetic retinopathy, and its gastrointestinal effects, which can cause reactions like acute kidney injury.^{1, 2, 3}

Common Side Effects of Mounjaro

Common side effects associated with Mounjaro are adverse reactions that were reported in 5% or more of patients treated with this medication. Some of those who take Mounjaro may experience general side effects like nausea, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. The gastrointestinal tract is the area of the body most often linked with side effects from Mounjaro. These side effects are typically managed by slowly increasing dosage and generally go away after consistent usage.

Common side effects of Mounjaro include:*^{1, 2, 3}

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Decreased appetite
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Abdominal pain
• Indigestion

*All medications, including Mounjaro, can cause side effects which can be mild or serious. This is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects. You should talk with your doctor about any questions you have and to understand the potential side effects and benefits of any medication.

Serious Side Effects of Mounjaro

Mounjaro has side effects that are considered severe, which may require medical attention should one experience them. These side effects are largely associated with the class of medication Mounjaro belongs to, such as adverse events related to diabetic complications and gastrointestinal problems. Mounjaro, as with all medications, has the potential to cause an allergic reaction in those who are hypersensitive to the medication or its ingredients.

Serious side effects of Mounjaro include:*^{1, 2, 3}

• Stomach pain that will not go away (and may radiate to the back) with or without vomiting
• Allergic reaction
• Acute kidney injury
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
• Diabetic retinopathy complications

*All medications, including Mounjaro, can cause side effects which can be mild or serious. This is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects. You should talk with your doctor about any questions you have and to understand the potential side effects and benefits of any medication.

Mounjaro Warnings & Precautions

All medications have warnings and precautions associated with taking said medication. Mounjaro has warnings associated with its class of medication, GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as precautions associated with gastrointestinal adverse events, diabetic complications, and the risk of thyroid cancer. These warnings and precautions should be discussed with a doctor, especially if a patient has a prior condition that may be affected by their use of Mounjaro. Medical attention may be required should one experience these adverse events. Patients should note that warnings and precautions are not guaranteed to happen, and using Mounjaro should be discussed with a doctor who can analyze the risks and benefits of starting Mounjaro.

Warnings and precautions for taking Mounjaro include:^{1, 2}

• Risks of thyroid cancer: In animal studies, there was an increased incidence of thyroid C-cell tumors, but it is unknown if Mounjaro causes tumors. For patients with a personal or family history of MTC or in patients with MEN2, Mounjaro should not be used.
• Allergic reactions: Some patients may be hypersensitive to Mounjaro, experiencing allergic reactions such as difficulty breathing; swelling of the lips, face, or throat; hives; wheezing or coughing.
• Hypoglycemia when used with other insulin secretagogues or insulin: Patients receiving Mounjaro in combination with other agents that increase insulin levels, or insulin itself, can result in hypoglycemic events.
• Acute kidney injury: Mounjaro has been associated with gastrointestinal adverse reactions, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. These reactions may lead to dehydration, and if severe enough, they could cause acute kidney injury.
• Severe gastrointestinal disease: The use of Mounjaro has been associated with gastrointestinal adverse reactions, which can sometimes be severe. Mounjaro has not been studied in patients with severe gastrointestinal diseases such as gastroparesis, so it is not recommended in these patients.
• Acute gallbladder disease: Acute events of gallbladder disease, such as cholelithiasis or cholecystitis, have been reported in trial and postmarketing data for medications within the same class as Mounjaro. Gallbladder disease was reported by 0.6% of Mounjaro-treated patients compared to 0% of placebo-treated patients.
• Pancreatitis: Acute pancreatitis has been observed in patients who take Mounjaro. Patients should be observed for signs and symptoms of pancreatitis, which includes persistent severe abdominal pain, sometimes radiating to the back, which may or may not be accompanied by vomiting.
• Diabetic retinopathy complications: In patients with a history of diabetic retinopathy, when there is rapid improvement in glucose control, there has been an association with temporary worsening of this diabetic retinopathy.

Interactions With Mounjaro

All medications have possible interactions that can occur when taken in combination with medications, substances, and natural remedies. Mounjaro’s interactions involve the effect of decreasing blood sugar levels and its effect of decreasing how your stomach empties itself, which affects the medications you swallow.

If you are starting Mounjaro, discuss with your doctor or pharmacist the substances and medications you take to ensure that no unintended reactions occur. Medical professionals are trained to assess the risks and benefits of therapies and can help guide your medication usage safely.

4 substances you should avoid while taking Mounjaro include:^{1, 2, 3}

• Insulin secretagogues (such as sulfonylureas): There is a raised risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when this medication is combined with Mounjaro.
• Insulin: When taken in combination with Mounjaro, there is an increased risk of hypoglycemia.
• Alcohol: There isn’t a known reaction between alcohol and Mounjaro, but they do have similar side effects involving the gastrointestinal tract, such as vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea. Combining the two substances may worsen side effects.
• Birth control pills: Mounjaro makes the stomach empty its contents more slowly, which affects how your body absorbs swallowed medications, like birth control pills. This may make the pill less effective depending on what type you take.

Mounjaro Dosages for Weight Loss

Mounjaro comes as prefilled pens or single-dose vials, although patients likely will receive the pens as they are easier to use. When starting Mounjaro, a patient will start at the lowest dose at 2.5 mg, injected once weekly under the skin. After four weeks, the dose is increased to 5 mg once weekly.

If more control is needed, then the dose can be increased up to 15 mg once weekly. The dosage is slowly titrated upwards to avoid increasing the risk of gastrointestinal side effects.^{1, 2} It is important to note that dosages differ from person to person and that the dosage you need depends on individual factors and how your body responds to the treatment.

How Do I Take Mounjaro?

Mounjaro comes in a pre-filled pen that is injected under the skin. It is given once a week with or without meals at any time of the day. Mounjaro can be injected in the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm after the skin has been cleaned, and the injection site should be changed with each dose.^{1, 2, 3}

When injecting, pull the base cap off the pen and place the base flat on the skin. Once the pen is unlocked, press the button and hold it in place for up to 10 seconds. There should be a click to signal that the injection has been started and a second click that indicates the injection is complete. Follow the instructions given to you by your doctor to ensure you are using the medication safely and effectively.

What Happens If I Miss a Dose of Mounjaro?

If you miss a dose of Mounjaro, take the dose as soon as possible, at least within four days (96 hours) after your missed dose. If more than four days have passed, skip the missed dose and take your next dose on your regularly scheduled day. Do not take two doses of Mounjaro within three days of each other unless directed to you by your physician. Do not abruptly stop Mounjaro or take extra doses because this can have unintended effects on your blood sugar.^{1, 2, 3}

How to Get Mounjaro for Weight Loss

Mounjaro is a medication that can only be obtained by a prescription. A prescription can be obtained by going to a licensed physician who will assess you as a candidate for Mounjaro, and if they deem it appropriate, they will either give you a physical prescription or send one electronically to your pharmacy.

Many factors can influence a doctor’s decision to prescribe Mounjaro for weight loss, an off-label use. They may consider if you have tried other weight loss methods, what medications you are on, and other personal factors that influence the benefits and risks of prescribing Mounjaro off-label.

Mounjaro Alternatives for Weight Loss

There are other options available for weight loss. There are oral medications, such as Qysmia (phentermine-topiramate), Xenical (orlistat), and Contrave (naltrexone-bupropion), and there are medications that belong to the same class of medication as Mounjaro.

Unlike Mounjaro, GLP-1 agonists Saxenda (liraglutide) and Wegovy (semaglutide) are FDA-approved for managing weight in patients. Saxenda is a daily injection, while Wegovy is a weekly injection. Sometimes, doctors prescribe Rybelsus as an off-label for weight loss since it contains the same active ingredient as Wegovy, semaglutide.⁷ To find which medication is right for you, have a discussion with your doctor.

Questions to Ask Your Healthcare Provider About Mounjaro of Weight Loss

If you are considering taking Mounjaro for weight loss, you should talk to your doctor and have a list of questions to ask them. Questions you may ask your doctor could pertain to the expectations of Mounjaro, such as results, side effects, and how it fits into your current health plan. You may need to ask more specific questions tailored to your personal history in order to see if Mounjaro is the right fit for you.

Questions to ask your care team about Mounjaro for weight loss include:

• How safe is Mounjaro for weight loss?
• How long will it take for me to adjust to taking Mounjaro for weight loss?
• Am I at risk for more serious symptoms if I am already taking other medications?
• Will Mounjaro allow me to lose weight and keep it off long-term?
• How do I manage common side effects
• Does Mounjaro interact with any of my medications?
• What is the best dosage for me to see results and have fewer complications with side effects?
• How do side effects of Trulicity compare to those of Mounjaro?
• How long will it take me to adjust to taking Mounjaro?
• How does it compare to other weight loss medications, such as Mounjaro vs Ozempic, or vs Trulicity?
• Is Mounjaro a good alternative to phentermine for weight loss?

How to Know if Mounjaro for Weight Loss Is Right for You

If you would like to use Mounjaro off-label for weight loss, you should talk with your doctor, as they can use their medical expertise to help you decide if Mounjaro would be a viable option for you. In general, your current health status and medications should be taken into account.

You should also consider if you are capable of taking Mounjaro correctly as it is an injectable medication, and its once-weekly status may cause people to either miss the dose or take it incorrectly. There may also be the consideration that the medication may be expensive. All of these factors can help determine if Mounjaro is a good medication for you.

In My Experience

Mounjaro is a relatively new medication that is within a class of medications known for their control of blood sugar and potential for managing weight. It’s unique in that it has two different ways of working in the body.

It is generally recommended that patients make lifestyle choices alongside any medications used for weight management. If you are interested in Mounjaro, discuss it with your doctor to see if it is right for you.