You might experience side effects when you start taking the medication and when you increase your dose. For many people, these side effects are reduced over time and should not be severe.

Very common side effects

• feeling sick (nausea)
• diarrhoea
• vomiting
• constipation
• low blood sugar (if used with certain diabetes medications)

Common side effects

• indigestion
• stomach pain
• dizziness
• allergic reactions
• low blood pressure
• hair loss
• feeling tired
• bloating
• burping
• gas
• reflux or heartburn
• injection site reactions
• an increased level of some pancreatic enzymes as shown in blood tests (such as lipase)
• increased calcitonin levels
• gallstones

Uncommon side effects

• gallstones
• fast pulse
• injection site pain
• gall bladder infection (cholecystitis)
• inflammation of the pancreas
• an increased level of some pancreatic enzymes as shown in blood tests (such as amylase)
• increased calcitonin levels in blood
• change in sense of taste
• skin sensation changes
• delay in stomach emptying

For a full list of the side effects see the Patient Information Leaflet.

Who should not take Mounjaro?

Mounjaro is not suitable for anyone who is:

• under the age of 18
• pregnant or breastfeeding
• allergic to any of the ingredients in Mounjaro

You may not be able to use Mounjaro if you have:

• kidney problems
• ever had pancreatitis
• a problem digesting food
• an issue with your eyes such as diabetic retinopathy

What foods should I avoid on Mounjaro?

Although there are no known foods that interact with Mounjaro, there are certain foods you should avoid if you want to achieve maximum results. For example, it is best to avoid:

High glycaemic fruit and vegetables as these can cause a spike in your blood sugar levels. They include:

• pineapple
• watermelon
• mango
• overripe bananas
• potatoes
• sweetcorn

High-sugar foods such as:

• sweets
• biscuits
• cakes
• fizzy drinks

Fried foods, which often contain unhealthy fats and may increase the risk of nausea while taking Mounjaro. These foods include:

• burgers
• sausages
• fried eggs
• chips
• bacon

Mounjaro comes with some safety risks. You will not be able to use Mounjaro if you are allergic to any of the ingredients in Mounjaro.

Mounjaro may also cause serious side effects, including:

• an inflamed pancreas (pancreatitis)
• severe stomach issues, such as gastroparesis
• gallstones
• severe allergic reaction
• severe gastrointestinal issues
• severely low sugar levels (when used in conjunction with diabetic drugs or if taken in overdose)

You should discuss any existing medical problems or side effects with your doctor.

Mounjaro treatment can cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) if it’s taken together with sulfonylurea or insulin (other diabetes treatments).

You should tell your doctor before using Mounjaro for weight loss if you take any other prescribed or over-the-counter medications or herbal remedies.

There are several Mounjaro alternatives available for weight loss, although they may contain different active ingredients. These include:

• Wegovy - Contains semaglutide (a GLP-1 receptor agonist) which is gradually increased to a maintenance dose of 2.4 mg. People lose up to 17% of their starting body weight on average when taking the maintenance dose.
• Xenical - A branded medication that contains orlistat at a dose of 120 mg per tablet. Works by reducing the amount of fat you absorb when taken with meals containing fat, up to 3 times per day. Some people lose 10% or more of their starting body weight within 6 months with the help of Xenical.
• Orlistat 120mg - A generic version of Xenical which works in the same way. Can also help you to lose 10% or more of your starting body weight than through dieting alone within 6 months of treatment. As it’s unbranded, it usually costs less.
• Mysimba - A diet pill that contains 2 active ingredients: 8 mg of naltrexone hydrochloride and 90 mg of bupropion hydrochloride. It’s taken once or twice a day, up to a maximum dose of 2 tablets, twice a day. Works by affecting the parts of your brain responsible for appetite and can also reduce cravings. After 56 weeks of treatment, people lost on average 8.1% of their starting body weight.
• Alli - A weight loss medication that can be bought over the counter, although a pharmacist will still need to check your medical history first. Also contains orlistat (just like Orlistat 120 mg tablets and Xenical) but at a lower dose of 60 mg per tablet. Works in the same way and can also help you lose up to 10% or more of your starting body weight after 6 months than through dieting alone.
• Nevolat - Contains liraglutide, which is gradually increased to a maintenance dose of 3.0mg. People lose up to 8% of their starting weight in 56 weeks on the maintenance dose.

Each weight loss medication works differently for everyone. You may find that weight loss pills suit you better, or you might prefer weight loss injections. There may be a weight loss medication that is best suited to you based on your medical history and current medications. If you aren’t sure, it’s best to speak to one of our doctors, who can advise you on the different weight loss medications.