Munjaro side effects: what you need to know

Munjaro is a drug used to manage blood sugar levels in patients with type 2 diabetes.

This drug is effective in both lowering A1c levels and managing weight.

However, many people are unsure about its potential side effects and how it can affect their daily life.

In this article, we will tell you everything you need to know about Munjaro side effects.

Key Point:

  • Munjaro, commonly known as Tirzepatideis a once-weekly injectable drug approved by the FDA in 2022 for the management of type 2 diabetes. It uniquely activates both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, aiding in blood sugar control and weight management.
  • This drug works by increasing insulin production when blood sugar levels are high, reducing the liver’s release of glucose, slowing digestion, and improving the body’s cells’ response to insulin. These actions contribute to effects that may lower blood sugar levels, aid weight loss, and improve heart health.
  • Munjaro can cause common side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and gastrointestinal discomfort, but it can also cause serious problems such as thyroid tumors, pancreatitis, and severe allergic reactions. It is important to monitor and seek immediate medical attention in case of severe symptoms.
  • Strategies such as dose adjustment, hydration, eating bland foods, and possibly using over-the-counter medications are recommended to minimize side effects.

Mounjaro is the first drug in a class of drugs known as GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonists. (GLP-1 receptors and his GIP receptors are specific proteins on cells that receive messages that help control insulin release and manage blood sugar.)

It is approved by the FDA to improve blood sugar control in people with type 2 diabetes, along with a healthy diet and exercise.

Munjaro is working to help people with diabetes in several important ways. First, it helps control blood sugar levels by causing the pancreas to release insulin only when blood sugar levels are high, reducing the risk of hypoglycemia (hypoglycemia).

It also increases insulin sensitivity, allowing the body to use insulin more effectively and preventing the liver from releasing too much sugar into the bloodstream.

Additionally, Mounjaro helps with weight management by reducing hunger and slowing digestion, making you feel fuller for longer.

Want to know more? Read: Everything you need to know about Munjaro.

Munjaro can cause some serious side effects, especially when you first start taking the drug.

Below are common side effects that range from mild to moderate to severe.

  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • bloating
  • burp
  • heartburn
  • Anorexia
  • gas
  • stomach pain
  • constipation
  • Weight loss
  • fast heart rate

Learn more about the weight loss properties of this drug below. Can Munjaro help you lose weight?

Although rare, more serious complications may occur, including:

  • Thyroid tumors including cancer
  • pancreatitis
  • gallbladder disease
  • Low blood sugar levels, especially if you are taking insulin or another drug that increases the release of insulin
  • severe allergic reaction

Some of these more severe side effects can lead to permanent health complications or death if not treated promptly.

Contact your doctor or seek emergency treatment immediately if:

  • have a fever
  • experience changes or worsening of vision
  • You start to feel weak or have pain after taking the medicine
  • Suppose you have an allergic reaction and are having trouble breathing or develop a rash after taking the medication.

Additionally, Mounjaro should not be used by people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia 2 (MEN2) syndrome.

This medicine has boxed warning — The most serious warning from the FDA — Thyroid cancer risk.

For more information on Munjaro’s possible side effects, Prescription information.

Note: After a drug is approved by the FDA, the agency continues to monitor its side effects. If you experience any adverse effects from the use of Zepbound, we encourage you to report them to the FDA through the FDA. medwatch program.

In clinical trials, fatigue was not reported as one of the drug’s side effects.

However, side effects such as nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, and pancreatitis can accompany fatigue. Fatigue can also be a sign of low blood sugar.

Mild to moderate side effects usually occur after you start taking this medication, especially during the first few weeks.

If you’re dealing with nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, make sure you stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and taking electrolytes.

Being dehydrated increases the risk of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA), which can be fatal if not treated immediately.

Check your blood sugar levels frequently to ensure they remain within a healthy range.

Continue to take all other diabetes medications as prescribed.

If your nausea is so severe that you can’t keep food or drink down, see your doctor right away. Untreated hypoglycemia can be very dangerous, especially if you are taking insulin.

Try to eat bland foods like toast, rice, bananas, and applesauce to combat nausea.

Also, drink plenty of clear liquids, such as hot soups and soups.

See below for more information about this medicine and diet. Foods to avoid in Munjaro.

Eating smaller and more frequent meals may also help. Stop eating when you’re full, even if it seems like you’re eating less than usual.

If the side effects you are experiencing are severe enough to interfere with your daily life, consult your doctor.

If you can’t go to school, work, or do your normal activities, your doctor may suggest reducing your dose or finding an alternative medication.

After talking to your doctor, you may also be able to take an over-the-counter (OTC) anti-nausea medication, such as dimenhydrinate (such as the brand name Dramamine), or get a prescription for ondansetron (Zofran), until the side effects subside. .

Munjaro is dose-responsive. This means that taking more medication will have a greater impact on blood sugar levels and weight.

However, this also means that the higher the dose, the more likely you are to experience side effects.

Never take more Munjaro than prescribed. Your doctor may increase your dosage as your body gets used to the drug.

read more: Munjaro Dosing Guide.

Unfortunately, many people experience one or more side effects when taking Mounjaro.

Under clinical trialnearly one in five participants experienced either nausea, diarrhea, or loss of appetite while taking the drug.

Other side effects, such as vomiting and constipation, were less common.

Some side effects may be temporary and last only a few days or weeks. Tell your doctor if side effects persist for more than a few weeks or if they worsen.

Your doctor can work with you to reduce your dose or find an alternative drug.

No, unlike insulin, Munjaro does not cause acute hypoglycemia and can be taken with or without food.

The important thing is to take Munjaro on the same day and at the same time every week.

Munjaro is not suitable for everyone, including people without diabetes, pregnant or breastfeeding women, and people with a history of certain thyroid cancers or allergies to the ingredients of the drug.

Here’s more information about who shouldn’t take this drug: Everything you need to know about Munjaro.

yes. If Munjaro is not effective, consult your doctor.

There are a number of alternatives that can be tried, including metformin and a class of drugs known as GLP-1 agonists and sodium glucose cotransporter 2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors.

The brand names of metformin are:

  • fortamet
  • glucophage
  • Glucophage XR
  • gourmezza
  • Riomet
  • Riomet ER

See below for more information. Everything you need to know about metformin.

GLP-1 receptor agonists include:

SGLT-2 inhibitors include:

Talk to your doctor about which type of medicine is best for you.

For more information on the comparison between Munharo and Ozempic, please see the following article: Ozempic vs. Munjaro: Which one should you choose?

Munjaro’s effectiveness for blood sugar control and weight loss provides another powerful option for managing type 2 diabetes.

However, a careful and informed approach is required, as side effects can range from mild gastrointestinal disturbances to more serious conditions such as thyroid tumors.

When deciding whether to add this medication to your treatment plan, it is important to have open and ongoing communication with your health care team about the risks and benefits.

We recommend the following articles: Everything you need to know about Munjaro.

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