Managing Side Effects: What to Expect and How to Cope

Starting a new medication like Mounjaro can bring a mix of excitement and apprehension. You’re eager for the potential benefits, but it’s normal to wonder what side effects might come with it. I’ve been through this myself, and while side effects are common with many medications, the key is to know what to expect and how to manage them.

In this post, I’ll be sharing my experience with Mounjaro’s side effects, what’s normal, and some practical tips to help you cope along the way.

What Are Common Side Effects of Mounjaro?

Like most medications, Mounjaro can cause some side effects, especially in the beginning as your body adjusts to it. These side effects aren’t necessarily a reason to stop taking the medication but should be managed to make the experience as smooth as possible.

Some common side effects of Mounjaro include:

• Nausea: This is one of the most common side effects and typically occurs within the first few days or weeks of starting the medication. For some, it can feel like mild queasiness, while others might experience more intense nausea.
• Stomach discomfort: This could include bloating, constipation, or diarrhea. It’s important to stay hydrated and keep an eye on your diet during this time.
• Reduced appetite: One of the benefits of Mounjaro is appetite suppression, which can help with weight loss. However, some people may experience a significant reduction in hunger, which can be unsettling at first.
• Injection site reactions: A mild reaction such as redness, irritation, or swelling at the site of the injection may occur. These reactions are usually temporary and can be managed easily.

It’s important to remember that not everyone will experience these side effects, and if you do, they typically subside as your body adjusts to the medication.

How to Cope with Nausea

Nausea can be the most off-putting side effect, but don’t worry — there are ways to cope with it and make it more manageable:

1. Take it slow: Start with a low dose and gradually increase as directed by your healthcare provider. This can help reduce the severity of nausea.
2. Eat small, frequent meals: Rather than large meals that might overwhelm your stomach, try eating smaller portions throughout the day. Stick to bland, easy-to-digest foods like crackers, toast, or plain rice.
3. Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water, but avoid sugary or carbonated drinks, which could make nausea worse.
4. Ginger and peppermint: Both ginger and peppermint have been shown to help with nausea. Ginger tea or peppermint candies can provide relief.
5. Avoiding certain foods: Personally, I found I was unable to eat lamb, my body has started to completely reject it. Even a small amount increases the nausea I feel. Try to be aware if there are certain foods that make things worse for you and try to avoid them as much as possible!

If nausea continues to be a problem, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor. They might be able to adjust your dose or suggest additional ways to alleviate symptoms.

How to Manage Stomach Discomfort

If you’re dealing with stomach bloating, constipation, or diarrhea, here are a few things you can try:

1. Watch your diet: Foods that are high in fiber (like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains) can help with constipation, while avoiding fatty or spicy foods may help ease bloating or upset stomach.
2. Eat slowly: Eating too quickly can sometimes lead to discomfort, so try to eat more slowly to give your stomach time to process food.
3. Exercise: Light physical activity, like walking, can help alleviate constipation and promote digestion.
4. Probiotics: Foods like yogurt or probiotic supplements can support gut health and help keep things running smoothly.

If any of these issues become severe or persistent, don’t hesitate to consult your doctor for advice.

What to Do About Appetite Loss

While appetite suppression is often one of the benefits of Mounjaro, it can also be a side effect that takes some getting used to. A reduced appetite might be a great tool for weight loss, but at times, you might feel like you’re not eating enough, which can lead to fatigue or dizziness.

Here are a few ways to manage this side effect:

1. Focus on nutrient-dense foods: With a reduced appetite, it’s important to ensure that the foods you do eat are packed with nutrients. Focus on foods like lean protein, vegetables, and whole grains to get the most value out of smaller meals.
2. Plan meals ahead of time: Preparing small, balanced meals in advance can help ensure that you’re getting enough nutrients throughout the day, even if your appetite is low.
3. Stay hydrated: Dehydration can sometimes make you feel worse. Keep water or hydrating drinks with you and sip throughout the day.

When my suppression is at its strongest, it can be a real struggle to actually eat enough to hit my maintenance calorie targets. I found that having calorie rich snacks, such as walnuts, was a great way to boost my intake. Also, supplementing some of the water in my smoothies with whole milk allowed me to hit my targets without eating anything extra.

Injection Site Reactions: What to Expect

Another common side effect of Mounjaro is mild irritation at the injection site. This can include redness, swelling, or itching. It’s important to know that these reactions are typically temporary and can be managed.

To minimise discomfort:

• Rotate your injection sites: Try injecting in different areas of your body (such as your thigh, abdomen, or upper arm) to avoid irritation in one spot.
• Use a cold compress: If the area becomes sore or inflamed, applying a cold compress can reduce swelling and soothe the skin.
• Inject properly: Follow the injection instructions carefully to ensure you’re administering the medication correctly. Numan have an excellent YouTube video demonstrating the correct way to prime the pen and take the injection safely.

If you experience persistent or severe reactions at the injection site, it’s important to speak to your healthcare provider to ensure that the injection technique is correct or to discuss other options.

When to Seek Medical Advice

While mild side effects are normal as your body adjusts to Mounjaro, it’s essential to know when to reach out to your GP or healthcare provider:

• If side effects like nausea, stomach discomfort, or loss of appetite become severe or persistent.
• If you experience any allergic reactions (such as hives, difficulty breathing, or swelling).
• If you notice any unexpected symptoms that seem out of the ordinary.

Your healthcare provider will be able to adjust your treatment plan and offer solutions to help manage side effects.

Final Thoughts

While side effects can be a concern when starting a new medication like Mounjaro, it’s important to remember that they are often temporary and manageable. With a bit of patience, most people experience a smooth adjustment period as their body gets used to the medication.

If you’re struggling with side effects, don't hesitate to reach out to other members on the site. We have all been through it and can share our experiences of things that worked well / not so well. If you are experiencing more sever symptoms then please do speak to your medication provider or a clinician for further advice.

Your health journey is unique, and being informed about what to expect will give you the confidence to keep moving forward. Stay positive, stay proactive, and you’ll be well on your way to reaching your health goals!