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Mounjaro nausea: 7 Ways to find relief

Expert-recommended tips for relieving Mounjaro nausea, a common but often temporary side effect
Gerardo Sison medical writer headshot
By | Nov. 13, 2024
A person holding their belly: Mounjaro nausea: 7 Ways to find relief

Key takeaways

  • Mounjaro often causes nausea, especially at higher doses or when first starting treatment, but symptoms usually improve over time.

  • Making simple changes, such as eating smaller meals, staying hydrated, and avoiding greasy or spicy foods, may help manage nausea while on Mounjaro.

  • Anti-nausea medications may be helpful, but consult a healthcare provider if nausea persists or becomes severe, especially with stomach pain, vomiting, or dizziness, as it may indicate serious problems like pancreatitis.

In this article:

Starting a new medication like Mounjaro (tirzepatide) can take some getting used to, especially if you find yourself experiencing side effects like nausea. Many people who use Mounjaro to manage Type 2 diabetes often start to feel sick after taking a dose, but some may experience persistent nausea throughout their course of treatment.

Various factors can play into how Mounjaro might cause nausea. Fortunately, however, several strategies, such as simple changes in diet and daily habits, may help offer Mounjaro nausea relief. With the right steps, you can focus on the positive benefits of the medication rather than being overwhelmed by discomfort. 

Continue reading to learn more about nausea from Mounjaro and ways to manage it.

What is Mounjaro used for?

Mounjaro, manufactured by Eli Lilly, is a medication containing the active ingredient tirzepatide. This drug is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to manage blood glucose levels in adults with Type 2 diabetes. It is also sometimes used off-label to support weight management goals, although it is not FDA approved for this purpose. Tirzepatide is available under a different brand name, Zepbound, which is FDA approved for weight loss. 

Tirzepatide works by mimicking hormones that help control blood sugar levels. It is a dual receptor agonist, meaning it targets two important receptors in the body: the glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor and the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor. By activating these receptors, tirzepatide helps the body release more insulin when blood sugar levels are high, reduces the amount of sugar released by the liver, and makes you feel fuller after eating. 

Mounjaro is prescribed by a healthcare provider and given as a once-weekly injection. It’s important to follow a healthcare professional’s instructions for the best results. The maintenance dosage may vary based on the response to the medication, but it’s typically started at a low dosage.

Does Mounjaro cause nausea?

Like other GLP-1 receptor agonists, including Ozempic (semaglutide) and Saxenda (liraglutide), Mounjaro may cause nausea. In fact, the most common side effects of Mounjaro include gastrointestinal or digestive side effects like nausea, vomiting, and an upset stomach. 

RELATED: Mounjaro vs. Ozempic

In clinical trials with people who have Type 2 diabetes, around 12%–18% of those taking Mounjaro reported feeling nauseous. In addition, the chance of feeling this way increased when people took higher doses of the medication.

For many people, nausea often gets better or goes away after a few weeks of treatment. If it continues, it’s important to talk to a healthcare provider. They can help find different options or make changes to the treatment plan.

Why does Mounjaro cause nausea?

The gastrointestinal side effects of Mounjaro may be caused by how the drug directly affects hormone receptors linked to insulin release and satiety. The medication targets receptors of the GLP-1 hormone, which helps regulate appetite. Mounjaro may also slow the emptying of the stomach, leading to feelings of fullness. For many people, these changes can trigger nausea or even vomiting. 

Nausea is often more common when people first start taking Mounjaro or when they increase their dosage. For example, when you first start the medication, your body is adjusting to how the drug works, especially in how it affects hormones that control hunger and digestion. As a result, you might feel sick to your stomach as your body gets used to the new effects. 

Larger doses of Mounjaro can also lead to increased nausea. A higher dose can strongly affect the stomach or how quickly it empties. This might cause a feeling of fullness or discomfort, which can trigger nausea. That’s why Mounjaro is usually started at a low dose, with healthcare providers gradually increasing it over time.

How to prevent and treat Mounjaro nausea

If you’re feeling nauseous while taking Mounjaro, there are several ways to potentially ease this side effect. 

Start with a low dose

Starting with a low dose of Mounjaro may help your body get used to the medication and reduce feelings of nausea. When your body isn’t hit with a lot of medicine at once, side effects like nausea are usually less severe. This method lets your digestive system adjust slowly. Keep an eye on how your body reacts when starting a new dosage. 

Consider the timing of the dose

The time of day you take Mounjaro can also affect whether you experience nausea or other symptoms. Healthcare providers advise taking Mounjaro on the same day each week and at the same time. If you find that your initial dosage time is causing nausea, you may want to consider taking it during a different time of day. Sometimes, making a small change, like taking the medication with a meal or before bedtime, can make a big difference. Some people find that taking Mounjaro with food helps ease nausea. 

Stay hydrated

Drinking plenty of water may help manage feelings of nausea. Staying hydrated may help soothe the stomach and support digestion, which may make it less likely that you feel nauseous. Sipping water throughout the day can help keep your body balanced. Electrolyte drinks may also be helpful, especially if water alone doesn’t relieve symptoms. It’s usually a good idea to avoid caffeine and sugary drinks, as they might make nausea worse.

Avoid greasy or spicy foods

Eating greasy or spicy foods may worsen nausea. These foods are often harder to digest, which can make you even more queasy while taking Mounjaro. If you’re feeling nauseous, it’s better to choose bland and easy-to-digest foods like rice, toast, or bananas, as they are gentler on the stomach. Planning meals to avoid these trigger foods may also help prevent heartburn or acid reflux later. In addition, keeping a food journal may help identify specific foods that cause problems.

Eat smaller, more frequent meals

Eating smaller meals throughout the day may help reduce nausea when using Mounjaro. This strategy keeps the stomach from getting too full, which can often cause nausea. Having frequent, smaller meals may also help the digestive system process food more easily. Pay attention to your body’s signals when you eat, and stop eating when you feel full.

RELATED: The best diet while taking Mounjaro

Use anti-nausea medications

Anti-nausea medications may help you when other remedies aren’t working. You can find some options at the pharmacy without a prescription, while others require a healthcare professional’s approval. These medications may help by relaxing the stomach muscles or changing how the brain processes nausea signals. Over-the-counter (OTC) options include Bonine (meclizine) and ginger supplements. It’s a good idea to talk to a healthcare professional to find the right medication for you. 

Consult a healthcare professional if nausea persists

If nausea keeps occurring even after trying different strategies, it’s important to get medical advice from a healthcare professional. Ongoing nausea might mean that treatment changes are needed or that other options should be explored. A healthcare provider can evaluate your symptoms and perform additional tests to find out exactly what may be causing the nausea. 

Preventing and treating nausea from Mounjaro can be different for each person. What helps one person might not work for someone else. You may want to try a few methods to see what works best.

Other side effects of Mounjaro

Many people report other side effects besides nausea when taking Mounjaro. The most common side effects of Mounjaro include:

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

These side effects often get milder as your body gets used to the medication. Over time, many people may notice that they feel much better and more comfortable while taking the medication.

Injection site reactions can also occur. These might be minor, such as redness or irritation at the spot where the drug is administered. Overall, possible side effects can differ from person to person, and some individuals taking Mounjaro may not experience any side effects at all.

Warnings and precautions to keep in mind

If you’re thinking about using Mounjaro, there are some important warnings and precautions to keep in mind, including the following:

  • Thyroid tumors: One serious concern is the potential risk of thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer. If you have a personal or family history of thyroid cancer or conditions like multiple endocrine neoplasia, it’s best to avoid this medication.
  • Inflammation of the pancreas: There is also an increased risk of inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis) with Mounjaro. If you experience severe abdominal pain, especially if it spreads to your back, seek medical help right away. A healthcare provider will recommend stopping  Mounjaro if pancreatitis is suspected.
  • Low blood sugar: Mounjaro can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), especially if it’s taken with insulin or similar diabetes medications like sulfonylureas. It’s important to watch for symptoms of low blood sugar and adjust your doses as needed.
  • Allergic reactions: Some people have experienced severe allergic reactions, such as anaphylaxis. Seek immediate medical care if you notice signs like a rash, swelling, or trouble breathing.
  • Kidney and gallbladder problems: There are risks related to gallbladder disease as well. Symptoms like severe abdominal pain could indicate gallstone problems. Kidney issues are another concern since the medication may cause nausea or vomiting that affects kidney function.
  • Worsening vision problems: If you have a history of eye problems related to diabetes (diabetic retinopathy), Mounjaro might make them worse. Regular eye check-ups may help monitor any complications. 

Consult a healthcare provider about any medical conditions you have, including if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, before starting Mounjaro.

RELATED: Mounjaro interactions to avoid

When to see your healthcare provider about Mounjaro’s side effects

If you experience severe side effects from Mounjaro, it’s important to reach out to a healthcare provider. Severe nausea could indicate a more serious problem, such as gastrointestinal obstruction or pancreatitis. In addition to nausea, you might experience other serious side effects like unbearable stomach pain or continuous vomiting. 

Even if the symptoms seem mild, it’s good to seek advice if they don’t get better. A healthcare professional can offer guidance on how to manage or reduce nausea that doesn’t seem to improve. 

Symptoms to watch for may include:

  • Severe nausea or vomiting
  • Severe abdominal pain
  • Fatigue or weakness
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness
  • Rapid heartbeat
  • Changes in vision
  • Abdominal bloating
  • Fever

Speak with your healthcare provider about any side effects. Managing them early on and identifying their triggers may help prevent more significant problems later on. It could also make it easier to tolerate the medication as you continue your treatment.