From the Guidelines
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) can be safely taken with thyroxine (levothyroxine), but they should be taken at different times of the day to minimize potential interactions and ensure optimal absorption of both medications.
Key Considerations
- Take thyroxine on an empty stomach first thing in the morning, at least 30-60 minutes before eating or taking other medications.
- Wait at least 4 hours before injecting Mounjaro.
- This separation is important because thyroxine absorption can be affected by food and other medications.
- Mounjaro, which is used for type 2 diabetes and weight management, works by activating GLP-1 and GIP receptors to regulate blood sugar and reduce appetite, while thyroxine replaces or supplements thyroid hormone.
Evidence-Based Recommendations
According to the latest guidelines and studies, including those published in the Annals of Internal Medicine 1 and Diabetes Care 1, there are no known significant drug interactions between Mounjaro and thyroxine. However, monitoring thyroid function is recommended when starting Mounjaro, as weight loss can affect thyroid hormone levels 1.
Clinical Implications
- Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications you're taking to ensure proper management of both conditions.
- Regular monitoring of thyroid function and blood sugar levels is crucial to adjust the dosages of Mounjaro and thyroxine as needed.
- The use of Mounjaro has been shown to reduce severe hypoglycemia and improve glycemic control compared to other treatments, such as sulfonylureas and insulin 1.
From the Research
Mounjaro and Thyroxine Interaction
There is no direct information available in the provided studies regarding the interaction between Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and thyroxine.
Mounjaro Mechanism of Action
- Mounjaro is a dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor and GLP-1 receptor agonist 2, 3.
- It is used as an adjunct to diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) 3.
Mounjaro Efficacy and Safety
- Tirzepatide has been shown to be effective in reducing HbA1c levels and body weight in patients with T2DM 4, 3, 5, 6.
- The most common adverse events associated with tirzepatide are mild to moderate gastrointestinal events, including nausea, diarrhea, decreased appetite, and vomiting 3, 5.
- Tirzepatide has been associated with a low risk of clinically significant or severe hypoglycemia and no increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events 3.
Real-World Evaluation of Tirzepatide
- A real-world evaluation of tirzepatide in patients with T2DM found that it was associated with clinically and statistically significant reductions in A1C and body weight 6.
- Greater reductions in A1C and body weight were observed in patients who were GLP1-RA naïve compared to those switched from GLP1-RA to tirzepatide 6.