Can Mounjaro (tirzepatide) interfere with body temperature regulation?

Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) and Body Temperature Regulation

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) does not directly interfere with body temperature regulation based on current clinical evidence and guidelines, though patients should be monitored for temperature changes during perioperative periods.

Mechanism of Action and Temperature Effects

• Tirzepatide is a dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist approved for type 2 diabetes management and weight loss 1, 2
• Unlike medications that directly affect thermoregulation, tirzepatide's primary mechanisms involve:
  • Enhancing insulin secretion
  • Decreasing glucagon secretion
  • Delaying gastric emptying
  • Suppressing appetite and improving satiety 3
• Current clinical guidelines do not list temperature dysregulation as a known side effect of tirzepatide 4

Perioperative Considerations

• The 2025 multidisciplinary consensus statement on perioperative management of GLP-1 receptor agonists does not mention temperature regulation concerns with tirzepatide 4
• The primary perioperative concerns with tirzepatide include:
  • Delayed gastric emptying (potentially increasing aspiration risk)
  • Effects on glycemic control
  • Potential cardiovascular effects 4
• When considering tirzepatide in perioperative settings, clinicians should evaluate:
  • Drug characteristics (tirzepatide has a 5-day elimination half-life)
  • Individual patient profile
  • Procedure type
  • Anesthetic technique 4

Comparison to Known Temperature-Affecting Medications

• Unlike medications specifically known to affect temperature regulation (such as those used in malignant hyperthermia management), tirzepatide is not documented to directly impact thermoregulation 4
• Medications known to affect temperature regulation typically work through mechanisms such as:
  • Direct effects on the hypothalamus
  • Alterations in metabolic rate
  • Changes in peripheral vasodilation/vasoconstriction
  • Effects on shivering mechanisms 4

Clinical Monitoring Recommendations

• Standard temperature monitoring is recommended during perioperative care for all patients, including those on tirzepatide 4
• If fever or temperature abnormalities occur in patients taking tirzepatide:
  • Standard fever management protocols should be followed
  • Acetaminophen can be used as first-line treatment for fever 5
  • For persistent fever above 101°F, adding an NSAID and physical cooling methods may be considered 6

Practical Considerations

• Tirzepatide has a long half-life (approximately 5 days), which means any potential effects would persist for several days after discontinuation 4, 7
• In clinical trials (SURPASS and SURMOUNT), temperature dysregulation was not reported as a significant adverse effect 7, 8
• The most common adverse effects of tirzepatide are gastrointestinal in nature (nausea, diarrhea, decreased appetite, vomiting) rather than temperature-related 7, 8

Monitoring Recommendations

• For patients on tirzepatide undergoing procedures:
  • Standard temperature monitoring is sufficient
  • Be vigilant for any unexpected temperature changes
  • Consider the drug's long half-life in perioperative planning 4
• For patients experiencing unexplained temperature changes while on tirzepatide:
  • Evaluate for other common causes of temperature dysregulation
  • Consider standard antipyretic approaches if fever occurs 5, 6