From the Guidelines
Yes, Mounjaro (tirzepatide) can potentially cause pancreatitis, though it's considered a rare side effect. Patients taking Mounjaro should be aware of symptoms of pancreatitis, which include severe abdominal pain that may radiate to the back, nausea, vomiting, and fever. If these symptoms occur, medical attention should be sought immediately and the medication should be discontinued, as recommended by the most recent guidelines 1. The risk of pancreatitis with Mounjaro is similar to other GLP-1 receptor agonists and dual GIP/GLP-1 receptor medications. This risk is thought to be related to how these medications affect the pancreas and digestive enzyme production. People with a history of pancreatitis may be at higher risk and should discuss this with their healthcare provider before starting Mounjaro.
Some key points to consider when prescribing Mounjaro include:
- The medication should be discontinued if pancreatitis is suspected, due to the potential risk of worsening the condition 1.
- Patients with a history of pancreatitis may be at higher risk and should be closely monitored while taking Mounjaro.
- The standard dosing of Mounjaro starts at 2.5 mg once weekly by subcutaneous injection for 4 weeks, then increases gradually as tolerated, but the doctor will determine the appropriate dosing schedule based on the patient's specific needs and response to the medication.
- Other potential side effects of Mounjaro include gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea and vomiting, and potential risk of acute kidney injury from dehydration, particularly in people with kidney disease 1.
It's essential to weigh the potential benefits of Mounjaro against the potential risks, including the risk of pancreatitis, and to closely monitor patients while they are taking the medication. The most recent guidelines recommend using caution when prescribing Mounjaro, particularly in patients with a history of pancreatitis or kidney disease 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
5.2 Pancreatitis Acute pancreatitis, including fatal and non-fatal hemorrhagic or necrotizing pancreatitis, has been observed in patients treated with GLP-1 receptor agonists. In clinical studies, 14 events of acute pancreatitis were confirmed by adjudication in 13 MOUNJARO-treated patients (0.23 patients per 100 years of exposure) versus 3 events in 3 comparator-treated patients (0.11 patients per 100 years of exposure). MOUNJARO has not been studied in patients with a prior history of pancreatitis. It is unknown if patients with a history of pancreatitis are at higher risk for development of pancreatitis on MOUNJARO After initiation of MOUNJARO, observe patients carefully for signs and symptoms of pancreatitis (including persistent severe abdominal pain, sometimes radiating to the back and which may or may not be accompanied by vomiting). If pancreatitis is suspected, discontinue MOUNJARO and initiate appropriate management.
Yes, Mounjaro (tirzepatide) can cause pancreatitis, as evidenced by clinical studies that reported 14 events of acute pancreatitis in MOUNJARO-treated patients 2. Patients should be carefully observed for signs and symptoms of pancreatitis after initiation of MOUNJARO.