Side Effects of Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) most commonly causes gastrointestinal side effects including nausea, diarrhea, decreased appetite, and vomiting, which are typically mild to moderate in severity and consistent with GLP-1 receptor agonist class effects. 1
Common Gastrointestinal Side Effects
The most frequently reported adverse events with tirzepatide are gastrointestinal in nature 1, 2:
- Nausea - among the most common side effects 1
- Diarrhea - frequently reported 1
- Decreased appetite - common occurrence 1
- Vomiting - regularly observed 1
- These gastrointestinal events are mostly mild to moderate in severity 1
Hypoglycemia Risk
- Tirzepatide is associated with a low risk of clinically significant or severe hypoglycemia when used appropriately 1
- The risk profile is consistent with GLP-1 receptor agonist class medications 1
Cardiovascular Safety
- Tirzepatide shows no increased risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in clinical trials 1
- This represents a favorable safety profile compared to some other diabetes medications 1
Dosing and Tolerability Considerations
- The medication comes as once-weekly subcutaneous injections in prefilled pens or single-dose vials 1
- Adverse events are generally dose-dependent, with higher doses potentially causing more pronounced side effects 2
- The safety profile across the SURPASS clinical trial program was consistent with GLP-1 receptor agonists 1, 3
Clinical Management Approach
To minimize adverse effects 2:
- Start at the lowest dose and titrate gradually
- Educate patients that gastrointestinal symptoms typically improve over time
- Monitor for signs of dehydration if nausea/vomiting/diarrhea are significant
- Assess tolerance before dose escalation
Important Safety Note
While the overall tolerability is favorable, patients should be counseled that gastrointestinal side effects are expected, particularly during initiation and dose escalation phases 1, 2. These effects are generally self-limiting and do not require discontinuation in most cases 1.