From the Guidelines
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is associated with a high incidence of gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and abdominal pain, as reported in the most recent study published in JAMA in 2023 1. These side effects are most common during the initial dose escalation phase and may improve over time. The study found that the most common adverse effects of tirzepatide were nausea (10%), diarrhea (7%), vomiting (2%), and abdominal pain (3%) 1. Other potential side effects of Mounjaro include injection site reactions, fatigue, and hypoglycemia, especially when used in combination with insulin or sulfonylureas. More serious but rare side effects may include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, kidney injury, and allergic reactions. To minimize the risk of side effects, patients should follow the prescribed dose escalation schedule, starting at 2.5mg weekly and gradually increasing as tolerated, and take measures to manage gastrointestinal symptoms, such as staying hydrated, eating smaller meals, and avoiding fatty foods. If side effects become severe or persistent, patients should contact their healthcare provider rather than discontinuing the medication abruptly. It is essential to weigh the potential benefits of Mounjaro, including improved glycemic control and weight loss, against the potential risks and side effects, and to closely monitor patients for any adverse effects. The use of Mounjaro should be guided by the most recent clinical guidelines and evidence-based recommendations, such as those published in Diabetes Care in 2025 1 and 2023 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
MOUNJARO may cause serious side effects, including: inflammation of your pancreas (pancreatitis). low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) serious allergic reactions kidney problems (kidney failure) severe stomach problems. changes in vision. gallbladder problems. The most common side effects of MOUNJARO include: nausea diarrhea decreased appetite vomiting constipation indigestion stomach (abdominal) pain
The possible side effects of MOUNJARO include:
- Serious side effects:
- Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- Serious allergic reactions
- Kidney problems (kidney failure)
- Severe stomach problems
- Changes in vision
- Gallbladder problems
- Common side effects:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Decreased appetite
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Indigestion
- Stomach (abdominal) pain 2
From the Research
Side Effects of Mounjaro
The side effects of Mounjaro (tirzepatide) have been studied in several clinical trials. Some of the common side effects include:
- Gastrointestinal events such as nausea, diarrhea, decreased appetite, and vomiting 3, 4, 5, 6
- Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) 4, 6
- Treatment discontinuation due to adverse events 4, 5
Severity of Side Effects
The severity of side effects associated with Mounjaro has been reported as:
- Mostly mild to moderate in severity 3, 4
- Decreasing over time 4
- Similar to those of GLP-1 receptor agonists 3, 7, 6
Comparison with Other Treatments
Comparisons with other treatments have shown that: