Managing Side Effects

Managing Side Effects of Wegovy® and Mounjaro®

This guide provides advice for patients on how to manage common side effects associated with Wegovy® and Mounjaro®. It is important to remember that most side effects are temporary and tend to occur when you start treatment or increase your dose. If your symptoms persist or become severe, please contact your GP immediately. For any side effects rated as severe (4 or 5 out of 5), our clinical team will provide further recommendations.

Managing Common Gastrointestinal Side Effects

Gastrointestinal (GI) issues are the most common side effects when starting Wegovy® or Mounjaro®, particularly as your body adjusts to the medication or after a dose increase. The UK's Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) highlights that these effects, while usually not serious, can sometimes lead to complications like dehydration if not managed well [1].

Here are some non-pharmacological strategies to help you manage these common symptoms.

Side Effect	Management Strategies
Nausea	Drink small sips of water throughout the day. Try peppermint or ginger tea, especially before bed. Eat smaller, more frequent meals. Stick to bland foods such as bread, rice, cereals, and bananas until the nausea settles.
Diarrhea	Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated. Avoid caffeine, pure fruit juices, and alcohol. Avoid spicy and fatty foods. An over-the-counter medication like loperamide can be used for a few days if needed.
Constipation	Keep well hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Eat fruits known to help with constipation, such as prunes and figs. Gradually increase the fibre in your diet. Regular exercise, such as walking, can help stimulate bowel movements. A laxative can also be used if necessary.
Bloating & Sulfur Burps	Chew food thoroughly and eat slowly to reduce swallowed air. Avoid fizzy drinks. Regular exercise can help gas pass through your digestive system. Try to identify and limit foods that may trigger sulfur burps, such as eggs, red meat, dairy, garlic, onions, and cruciferous vegetables (e.g., broccoli, Brussels sprouts).
Abdominal Discomfort	Avoid trigger foods, which can include spicy, fried, or strongly flavoured items. Ensure you are drinking plenty of fluids.

Managing Other Common Side Effects

Beyond GI issues, you may experience other side effects as your body adjusts to the new medication. Here are some tips to manage them.

Side Effect	Management Strategies
Headaches	Stay well hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids throughout the day. Avoid skipping meals and eat nutrient-rich foods, particularly those high in protein and fibre, to help stabilise blood sugar levels.
Dizziness	Stand up slowly from a sitting or lying position. Ensure you are eating regular meals and staying hydrated to maintain stable blood sugar and blood pressure.
Fatigue	Review your diet to ensure you are eating well-balanced, nutritious meals and not skipping them. A multivitamin supplement containing Vitamin B12 may help alleviate this symptom.
Hair Loss	This is an uncommon side effect and is usually temporary, resolving once your weight stabilises. Taking a multivitamin supplement containing Vitamin D and Iron may help counteract hair loss.

Low Mood and Mental Wellbeing

While the available clinical data does not show a definitive connection between the use of Mounjaro® or Wegovy® and mood changes, some patients have reported experiencing a low mood. It is important to monitor your mental wellbeing while on this treatment.

If you experience significant or persistent changes in your mood, we strongly advise you to discontinue the medication and consult your GP for an assessment and subsequent management.

When to Seek Medical Advice

It is important to know when to manage side effects at home and when to seek professional medical help. Please contact your GP or seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

Severe or persistent symptoms: If any side effect continues despite following the management advice or becomes severe.
Signs of dehydration: Such as dizziness, confusion, reduced urination, or an inability to keep fluids down.
Symptoms of pancreatitis: Severe, persistent abdominal pain that may radiate to your back, with or without vomiting.
Symptoms of gallstone disease: Pain in the upper abdomen, fever, or yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice).
Signs of a severe allergic reaction: Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat; problems breathing or swallowing; severe rash or itching; fainting or feeling dizzy; or a very rapid heartbeat.
Symptoms of hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar): Dizziness, light-headedness, blurred vision, anxiety, irritability, mood changes, slurred speech, hunger, confusion, or drowsiness.

Reporting Side Effects to the MHRA

The MHRA encourages patients and healthcare professionals to report any suspected side effects from medications. This helps them monitor the safety of medicines and take action if needed. You can report side effects through the Yellow Card Scheme.

If you continue to experience troublesome side effects or have any concerns about your treatment, please arrange a call with one of our prescribers who will be happy to review your treatment.

References

MHRA Drug Safety Update (October 2024). GLP-1 receptor agonists: reminder of the potential side effects and to be aware of the potential for misuse. [Online]. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/drug-safety-update/glp-1-receptor-agonists-reminder-of-the-potential-side-effects-and-to-be-aware-of-the-potential-for-misuse