How can I manage the side effects of Mounjaro, Saxenda and Wegovy?

When using medications like Mounjaro, Saxenda, and Wegovy, some side effects are to be expected. These are typically mild and tend to diminish or disappear within a few weeks of starting treatment. Dealing with these side effects can be challenging as your body is adjusting to the medication. In this article, we have put together all the information you need to know about managing any side effects you experience. If you have further questions about the side effects of these medications it is recommended that you consult with a healthcare provider. 

Managing symptoms of the side effects

Below are some of the most common side effects of Mounjaro, Saxenda and Wegovy, as well as tips on how you can manage them if you experience them.

How can I manage reactions at the site of an injection?

Managing injection site reactions is important for those using Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Saxenda. Up to 1 in 10 people may experience symptoms at the injection site. These reactions usually subside as your body adjusts to the medication. Typically these medications will include information on injection site reactions in their patient information leaflets (Hearn & Sherman, 2021). Injection site reactions typically include symptoms such as rashes, heat, irritation, swelling or minor pain (Anderson, 2023). For certain medications like Saxenda, injection site reactions are listed as an official side effect.

How can I manage headaches?

Headaches are a very common side effect of Wegovy and Saxenda, affecting more than 1 in 10 users. Although these headaches tend to settle within a few days, they may last for a few weeks. Here are some tips to help manage headaches:

• Stay hydrated

• Eat small meals

• Use simple pain relief like paracetamol

• Rest and relax

• Have or give yourself a scalp massage

• Exercise

• Use hot or cold compresses

• Sip herbal tea

• Get plenty of good sleep

How can I manage constipation?

Constipation is a very common side effect, affecting more than 1 in 10 people using Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Saxenda. Here are some tips to help manage constipation:

• Stay hydrated

• Eat small fruits such as prunes, figs, or grapes

• Increase fibre intake

• Incorporate wheat bran, oats, or linseed into your diet

• Have regular walks

• Try a mild laxative

How can I manage vomiting?

Vomiting is a common side effect, affecting more than 1 in 10 people using Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Saxenda. Here are some tips to help manage vomiting:

• Stay hydrated

• Eat small amounts regularly

• Drink herbal teas

Keep an eye on your symptoms. Vomiting more than three times a day may indicate that Mounjaro, Wegovy, or Saxenda are not suitable for you.

How can I manage heartburn and nausea?

Nausea and heartburn are common side effects, affecting around 1 in 10 users of Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Saxenda, especially with increasing doses. Here are some tips to help manage these symptoms:

• Stay hydrated

• Eat small amounts regularly

• Drink herbal teas

• Reduce sugar and fat intake

• Get plenty of fresh air

• Distract yourself by doing other activities

• Avoid strong-smelling foods

How can I manage gallstones and inflammation of the gallbladder?

Managing gallstones and inflammation of the gallbladder is crucial if you're using medications like Mounjaro, Wegovy, or Saxenda, which can increase the risk of these conditions due to rapid weight loss. Here are some tips to help manage and mitigate these risks:

• Be aware of any abdominal pain, especially on the right side under your ribs, which could indicate gallbladder issues

• Drink plenty of water

• Maintain a healthy diet

• Try and maintain gradual weight loss

• Regularly consult with your healthcare provider to monitor your condition and weight loss

How can I manage diarrhoea?

Diarrhoea is a common side effect experienced by more than 1 in 10 people using Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Saxenda. Here are some tips to help manage diarrhoea:

• Stay hydrated

• Get plenty of rest

• Eat small, regular meals

• Use simple pain relief

• Consider using oral rehydration salts

Is there a risk of experiencing more serious side effects when taking Wegovy, Saxenda and Mounjaro?

While Mounjaro, Wegovy, and Saxenda are generally well-tolerated, there is a rare risk of experiencing serious side effects. It's important to be aware of these and seek immediate medical attention if they occur. You should call 111 if you experience symptoms of pancreatitis or anaphylaxis.

Serious side effects of Saxenda include, according to drugs.com:

• Bladder pain

• bloody or cloudy urine

• chills

• cough

• diarrhoea

• difficult, burning, or painful urination

• fever

• frequent urge to urinate

• general feeling of discomfort or illness

• headache

• hoarseness

• joint pain

• loss of appetite

• lower back or side pain

• muscle aches and pains

• nausea

• runny nose

• shivering

• sore throat

• sweating

• trouble sleeping

• unusual tiredness or weakness

• vomiting

For Wegovy, serious side effects include (Badowski & Williamson, 2023):

• Low blood sugar

• Pancreatitis

• Gallbladder issues

• Kidney problems

• Diabetic eye problems

• Depression or suicidal thoughts

• Increased heart rate

• Risk of thyroid cancer

• Severe allergic reactions

According to drugs.com Mounjaro can also cause some serious side effects including:

• Low blood sugar

• Kidney problems

• Diabetic eye issues

• Gastrointestinal disease

• Pancreatitis

• Gallstones

Is there a risk of cancer when using Mounjaro, Wegovy & Saxenda?

In recent times there have been discussions about whether Mounjaro, Wegovy and Saxenda could affect the risk of developing thyroid cancer. It should be noted that these discussions and studies have found that this is not the case.  Clinical studies of Saxenda, Wegovy, and Mounjaro have indicated an increased risk of developing thyroid swellings. Regarding pancreatic cancer, which is more common and ranks as the 10th most common cancer in the UK, clinical studies of Saxenda, Wegovy, and Mounjaro have not demonstrated any association with an increased risk of pancreatic cancer.

Despite studies disproving the link between these medications and cancer, thyroid swelling and possible cancer are listed as serious side effects by the Saxenda and Wegovy websites. The Mounjaro website does not list this risk as a serious side effect, rather stating it is an observation in some studies. 

Should you lower your dose if you experience side effects?

If you experience side effects while taking medications like Saxenda, Mounjaro, or Wegovy, it's important to handle them properly. If you experience unpleasant side effects then they should resolve themselves within a few days or weeks. If you're on Saxenda, continue with your current dose for up to another week before consulting with your doctor about your dosage. For Mounjaro or Wegovy, contact your healthcare provider for advice. 

If the side effects are more significant, on Saxenda, you should consult with your doctor about going back to the previous lower dose. For Mounjaro or Wegovy, seek advice from your doctor.

You should always consult with your doctor or healthcare provider before changing the dosage of any medication you are using.

Frequently asked questions about Saxenda (Liraglutide), Wegovy (Semaglutide) and Mounjaro (Tirzepatide)

At UK Meds we have created a vast amount of content that covers many frequently asked questions about Saxenda, Wegovy and Mounjaro. You can visit our weight loss category on our health hub for a number of articles on these medications and weight loss in general, as well as the individual product pages (Saxenda, Wegovy & Mounjaro) which contain a large amount of useful information and the most common questions about the specific medication.

Key Takeaways

Here are the 5 biggest takeaways from this article about the side effects of Mounjaro, Saxenda and Wegovy:

• Side effects like injection site reactions, headaches, constipation, vomiting, nausea, heartburn, and diarrhoea are common with Mounjaro, Saxenda, and Wegovy. 

• Up to 1 in 10 users may experience injection site reactions such as redness, swelling, or pain.

• Headaches can be managed with hydration, small meals, pain relief like paracetamol, relaxation techniques, and hot or cold compresses.

• Constipation, vomiting, nausea, heartburn, and diarrhoea are common side effects of all three medications. Management includes hydration, dietary adjustments, regular small meals, and over-the-counter remedies like laxatives or oral rehydration salts.

• While serious side effects are rare, they can include pancreatitis, gallbladder issues, and thyroid-related concerns.

Medically Reviewed by:
Dr. Alexis Missick MBChB. MRCGP
GMC reference no: 7151419
LinkedIn
Website

Sources

Saxenda vs Mounjaro vs Wegovy | Drugs.com

Saxenda for Weight Loss, Dosage & Side Effects - Drugs.com

Tips for managing common side effects | Wegovy.com

7 Mounjaro side effects you need to be aware of | Drugs.com