Mounjaro (tirzepatide)

Mounjaro is used along with exercise and a balanced diet to help manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Type 2 diabetes is a condition that causes high blood sugar. Having high blood sugar levels over time can raise your risk of other conditions, such as heart attack, kidney problems, vision problems, or nerve conditions. It’s important to manage your blood sugar levels to lower your risk of these conditions.

Symptoms of type 2 diabetes may include:

• feeling thirsty
• urinating more often than usual
• fatigue (low energy)
• blurry vision
• wounds that are slow to heal

Mounjaro treats type 2 diabetes by lowering your blood sugar. It does this in multiple ways:

• by helping your body release more insulin (a hormone that decreases your blood sugar levels)
• by slowing sugar production in your liver
• by slowing the emptying of food from your stomach, which can make you feel full for longer

Mounjaro has two limitations of use:

• The drug isn’t approved for use in people with type 1 diabetes.
• Mounjaro treatment should not be started in people who currently have pancreatitis or who have had this condition in the past.

Like most drugs, Mounjaro may cause mild or serious side effects. The lists below describe some of the more common side effects that Mounjaro may cause. These lists don’t include all possible side effects.

Keep in mind that side effects of a drug can depend on:

• other health conditions you have
• other medications you take

Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about the potential side effects of Mounjaro. They can also suggest ways to help reduce side effects. In addition to the information below, you can also refer to this article for details about Mounjaro’s side effects.

Mild side effects

Here’s a list of some of the mild side effects that Mounjaro can cause. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or read Mounjaro’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects of Mounjaro that have been reported include:

• nausea and vomiting
• diarrhea
• decreased appetite
• constipation
• abdominal pain
• injection site reactions
• heartburn
• mild allergic reaction*

Mild side effects of many drugs may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. But if they become bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Allergic reaction” section below.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from Mounjaro can occur, but they aren’t common. If you have serious side effects from Mounjaro, call your doctor right away. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects of Mounjaro that have been reported include:

• pancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas)
• gallbladder problems
• hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
• severe digestive side effects, such as severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, which may lead to dehydration and kidney problems
• boxed warning: risk of thyroid cancer*
• severe allergic reaction†

* For more information, see the “What should be considered before using Mounjaro?” section.
† To learn more about this side effect, see the “Allergic reaction” section below.

ALLERGIC REACTIONSome people may have an allergic reaction to Mounjaro.

Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:

• skin rash
• itchiness
• flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)

A more severe allergic reaction, called anaphylaxis, is rare but possible.

Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include:

• swelling under your skin (usually in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet)
• swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat, which can cause trouble breathing

Call your doctor right away if you have an allergic reaction to Mounjaro. But if you think you’re having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number.