Is Mounjaro Safe? What You Need to Know About This Weight Loss Injection

Mounjaro is the brand name for tirzepatide, a medication originally developed to manage type 2 diabetes. More recently, it has gained attention for its powerful weight loss benefits, particularly in people with obesity or related metabolic issues. With its rising popularity, a common and important question arises: Is Mounjaro safe?

Like Ozempic and Wegovy, Mounjaro belongs to a class of injectable drugs that mimic natural hormones to regulate blood sugar and appetite. Unlike its counterparts, Mounjaro acts on two hormone receptors—GLP-1 and GIP—making it a dual-action therapy. This is believed to enhance its effectiveness not only for blood sugar control but also for weight management.

 

How Does Mounjaro Work?

To understand its safety profile, it helps to first understand how Mounjaro works. The medication is injected once weekly, typically in the thigh, stomach, or upper arm. It helps:

• -> Regulate blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin release

• -> Suppress appetite by slowing gastric emptying and increasing satiety

• -> Promote weight loss by reducing food cravings and calorie intake

Clinical trials have shown that participants using Mounjaro for weight management lost significantly more weight than those using placebo or other diabetes medications.

 

Is Mounjaro Safe?

The short answer is: Mounjaro appears to be safe for most people when prescribed appropriately and monitored by a healthcare professional. However, like any medication, it comes with potential risks and side effects, which should be carefully considered before starting treatment.

Common Side Effects of Mounjaro

Most side effects are mild to moderate, especially during the first few weeks as the body adjusts to the medication. These may include:

• -> Nausea

• -> Diarrhoea

• -> Constipation

• -> Vomiting

• -> Stomach discomfort

• -> Fatigue

• -> Loss of appetite

In clinical trials, these symptoms often decreased over time as the dosage was gradually increased.

 

Serious Side Effects to Be Aware Of

While rare, more serious side effects may occur. These include:

• -> Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas): Symptoms include severe abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting.

• -> Gallbladder issues: Including gallstones, which may cause upper stomach pain, fever, or jaundice.

• -> Thyroid tumours: In rodent studies, tirzepatide was associated with thyroid C-cell tumours. While the relevance to humans is unclear, Mounjaro carries a black box warning in the U.S. for this reason.

• -> Kidney problems: Due to dehydration from vomiting or diarrhoea.

• -> Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia): Especially when combined with other diabetes medications like insulin or sulfonylureas.

Because of these potential risks, Mounjaro is not recommended for people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).

 

Who Should Not Take Mounjaro?

Mounjaro may not be suitable for everyone. You should not take Mounjaro if you:

• -> Have a personal or family history of thyroid cancer (particularly medullary thyroid carcinoma)

• -> Are pregnant or trying to become pregnant

• -> Are breastfeeding

• -> Have a history of pancreatitis

• -> Have severe gastrointestinal disease

Always speak to a doctor or prescribing pharmacist before starting Mounjaro, especially if you’re taking other medications or have underlying health conditions.

Is Mounjaro Approved for Weight Loss?

In the UK and EU, Mounjaro is approved for treating type 2 diabetes but is not yet officially licensed for weight loss. However, doctors may prescribe it off-label for weight management in patients who are overweight or obese and meet certain health criteria.

In the U.S., the FDA has approved tirzepatide under the name Zepbound specifically for chronic weight management.

Off-label prescribing is legal and relatively common, especially when the drug has shown proven benefits for the condition in question. But it’s crucial that this is done under the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider.

 

Benefits of Mounjaro for Weight Loss

When used correctly and safely, Mounjaro offers a number of potential benefits:

• -> Significant weight loss (often greater than that seen with other GLP-1 medications)

• -> Improved blood sugar control

• -> Reduced risk of cardiovascular events in people with diabetes

• -> Appetite regulation and reduced food cravings

For many people struggling with obesity or insulin resistance, these benefits can be life-changing.

 

Can You Get Mounjaro in the UK?

While not yet licensed specifically for weight loss in the UK, some private clinics and pharmacies offer Mounjaro on a case-by-case basis, usually with a full medical consultation. Prices and availability can vary.

Be cautious of unregulated sources online, especially those offering Mounjaro without any health screening or support. Only purchase from registered UK providers and always check for General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC) accreditation.

Mounjaro is generally safe for most people when prescribed responsibly, with monitoring and lifestyle support. Like all medications, it’s not without side effects, but the majority are manageable and temporary.

If you’re considering Mounjaro for weight loss or diabetes management, the safest approach is to consult with a qualified healthcare provider who can assess your individual needs and determine whether it’s appropriate.

This blog was written on behalf of Bourne End Pharmacy by Pharmacy Mentor.