Mounjaro Side Effects: How Common, How Long They Last
In the Mounjaro label, nausea is the most common side effect: 18% on 15 mg vs 4% on placebo. Next come diarrhea and decreased appetite.
- Most common
- Nausea 18%
- Same on placebo
- 4%
- Trial group
- Adults with type 2 diabetes
Mounjaro overview
Its half-life is about 5 days, with half remaining after 5 d and about 3% after five half-lives (25 d).
In SURPASS-1, people with type 2 diabetes lost 7.8 kg over 40 weeks, compared with 1 kg on placebo.
Monthly costs in US dollars include the list price and self-pay offers, all taken from the manufacturer's price page.
Sources: FDA label (DailyMed), healthsystemtracker.org, pricinginfo.lilly.com.
Mounjaro side effects: label rates vs placebo
The FDA label names 7 common Mounjaro side effects reported in placebo-controlled trials. How much more often each one appeared than with placebo is shown in the final column.
| Side effect | Placebo | Mounjaro 5 mg | Mounjaro 10 mg | Mounjaro 15 mg | More than placebo, 15 mg |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nausea | 4% | 12% | 15% | 18% | +14 points |
| Diarrhea | 9% | 12% | 13% | 17% | +8 points |
| Decreased Appetite | 1% | 5% | 10% | 11% | +10 points |
| Vomiting | 2% | 5% | 5% | 9% | +7 points |
| Dyspepsia | 3% | 8% | 8% | 5% | +2 points |
| Constipation | 1% | 6% | 6% | 7% | +6 points |
| Abdominal Pain | 4% | 6% | 5% | 5% | +1 points |
Source: FDA label (DailyMed).
Serious warnings explained simply
- Thyroid C-cell tumors: boxed warning. It caused thyroid C-cell tumors in rodents, but it is not known whether this happens in people. Do not use it if you or a family member has a history of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC), or if you have MEN 2.
- Pancreatitis. It may cause inflammation of the pancreas. If severe stomach pain does not go away and sometimes reaches your back, stop taking it and get care.
- Blood sugar that drops too low. The risk of low blood sugar rises when taken with insulin or a sulfonylurea, so those doses may need to be reduced.
- Severe allergic reactions. Reports include serious allergic reactions with swelling of the face, lips, or throat. If these reactions occur, stop taking it and get help right away.
- Kidney injury caused by fluid loss. Vomiting or diarrhea can lead to fluid loss, which may cause kidney injury. Report heavy fluid loss, and drink fluids.
- Reactions in the stomach and gut can be severe. Side effects affecting the stomach and gut are common and can be severe. It is not recommended for people with severe gastroparesis.
- Worsening diabetic eye disease. Diabetic eye disease can worsen in someone with type 2 diabetes, especially when blood sugar falls quickly. If you already have diabetic eye disease, eye checks are important.
- Disease of the gallbladder. You may develop gallstones or inflammation of the gallbladder. Report pain in the upper right belly. Also report fever, yellow skin or eyes.
- Food getting into your lungs while you are under anesthesia or sedation. During anesthesia or deep sedation, it matters that food can stay in the stomach longer. Let your care team know before any procedure.
Source: FDA label (DailyMed).
Source: FDA label (DailyMed).
Common side effects, listed one by one
- Nausea effects: 4% on placebo, 18% on 15 mg
- Diarrhea effects: 9% on placebo, 17% on 15 mg
- Dyspepsia: 3% on placebo, 8% on 5 mg
- Constipation: 1% on placebo, 7% on 15 mg
More Mounjaro questions: Sulfur burps, Fatigue, Headache, Muscle loss, Face changes, Butt changes.