Can You Drink Alcohol on Mounjaro?

In this article, we’ll look at whether it’s safe to consume alcohol while using Mounjaro, a GLP-1 pen commonly prescribed for supporting weight loss. We’ll look into how Mounjaro interacts with alcohol, whether it’s recommended to limit or avoid drinking, and what potential risks or side effects could be influenced by alcohol. If you’re taking Mounjaro or considering it, understanding whether you can drink alcohol can help you make smart choices for your health and well-being.

Key Takeaways

Here are the five biggest takeaways from this article about drinking alcohol and using Mounjaro:

• While Mounjaro does not have a direct interaction with alcohol, it’s generally recommended to limit or avoid drinking while using the medication.

• Alcohol can worsen Mounjaro’s common side effects, including nausea, vomiting, indigestion, and the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia).

• Alcohol consumption can interfere with Mounjaro’s ability to manage blood sugar levels effectively by causing spikes or drops.

• Drinking alcohol, especially excessively, raises the risk of severe complications such as pancreatitis and kidney damage.

• Alcohol adds empty calories and may increase appetite, undermining Mounjaro’s potential for supporting weight loss.

Does Mounjaro interact with alcohol?

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) does not have a direct interaction with alcohol, but it’s generally recommended to avoid or limit alcohol consumption while taking it. This is because alcohol can make some of Mounjaro’s common side effects worse. Side effects that can be influenced by alcohol include nausea, vomiting, and indigestion. Alcohol also affects blood sugar levels, potentially interfering with Mounjaro’s ability to effectively manage diabetes.

Drinking alcohol while using Mounjaro can also increase the risk of serious complications like pancreatitis, kidney damage and severe drops in blood sugar levels (hypoglycaemia). Drinking alcohol may also affect the amount of weight you lose on Mounjaro by giving you extra, empty calories.

Is it recommended to avoid/limit alcohol consumption while taking Mounjaro?

While there are no definitive guidelines on alcohol consumption for those taking Mounjaro, it is generally advisable to approach drinking with caution. Consulting your healthcare provider is the best first step to assess the potential risks and receive personalised advice.  It is important to stick to recommended limits and avoid excessive or binge drinking to minimise the risk of side effects. It’s also important to monitor your symptoms closely. If you notice any unusual side effects or changes while consuming alcohol on Mounjaro, report these to your healthcare provider. 

Alcohol can impact blood sugar levels when taking Mounjaro

Alcohol can significantly impact blood sugar levels when using Mounjaro. Drinks like beer and cocktails often contain high levels of sugar and carbohydrates, leading to a temporary spike in blood sugar. Over time, the excess calories from alcohol may be stored as fat in the liver, potentially contributing to insulin resistance in liver cells and causing a gradual increase in blood sugar levels. This can make it more challenging for people with type 2 diabetes to manage their blood sugar levels. Whilst Mounjaro is primarily used to help people lose weight, it can also be used to help manage type 2 diabetes.

Alcohol can make some of the common side effects of Mounjaro worse

Drinking alcohol while taking Mounjaro can increase the likelihood and severity of certain side effects. The one to be most aware of is the heightened risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia), a common side effect for people taking Mounjaro, whether or not they have diabetes. Alcohol can lower blood sugar levels, potentially intensifying symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, irritability, drowsiness, fast heartbeat and weakness.

Alcohol can also cause dehydration, which may worsen Mounjaro’s common side effects, such as nausea and vomiting. These symptoms are particularly common during the early stages of treatment or when dosages are increased.

Alcohol can increase the risk of experiencing serious complications when taking Mounjaro

Alcohol consumption can increase the risk of serious complications when taking Mounjaro. Regularly drinking more than 14 units of alcohol per week is linked to a heightened risk of conditions such as kidney damage and pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). These are also rare but serious side effects reported by some people using Mounjaro.

Mounjaro’s common digestive side effects, such as nausea and indigestion, can cause dehydration, which raises the likelihood of kidney damage. If you have a medical history of pancreatitis or kidney damage, your risk may be even greater.

Alcohol can limit the success of your weight loss treatment

Alcohol can limit the success of your weight loss treatment in several ways. Not only can it lead to side effects like low blood sugar, but it also adds empty calories to your diet, which can waste your weight loss efforts. Alcohol has also been shown to increase appetite, making it harder to maintain the calorie deficit required for effective weight loss.

Final Thoughts

While Mounjaro (tirzepatide) does not directly interact with alcohol, drinking alcohol while using this medication is generally not recommended due to its potential to worsen side effects, impact blood sugar levels, and increase the risk of serious complications like pancreatitis and kidney damage. Alcohol can also hinder weight loss by adding empty calories and increasing appetite. If you choose to drink, it’s important to do so in moderation.

Sources

Mounjaro and Alcohol/Food Interactions - Drugs.com