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
Blog author
Scott Weaver
Scott is an experienced and professional content writer who works exclusively for UK Meds.
Here to help you
Our Customer Service is available Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm. If you need urgent assistance, do not use this service. Call 111, or in an emergency call 999. Visit our help section