Overview
Use this article to understand common side effects associated with Wegovy® and Mounjaro®, why gradual dose titration helps minimise symptoms, and how to recognise red-flag symptoms that require urgent medical attention.
Common gastrointestinal side effects
Like all medications, Wegovy® and Mounjaro® can cause side effects. Gastrointestinal symptoms are the most frequently reported, particularly during initial treatment startup or after increasing a dose.
Common symptoms: Nausea, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhoea are common side effects as your digestive system adjusts to GLP-1 or GIP/GLP-1 medications.
Duration: In most cases, these side effects are mild to moderate and naturally subside after a few days or weeks as your body adapts to the medication.
Role of dose titration: The gradual step-by-step increase in dosage every four weeks is specifically designed to allow your system to build tolerance safely, reducing the severity and frequency of side effects.
Serious side effects and red-flag symptoms
Although serious complications are rare, certain symptoms require prompt or immediate medical evaluation:
Pancreatitis: Severe, persistent abdominal pain that radiates to your back, often accompanied by severe nausea or vomiting.
Gallbladder complications: Severe abdominal pain, particularly in the upper right quadrant under the ribs, potentially accompanied by fever, chills, or jaundice.
Severe allergic reactions (Anaphylaxis): Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, skin rash, hives, or sudden difficulty breathing or swallowing.
When to seek emergency medical care
Life-threatening emergencies: If you experience signs of a severe allergic reaction (such as facial swelling or difficulty breathing) or unbearable abdominal pain, call 112 (emergency services in Germany) immediately or go directly to the nearest hospital emergency department.
Inform healthcare staff: Always inform emergency personnel and attending doctors that you are currently taking a GLP-1 or GIP weight-loss medication (Wegovy® or Mounjaro®).
Additional Assistance
If you still need help after reviewing the information above, additional assistance is available.