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Managing common side effects of Wegovy and Mounjaro

Overview

Use this article to understand practical strategies for managing common side effects during Wegovy® and Mounjaro® treatment, including self-care tips, over-the-counter options, and guidance on when to seek medical advice.

In this guide

  • Nausea and vomiting

  • Constipation

  • Headaches

  • Diarrhoea

  • Heartburn

  • Injection site reactions


Nausea and vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are common during initial treatment and dose escalations as your body adjusts to the medication.

  • Hydration: Drink plenty of clear fluids such as water or herbal teas (e.g., ginger, peppermint, or fennel tea) throughout the day. Avoid sugary or carbonated drinks.

  • Meal adjustments: Eat smaller, more frequent meals rather than large portions. Choose bland foods and avoid strongly scented or greasy meals that might trigger nausea.

  • Pharmacy support: Ask a local pharmacist about suitable over-the-counter anti-nausea options if mild symptoms persist.

  • When to seek help: Seek medical evaluation if you vomit more than three times in a single day, cannot keep fluids down, or notice signs of dehydration (such as dark urine, reduced urination, or dizziness).


Constipation

Reduced gastrointestinal motility can cause temporary constipation during treatment.

  • Hydration: Maintain a high daily intake of clear fluids to keep stool soft and easy to pass.

  • Dietary fibre: Gradually increase your dietary fibre by eating whole grains, oats, prunes, or figs.

  • Physical activity: Regular light exercise, such as daily walking, helps stimulate bowel motility.

  • Pharmacy support: Consult a pharmacist regarding mild, temporary over-the-counter laxatives if diet and exercise adjustments are insufficient.

  • When to seek help: Contact a doctor if constipation persists for several days, causes severe discomfort, or is accompanied by severe abdominal pain.


Headaches

Mild headaches can occur during the early stages of GLP-1 or GIP treatment as your body adapts to dose changes.

  • Hydration and rest: Drink adequate fluids and ensure you get 7 to 9 hours of restful sleep each night. Resting in a quiet, darkened room can help relieve tension.

  • Pain relief: Simple over-the-counter pain relievers, such as paracetamol, can be used to manage mild discomfort.

  • Relaxation: Simple head massages or breathing exercises can alleviate tension headaches.

  • When to seek help: Contact a primary care physician if headaches are severe, worsen over time, or persist for several weeks without improvement.


Diarrhoea

Diarrhoea may occur as your digestive system adjusts to the active ingredient, particularly after dose increases.

  • Fluid replacement: Drink water or clear broth continuously to replenish lost fluids. Avoid sugary drinks and caffeine.

  • Electrolyte support: Consult a local pharmacy about oral rehydration or electrolyte solutions to prevent dehydration.

  • Rest: Rest allows your digestive system time to settle.

  • When to seek help: Seek prompt medical advice if diarrhoea lasts longer than a few days, if you cannot tolerate any fluids, experience extreme exhaustion, or notice blood in your stool.


Heartburn

Acid reflux or heartburn can occasionally occur alongside nausea or indigestion.

  • Dietary habits: Eat small, frequent meals rather than large, heavy meals. Avoid lying down immediately after eating.

  • Avoid trigger foods: Limit fatty, spicy, acidic, or highly sugary foods that can worsen reflux.

  • Pharmacy support: Over-the-counter antacids or acid-reducing medications are available at local pharmacies for short-term relief.

  • When to seek help: Consult a doctor if heartburn is severe, frequent, or fails to improve with dietary adjustments and over-the-counter antacids.


Injection site reactions

Mild local skin reactions, such as mild redness, itching, or minor swelling around the injection area, can occur.

  • Site rotation: Always rotate your injection site each week (e.g., abdomen, thigh, or upper arm) and avoid injecting into bruised, irritated, or broken skin.

  • Pharmacy support: Non-drowsy oral antihistamines or soothing antihistamine creams can help relieve localized itching or redness.

  • When to seek help: If a skin reaction worsens, spreads significantly, becomes increasingly painful, or shows signs of infection (such as heat or pus), stop using the medication immediately and seek medical attention from a general practitioner or call 112 in an emergency. Please also notify MedExpress through your account.


Additional Assistance

If you still need help after reviewing the information above, additional assistance is available.

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