Skip to main content

Serious side effects: gallbladder problems, pancreatitis and severe allergic reactions

Seek emergency medical help immediately

Call Germany’s emergency services on 112 or attend the nearest emergency department immediately if you experience:

  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing

  • Swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat

  • Severe and persistent abdominal pain

  • Abdominal pain that spreads to your back

  • Severe abdominal pain accompanied by vomiting, fever or yellowing of the skin or eyes

  • Fainting, confusion or significantly reduced consciousness

Tell the emergency medical team that you are using Mounjaro® or Wegovy®.

Do not wait for a routine response if your symptoms are severe or rapidly worsening.


Overview

Most side effects associated with Mounjaro® and Wegovy® are mild or moderate. However, serious reactions can occur and require urgent medical attention.

This article explains the warning signs of:

  • Gallbladder problems

  • Pancreatitis

  • Severe allergic reactions

This information does not replace the patient information leaflet or advice from a qualified healthcare professional.


Gallbladder problems

Mounjaro® and Wegovy® may be associated with gallstones or inflammation of the gallbladder.

Possible warning signs include:

  • Pain in the upper-right side of your abdomen

  • Sudden or severe abdominal pain

  • Pain that becomes worse when breathing deeply

  • A tender abdomen

  • Nausea or vomiting

  • Fever

  • Yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes

  • Dark urine or unusually pale stools

Seek urgent medical assessment if you experience symptoms that could indicate a gallbladder problem.

Call 112 or attend an emergency department if the pain is severe, rapidly worsening or accompanied by vomiting, fever, breathing difficulties, fainting or yellowing of the skin or eyes.


Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas and requires urgent medical assessment.

Possible warning signs include:

  • Severe and persistent abdominal pain

  • Pain that spreads from your abdomen to your back

  • Severe or persistent vomiting

  • A swollen or tender abdomen

  • Feeling extremely unwell

Call 112 or attend an emergency department immediately if you experience severe and persistent abdominal pain, particularly if it spreads to your back or is accompanied by vomiting.

Tell the medical team that you are using Mounjaro® or Wegovy®.


Severe allergic reactions

A severe allergic reaction, also known as anaphylaxis, is a medical emergency.

Possible warning signs include:

  • Difficulty breathing

  • Wheezing or a feeling of tightness in your chest

  • Swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat

  • Difficulty swallowing

  • A rapid heartbeat

  • Severe dizziness

  • Fainting or loss of consciousness

  • A widespread or rapidly worsening rash

Call 112 immediately if you experience signs of a severe allergic reaction.

Do not attempt to travel to an emergency department alone if you are having difficulty breathing, feel faint or have significantly reduced consciousness.


What should I do after receiving urgent treatment?

Tell the healthcare professional:

  • That you use Mounjaro® or Wegovy®

  • The dose you are taking

  • When you administered your most recent dose

  • When your symptoms began

  • What other medicines or treatments you use

Do not administer another dose until a qualified healthcare professional has assessed your symptoms and advised you that it is safe to continue.


Key takeaway

Gallbladder problems, pancreatitis and severe allergic reactions require urgent medical attention.

Call 112 immediately if you experience difficulty breathing, swelling of your face or throat, severe persistent abdominal pain, fainting or other rapidly worsening symptoms.

Always tell the medical team that you are using Mounjaro® or Wegovy®.


Additional Assistance

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

Did this answer your question?