Mounjaro and other GLP-1 weight loss medications can cause a number of common side effects, such as nausea.
Some patients will experience this side effect when starting their treatment, and will find it fades usually after a few days. As you progress through the dosages, you may also find you experience this side effect when you increase your dosage for the first time as well.
Whilst uncomfortable, there are a number of things that you can do to reduce and manage the symptoms being experienced:
Drink plenty of water
Ensuring you keep your fluid levels up avoids any risk of dehydration, which can in turn make these symptoms worse as well as having other effects on our body.
If you are unable to keep water down, please speak with your GP or call NHS 111 for an urgent same-day appointment
Avoid trigger foods and smells
Some foods, such as those high in fat or spicy, or that have strong smells, can trigger the feeling of nausea - so avoid where possible if you are suffering with this side effect. If you're actively experiencing the side effect, a plain diet such as crackers, toast and cereal can help calm the symptoms and help the body recover. Eating foods containing ginger, such as ginger biscuits, can also help with the nausea sensation.
Try smaller meals
Eating little and often rather than larger meals can help reduce and prevent this side effect, so look to spread your mealtimes across the day rather than the traditional breakfast / lunch / dinner.
Try anti-emetic treatments
There are medications on the market that can help with reducing and removing this sensation as well, such as Buccastem (an over the counter treatment)
Need further support?
If the above methods are not helping you manage your side effect, our clinical team is on hand to give further support and advice as needed - just complete this form and they will be in touch Monday to Friday.
Should you find that your symptoms are worsening or if they are stopping you from doing your day-to-day tasks, please ensure to speak with your GP or NHS 111 for an urgent appointment.
Please ensure to call 999 or go to A&E (if you are able) if you notice a sharp/severe pain in the upper abdomen (stomach): https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/acute-pancreatitis/
Although this is an uncommon side effect, Pancreatitis is a severe condition which can get worse very quickly and can be life-threatening.
Last reviewed - 14/01/2025