What we’ll cover:

• Common side effects you might notice
• Tips to help manage symptoms
• When to seek support from a professional 

Injectable weight-management medicines can help support weight loss and improve health. Some weight loss medications can also help reduce blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes. This article covers common side effects that can happen with injectable weight-management medicines such as Mounjaro and Wegovy. 

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Common side effects of weight-management medications

Some side effects are common, while others are very rare. Many people experience mild symptoms when starting a treatment or when their dose increases. This can feel worrying, but many side effects improve as your body gets used to the medication. This is one reason your treatment may start at a lower dose and increase gradually over time. 

Your prescriber has recommended this medication because they believe the benefits are greater than the possible risks for you. They are here to support you, so please let them know if symptoms are affecting you. 

The exact side effects and how often they happen can vary between medicines. You can find a full list of side effects in the Patient Information Leaflet that comes with your medicine. 

Common side effects can include:

• Feeling sick (nausea)
• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Being sick (vomiting)
• Stomach pain
• Headache
• Feeling weak or tired
• Indigestion
• Bloating or wind
• Burping
• Heartburn or reflux
• Feeling dizzy
• Injection-site reactions, such as redness or itching
• Hair loss
• Gallstones

If you have type 2 diabetes and take insulin or some other diabetes medicines, low blood sugar can sometimes happen. If you are unsure how to manage low blood sugar, speak with your prescriber. 

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Tips to help manage side effects

Some small changes can sometimes make symptoms easier to manage:

• Avoid rich, fatty or spicy foods if they trigger symptoms 
• Eat smaller meals rather than large portions, try to avoid long gaps between meals
• Try to avoid eating more than feels comfortable 
• Include fibre from foods like fruit, vegetables and wholegrains where you can, and increase these foods gradually
• Drink enough fluids throughout the day, especially if you have vomiting or diarrhoea, to help prevent dehydration. 
• If you are living with type 2 diabetes, make sure to attend your routine eye examinations and discuss low blood sugar management with your prescriber. 

Managing nausea:

Nausea (feeling sick) is one of the most common side effects, especially when starting medication or increasing your dose.

In addition to the tips above, you may find it helpful to choose simple foods that feel easier to tolerate, such as toast, rice or crackers. Try eating small amounts slowly and regularly, as having an empty stomach can sometimes make nausea feel worse. 

If you are having heartburn along with nausea, speak with your pharmacist or prescriber about whether an over-the-counter treatment is suitable for you. Speak with your prescriber if symptoms are severe, persistent, or affecting your ability to eat and drink. 

Managing sulphur burps:

Some people notice burping with these medicines, particularly when starting the medication. This often improves over time. Following the tips above, eating slowly and limiting fizzy drinks can help. 

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When to seek urgent medical help

Seek urgent medical help if you have:

• severe, persistent stomach pain, especially if it spreads to your back
• swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat, or difficulty breathing
• severe or ongoing vomiting, particularly if you cannot keep fluids down 

These symptoms could be a sign of a more serious problem and should be checked quickly by a medical professional.

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Summary

Side effects can happen with weight management medications, but they are often mild and improve over time. Small changes to how and what you eat can sometimes make symptoms easier to manage.

If any side effects are causing you concern, speak with your prescriber. They are here to support you.