Mounjaro Interactions: Medications, Supplements and Health Conditions

Mounjaro is a safe, effective weight loss medication, which most users tolerate well.

However, like with any medication, Mounjaro can interact with other medications, supplements and health conditions. When interactions happen, it can affect how drugs work in your body. It can also increase your risk of side effects on Mounjaro.

To help you lose weight safely, here’s a closer look at what interacts with Mounjaro – and how to prevent these interactions from happening. 

What Drugs Interact With Mounjaro?

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) belongs to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. These medications work by mimicking hormones in the body to lower blood sugar levels and slow down digestion. 

Originally approved for type-2 diabetes, medications like Mounjaro are now popular treatments for weight loss and management. By slowing down digestion, Mounjaro helps you feel fuller quicker and for longer after eating.

This action can also affect how your body absorbs other medications. For this reason, Mounjaro can interact with other medications also absorbed in the digestive system. This includes oral contraceptives.

Mounjaro also lowers your blood sugar levels. This means it may interact with other diabetes medications that also affect blood sugar levels.

Richard Wood, a pharmacist at Simple Online Pharmacy, says: 

“Drug-drug interactions on Mounjaro are not clear cut because the medication is relatively new. 

“The good news is that most medications are fine to take with Mounjaro. But many drugs may need closer monitoring. 

“Let your Mounjaro prescriber and main healthcare provider know your full drug history. So they can give you informed advice about your care.”

Mounjaro and Diabetes Medication

Mounjaro can lower blood sugar levels. So, if you take Mounjaro with other diabetic drugs that also lower blood sugar levels, they could drop too low (known as hypoglycaemia).

Common symptoms of low blood sugar include shakiness, dizziness, sweating, confusion, and irritability. If you experience these signs while taking Mounjaro with other diabetes medications, speak to your doctor immediately. 

Diabetic drugs that come with a higher risk of hypoglycaemia, when combined with Mounjaro, include: 

• Insulin – including insulin aspart, insulin lispro and insulin glulisine

• Sulfonylureas – a class of drugs, including glimepiride and glipizide

We recommend that you do not take Mounjaro while on these specific classes of drug.

If you have existing diabetes-related complications, such as diabetic retinopathy, or you’re taking medications for diabetes and thinking of using Mounjaro, talk to your doctor or contact a member of our team. They will advise you on the best course of action.

Mounjaro and Oral Contraceptives

Taking Mounjaro at the same time as oral hormonal contraceptive pills can make the pills less effective.

Mounjaro slows down how quickly your stomach empties, also known as “delayed gastric emptying”. This can affect some oral medications absorbed by the stomach. While the exact mechanism is unknown, Mounjaro may stop your body from absorbing the hormones in the pill.

So if you’re using Mounjaro alongside the pill, we recommend using an additional barrier method (like condoms) for the first month of treatment. You should also use them for one month each time you change your dose. This means you might have to use additional barrier methods for the majority of your treatment.

Can I Take Antibiotics With Mounjaro?

In most cases, taking antibiotics while using Mounjaro is safe. 

However, because Mounjaro slows down digestion, it can affect how the body absorbs oral antibiotics into the bloodstream. So it can slow down the action of antibiotics. Medications that should be taken on an empty stomach, such as flucloxacillin, may be affected. 

Clarithromycin is one antibiotic that may interact with Mounjaro. 

Some antibiotics, like clarithromycin, can affect blood sugar levels when combined with medication like Mounjaro and diabetic medication. Before you take clarithromycin, you must tell your healthcare provider you are using Mounjaro. They should closely monitor your use of the antibiotic.

Mounjaro and Antidepressants: Can I Take Them Together?

There are no known significant interactions between Mounjaro and antidepressants. This includes sertraline, fluoxetine and citalopram.

However, by slowing down digestion, Mounjaro can also affect how quickly your body absorbs antidepressants. Although this normally won’t cause any major issues.

Both Mounjaro and certain antidepressants have nausea as a side effect. So, taking them together could make you feel more queasy than usual. If you experience any unusual symptoms or discomfort, it’s a good idea to check in with your doctor.

Achieving successful weight loss can significantly improve mental health, and Mounjaro can play a positive role in this journey. 

It’s important to be aware that this treatment may change your relationship with food and how you cope with things. However, these changes can pave the way for healthier habits and perspectives.

If you’re struggling with your mental health during treatment, talk to your healthcare provider. They can support you and give you advice to help you navigate these changes. Embracing this journey with awareness can help you gain a fulfilling and balanced relationship with food. This will improve your overall wellbeing.

Mounjaro Contraindications: When to Avoid Mounjaro

In certain cases, your doctor may decide that Mounjaro might not be the correct medication for you.

This might be because you have – or have a history of – a particular health condition that could cause you harm if you take Mounjaro. This is known as a contraindication. 

You shouldn’t use Mounjaro if you have the following health issues:

• Thyroid Cancer: Mounjaro is not recommended for those with a personal or family history of some thyroid cancers. This includes medullary thyroid cancer or a rare condition called multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (also known as MEN 2). Mounjaro is linked to an increased risk of thyroid tumours. So, as a precaution, it is best to avoid this medication if you are at a higher risk.

• Allergy to Mounjaro: Don’t take Mounjaro if you’ve had an allergic reaction to the medication. Or any of its ingredients. An allergy can cause symptoms like rash, itching, swelling and difficulty breathing.

• Pancreatitis: If you have had pancreatitis before, Mounjaro might not be the right medication for you. Taking Mounjaro can lead to additional stress on your pancreas leading to an increased risk of developing pancreatitis. 

Before starting your Mounjaro treatment, tell your doctor if any of the above factors apply to you. This will help them decide if Mounjaro is the right medication for you.

Are There Any Other Interactions With Mounjaro?

Mounjaro and Food 

When taking Mounjaro, there are no specific foods that you would need to avoid. 

However, it’s beneficial to approach your meals with a mindful mindset and listen to your body. Eating a balanced diet rich in fiber and protein not only supports the effectiveness of Mounjaro but also improves your overall wellbeing.

Focus on the quality of the food you consume. Instead of cutting out food groups, try to celebrate adding nutritious choices. Enjoying a variety of whole foods can lead to a more satisfying and fulfilling relationship with your meals. This will help you make healthy eating a long-term habit.

Mounjaro and Alcohol

There are no significant interactions with Mounjaro and alcohol. 

However, drinking alcohol can lower your blood sugar levels. This is especially true if you’re drinking on an empty stomach or taking diabetes medication. 

Alcohol can also worsen side effects of Mounjaro, like nausea or dizziness. For these reasons, we recommend that you avoid drinking alcohol with Mounjaro.

Mounjaro and Herbal Supplements 

There aren’t many well-known interactions with Mounjaro and herbal supplements. However, some herbs may affect your blood sugar levels. 

Currently, there is a lack of research on specific interactions between Mounjaro and herbal remedies. So consult a pharmacist before taking herbal medication and Mounjaro at the same time. They will weigh the current evidence and provide a recommendation. 

If you’re taking herbal medication, include it on your assessment form when ordering your treatment.

Mounjaro and Vitamins

Most of the common vitamins do not interact with Mounjaro directly. You can usually continue taking your vitamins without any issues. 

However, because Mounjaro slows digestion, it might affect how your body absorbs the vitamin.

How to Prevent Interactions on Mounjaro

Remember that Mounjaro affects your blood sugar levels and slows down digestion in your stomach. So it can change how the body absorbs other medications or supplements. 

To prevent interactions while taking Mounjaro, tell your doctor or pharmacist about medications you’re taking on your weight loss journey. Whether that be prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins or herbal supplements.

If you’ve just started Mounjaro, make a list of all your medications and share it to your healthcare provider.

Reach out to a healthcare professional if you notice new side effects taking Mounjaro along with your normal medications. Talk to someone if you don’t feel quite right. We’re here to support you throughout your weight loss journey, so call us on 0141 774 5023 for more guidance.

With the right precautions and support, Mounjaro can be safe and effective weight loss treatment.

Key Takeaways

• Mounjaro Can Interact with Certain Medications: Mounjaro may affect medications you absorb in the stomach. This includes oral birth control pills. It can also increase your risk of low blood sugar when taken with other diabetes medications. 

• Some Health Conditions May Be a Contraindication: We don’t recommend Mounjaro for patients with a history of thyroid cancer or pancreatitis. You shouldn’t use Mounjaro if you’re allergic to its ingredients.

• Watch for Absorption-Related Delays: Mounjaro slows down digestion. So it can slow down the absorption of medications, like antidepressants and antibiotics.

• Food, Alcohol and Supplements are Generally Safe: Most food and supplements don’t lead to interactions with Mounjaro. So you can continue using them. While Mounjaro doesn’t directly interact with alcohol, we don’t recommend you drink it while using the medication.

• Prevention Starts with Communication: Let your doctor know about all medications and supplements you are taking. And make sure to monitor your health for any side effects.

Clinically reviewed by: Richard Wood, GPhC reg: 2078802

References

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