‘Desperate’ Mounjaro user begs for advice over toilet-related side effect
A Mounjaro user has opened up on their experience taking the drug - including the one side effect they're struggling with
Madison Burgess
Someone who recently started Mounjaro has asked for help online after struggling with a gastrointestinal side effect.
Following a mass roll-out on the NHS, the GLP-1RA drug is set to be used by 220,000 people in the UK who have the ‘greatest need’ over the next three years.
The weekly injectable medicine was initially created to help people with Type-2 diabetes, however, it is now commonly used as a weight management tool after being approved to do so by the NHS.
Mounjaro works by suppressing appetite, regulating blood sugar and slowing down digestion, meaning it’s easier for people to drop the pounds.
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However, as the drug increases in popularity, users have been talking about their experiences with the side effects - both those that are common and the issues that are slightly rarer.
According to Boots Online Doctor, the most common side effects are nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and constipation. While other users have suffered from hair loss and ‘turkey neck’ after losing a lot of weight rapidly.
But, one person over on Reddit has explained that they’re ‘desperate’ for advice after they’ve been left unable to go to the bathroom in a whole week.
They also believe the lack of bowel movements has led their weight to go up, as they’re struggling to relieve themselves.
Writing in a dedicated Mounjaro thread on the social media platform, they wrote: “Started a little over a month ago and dropped 14 pounds in 4 weeks (woo!!)
“However, week 5 I’ve been going up (with literally no changes in my diet or exercise - which I get a lot of and calories deficit).
“The only change is… the dreaded constipation! I’m still on 2.5 but I haven’t really gone to the bathroom in a week.”
They asked: “Any advice?! I’m desperate. Also, I can probably assume that the increase this week was due to lack of bowel movements and water retention?! I’m yearning to go.”
Someone in the comments advised: “Drink 3 liters of water a day. I am guilty of not doing this and have been constipated the last 2 weeks. Drink some Gatorade Zero for electrolytes.”
And a second chimed in with: “Take a stool softener. I drink coffee and it usually works. Don’t let yourself go that long before taking something.”
While another who is having the same problem added: “That’s been my main issue too. I’m trying different things. Haven’t found the answer yet.”
Boots Online Doctor outline that constipation is a very common side effect, affecting more than 1 in 10 people using Mounjaro, Wegovy and Saxenda.
To help with constipation, they advise users to drink plenty of clear fluids such as water and herbal teas and try to eat small fruits such as prunes, figs or grapes.
You can also try increasing the fibre in your diet, such as eating some wheat bran, oats or linseed, as well as ensuring you are having regular walks.
And if you’re really struggling, you may wish to try a mild laxative to help, which you should be able to get from your local pharmacy.
Eli Lilly, the company that manufactures Mounjaro, said: "Patient safety is Lilly’s top priority. We take any reports regarding patient safety seriously and actively monitor, evaluate, and report safety information for all our medicines.
"The Mounjaro (tirzepatide) Patient Information Leaflet warns that constipation is a very common side effect in patients treated for weight management. We encourage patients to consult their doctor or other healthcare professional regarding any side effects they may be experiencing and to ensure that they are getting genuine Lilly medicine."