It feels like Mounjaro is everywhere right now. Open any news site and it’s likely top of the headlines. But let’s be honest, the coverage isn’t exactly reassuring. From dramatic anecdotes to clickbait warnings, the media is doing what it does best: fuelling fear. And while fear might get clicks, it doesn’t always get the facts straight.
So as a clinician-led team managed by a GP Federation, we’re here to cut through the noise. No drama, no scaremongering – just trusted, transparent insight into what you can actually expect when you first start using Mounjaro.
Does Mounjaro have side effects?
Yes – of course it does. Like every medication, Mounjaro (tirzepatide) comes with potential side effects. It’s a licensed treatment for type 2 diabetes in the UK, so it’s approved and considered safe, but your body may take a little time to adjust to it.
One of the most common side effects is low blood sugar. That’s no surprise – Mounjaro works by helping regulate blood glucose levels. More than 1 in 10 people may also experience mild gastrointestinal symptoms like nausea or diarrhoea, and up to 1 in 10 may also notice bloating, gas, or have a very minor allergic reaction.
Less commonly – fewer than 1 in 100 people – there may be changes in taste or skin sensation, and in rare cases (fewer than 1 in 1,000), more severe allergic reactions can occur. But these are classed as ‘uncommon’ or ‘rare’ for a reason.
Mounjaro is an officially regulated medication, and in November 2023 the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency confirmed its use for weight loss; a clear signal that it’s considered safe when used under proper medical supervision.
Why do the side effects sound so dramatic online?
It’s a fair question. And the answer is that many of the commonly reported side effects aren’t due to the medication at all. Some side effects people report – like feeling cold or having lower blood pressure – aren’t caused by the ingredients but by weight loss itself. Losing fat causes shifts in your body, and if you’ve been overweight for some time, those changes can feel unfamiliar or unusual.
Other side effects, like hair loss or tiredness, often stem from low nutrient intake. When calorie intake drops suddenly, vitamin and mineral levels can dip too – especially if nutritional support isn’t in place. Taking vitamin supplements may help.
Of course, some people want a quick fix and are tempted to skip steps and start at a higher dose than advised, which can increase the risk of side effects. But most concerning of all, however, is the rise in fake, unauthorised Mounjaro pens.
The dangers of fake Mounjaro pens
The fact is that many of the scariest Mounjaro side effects being reported by the media are coming from fake imposters; not Mounjaro itself. Between January and October 2023, the MHRA seized more than 350 fake injection pens across the UK, and some users of fakes have ended up in hospital with infections, seizures, and critically low blood sugar. The pens didn’t contain regulated medication, and some fake weight loss injections may have been contaminated with bacteria.
Prescription weight loss injections aren’t available over the counter for a reason. They must be prescribed by qualified clinicians, with medical oversight.
Choose safe, professional support
If you’re considering Mounjaro for weight loss, it’s important to find a qualified, approved provider. Our clinicians offer expert care, ongoing support, and safe prescriptions – so you can move forward with confidence.
Have questions? We’re here to talk. Contact us to find out more.
