• Weight Management
• Diabetes

A Definitive Guide to Mounjaro® Drug Interactions

Medically reviewed and edited by Bellamy McKenzie, NP

Mounjaro is a common medication prescribed for diabetes patients to help them control their blood sugar levels.

Like many other drugs, Mounjaro is known to interact with a number of medications, which can cause mild to severe reactions.

Understanding how Mounjaro interacts with different substances will help you predict how the medication may affect you.

It also helps you take the necessary precautions to avoid any severe or dangerous side effects.

In this article, we'll take a closer look at the Mounjaro drug interactions you should know about as well as what you can do to prevent them.

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What are the General Substances to Avoid When Taking Mounjaro?

Certain medications and substances should generally be avoided when taking Mounjaro. This is because they may negatively interact with Mounjaro and cause adverse effects.

If you’re using Mounjaro, avoid taking:

• Medications that lower blood sugar

• Anticoagulants (blood thinners)

• Certain antidepressants and psychiatric drugs

• Medications that affect liver and kidney function

We'll discuss these medications and other drugs that interact with Mounjaro in more detail in the next sections.

Mounjaro and Possible Interactions with Specific Drugs

Mounjaro and metformin

Metformin is also used to treat type 2 diabetes, similar to Mounjaro. It can be used to prevent diabetes from developing if you are in a high-risk category.

Although metformin is not a commonly prescribed drug, it can be used alongside Mounjaro if necessary.

It’s important to note that taking two types of diabetes drugs together is generally not recommended.

This is because they may cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) which can be dangerous, especially for individuals with conditions like diabetes. Mounjaro and phentermine

Phentermine is a weight loss drug used to treat conditions like obesity and diabetes while controlling risk factors such as high blood pressure and cholesterol.

It works by stimulating the nervous system to increase your heart rate while suppressing appetite and speeding up the weight loss process.

Using Mounjaro and phentermine together may cause moderate adverse reactions including:

• Headaches

• Dizziness

• Nervousness

• Confusion

• Weakness

• Rapid heartbeat

You may also be at risk of developing hypoglycemia if the dosages of both drugs are too high.

Speak to your doctor about taking these drugs together to ensure you do so safely. They can also adjust your dosages to mitigate severe reactions.

Mounjaro and Ozempic

Ozempic — also known as semaglutide — is another drug that is similar to Mounjaro and is often prescribed as an alternative. It works by mimicking GLP-1 agonists to help type 2 diabetics manage blood sugar levels.

Although there is currently no research that indicates any negative interactions between Ozempic and Mounjaro, there are risks involved.

The biggest concern is the risk of developing hypoglycemia when taking these medications together. Patients may also have an increased risk of developing thyroid tumors.

Your side effects may be more intense if you take more than one type of medication. These side effects include:

• Gastrointestinal issues

• Kidney and liver problems

• Persistent severe abdominal pain and swelling

• Allergic reactions

• Gallbladder problems

If you’re considering taking Mounjaro and Ozempic together, consult your doctor first. They can help you to determine the risks and advise you on how to manage them.

Mounjaro and insulin

Insulin medications are often prescribed for diabetes patients to help them control fluctuating blood sugar levels.

Mounjaro works in a similar way and can prompt the body to produce insulin if its natural levels are too low.

When insulin is used with Mounjaro, it might lead to an insulin excess in the body which can cause hypoglycemia.

If you use these two drugs together, your doctor may need to lower your insulin dosage to reduce the risk of low blood sugar.

You’ll likely also need more regular checkups to monitor your blood sugar levels.

Mounjaro and sulfonylureas

Sulfonylureas are commonly prescribed oral medications used to treat poorly controlled diabetes. Similar to Mounjaro, it signals the pancreas to release insulin.

Combining these two drugs may cause the body to release too much insulin, which can have a negative impact on blood sugar levels.

Although Mounjaro and sulfonylureas can be used together, it’s recommended to adjust your dosages before you start to prevent hypoglycemia from developing.

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Mounjaro and birth control pills

Mounjaro may make birth control pills less effective — especially when first starting with Mounjaro or as your dosages increase.

This happens because the drug slows down the digestive system, which affects how oral hormonal contraceptives are absorbed.

In some cases, this means that less medication is absorbed, and the birth control pill becomes less effective.

You can still use other non-oral birth control options — such as patches or vaginal rings — or barrier methods to practice safe sex.

Other Interactions and Precautions

Mounjaro may also interact with other substances besides different medications. Let’s take a look at what those are.

Herbal and vitamin supplements

Some herbal supplements may affect your blood sugar levels. Using them together with Mounjaro can cause hypoglycemia which can be dangerous for diabetics.

Herbal supplements that should be avoided when taking Mounjaro include:

• Aloe vera

• Prickly pear

• Fenugreek

• American ginseng

• Bitter melon

Mounjaro may also interact with vitamin supplements that contain chromium — a mineral used to lower blood sugar.

Taking these two substances together can increase your risk of developing extremely low blood sugar levels.

If you are currently taking any supplements, it’s recommended to discuss their potential interactions with Mounjaro with your doctor.

Where Can You Learn More About Mounjaro?

If you’re concerned about any drug interactions or want to know more about Mounjaro, LifeMD is here to help.

Medical professionals can assist you with information about Mounjaro and provide guidance on how to effectively manage drug interactions — all from the comfort of your home.

If you're looking to explore GLP-1s for weight loss, the LifeMD Weight Management Program may be for you! You’ll have ongoing support from licensed doctors and nurse practitioners to help you become the healthiest version of yourself.

Health-related interactions

Certain medical conditions and health factors may increase the risk of drug interactions with Mounjaro. These include:

• Personal or family history of thyroid cancer: Mounjaro has a boxed warning that indicates a chance of developing thyroid c-cell tumors when using it. Individuals with a history of thyroid cancer are advised to use an alternative diabetes treatment.

• Pancreatitis: Mounjaro is known to cause acute cases of pancreatitis in patients in a high-risk category. The medication may also exacerbate existing pancreatitis and it is not recommended for anyone with this condition.

• Severe digestive issues: Some studies have indicated that Mounjaro may be associated with severe gastrointestinal issues. Patients with existing gastrointestinal issues — such as gastroparesis — should avoid using Mounjaro.

• Kidney problems: In rare cases, adverse reactions caused by Mounjaro — like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea — can lead to dehydration which can contribute to kidney injury. Some patients may also experience worsening chronic renal failure, which requires emergency medical intervention. If you have a known underlying renal disease, it’s recommended to avoid using Mounjaro if possible.

• Diabetic retinopathy: The rapid improvement in glucose control caused by Mounjaro may lead to a temporary worsening of diabetic retinopathy. Individuals with this condition are advised to use Mounjaro with caution.

• Gallbladder problems: Mounjaro may cause gallstones and make existing acute gallbladder disease or issues worse. It’s recommended to speak to your doctor about any gallbladder problems before you start using Mounjaro.

• Allergic reactions: If you are allergic to any of the ingredients in Mounjaro, it’s unlikely that your doctor will recommend it to you. If severe hypersensitivity reactions occur, they can be fatal, so it’s best to opt for an alternative medication.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Mounjaro interact with nicotine patches?

Mounjaro doesn’t interact with nicotine patches, since they are a topical treatment.

While Mounjaro may change how the body absorbs certain drugs, nicotine patches are absorbed through the skin and don’t pass through your stomach.

This is why it’s unlikely for Mounjaro to affect how these patches work.

Does Mounjaro affect vaccines?

There is currently no evidence that suggests that Mounjaro negatively interacts with vaccines.

If you do have any concerns about getting vaccinated while using Moujaro, speak to your doctor for professional advice.

Can you prevent drug interactions?

The most straightforward way to prevent Mounjaro interactions is to avoid taking medications or substances that negatively affect it.

This includes refraining from taking vitamins, herbal supplements, or other medications, as well as drinking alcohol.

It’s also important to speak to your doctor about the medications you’re currently taking to determine how Mounjaro will interact with them.

This can help you implement strategies to avoid any potential adverse reactions.

Using Mounjaro exactly as prescribed may also help you mitigate any negative interactions.

If you have any trouble reading or understanding the dosage instructions, speak to your doctor or pharmacist for professional guidance.

Sleep disturbances

Sleep disturbances are another common aspect of menopause that can cause frustration.

Women going through this hormonal transition typically experience various sleep challenges that can significantly impact the quality of their rest.

This is usually due to symptoms like night sweats and hot flashes that cause you to wake up more frequently during the evening.

Fluctuating hormone levels also make it more difficult to fall and stay asleep.

Frequently getting poor quality sleep can lead to decreased productivity, irritability, fatigue, and a diminished sense of overall health.

The best way to cope with sleep disturbances is to seek professional medical support. Your doctor will help you explore relaxation techniques and recommend healthy sleep habits for quality rest.

Bellamy McKenzie, NP

Bella is a board-certified nurse practitioner specializing in family medicine. She began her career in the behavioral sciences before transitioning to the medical field. She believes in collaborating with her patients throughout their care in order to drive improved outcomes. In her spare time, Bella enjoys baking as well as collecting seashells at the beach with her family.

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