Injection-site reactions such as redness, itching or swelling can occur while taking Mounjaro® or Wegovy®. These reactions are usually mild and may settle as your body adjusts to treatment.
A rash, itching or redness that is not limited to the spot where you injected may be a reaction to the treatment itself rather than an injection site reaction. Please contact us if that happens, so our Clinical Team can review it.
There are several things you can do to help manage your symptoms.
Use a cold pack
You can apply a cold pack to the affected area to help reduce itching, redness or swelling.
Make sure the cold pack is wrapped in a towel or cloth rather than placed directly against your skin, and apply it for around 5 minutes at a time.
Rotate your injection sites
Avoid injecting into exactly the same spot each week.
Rotate between suitable injection areas, such as your abdomen, thigh or upper arm, to give each injection site time to recover.
Do not inject into an area that is already red, swollen, sore, bruised, hard or irritated.
Speak to your local pharmacy
Your local pharmacist can advise whether an antihistamine tablet or cream may be suitable to help manage itching or redness.
Make sure you tell them that you are taking Mounjaro® or Wegovy®, as well as any other medications you use, so they can take this into account when providing advice.
Some people may continue to experience mild redness or itching while using Mounjaro® or Wegovy®.
When should I contact Simple Online Pharmacy?
Please contact us if your injection-site reactions:
- Keep happening after your injections
- Are becoming more troublesome
- Are not settling
- Are affecting your ability to continue treatment
Our Clinical Team can review your symptoms and advise you on the appropriate next steps.
If your symptoms worsen
If your rash is getting worse, spreading, becoming increasingly red or significantly painful, stop using Mounjaro® or Wegovy® and seek medical advice from your GP, NHS 111 or A&E, depending on the severity of your symptoms.
Please also contact us as soon as possible so our Clinical Team is aware of the reaction.
When should I call 999?
Call 999 immediately if you develop signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as:
- Swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat
- Difficulty breathing or wheezing
- A severe or widespread rash alongside other symptoms
- Clammy skin
- Feeling faint or collapsing
- Loss of consciousness
These symptoms could indicate a serious allergic reaction and require emergency medical attention.
If you have an adrenaline auto-injector, use it immediately and then call 999. Lie down with your legs raised, and do not stand or walk even if you start to feel better.