Diarrhoea is a common side effect of Mounjaro® and Wegovy®. Changes in how quickly food moves through your digestive system can cause loose or watery stools, particularly when starting treatment or following a dose increase.
There are several things you can do to help manage your symptoms.
Stay hydrated
Drink fluids regularly to replace the fluid you are losing. Small, frequent sips of water may be easier to manage than drinking large amounts at once.
Try to avoid fruit juices, caffeinated drinks and alcohol while you have diarrhoea, as these may make your symptoms worse.
Choose gentle, plain foods
Continue to aim for 3 small meals throughout the day, eating as soon as you feel able to.
Choose plain, easy-to-digest foods while your symptoms settle.
Avoid rich or spicy foods
Very rich, fatty or spicy foods may make diarrhoea worse while your digestive system is settling.
Try to avoid these until your symptoms have improved.
Temporarily reduce high-fibre foods
Some high-fibre foods, such as beans and raw vegetables, may make diarrhoea more difficult to manage.
You can temporarily reduce these foods and gradually reintroduce them once your symptoms have settled.
Speak to your local pharmacy
Your local pharmacist can advise whether oral rehydration sachets may be suitable for you. These can help replace both the fluids and salts lost through diarrhoea.
Make sure you tell the pharmacist that you are taking Mounjaro® or Wegovy®, as well as any other medications you use.
Diarrhoea related to treatment will often settle within a few days.
When should I contact Simple Online Pharmacy?
Please contact us or seek medical advice if:
- Your diarrhoea is still ongoing when your next injection is due
- Your symptoms appear to be getting worse after each injection
- Your symptoms are persistent or becoming difficult to manage
Our Clinical Team can review your symptoms and advise you on the appropriate next steps with your treatment.
When should I seek medical attention?
You should seek medical advice promptly if:
- Your diarrhoea has continued for 7 days or more without signs of improvement
- You are unable to replace the fluids you are losing
- You continue to have signs of dehydration, such as dark urine, passing less urine than usual or feeling dizzy, despite using rehydration measures
When should I seek urgent medical help?
Seek urgent medical attention if:
- There is blood in your stools
- Your stools are black or tarry
- You experience bleeding from your bottom
- You feel faint, unusually drowsy or confused
- You become seriously unwell
If you are unsure about your symptoms or whether you should take your next dose of Mounjaro® or Wegovy®, please contact our Clinical Team for advice.