Unexpected Reactions to Mounjaro
I’m a 30-year-old, standing at 5 feet 5 inches tall, weighing 170 pounds at the start of my journey, and currently at 154 pounds. My medication regimen includes a daily dose of 5mg Mounjaro along with 50mg of Sertraline (also known as Zoloft), plus I take vitamin D supplements. Additionally, I deal with general anxiety disorder and depression, both of which are being treated with medication, and I have a history of Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). At present, I am using my second 5mg Mounjaro pen and administered my latest dose on Sunday. This follows a total of six weeks on this dosage, which comes after an initial four weeks at 2.5mg. Previously, I was on Mounjaro for roughly five months last year, successfully increasing to 7.5mg without experiencing any significant side effects aside from some constipation and occasional nausea, both of which I managed easily. This time, however, I hadn’t faced any negative reactions until recently. On Sunday, I treated myself to a roast dinner and did indulge a bit more than my usual portions, though I wouldn’t say it was excessive. I also enjoyed a small glass of red wine with my meal. After finishing dinner around 3 PM, I took my medication that evening at approximately 6 or 7 PM. A couple of hours post-dose, I experienced what can only be described as explosive diarrhea. While I didn’t have significant cramping or discomfort—likely because my baseline for pain is modified due to my IBS—these symptoms didn't resemble the type of pain I usually get from an IBS flare-up (which have been minimal since beginning Mounjaro). The next day brought on a new symptom: sulfur burps, which I found to be intensely unpleasant, having a smell reminiscent of feces. Since that Sunday evening, the watery, problematic diarrhea has persisted with around five or more episodes each day. The sulfur burps have eased somewhat this morning, but I’ve been cautious not to eat any solid foods yet, opting instead for hydration through water and tea to help calm my stomach. I wonder if anyone else has had similar experiences with Mounjaro. I reached out to my pharmacy and consulted with a clinician who suggested the possibility of gastritis. However, based on my understanding of it, this doesn’t quite align since I haven’t had nausea, vomiting, or abdominal pain. Could this situation be attributed to side effects from the medication, especially after having a hefty meal prior to my dose? Typically, I haven’t faced any issues having a small amount of wine with food, but could that be a factor as well? My concern is that I’ve been dealing with these symptoms for nearly four days without relief, and they arose quite suddenly. I don’t have a fever or any additional complications beyond the troublesome diarrhea and foul burps. Should I wait this out to see if it passes on its own, or is it time to seek medical advice in case there’s something more serious at play?
Answers (1)
4/2/2025, 2:01:00 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re experiencing some distressing gastrointestinal symptoms after using Mounjaro alongside a larger meal and a bit of wine. Given your history of IBS and the recent changes in your symptoms, let's break this down and outline some next steps.
Main Points:
- Your Symptoms: Recent episodes of explosive diarrhea and sulfur burps may be related to your recent meal, the Mounjaro medication, or a combination of these factors.
- Common Side Effects: Mounjaro can cause gastrointestinal symptoms, particularly when adjusting to a higher dose or after consuming certain foods.
- Next Steps: Focus on hydration, monitoring your symptoms, and gradually reintroducing bland foods. Talk to a healthcare professional if symptoms persist.
Explanation:
Your experience of diarrhea and sulfur burps could indeed be related to Mounjaro as gastrointestinal upset is a known side effect. Additionally, consuming a rich meal along with alcohol may exacerbate these symptoms, especially in individuals with IBS. The symptoms you've described—without significant cramping or pain—aren’t uncommon, but persistent diarrhea for several days warrants caution.
Prioritized Next Steps:
-
Hydrate: Continue to drink clear fluids like water, tea, or electrolyte solutions to prevent dehydration. Aim for small sips regularly.
-
Dietary Adjustments:
- Start with bland foods such as bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast (the BRAT diet) once diarrhea begins to lessen.
- Avoid dairy, fatty, and high-fiber foods until your symptoms improve.
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep a journal of your bowel movements and any other symptoms. Note if you develop fevers, blood in your stool, or increasing severity of symptoms, which could signal the need for medical attention.
-
Consider Timing of Medication: If the problem continues, evaluate how you take Mounjaro in relation to your meals. There might be merit in adjusting the timing to see if your symptoms improve.
-
Seek Professional Advice: If diarrhea persists beyond a week, or if you develop any severe symptoms, it's important to consult a healthcare provider. They can assess whether an adjustment in your treatment plan is necessary or if further investigation is needed.
Always remember to listen to your body, and don't hesitate to reach out for support if you're feeling unwell or uncertain about your symptoms.
Related Questions
Is It Possible to Develop Allergies in Adulthood?
The concept of developing allergies later in life has been on my mind. A young woman I know, who is 22 years old, had no issues being near cats in her childhood. However, as she matured, she started exhibiting allergic reactions. Additionally, she used to enjoy strawberries without any problems, but recently she experienced swelling in her mouth after consuming a handful of them. To give you a bit of context, she stands at about 156 centimeters tall and weighs around 50 kilograms. It's noteworthy that she doesn't partake in alcohol, smoking, or any recreational drugs.
Unexplained Urticaria Episodes
A 28-year-old woman, measuring 158 cm and weighing 72 kg, has been experiencing episodes of urticaria for the past month without any obvious cause. The issue began following a localized reaction to her migraine treatment, particularly the medication erenumab. Generally, she has minor reactions to this injection; however, the last two doses have led to significant flare-ups. Subsequently, she began to notice hives appearing sporadically, primarily without identifiable triggers. These episodes tend to intensify during the night but usually subside after taking cetirizine, an antihistamine. Additionally, she has known drug allergies to ciprofloxacin and penicillin. Recently, after taking cefpodoxime, she developed a rash within a few hours, although cefixime did not provoke any adverse reactions.
Rash on the Dorsal Side of My Hands
A 24-year-old male, standing 5'3" and weighing 125 pounds, is not currently taking any medications. While I do not smoke, I am often exposed to secondhand smoke from those around me, and I have recently spent time in an environment where a significant amount of unpleasant smoke is produced due to casting activities. For approximately three weeks, I have been experiencing a rash on the backs of both my hands. I initially became aware of it after working on my car's engine. The rash has led to dryness and itching, and I took a photo after my shower today, highlighting the redness that has become particularly noticeable. What are some effective treatments for this condition?
Understanding Foam in Urine: When is it a Concern?
Age 24, I've observed a notable increase in the amount of foam in my urine over the past couple of years, compared to what I remember from before. About a year ago, I mentioned this to my primary care physician, who seemed somewhat dismissive of my concerns. Nonetheless, they proceeded to conduct a urinalysis, which returned normal results, indicating no elevated protein levels. I frequently undergo blood tests, and both my eGFR and creatinine levels typically fall within the normal range, although I did experience some fluctuations linked to a bout of mononucleosis a couple of years back, where my eGFR dipped near 70; it currently remains above 100. I suspect that changes in my urological function, likely from aging, are contributing to a stronger urine stream now than in my youth. The foam generally settles down after a few minutes, although occasionally it lingers longer than expected. I make a concerted effort to stay hydrated, even though I don’t always succeed, so I wonder if mild dehydration could partially account for the foaming. This concern is particularly relevant as I'm resuming strength training and planning to increase my protein consumption. I want to ensure that my kidneys are not overtaxed due to any potential underlying issues. Additionally, I have a history of taking 5 grams of creatine daily, paired with plenty of water, which makes me cautious about this, too. Is there a point at which foaming in urine is considered excessive, or does a specific threshold exist that I should be aware of?
Understanding Symptoms of Salmonella: What to Do Next
My boyfriend, who is 26, experienced a fever that peaked at approximately 99.5°F yesterday morning. Thankfully, after resting and taking NyQuil, his fever subsided by this morning. However, he has been dealing with severe abdominal pain and persistent diarrhea since last evening, which has not shown much improvement. He has been making frequent trips to the restroom, nearly every hour throughout the night and again today. While I initially thought he might be improving since the fever has decreased, I became alarmed upon noticing bright red blood in his stool and on the toilet paper after he wipes. It has been around 40 hours since the fever began, and my concern has heightened now that blood has appeared. I’ve come across some online information suggesting these symptoms might be typical for salmonella infections, and I’m uncertain whether we should seek medical attention immediately or if it’s advisable to wait another day or two to see if his condition improves. I realize that consulting a doctor as soon as possible would be the best course of action. However, he currently lacks insurance, which makes him hesitant to get checked right away. Any guidance on this matter would be greatly appreciated, thank you.