Key takeaways

  • Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a prescription drug for adults and certain children with type 2 diabetes. One of the more common side effects of Mounjaro is constipation.
  • In clinical studies, constipation was reported in 6% to 7% of people who used Mounjaro. This side effect was slightly more common at higher doses or due to rapid dosage increases.
  • Mounjaro works by slowing your digestion, which helps to prevent blood sugar spikes. But slower digestion can also lead to constipation and other digestive side effects.

Mounjaro is a brand-name drug used to help manage blood sugar levels in adults and children ages 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes. It is used along with exercise and a balanced diet.

Digestive side effects, including constipation, are common with Mounjaro. Lifestyle changes like drinking more water or taking certain OTC products, such as laxatives, may help relieve constipation.

Continue reading to learn more about constipation with Mounjaro and ways to find relief from this side effect.

One of the ways Mounjaro helps treat type 2 diabetes is by slowing your digestion. This helps your body process food at a steadier pace, which can prevent blood sugar spikes after a meal. However, this slow digestion can cause dry, hard stool that may increase your risk of constipation.

According to the drug’s studies, constipation was more commonly reported at higher doses. This side effect was reported in about 6% of people using the 5 or 10 milligram (mg) dose of Mounjaro. In contrast, constipation was reported in 7% of people using Mounjaro 15 mg.

Most of the time, constipation with Mounjaro is mild. But Mounjaro can cause more severe digestive problems. If you have severe gastrointestinal (GI) disease or severe gastroparesis, doctors likely won’t recommend Mounjaro for you.

If you experience constipation during treatment with Mounjaro, here are a few tips to help you find relief.

Lifestyle changes

Making small adjustments to your daily routine may help relieve constipation while using Mounjaro. These adjustments may include:

  • Drinking more water: Drinking 8 to 10 glasses of water per day can help soften stools and keep bowel movements regular. Maintaining good fluid intake is important because dehydration can increase the risk of acute kidney injury.
  • Increase physical activity: Regular physical activity, such as walking or swimming, can help prevent and treat constipation. Keeping your body moving helps keep your gut healthy. Check out this article on some exercises to help relieve constipation.
  • Increase fiber intake: If you usually have a low fiber intake, try to increase the amount of fiber you consume. Include foods such as kidney beans, chia seeds, and dark chocolate, which are high in fiber. Fiber increases the number of stools you pass and helps with constipation.

OTC medications

OTC laxatives and stool softeners are medications that can help you poop. Some examples of these medications include:

  • bisacodyl (Dulcolax)
  • docusate sodium (Colace)
  • magnesium citrate
  • sennosides (Senna)
  • polyethylene glycol (Miralax)

Before taking any OTC medications, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist. The OTC medications may interact with other drugs you’re taking. Your doctor or pharmacist can recommend the best option for you. In some cases, your doctor may consider changing your Mounjaro dosage or trying a different medication to help manage your blood sugar levels.

It is also important to follow the instructions on the packaging when taking these medications. Healthcare professionals may recommend them for short-term use. If your constipation gets worse while taking these drugs, talk with your doctor right away.

While constipation is a common and often mild side effect of Mounjaro, some digestive symptoms may indicate more serious complications that require medical attention.

Contact a healthcare professional if you experience any of the following:

  • persistent or worsening symptoms: if your constipation does not improve with over-the-counter treatments or if it lasts longer than 14 days
  • severe abdominal pain: sharp or severe pain in your stomach area that does not go away, or pain that radiates from your abdomen to your back
  • changes in stool: if you notice blood in your stool or if your stools are dark or black
  • symptoms of other serious conditions: if you develop signs of gallbladder problems (such as upper stomach pain, fever, or yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes) or pancreatitis (severe stomach pain with or without vomiting)

Seek help immediately if you have an expanded or distended belly, are unable to pass gas, or experience persistent vomiting as these could be signs of stomach paralysis or intestinal blockage.

You should also seek emergency medical care if you experience symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, or throat.

Note: Because Mounjaro slows digestion, there is a new warning regarding the risk of pulmonary aspiration during anesthesia. If you have an upcoming surgery or procedure involving sedation, it’s critical that you inform your doctor that you are taking Mounjaro.

Mounjaro is a prescription drug used to help manage blood sugar levels in adults and children ages 10 years and older with type 2 diabetes. Like most drugs, Mounjaro can cause side effects.

Constipation is a more common side effect of Mounjaro. You may find relief from constipation by making some lifestyle changes, such as increasing physical activity and taking OTC laxatives or stool softeners.

If you have questions about constipation and Mounjaro, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.