Key takeaways
Mounjaro is a prescription drug for adults with type 2 diabetes. The drug may help manage blood sugar levels when combined with exercise and a balanced diet.
Constipation is one of the more common side effects of Mounjaro, according to studies of the drug required for its approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
To relieve constipation, try increasing your water intake, being more physically active, adding more fiber to your diet, or using over-the-counter (OTC) medications such as laxatives and stool softeners.
Mounjaro is a brand-name drug used to help manage blood sugar levels in adults 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.
The more common side effects of Mounjaro are digestive-related side effects. In addition to constipation, these include:
- nausea and vomiting
- decreased appetite
- diarrhea
According to the drug’s studies, the number of times constipation occurred depended on the dose of Mounjaro. In the drug’s studies, 6% of people using Mounjaro 5 milligrams (mg) or 10 mg reported constipation, while 7% of people using Mounjaro 15 mg reported constipation.
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.
- 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.
Mounjaro is a prescription drug used to help manage blood sugar levels in adults 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.