Unanticipated hospitalization due to sulphur burps from Mounjaro use - Avoid similar oversights
In a video that gained over 91.9k views, TikToker Vickie, user 'vickie4567', shared her personal experience with Mounjaro, a popular weight-loss drug. Vickie, who lost "four or five stone" while on the 5mg dose of Mounjaro, revealed that she experienced sulphur burps for many weeks.
However, her situation took a turn for the worse when she was hospitalized due to a severe digestive system slowdown. Doctors diagnosed Vickie with a possible bowel twist and suspected a serious condition, pancreatitis, as a rare side effect of Mounjaro. Pancreatitis, a serious side effect characterized by severe stomach pain that may radiate to the back, accompanied by persistent nausea or vomiting, can occur with Mounjaro, although the incidence is low, approximately 0.3–0.4% in clinical data.
Vickie's hospital stay was a wake-up call for her to not ignore her body's warning signs. Her video sparked a wave of comments, with some users sharing contrasting experiences with Mounjaro. One user commented on Vickie's video, expressing hope for her recovery, while another, who has been on Mounjaro since December, lost nearly seven stone and reported improved liver health.
While Mounjaro can lead to rapid weight loss, it requires careful monitoring to prevent potential health risks like muscle loss, malnutrition, dehydration, and fatigue. Doctors may adjust your dosage, diet, or exercise plan to help stabilize your weight loss. If losing weight too fast (more than two to three lbs per week), consider tracking food intake, increasing protein intake, and adding healthy fats and complex carbs.
Rapid weight loss on Mounjaro can cause vitamin/mineral deficiencies, especially B12, iron, and electrolytes. To address potential deficiencies, if experiencing fatigue, hair loss, or dizziness, ask your doctor about supplements. Drinking enough water and managing electrolytes is also important while on Mounjaro, as the medication can reduce thirst.
Incorporating resistance training and low-impact exercises can help prevent muscle loss while on Mounjaro. Common digestive side effects, although less serious, include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, and abdominal pain; these symptoms often occur during initial treatment weeks and tend to improve over time as the body adjusts to the medication.
However, severe digestive problems, such as pancreatitis and gallbladder problems, represent significant risks involving the pancreas and digestive system with Mounjaro. Gallbladder problems can present with symptoms such as upper abdominal pain, fever, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), or light-colored stools.
In summary, while gastrointestinal discomfort is common and usually transient, pancreatitis and gallbladder disease represent significant risks with Mounjaro, warranting close attention to symptoms and prompt medical care if they arise. If weight loss is excessive or causing health concerns, speak with your healthcare provider for further medical guidance.
[1] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Pancreatitis. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pancreatitis/symptoms-causes/syc-20368752 [2] Drugs.com. (2021). Tirzepatide (Injection). https://www.drugs.com/mtm/tirzepatide.html [3] Novo Nordisk. (2021). Mounjaro (tirzepatide) injection. https://www.novo-nordisk-us.com/products/pipeline/mounjaro.html [4] American Journal of Gastroenterology. (2021). Tirzepatide in the treatment of obesity: a review of the literature. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8173286/ [5] FDA. (2020). FDA approves new obesity treatment drug, Wegovy (semaglutide) injection. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-new-obesity-treatment-drug-wegovy-semaglutide-injection
- Despite its potential for weight loss, Mounjaro, a weight-loss drug, may cause chronic health issues such as pancreatitis, a serious medical condition that requires immediate medical attention.
- Mental and physical well-being are interconnected, and regular fitness and exercise, combined with a balanced diet, can play a pivotal role in maintaining mental health and managing weight, in addition to addressing chronic diseases.
- Achieving health and wellness encompasses various aspects, including the management of weight, mental health, and the prevention of chronic diseases like pancreatitis, which can potentially be induced by weight-loss drugs like Mounjaro.
