Mounjaro and nausea: tips for managing it at home
Nausea is a common side effect of Mounjaro. Learn simple and effective remedies to manage it at home.
Like all medications, Mounjaro can cause unwanted reactions or side effects.
One of the most common side effects of Mounjaro is nausea (feeling sick). Nausea affects up to one in five Mounjaro users.
However, most patients find it manageable and feel the intensity decreases as they continue taking the medication.
It's worth noting, too, that stepping up to a higher dose can make the nausea return until your body adjusts again.
The bottom line is that nausea affects quite a few Mounjaro users but is usually manageable and often temporary.
The picture, overall, is good. But that doesn't change the fact that nausea is unpleasant and, at its worst, can get in the way of daily activities.
So, if you're experiencing nausea when taking Mounjaro, what can you do about it?
Tips for managing nausea
The NHS has some helpful suggestions for managing nausea. We've based our advice on these suggestions.
1. Try to get deep breaths of fresh air (even if it's just from an open window)
It's not fully understood why, but many people find they feel better in fresh air. It may just be the distracting effect of the cool air on your face. It might also be the little boost of oxygen promoting feelings of well-being.
2. Distract yourself
Nausea often feels worse when you focus on it. Try distracting yourself by watching a film, reading or listening to music or a podcast.
3. Sip cold water…
Have a bottle of cold water available that you can sip regularly throughout the day.
4. …but don't drink too much
Avoid drinking a large amount of water with your meals. This can stretch the stomach wall and make nausea worse.
5. Avoid spicy and greasy foods
Most find it better to avoid rich sauces and foods that are spicy, greasy, fried or strong-smelling.
6. Eat smaller meals
It's a good idea to eat six small meals rather than the usual three large meals. This helps digestion because you're only giving your body a small amount of food to digest each time.
7. Eat slowly
Taking small mouthfuls and chewing slowly allows your saliva enzymes to start working on the food. This aids digestion.
8. Eat while sitting upright
Eating at a table helps. If that's not an option, support yourself with a cushion at your back and hold your plate up towards you. This way, you're not bending forward to eat.
Staying in that supported position but relaxing back for a little while after eating can help, too. However, lying flat straight away is not usually a good idea.
9. Choose loose-fitting clothing
This will be more comfortable for your tummy.
Home remedies that can help with nausea
- Many find that peppermint tea helps. There's some evidence to suggest it has antibacterial properties and relaxes the stomach muscles.
- Ginger tea or nibbling a ginger biscuit can also help. In fact, some studies suggest it works as well as certain anti-nausea medications.
- Cuddling a hot water bottle or an electric heat pad can relax the stomach wall and relieve nausea. The warmth is also a good distraction.
SemaPen specialises in weight loss programmes using the clinically proven medications Mounjaro and Wegovy. Are you interested in taking Mounjaro? Start by exploring essential information on Mounjaro from our clinical experts.
