What should you discuss with your doctor before starting Mounjaro?
Before starting Mounjaro, it is important to have a detailed discussion with your doctor about your medical history, medicines, and treatment goals. Certain health conditions, such as pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, severe stomach or bowel problems, kidney or liver disease, and thyroid problems, can affect whether Mounjaro is safe for you. Your doctor will also need to review all your current medicines and supplements, including diabetes drugs like insulin or sulfonylureas, since these can increase the risk of hypoglycaemia when combined with Mounjaro.
You should also talk about pregnancy and family planning, as Mounjaro is not recommended during pregnancy and may require careful timing if you are planning to conceive. Your doctor should explain the most common side effects (such as nausea, diarrhoea, or constipation), when to seek urgent help (for example, sudden severe abdominal pain), and agree on a monitoring plan for weight, blood sugar (if relevant), and review appointments. In the UK, practical issues such as injection training, sharps disposal, and lifestyle support should also be covered as part of your treatment plan.
- Medical history: pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, severe gastrointestinal problems, kidney or liver issues, thyroid disorders.
- Medicines review: provide a full list of prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and supplements; adjust insulin/sulfonylureas to reduce low blood sugar risk.
- Pregnancy and family planning: not recommended in pregnancy; discuss contraception and timing if planning a baby.
- Side effects and safety: what to expect, when to seek urgent help, and how to manage common issues like nausea or constipation.
- Monitoring plan: weight checks, blood tests if required, and scheduled reviews to assess progress.
- Practicalities: injection training, safe sharps disposal, and lifestyle support through NHS or private services.