I'm on Mounjaro & have lost 5st but suffering from a side effect no one talks about – it's itchy, dry & keeps swelling
IT'S become one of the most popular weight loss drugs on the market, with pharmacies estimating that at least 1.5 million people in the UK are already using it.
The jab, which is offered privately to individuals with a BMI over 30, as well as those with a BMI over 27 who also have weight-related health issues, is known to cause certain side effects.
Advertisement
2
A TikToker has shared an unknown side effect that she is experiencing after taking Mounjaro
Credit: Shutterstock
2
Jess asked her followers for advice after showing off her swollen lips
Credit: TIKTOK
And from this week, NHS GPs will begin prescribing the weight-loss jab Mounjaro in the first obesity rollout of its kind.
But experts warn only 220,000 people out of the 3.4million who are eligible are likely to get jabs by 2028.
Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhoea, stomach discomfort, heartburn, burping, and excess wind.
Mounjaro is similar to other diabetes injections, such as Ozempic and Wegovy.
Advertisement
READ MORE ON WEIGHT LOSS JABS
While these are the
These include conditions like Ozempic hands, bum, breasts, and even an increase in sex drive.
However, one beauty enthusiast recently took to TikTok to share a different side effect that has left her feeling rather itchy.
Jess, known as '
Advertisement
Most read in Fabulous
She said: 'Has anyone on Mounjaro started suffering with their filler?
"Mine dissolved so I refilled them two months ago and I love them, but they keep getting so itchy, dry and randomly swelling and then going back down. Help, am I the only one?'
Her video garnered 94.2k views and 79 comments within just 24 hours of being shared.
It appears she isn't alone in her experience.
Advertisement
We Tested Viral Bum Lift Treatment
One person commented: 'Omg this happened to me last night! Out of nowhere
Jess responded by asking: 'Do you use Mounjaro or sun beds?
"Mine started from sunbeds but I think the jab made it 10x worse… the lumps come and go but the dryness literally will not go away.'
Another user added: 'Sunbeds and sun can do this.'
Advertisement
My filler has actually started dissolving
TikTok comment
Jess replied: 'I think that's what it is, but it's just not going away even now
Someone else shared: 'Medications can interfere with lip filler and cause mild reactions.'
Another advised: 'Drink more water, they retain fluid - the more you drink the better on Mounjaro.'
A different TikToker chimed in, saying: 'My filler has actually started dissolving.'
Advertisement
What to do if you lose too much weight too quickly whilst on Mounjaro
IF you're losing too much weight too quickly while on Mounjaro, it's important to take action to avoid potential health risks like muscle loss, malnutrition, dehydration, and fatigue. Here's what you can do:
Evaluate Your Caloric Intake
Mounjaro reduces appetite, which can make it easy to eat too little. If you're losing weight too fast (more than two to three lbs per week after the initial adjustment period), try:
Tracking your food intake to ensure you're eating enough calories (apps like MyFitnessPal can help).
Increasing protein intake to preserve muscle mass (aim for 0.6–1g per pound of body weight).
Adding healthy fats and complex carbs (e.g., avocados, nuts, whole grains) for balanced energy.
Adjust Your Dosage (With Doctor's Approval)
If your weight loss is too rapid or causing side effects, your doctor may:
Pause dose increases or lower your dosage.
Adjust your treatment plan to stabilise your weight loss.
Strength Training & Exercise
To prevent muscle loss:
Incorporate resistance training at least two to three times per week.
Stay active with low-impact exercises like walking or yoga.
Hydrate & Manage Electrolytes
Drink enough water (Mounjaro can reduce thirst).
Electrolytes matter - Consider adding magnesium, sodium, and potassium if you feel weak or fatigued.
Monitor for Malnutrition & Deficiencies
Rapid weight loss can cause vitamin/mineral deficiencies (especially B12, iron, and electrolytes). If you experience:
Fatigue, hair loss, or dizziness, ask your doctor about supplements.
Consider Further Medical Guidance
If your weight loss is excessive or causing health concerns, speak with your healthcare provider.
They might adjust your dosage, diet, or exercise plan to help stabilise your weight loss.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Irish Examiner
5 hours ago
- Irish Examiner
Suncream is safe - here are the facts, and five of Sally Foran's faves
Misinformation around sunscreen has unfortunately become more widespread on social media. Given that false news spreads up to six times faster and reaches more people than truthful content online (according to a 2018 study), this is extremely worrying. For younger people, it is more worrying still, as many rely on social media as a source of health information. A recent study from DCU found 57% of Gen Z are influenced by or frequently adopt nutrition trends they've found on TikTok and of those influenced, 67% said that they adopt at least one of these trends a few times a week. As melanoma is one of the most common cancers in young adults, we need to ensure our children aren't taking their health advice from wellness influencers or celebrities who are sharing damaging and inaccurate myths, including that cancer rates rose with the advent of sunscreen use and, even, that suncreams themselves cause cancer. The misinformation largely seems to stem from a mix of misinterpretations of lab studies, conspiracy theories and even apps like Yuka which can confuse people by demonising substances that toxicologists (scientists who study the harmful effects of chemicals) deem safe in regulated amounts. What do the experts say? It's important to note that, to date, no sunscreen ingredient, mineral or chemical, is classified as carcinogenic by any major health authority, including the Irish Cancer Society and the FDA. Skin cancer rates are likely increasing due to improved screening and diagnosis and significantly stronger UV radiation. UV rays, NOT sunscreen, are the actual carcinogen; they're classified as a group one carcinogen by the WHO, right next to plutonium. Thankfully, many dermatologists are now using their social media platforms to debunk this dangerous misinformation and help people make evidence-based choices for their skin health, including dermatologist Caitriona Ryan. Professor Ryan said one of the "growing myths" she's witnessed online is that chemical sunscreens cause cancer. "This [myth] is driven by misinterpreted studies. A recent FDA sponsored study did find that some chemical ingredients like oxybenzone and avobenzone are absorbed into the bloodstream at levels that warrant further testing, but absorption doesn't mean harm. There's no evidence that these ingredients cause cancer or health risks at the levels absorbed." Professor Ryan also points out that the FDA advised consumers to continue using sunscreen as "the proven benefits outweigh any of the theoretical risks'. A spokesperson for the Irish Cancer Society's website added; "we're often asked if chemicals in sunscreens are harmful, and if they increase your risk of developing cancer. Sunscreen has been used by a large portion of the population for a number of decades and there is no evidence that users come to harm. The research on the chemicals in sunscreen (oxybenzone, retinyl palmitate and parabens) does not show that they cause cancer. None of these chemicals has been classified as a cancer-causing substance by any major scientific organisation." Sunscreens we love Modern formulas have become more advanced, lightweight, invisible and comfortable to wear. Here are five of our favourites. Beauty of Josean Relief Sun: Rice & Probiotics, €17 Beauty of Josean Relief Sun: Rice & Probiotics €17, Beauty Features A gorgeous, lightweight gel cream ideal for breakout-prone skin or during hot weather. This Korean favourite feels like a weightless moisturiser, is fast absorbing, leaves no white cast and sits beautifully under makeup. What's not to love? Skingredients Skin Shield Moisturising and Priming SPF50 PA+++ Skingredients Skin Shield €57, The Skin Nerd A primer, moisturiser and sunscreen all in one. It has a gorgeous universal peachy tint (I love it on no makeup days) leaves no chalky white cast or photo flashback. It contains allantoin to soothe, niacinamide to help reduce redness and vitamin E, an antioxidant, to help protect against premature ageing. It protects against UVA, UVB, infrared light, pollution and blue light. CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion SPF 50 CeraVe Facial Moisturising Lotion €19, LookFantastic A lightweight, facial moisturiser with SPF 50+ UVB/UVA protection, plus three essential ceramides, to help protect the skin's natural barrier and provide hydration, making it ideal for dry or mature skin. It hydrates for up to 24 hours, plays well under makeup and is the only SPF I can get my kids to use! Lacura Sun Sensitive Face Sun Lotion SPF 50+ Lacura Sensitive Face SPF €2.99, Aldi Ideal for those of a sensitive disposition. It has broad spectrum protection, is water resistant, dermatologically tested and best of all, is only €2.99! It's been a huge hit with my partner, so it's ideal for any menfolk in your life. Garnier Super UV Invisible Serum Garnier Super UV Invisible Serum €12, CH Tralee One of the lightest SPFs I've ever tried. Perfect for anyone who hates sticky or oily sunscreens. It works on every skin type and doesn't pill under makeup.
The Irish Sun
5 hours ago
- The Irish Sun
Family doctors must ask if patients are secretly using fat jabs, say health experts
FAMILY doctors should ask if patients are secretly using fat jabs, experts say. People with symptoms such as dizziness or gut pain could be suffering side effects from the drugs or have a separate illness. 1 Family doctors should ask if patients are secretly using fat jabs Credit: Alamy GPs could also advise about stopping the weight-loss injections before becoming pregnant and the chance of long-term risks. About 1.5 million people are privately buying medicines such as Wegovy, Mounjaro and Ozempic. Users should discuss it with their surgery, but NHS doctors will generally not help patients medicate themselves. Obesity Management Collaborative UK has issued guidelines to help doctors spot those who keep quiet. READ MORE ON FAT JABS Dr Laurence Dobbie, of King's College London, said: 'People taking these medicines are seeing GPs with lots of different problems. 'We want GPs to have the basic knowledge to prioritise patient safety and demystify side effects.' These can include vomiting and diarrhoea. But the report warns medics should also be mindful of rarer ones such as pancreatitis and bowel obstructions. Most read in Health Mounjaro is available on the NHS from this week for obese people with specific health issues. Watch Ellen's weight loss journey on fat jabs
The Journal
12 hours ago
- The Journal
Will Ireland follow the UK with free Mounjaro jabs? Minister says assessment to be ready by next year
MOUNJARO, A DRUG used to treat obesity or type-2 diabetes, could be approved for the reimbursement scheme by the next year, according to Health Minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill. The so-called 'King Kong' of weight-loss drugs became available in Ireland via private prescription in February at a cost of over €215 per month. Since this week, GPs in the UK are now able to offer Mounjaro for free to severely obese individuals who also suffer from a range of other health complications. Advertisement About 220,000 people with 'greatest need' are expected to receive Mounjaro, according to The Guardian . Those eligible to get the prescription free-of-charge in the UK must have a BMI of 40 or over and must have four out of five of the following conditions: type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, heart and vascular disease, high cholesterol and obstructive sleep apnoea. When asked today if Ireland will follow such a move, the health minister said Mounjaro, 'is going through the reimbursement process, so I'd expect an outcome of that maybe Q4 this year, Q1 of next year'. Lilly (formerly known as Eli Lilly) applied to the HSE for reimbursement of the medication for type-2 diabetes (in January 2024) and obesity (last June). In both cases, the National Centre for Pharmacoeconomics (NCPE) recommended a full health technology assessment (HTA) which will examine the clinical and cost-effectiveness of the drug. Related Reads Weight-loss drug Wegovy now available in Ireland Health Minister: 'There's emerging evidence that Ozempic might be some kind of wonder drug' Cardiologist: We should welcome the new evidence that Ozempic may slow down ageing The minister said it is already the case that Saxenda, which is an injection available to adult patients with prediabetes who are at a high-risk of cardiovascular disease, who also have a certain Body Mass Index (BMI), is available on the reimbursement scheme. The minister went on to state that Ireland is one of the very few countries where obesity has plateaued, in comparison to some other countries in Europe where it is growing. 'I would say very, very strongly, not to take medication that's not prescribed,' said the minister. Readers like you are keeping these stories free for everyone... A mix of advertising and supporting contributions helps keep paywalls away from valuable information like this article. Over 5,000 readers like you have already stepped up and support us with a monthly payment or a once-off donation. Learn More Support The Journal
