Had to stop Mounjaro

[Inchindown]

I was on Mounjaro 2.5 for most of January and was very pleased with the results. I had consistently low blood sugar levels during that period.

However, 24 hours after taking first 5 mg dose on sunday i felt really bad. My heart rate shot up from 60 bpm to over 120 bpm. My resting blood sugar rose from 6 mmol/l to 12 mmol/l. My muscles and joints ached like I had been on a five mile run. I felt so sick I vomited several times.

By Tuesday I was still vomiting even though i had stopped eating. I felt so ill that I drove the nearest A&E Department. After I was examined, I was told I had Atrial fibrillation. I was admitted to the Cardiac Ward and had further tests and given some medication to try and settle my conditions.

I remained there until Thursday evening when I was discharged. It seems I still have the Atrial fibrillation, but won't be taking the medicine they gave me until at least Monday as I don't understand the instructions o the Patient information leaflet as I can't get an appointment till Monday

I'm really upset that I wasn't able to deal with side effects as I felt things were going really well. I suppose I'll just have to work on my blood sugar the old-fashioned way. It's a real shame.

 

[Pipp]

Hi @Inchindown .
Sorry you have had such issues with the Mounjaro medication. Thank you for posting about these issues, because it is important for anyone considering this fairly new medication to have reviews from others, both positive and negative, in order to help them make infomed decisions.

Are you saying that the medication was the cause of your atrial fibrillation? If so, have you used the Yellow Card scheme to report it?

Yellow Card | Making medicines and medical devices safer

MHRA Homepage for reporting of suspected side effects or adverse drug reactions to any medicines or vaccines, as well as medical device incidents

yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk

It concerns me that you have been given medication for atrial fibrillation, on Thursday, but not taken it due to not understanding the instructions. Although you are not able to get an appointment, it would, perhaps, be best to contact the hospital department you were in for advice. Alternatively, try contacting the NHS24 service for advice on the new meds.

Hope all goes well, please let us know how you get on.

 

[Inchindown]

When I got the medication home i found the details in the patient information leaflet confusing. So I felt it sensible to get some further guidance before I started. The new medication was as follows. Apixaban 5 mg. An anti coagulant to prevent clots in the heart. The second one is Lansoprazole 30 mg. This is a Proton Pump Inhibitor. The patient information leaflet says it is for several types of gastric problems. It doesn't mention anything about atrial fibrillation. But the hospital doctor said both of these were for atrial fibrillation. During my time with mounjaro I have had some gastric problems. So I was a bit confused as to how to take these pills. I hope I can get some clarity tomorrow.

 

[Antje77]

The second one is Lansoprazole 30 mg.

This medication is very often given for gastric side effects. It's even almost always given if you're on higher doses of NSAID pain mediction to protect the stomach.

So I was a bit confused as to how to take these pills.

Doesn't it say in the instruction when and how often to take your medication?

 

[ElenaP]

When I got the medication home i found the details in the patient information leaflet confusing. So I felt it sensible to get some further guidance before I started. The new medication was as follows. Apixaban 5 mg. An anti coagulant to prevent clots in the heart. The second one is Lansoprazole 30 mg. This is a Proton Pump Inhibitor. The patient information leaflet says it is for several types of gastric problems. It doesn't mention anything about atrial fibrillation. But the hospital doctor said both of these were for atrial fibrillation. During my time with mounjaro I have had some gastric problems. So I was a bit confused as to how to take these pills. I hope I can get some clarity tomorrow.

In my experience, the hospital staff will always attach a label outside the pack of medication, with your name and instructions. The instructions will say such as "One to be taken each day'. You just need to read the label and follow those instructions.
I, also, have atrial fibrillation and I am taking a blood thinner, similar to Apixaban, but a different make.
The Lansoprazole is for your gastric problems.
Please ask whoever you see tomorrow, to repeat explanations until you feel that you understand how to take the medication. Good luck.

 

[Catlady19]

Aww, that's such a shame about the Mounjaro, it's been a game-changer for me.

 

[Antje77]

I hope I can get some clarity tomorrow.

Did you find out how to take your medication?

 

[Melgar]

I take Dexlansoprazole 60mg. A PPI with a slower release. I’m on the PPI’s as I have a history of peptic ulcer disease. The Dr prescribed them as a precaution due to ongoing digestion issues. PPI’s inhibit the stomach’s proton pump which secretes the digestive gastric acids needed to break down your food. They are usually prescribed for acid reflux and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or for ulcers in the stomach and duodenum. I’ve been on and off PPI’s for decades. I’ve had Omeprazole and Lansoprazole in the past. They work great and are generally considered safe.

I’m waiting for an appointment with my gastroenterologist.