Can you drink alcohol while taking Mounjaro?

Are you taking Mounjaro for weight loss and wondering if it’s safe to drink alcohol? Read our latest blog post to find out if you can drink alcohol while using Mounjaro.

While there’s no direct interaction between Mounjaro and alcohol, drinking can disrupt your blood sugar control and may increase some side effects linked to Mounjaro. So, if you are taking Mounjaro it’s best to stop or reduce your alcohol intake to maximise its benefits and reduce the adverse effects.

Read the blog to learn more about why alcohol can increase your chances of experiencing the side effects of Mounjaro.

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What Is Mounjaro?

Mounjaro is the brand name for the active drug tirzepatide, the revolutionary weight loss injection that is taking the world by storm.

It was licensed by the UK’s MHRA in November 2023, and approved for adults with obesity (BMI >30 kg/m²) or for those who are overweight (BMI 27–30 kg/m²) and have related health issues, such as prediabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol, or heart disease [1].

How does Mounjaro cause weight loss?

Mounjaro causes weight loss  by slowing down the emptying of the stomach and by regulating appetite, leading to a feeling of fullness, reduced hunger, and fewer food cravings [1].

Can you drink alcohol while taking Mounjaro?

Although there isn’t a specific warning against mixing Mounjaro with alcohol, it’s important to be cautious. Since Mounjaro remains active in your system for about a week after each injection, you should consider its ongoing effects when planning to drink—not just on the day of your injection.

Potential side effects of combining alcohol with Mounjaro

While there are no official drug interactions between alcohol and Mounjaro, that doesn’t mean that there isn’t any risk. Unfortunately, alcohol can potentially make some of Mounjaro’s side effects worse and in addition work against the benefits of Mounjaro.

We will explore these effects of alcohol in more depth now. But first let’s have a quick detour to find out how Mounjaro became a bestselling weight loss drug.

Serendipity and Mounjaro

Serendipity played the lead role in the discovery of Viagra, helping men overcome erection dysfunction and in the process become a blockbuster drug. It also was responsible for making Mounjaro one of  the world’s most successful weight loss drugs, ever.

Did you know that tirzepatide was originally used to treat diabetes? It helped to reduce blood sugar levels, but researchers discovered an unusual side effect, weight loss.

The switch to using tirzepatide as a weight loss injection was a no brainer. Here, at last, was a weight loss medication that worked.

Alcohol and blood sugar levels

We took this quick detour down history lane to remind you of Mounjaro’s original purpose, to reduce blood sugar levels. Let’s see what alcohol can do to your blood sugar levels.

Alcohol can affect your blood sugar levels and may lead to fluctuations that result in either low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) or high blood sugar (hyperglycaemia).

Symptoms of low blood sugar include:

• Dizziness
• Shakiness
• Sweating
• Confusion
• Headaches

Drinking on an empty stomach or having several drinks can increase these risks.  That’s why if you are a diabetic or even if you are taking Mounjaro, it’s important to monitor your blood sugar closely if you decide to drink.

To learn how you can check your blood sugar levels painlessly with your mobile phone, check out our Freestyle Libre 2 blood sensors.

Alcohol and diabetes

If you have diabetes and it is not well controlled you should avoid alcohol.

If you’re using tirzepatide for diabetes and your condition is well-managed, moderate alcohol intake might not have a significant impact on your blood sugar levels.

However, it’s best to limit your alcohol consumption according to UK guidelines, which recommend no more than 14 units per week spread over at least three days [2]. (One unit is equivalent to 10 ml of pure alcohol—for example, one small glass of wine or half a pint of beer.)

Always drink alcohol with food, as consuming it on an empty stomach or after exercise can increase the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia) [3].

Other conditions and alcohol

You should also avoid alcohol if you have conditions such as high triglycerides, nerve damage (neuropathy), or inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).

Increased risk of gastrointestinal side effects when taking  alcohol with Mounjaro

Drinking alcohol can sometimes upset your stomach. When you take Mounjaro, this risk may become higher. In fact, many users report that stomach discomfort is the most common side effect they experience with Mounjaro.

Let’s take a closer look at the evidence behind these gastrointestinal issues.

Gastrointestinal side effects of Mounjaro

Mounjaro, known for slowing down digestion, can sometimes lead to gastrointestinal side effects. Most people experience mild to moderate symptoms that usually improve as the body adjusts to the medication.

These side effects are most common when you first start Mounjaro or when your dosage is increased [4].

Recent data from the SURMOUNT 1 [5] and SURMOUNT 2 trials [6]—which examined weight loss in people without type II diabetes and those with type II diabetes, respectively—provided the following insights on side effects at a tirzepatide 15 mg dose:

• Nausea: Reported by 31% of participants without type II diabetes and 23% of participants with type II diabetes [5] ,[6], [7].
• Diarrhoea: Experienced by 23% of participants without type II diabetes compared to 19% of those with type II diabetes [5] ,[6], [7].
• Vomiting: Reported by about 12% of participants without type II diabetes and 13% of those with type II diabetes [5] , [6], [7].

Alcohol’s impact on the digestive system

Drinking alcohol, especially in large amounts or over a long period, can negatively affect your digestive system [8]. Here’s how it can impact your gut health:

• Nutrient absorption: Alcohol can interfere with your intestines’ ability to absorb vital nutrients.
• Diarrhoea: It hampers the absorption of sodium and water in your intestines, which often leads to diarrhoea.
• Physical gut damage: Heavy or even occasional excessive drinking can cause damage to your digestive tract, such as:
  • Erosions and bleeding in the duodenum.
  • Injury to the mucosal lining of the upper jejunum (the first part of the small intestine).
• Bacterial overgrowth: Long-term alcohol use may encourage the overgrowth of bacteria in the small intestine.
• Increased gut permeability: Alcohol can damage the gut lining, making it more permeable. This lets harmful substances like bacterial toxins enter your bloodstream.
• Immune system effects: Alcohol may alter your gut’s immune system, reducing its ability to fight infections and increasing inflammation.

How to reduce gastrointestinal side effects of Mounjaro

One effective method to lessen gastrointestinal side effects when taking Mounjaro is to gradually increase your dose.

Begin with a Mounjaro 2.5mg dose and then slowly raise it every four weeks until you reach the Mounjaro 15mg maintenance level. This gradual increase helps your body adjust to the medication, often reducing stomach-related side effects over time.

Another important step is to cut back on alcohol consumption. Alcohol can cause similar digestive issues—such as nausea, diarrhoea, and abdominal discomfort—and when combined with Mounjaro, these effects can be more pronounced.

By moderating your alcohol intake, you can prevent additional strain on your digestive system and help manage these side effects more effectively [9].

Alcohol interferes with the weight loss effects of Mounjaro

If you’re using Mounjaro for weight loss, alcohol can hinder your progress. Alcohol is high in empty calories, which can increase your appetite and make it harder to avoid high-calorie foods.

In fact, one gram of alcohol provides about 7.1 kcal (29 kJ), and research shows that these extra calories are usually added on top of your regular food intake rather than replacing it [10].

Additionally, your body tends to prioritise metabolising alcohol over fats and carbohydrates, which can slow down your metabolism [11].

Alcohol can put a strain on your liver

Alcohol can put extra strain on your liver. If you have a history of liver problems or issues with alcohol use, it’s important to be cautious.

While Mounjaro itself isn’t known to damage the liver, heavy drinking can be very hard on it [12]. In fact, a small number of people taking Mounjaro have experienced a slight rise in liver enzymes. To protect your liver health, it’s best to drink in moderation.

Mounjaro may help lower alcohol cravings

Mounjaro may help lower alcohol cravings. Some users have noted that their interest in drinking decreases when taking Mounjaro.

A recent study found that people on these medications tended to drink less and were less likely to binge drink [13]. This effect could be a useful benefit for those trying to reduce their alcohol intake while using Mounjaro.

Stopping alcohol

Did you know that if someone has alcohol use disorder and goes cold turkey, they will not only experience alcohol withdrawal symptoms but may also experience the dangerous condition known as delirium tremens. Watch the video below to learn more.

If you are thinking about quitting alcohol always talk to a health professional.

The bottom line: Can you drink alcohol while taking Mounjaro?

Drinking alcohol in moderation might be safe for some people on Mounjaro, but it’s important to watch how your body reacts. Alcohol can affect everyone differently, depending on several factors:

• Age and gender: Older adults and women often process alcohol differently, which can raise risks.
• Genetics: Some people have enzymes that make them more sensitive to alcohol.
• Diet: Eating less while on Mounjaro can lead to higher blood alcohol levels.
• Alcohol use history: If you have a history of alcohol dependence, mixing alcohol with Mounjaro may increase health risks and complicate treatment.

Before you decide to drink while taking Mounjaro, it’s best to talk to a healthcare provider about your personal situation. You can also book a FREE consultation with one of our prescribers to discuss any concerns or specific queries.

It’s also wise to follow the UK Guidelines for alcohol consumption. These guidelines advise no more than 14 units of alcohol per week, spread over three or more days. One unit equals 10 ml of pure alcohol—for example, one small glass of wine or half a pint of beer.

Weight loss, Mounjaro and coaching

A study tested the effectiveness of adding personalised telephone coaching to an online weight loss program for individuals struggling to lose weight initially.

The results showed that participants who received coaching achieved significantly greater weight loss than those without, with extended coaching delivering the most sustained results over 12 months.

Coaching also encouraged better engagement with the program, including tracking progress and accessing resources, helping individuals stay on track with their goals [14].

At Courier Pharmacy, we offer a comprehensive weight loss coaching service tailored to support your journey. The online coaching service includes regular calls to discuss your progress, set realistic goals, and receive expert guidance to maximise your results.

Courier Pharmacy Mounjaro weight loss

When you start your weight loss journey with Courier Pharmacy, you don’t have to worry about a thing, we have it all covered. From the complete range of Mounjaro pens to online coaching to help you optimise your weight loss journey. Here’s what you get:

• FREE needles for the Mounjaro pen
• FREE sharps bin
• FREE weight-loss coaching

Our supportive coaching program is designed to keep you motivated and empowered, making your weight loss goals achievable and sustainable.

Let Courier Pharmacy be your partner in achieving the results you deserve.

Remember: Even if you don’t experience immediate side effects, alcohol and diabetes medications can interact in ways that may affect your long-term health.

Disclaimer: Always consult with a healthcare provider before mixing Mounjaro and alcohol.

Note: This information is for educational purposes only and should not substitute for professional medical advice.

References:

1. MHRA, 2023. MHRA authorises diabetes drug Mounjaro (tirzepatide) for weight management and weight loss. GOV.UK. Available at: https://www.gov.uk/government/news/mhra-authorises-diabetes-drug-mounjaro-tirzepatide-for-weight-management-and-weight-loss
2. NHS. (n.d.). Calculating alcohol units. Retrieved November 30, 2024, from https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/alcohol-advice/calculating-alcohol-units/
3. Drugs.com. (n.d.). Tirzepatide (Mounjaro) food interactions. Retrieved from https://www.drugs.com/food-interactions/tirzepatide,mounjaro.html
4. Jastreboff, A.M., Aronne, L.J., Ahmad, N.N., Wharton, S., Connery, L., Alves, B., Kiyosue, A., Zhang, S., Liu, B., Bunck, M.C. and Stefanski, A., 2022. Tirzepatide once weekly for the treatment of obesity. New England Journal of Medicine, 387(3), pp.205-216.
5. ClinicalTrials.gov. (n.d.). Study of tirzepatide (LY3298176) in participants with obesity or overweight with weight-related comorbidities (SURMOUNT-1) (Identifier: NCT04184622). Retrieved from https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04184622
6. ClinicalTrials.gov. (n.d.). NCT04657003: A study of tirzepatide in participants with obesity or overweight and type 2 diabetes (SURMOUNT-2). Retrieved from https://clinicaltrials.gov/study/NCT04657003?cond=weight%20loss&term=NCT04657003&limit=10&rank=1.
7. Medical Mojo (n.d.) Can you drink alcohol while taking Mounjaro? Available at: https://medicalmojo.co.uk/can-you-drink-alcohol-while-taking-mounjaro/ (Accessed: 7 March 2025).
8. Bode, C. and Bode, J.C., 2003. Effect of alcohol consumption on the gut. Best practice & research Clinical gastroenterology, 17(4), pp.575-592.
9. Medical Mojo (n.d.) Can you drink alcohol while taking Mounjaro? – How to reduce gastrointestinal side effects of Mounjaro. Available at: https://medicalmojo.co.uk/can-you-drink-alcohol-while-taking-mounjaro/#h-how-to-reduce-gastro-intestinal-side-effects-of-mounjaro (Accessed: 7 March 2025).
10. Yeomans MR. Alcohol, appetite and energy balance: is alcohol intake a risk factor for obesity? Physiol Behav. 2010;100:82–9.
11. Wilson, D. F., et al. (2020). Ethanol metabolism: The good, the bad, and the ugly. Medical Hypotheses. 
12. Walsh, K. and Alexander, G., 2000. Alcoholic liver disease. Postgraduate medical journal, 76(895), pp.280-286.
13. Quddos, F., Hubshman, Z., Tegge, A., Sane, D., Marti, E., Kablinger, A.S., Gatchalian, K.M., Kelly, A.L., DiFeliceantonio, A.G. and Bickel, W.K., 2023. Semaglutide and Tirzepatide reduce alcohol consumption in individuals with obesity. Scientific Reports, 13(1), p.20998.
14. Unick JL, Pellegrini CA, Dunsiger SI, et al. An Adaptive Telephone Coaching Intervention for Patients in an Online Weight Loss Program: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Netw Open. 2024;7(6):e2414587. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2024.14587

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