Can I take antibiotics with Mounjaro?

You can generally take antibiotics while using Mounjaro (tirzepatide), but there are important considerations to keep in mind:

• Effect on absorption: Mounjaro slows down how quickly your stomach empties, which can affect the absorption of oral medications, including antibiotics taken by mouth. This effect is most pronounced when you first start Mounjaro or after a dose increase. This can potentially affect how quickly or how well your body absorbs oral medications, including antibiotics. There isn’t enough information to know how this might affect the effectiveness of specific antibiotics.
• Side effects: Mounjaro commonly causes stomach-related side effects, such as diarrhea and vomiting. If you vomit after taking a dose of your antibiotic, notify your prescriber. Depending on the timing, you may or may not need to take another dose for the antibiotic to be effective. Additionally, some antibiotics can make these side effects worse.
• Potential for increased risk of low blood sugar: Some antibiotics (like clarithromycin or quinolones) have occasionally been associated with low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when used with diabetes medications. If you are taking Mounjaro, especially with other diabetes medications like insulin or sulfonylureas, be mindful of hypoglycemia symptoms (dizziness, shakiness, sweating, confusion) and monitor your blood sugar as advised by your healthcare provider.

If you are prescribed oral antibiotics, your healthcare provider may monitor you more closely to ensure the antibiotic is working as expected. If you experience persistent symptoms of infection or side effects such as severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea (which can be caused by both Mounjaro and some antibiotics), contact your healthcare provider.

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What to Do

• Inform your healthcare provider that you are taking Mounjaro before starting any new antibiotic.
• If you are prescribed an oral antibiotic, ask if you need to adjust the timing of your doses or if an alternative form (such as an injection) is recommended for your situation.
• Watch for any unusual side effects or signs that your infection is not improving.

Summary

Most people can safely take antibiotics with Mounjaro, but absorption of oral antibiotics may be reduced, especially when starting or increasing Mounjaro. Always consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.