Mounjaro (tirzepatide) is a prescription drug that’s used to treat type 2 diabetes. This drug can interact with other medications, such as Adderall, oral birth control, and certain supplements.
Mounjaro is prescribed along with exercise and a balanced diet to help manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.
An interaction can occur because one substance causes another substance to have a different effect than expected. Interactions can also occur if you have certain health conditions.
Keep reading to learn about Mounjaro’s possible interactions. And for more information about Mounjaro, including details about its uses, see this article.
There are no known interactions between Mounjaro and alcohol. But alcohol and Mounjaro may cause similar side effects. These can include:
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
Drinking alcohol during your Mounjaro treatment may raise your risk for these side effects or make them worse if you experience them.
Also, alcohol can raise your risk of low blood sugar if you have type 2 diabetes (which Mounjaro is used to treat). Mounjaro can also cause low blood sugar. So drinking alcohol during your Mounjaro treatment may further raise your risk of low blood sugar.
If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about how much (if any) is safe to consume during your Mounjaro treatment.
Find savings on Mounjaro
Get free, easy-to-use coupons to save on your Mounjaro prescription.
Certain health conditions or other factors could raise your risk of harm if you take Mounjaro. In such cases, your doctor may not prescribe Mounjaro for you. These are known as contraindications. The list below includes contraindications of Mounjaro.
If you or a family member has had medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Mounjaro may increase the risk of thyroid cancer. The drug has a boxed warning for this side effect.
If you or a family member has had MTC or MEN 2, your risk of thyroid cancer with Mounjaro may be higher. Due to this risk, doctors will not prescribe Mounjaro if you or a family member has had MTC.
If you’ve had an allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Mounjaro or any of its ingredients, your doctor will not prescribe Mounjaro. This is because taking the drug could cause another allergic reaction. You can ask your doctor about other treatments that may be better options for you.
Before you start Mounjaro treatment, talk with your doctor if any of the factors above apply to you. Your doctor can determine whether Mounjaro is safe for you to take.
Before you start taking Mounjaro, tell your doctor and pharmacist about any prescription, over-the-counter, or other drugs you take. Sharing this information with them may help prevent possible interactions. (To learn whether Mounjaro interacts with supplements, herbs, and vitamins, see the “Are there other interactions with Mounjaro?” section below.)
If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
The chart below lists drugs that may interact with Mounjaro. Keep in mind that this chart does not include all drugs that may interact with Mounjaro. For more information about some of these interactions, see the “Drug interactions explained” section below.
| Drug group or drug name | Drug examples | What can happen |
| acetaminophen (Tylenol) | – | can make acetaminophen less effective |
| birth control pills | • ethinyl estradiol/norgestimate (Tri-Sprintec) • ethinyl estradiol/norgestimate (TriNessa) • ethinyl estradiol/norgestimate (Estarylla) | can make birth control pills less effective |
| insulin | • insulin lispro (Humalog) • insulin NPH (Humulin N) • insulin glargine (Lantus, Basaglar) | can increase the risk of low blood sugar |
| certain diabetes medications | • glyburide (Glynase) • glipizide (Glucotrol XL) • glimepiride (Amaryl) • nateglinide • repaglinide | can increase the risk of low blood sugar |
| oral medications (drugs that you swallow) | • warfarin (Jantoven) • digoxin (Lanoxin) • carbamazepine (Tegretol) | can make oral medications less effective |
| amphetamine/dextroamphetamine (Adderall) | – | • could take longer for Adderall to start working • can make Mounjaro less effective |
Learn more about certain drug interactions that can occur with Mounjaro.
Interaction with birth control pills
Mounjaro can interact with birth control pills.
Examples of birth control pills include:
What could happen
Mounjaro makes your stomach empty its contents more slowly. This may affect how your body absorbs drugs that you swallow, including birth control pills. This could make birth control pills less effective.
What you can do
If you take birth control pills, tell your doctor before starting Mounjaro treatment. They’ll likely recommend that you switch to a different method of birth control.
Examples of these other birth control methods include:
- medroxyprogesterone (Depo-Provera) injection
- copper intrauterine device (IUD) (Paragard)
- etonogestrel and ethinyl estradiol (NuvaRing) vaginal ring
- norelgestromin and ethinyl estradiol (Xulane) patch
If switching birth control methods isn’t an option (or you prefer not to), your doctor may recommend that you use a barrier method of contraception, such as a condom, along with your birth control pills. You may need to do this for 4 weeks after starting Mounjaro and for 4 weeks after any dosage increases during your treatment.
Interaction with amphetamine/dextroamphetamine (Adderall, Adderall XR)
Mounjaro can interact with amphetamine/dextroamphetamine (Adderall, Adderall XR) and other medications that you swallow.
Adderall is used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and narcolepsy.
What could happen
Mounjaro makes your stomach empty its contents more slowly. This may affect how your body absorbs drugs that you swallow, including Adderall. So it may take longer than usual for Adderall to start working if you take it with Mounjaro.
Also, stimulants, such as Adderall, can raise your blood sugar level. Mounjaro works to lower your blood sugar level. So taking Adderall with Mounjaro may make it harder to manage your blood sugar.
What you can do
If you take Adderall, talk with your doctor before starting Mounjaro treatment. They can adjust your Adderall dosage schedule if needed so that the drug is safe to take with Mounjaro.
Your doctor may also recommend that you check your blood sugar more often while taking these medications together.
Interaction with insulin
Mounjaro may interact with insulin.
In some cases, doctors may prescribe Mounjaro with insulin to help manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
Examples of insulin medications include:
What could happen
One way Mounjaro helps lower your blood sugar is by helping your body release insulin. Insulin helps move sugar from your blood into your cells so your body can use it for energy.
Taking Mounjaro with insulin may cause you to have too much insulin in your body. This can lead to low blood sugar.
What you can do
If your doctor prescribes Mounjaro along with insulin, they’ll likely lower your insulin dosage. They’ll also recommend you monitor your blood sugar levels more closely while taking these medications together.
It’s important to know the signs of low blood sugar while you’re using Mounjaro. These can include:
- dizziness
- shakiness
- fast heart rate
- headache
- sweating
- trouble concentrating
- hunger
Keep in mind that hypoglycemia can become serious and may be life threatening if not treated right away. If you experience symptoms of low blood sugar, eat or drink something that contains carbohydrates. This can help raise your blood sugar level quickly.
Mounjaro may have other interactions. They could occur with supplements, foods, vaccines, or even lab tests. See below for details. Note that the information below does not include all other possible interactions with Mounjaro.
Does Mounjaro interact with supplements?
Before you start Mounjaro treatment, talk with your doctor and pharmacist about any supplements, herbs, and vitamins you take. Sharing this information with them may help you avoid possible interactions.
If you have questions about interactions that may affect you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Mounjaro interactions with herbs
There are no specific reports of herbs interacting with Mounjaro. However, certain herbs could possibly increase the risk of having low blood sugar if taken during treatment with Mounjaro. Because of this, you should always check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any supplements. They’ll let you know if they’re safe to take with Mounjaro.
Mounjaro interactions with vitamins
There are no specific reports of vitamins interacting with Mounjaro. However, certain vitamins could possibly increase the risk of having low blood sugar if taken during treatment with Mounjaro.
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any vitamins or minerals. They can determine whether they’re safe to take with Mounjaro.
Does Mounjaro interact with food?
There are currently no reports of Mounjaro interacting with food. If you have questions about eating certain foods while taking Mounjaro, talk with your doctor.
Does Mounjaro interact with vaccines?
Currently, there are no reports of vaccines interacting with Mounjaro. If you have concerns about getting vaccines during your Mounjaro treatment, talk with your doctor.
Does Mounjaro interact with lab tests?
There are currently no reports of Mounjaro interacting with lab tests. If you have questions about having certain lab tests during your treatment with Mounjaro, talk with the healthcare professional ordering the test.
Does Mounjaro interact with cannabis or CBD?There are currently no reports of Mounjaro interacting with cannabis (commonly called marijuana) or cannabis products such as cannabidiol (CBD). But as with any drug or supplement, talk with your doctor before using cannabis with Mounjaro.
Note: Cannabis is illegal at a federal level but is legal in many states to varying degrees.
Certain medical conditions or other health factors may raise the risk of interactions with Mounjaro. Before taking Mounjaro, talk with your doctor about your health history. They’ll determine whether Mounjaro is right for you.
Health conditions or other factors that might interact with Mounjaro include:
A personal or family history of thyroid cancer. Mounjaro has a boxed warning for the possible risk of thyroid cancer. (For more information, see the “Boxed warning” at the beginning of this article.)
Due to this risk, your doctor will likely not prescribe Mounjaro if you or a family member has had medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome 2 (MEN 2). Let your doctor know if you or a family member has or has had either of these conditions. They’ll likely recommend a different treatment option for you.
Pancreatitis. Mounjaro can cause pancreatitis. If you already have this condition, taking Mounjaro may worsen it. If you have problems with your pancreas, talk with your doctor before you start Mounjaro treatment. They’ll determine whether this treatment is safe for you.
Serious digestive problems. Mounjaro can cause digestive side effects in some people. Examples of these side effects include diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting. In rare cases, these may be serious.
If you already have serious digestive problems, Mounjaro may worsen them. Let your doctor know if you have any digestive issues before starting Mounjaro treatment. They’ll determine whether this drug is right for you.
Kidney problems. Mounjaro can cause digestive problems, including serious vomiting and diarrhea. In rare cases, these could lead to dehydration and cause kidney damage. If you already have kidney problems, using Mounjaro may worsen them. Tell your doctor if you have kidney problems before you start taking Mounjaro. They’ll let you know if this medication is safe for you to use.
Diabetic retinopathy. If you have diabetic retinopathy, tell your doctor before you start Mounjaro treatment. This drug can temporarily worsen diabetic retinopathy. If you have this condition, your doctor will likely monitor your vision more closely during your Mounjaro treatment.
Gallbladder problems. Mounjaro can cause gallbladder problems, such as gallstones. If you already have issues with your gallbladder, Mounjaro may worsen them. Talk with your doctor about any gallbladder problems you have. They’ll let you know if this medication is a safe option for you.
Pregnancy. It’s not known whether Mounjaro is safe to take during pregnancy. But it’s thought that the drug may cause harm to a fetus. If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, your doctor may recommend a different treatment for your diabetes.
Breastfeeding. It’s not known whether Mounjaro is safe to take while breastfeeding. It’s unknown whether the drug passes into breast milk or the effect it could have on a breastfed child. If you’re breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor about your options.
Allergic reaction. If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Mounjaro or any of its ingredients, your doctor will not prescribe Mounjaro. This is because taking the drug could cause another allergic reaction. You can ask your doctor about other treatments that may be better choices for you.
Find answers to some frequently asked questions about Mounjaro and possible interactions.
Does Mounjaro interact with nicotine patches?
No, Mounjaro should not interact with nicotine patches, such as NicoDerm CQ or Habitrol. (Nicotine patches are used to help quit smoking.)
Mounjaro makes your stomach empty its contents more slowly. This may affect how your body absorbs drugs that you swallow. But the medication in nicotine patches is absorbed through your skin and does not go through your stomach. Because of this, Mounjaro does not affect how nicotine patches work.
But keep in mind that Mounjaro can interact with medications taken by mouth that help you quit smoking, such as bupropion. It may take longer for your body to absorb these drugs and for them to start working.
If you have questions about how Mounjaro may affect your other medications, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Is there an interaction between Mounjaro and albuterol inhaler?
No, there are no known interactions between Mounjaro and albuterol inhalers (Ventolin HFA, Proventil HFA). But it’s important to note that Mounjaro may interact with other forms of albuterol, including the tablets and syrup.
Mounjaro makes your stomach empty its contents more slowly. This may affect how your body absorbs drugs that you swallow.
If you have concerns about how Mounjaro may affect the medications you take, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Taking certain steps can help you avoid interactions with Mounjaro. Before starting treatment, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Things to discuss with them include:
- Whether you drink alcohol or use cannabis.
- Other medications you take, as well as any vitamins, supplements, and herbs. Your doctor or pharmacist can help you fill out a
medication list . - What to do if you start taking a new drug during your Mounjaro treatment.
It’s also important to understand Mounjaro’s
If you have trouble reading or understanding this information, your doctor or pharmacist can help.
Using Mounjaro exactly as prescribed can also help prevent interactions.
If you still have questions about Mounjaro and its possible interactions, talk with your doctor.
Questions you may want to ask your doctor include:
- Does my risk of interactions depend on my dosage of Mounjaro?
- Will Mounjaro interact with any antibiotics or antidepressants I take?
- Do Ozempic (semaglutide) and Mounjaro have similar interactions?
- Do I need to tell you if I start taking another medication or supplement during my Mounjaro treatment?
To learn more about Mounjaro, see these articles:
To get information on different conditions and tips for improving your health, subscribe to any of Healthline’s newsletters. You may also want to check out the online communities at Bezzy. It’s a place where people with certain conditions can find support and connect with others.
Resource not available
We're unable to show some of our resources at this time. We're sorry for any inconvenience.
Discover more about Mounjaro
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.