Can You Take Mounjaro If You Have Gallstones or Certain Health Conditions?

Mounjaro is a prescription-only medicine and, like all medicines, it carries specific cautions and contraindications that are assessed on an individual basis. Below is a general, factual overview of several conditions that are commonly asked about. None of this replaces the guidance of your own prescriber.

Gallstones and gallbladder conditions

GLP-1 receptor agonists, including tirzepatide, have been associated with an increased risk of gallbladder-related events such as gallstones (cholelithiasis) and gallbladder inflammation (cholecystitis) in clinical studies. If you already have gallstones or a history of gallbladder problems, your prescriber will take this into account when deciding whether Mounjaro is suitable for you. If you have already had your gallbladder removed, this changes the picture — but it is still a conversation to have with your doctor. You can find more detail on taking Mounjaro without a gallbladder in our dedicated page.

Pancreatitis

A history of pancreatitis is a clinically important factor. GLP-1-based medicines have carried warnings relating to pancreatic conditions, and if you have had pancreatitis in the past, your prescriber will carefully consider this before prescribing or continuing Mounjaro. Any severe or persistent abdominal pain while taking tirzepatide should be reported to a healthcare professional promptly — do not wait for a routine appointment.

Thyroid conditions

People with certain thyroid conditions — including an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) — may be prescribed Mounjaro, but suitability depends on the full clinical picture. There is a note in the prescribing information regarding a potential risk of thyroid tumours observed in animal studies with GLP-1 medicines; your prescriber will discuss this context with you. If you have a personal or family history of thyroid cancer (particularly medullary thyroid carcinoma), this is especially important to raise.

High blood pressure

Mounjaro is not contraindicated simply because someone has high blood pressure (hypertension). In fact, weight changes associated with the treatment may have knock-on effects that your prescriber will monitor. Your full cardiovascular profile will be part of the assessment.

Digestive conditions: Crohn's disease, diverticulitis, and IBS

GLP-1 medicines slow gastric emptying and can cause gastrointestinal side effects including nausea, constipation, and diarrhoea. For people living with inflammatory or structural digestive conditions, this can be a relevant consideration. Your prescriber will weigh this individually. If you have irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), you may find our page on Mounjaro and IBS useful, and there is also information on Mounjaro and ulcerative colitis for those with that diagnosis.

Asthma and epilepsy

Asthma and epilepsy are not listed as direct contraindications to tirzepatide, but all concurrent medicines and health conditions are relevant to a full prescribing assessment. If you have epilepsy or asthma, make sure your prescriber has a complete, up-to-date list of your conditions and all medicines you take — including any over-the-counter treatments.

For a broader explanation of how tirzepatide works in the body, see our guide on how Mounjaro works.

When you are living with a pre-existing health condition and taking Mounjaro, keeping a clear record of how you feel day to day becomes especially valuable — both for your own awareness and for the conversations you have with your prescriber.

GLP Trackr's side-effect tracker lets you log symptoms as they arise — whether that is digestive discomfort, fatigue, abdominal pain, or anything else you notice — and view patterns over time. If something is recurring or worsening, having a dated, structured log means you can describe it clearly at your next appointment rather than relying on memory. The app's doctor report feature turns your tracked data into a tidy summary you can bring to your prescriber, which is particularly useful if you are managing multiple health conditions and want to give them an accurate picture of your experience on tirzepatide.

You can also use the daily check-in to note your energy levels, mood, and overall wellbeing each morning — creating a week-by-week record of how treatment is sitting alongside your existing health.

GLP Trackr is a tracking and journaling tool; it does not offer clinical advice or replace your healthcare team. Any concerns about symptoms — especially anything severe, new, or persistent — should be raised with your prescriber or doctor promptly. If you experience severe abdominal pain, signs of an allergic reaction, or any symptom that worries you, seek medical help without delay and do not wait for an in-app insight to guide you.

According to the electronic Medicines Compendium (eMC), the full prescribing information and patient information leaflet for Mounjaro contain detailed guidance on contraindications and special warnings — your prescriber will have reviewed these in the context of your health history, and you can also read the leaflet that comes with your pen.

Side effects and interactions associated with prescription medicines should be reported to your national pharmacovigilance scheme — such as the UK's Yellow Card scheme or the equivalent body in your country — as well as to your healthcare professional.

Want a clear, organised record of how you are feeling on Mounjaro? GLP Trackr's side-effect tracker and doctor report are built for exactly that. Download free on the App Store or Google Play and try it free for 7 days — no commitment required.