Pharmacist issues new warning for anyone taking Mounjaro or Wegovy

Pharmacist issues new warning for anyone taking Mounjaro or Wegovy There is a list of symptoms to watch out for as alerts come into force this week A pharmacist has issued a warning to Wegovy and Mounjaro users as the nation braces for its fifth heatwave of 2026. The warning comes as more than half of England and the whole of Wales are in drought, with some 20 million Brits living under water restrictions. Amber warnings of extreme heat health risks are in force with the Met Office saying Thursday could be the hottest ever August day on record at over 38C. Temperatures are forecast to peak on Thursday. Wendy Lee, Deputy Superintendent at Well Pharmacy said: “The heat increases the risk of fluid loss through sweating, which can in turn lead to dehydration. Weight-loss medications like Wegovy, and Mounjaro can suppress appetite, reduce the urge to eat and drink regularly and cause nausea or vomiting, so it’s very easy to become dehydrated.” Around 1.6 to 1.9 million UK adults currently use or have recently used these weight-loss medications. Wendy said: “Around one in every 30 to 35 adults in Britain are currently taking weight-loss medication - this is a lot of people at risk of becoming seriously ill if they fail to stay hydrated. Most users obtain the drugs privately rather than through the NHS, with Mounjaro now the most commonly used weight-loss injection for weight loss treatment. Wendy explained the early warning signs of dehydration before it is too late: Wendy said: “Look out for thirst, a dry mouth or sticky saliva. Headaches are often common with dehydration, as is dark yellow urine, or low levels of urination altogether. And if you are feeling tired or weak, or dizzy when you get up, this could be another indicator that you are becoming dehydrated.” “But if you feel confused or unusually drowsy, faint or have a rapid heartbeat or have very little or no urine, this is serious and you should seek urgent medical attention. Similarly, if you are unable to keep fluids down because of vomiting or you feel extremely weak, these are all signs of severe dehydration. “Typical heatstroke symptoms can include body temperature exceeding 40 degrees, hot skin, confusion, fainting or losing consciousness.” Advising all those using weight loss medication to be particularly vigilant in the extreme heat, Wendy has tips for heat hydration. She said: “In hot weather, most adults should aim to drink 2.5 to 3 litres of water daily to replenish fluids lost through sweating. This is an increase from the baseline recommendation of 1.5 to 2 litres. Remember to pace yourself and sip water steadily rather than drinking massive amounts all at once. If you are exercising or working in the heat, aim for roughly 1 cup (240 ml) every 15 to 20 minutes. “And, avoid overhydration: Do not exceed 1.5 litres per hour, as this can dangerously lower your blood salt levels.”