What is a sulphonylurea and can I take it with Mounjaro?
Sulphonylureas are tablets used to treat type 2 diabetes. They work by stimulating the pancreas to release more insulin, which lowers blood glucose. Examples include gliclazide, glimepiride, glipizide and tolbutamide.
Mounjaro (tirzepatide) can be used with a sulphonylurea in some patients, but only with medical supervision because the combination increases the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia). Your prescriber may advise closer blood glucose monitoring and may reduce the sulphonylurea dose when starting Mounjaro.
Please note: our weight loss clinic does not support prescribing Mounjaro for patients who are taking a sulphonylurea. If you are on a sulphonylurea and want to discuss GLP-1/GIP treatment options, please speak to your GP or diabetes specialist team.
Key points:
- Sulphonylureas stimulate the pancreas to release insulin and are used to treat type 2 diabetes
- Using Mounjaro with a sulphonylurea increases the risk of hypoglycaemia and may require dose reduction and closer glucose monitoring
- Sulphonylureas are not weight loss medicines and can be associated with weight gain
- Any decision to combine these medicines must be made by the clinician managing your diabetes treatment
This text has been fact-checked for accuracy by Sorin Romaniuc, Pharmacist at medino