The venom of a Gila monster is normally not fatal to healthy adult humans. One fatality has been confirmed since 1930, on February 12th, 2024, and the rare fatalities recorded before 1930 occurred in adults who were intoxicated by alcohol or had mismanaged the treatment of the bite.

Gila monster venom is about as toxic as that of a western diamondback rattlesnake. However, a relatively small amount of venom is introduced in a Gila bite. Gila monsters may hold onto a predator for more than ten minutes. There is no antivenin for Gila bites.

Experts say that the last report of a human dying from a Gila monster bite was in 1930. "The vast majority of bites cause local swelling and bleeding," said Brandehoff, who said the bites can cause intense localized pain and can cause victims to pass out. But deaths are exceedingly rare.

The Gila monster's bite may be agonising, but humans have been using the lizard's venom to save lives. Over 30 years ago scientists discovered the potential of Gila monster venom as a treatment for type 2 diabetes.