Rex MD-affiliated providers prescribe a GLP-1 medication such as semaglutide or tirzepatide. The side effects of both medications are typically mild and resolve within a few weeks of starting treatment.
The most common side effects include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Stomach upset and pain
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Heartburn
- Acid reflux
- Belching
- Gas
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Fatigue
While severe side effects are rare, they can occur. These include:
- Intestinal obstruction
- Thyroid cancer (only seen in animal studies so far)
- Pancreatitis
- Gallbladder disease
- Low blood sugar
- Kidney disease
- Severe allergies
- Vision problems
- Rapid heartbeat
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
Semaglutide should not be used in patients with a family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2. For complete safety information -- including a BOXED WARNING about the risk of thyroid cancer -- please refer to the complete Prescribing Information for Wegovy® and Zepbound™.