GLP-1 Medication Side Effects

GLP-1 Medication Side Effects

What are the side effects of GLP-medications? Read on to learn more…

GLP-1 medications, such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, continue to make news headlines for their breakthrough clinical results. They have helped millions of people achieve weight loss they might not have through healthy nutritional and activity behaviors alone. Accordingly, celebrities and everyday folks alike share the life-changing effects of GLP-1s.

Be Aware Of Medication Risks

However, despite the pop culture phenomenon GLP-1 medications have achieved, taking any kind of medication should never be a light decision. There are contraindications and side effects to be considered.

It should be noted that semaglutide and tirzepatide are both relatively new medications. While the side effect profile of semaglutide may be a bit more established than that of tirzepatide, understanding the full spectrum for both may evolve with the collection of more long-term data. The effects of medication are also highly individualized and require the careful monitoring of a medical professional, especially for patients with pre-existing condition or risk factors.

Here’s what the research tells us so far on the side effects of semaglutide and tirzepatide.

Common Side Effects

Both medications, in fact, have similar common side effects, with gastrointestinal issues being most common. These side effects are generally mild to moderate, very manageable, and tend to decrease over time as the body adjusts to them:

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Abdominal Pain
  • Constipation
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Dizziness
  • Bloating
  • Flatulence
  • Indigestion
  • Injection site reactions (might be more pronounced with tirzepatide)

Less Common Side Effects

Both semaglutide and tirzepatide also share some rarer side and potentially more serious side effects, including: 

  • Pancreatitis
  • Gastroparesis 
  • Bowel obstruction 
  • Changes in heart rate
  • Gallbladder problems
  • Hypoglycemia and/or retinopathy in diabetic patients
  • Thyroid tumors. (People with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 should not use semagltuide or tirzepatide).
  • Worsening diabetes-related retinopathy

In addition, tirzepatide may cause kidney damage or failure. 

Remember, the use of GLP-1 medication on its own will not create the whole health results that lead to longterm healthy weight management. You will still need to adopt healthy nutrition, exercise, and other behaviors to maintain critical lean muscle mass and provide the energy you need to be productive every day. In any event, always consult with a healthcare provider for personalized medical advice and to discuss the potential risks and benefits of these medications.