Tirzepatide received FDA approval for chronic weight management in November 2023, in the form of Zepbound, building on its prior approval for diabetes management, in the form of Mounjaro. As a dual-agonist targeting both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, clinical studies have shown significant weight management outcomes, with study participants experiencing substantial weight reduction. On average in clinical trials, users experienced a 20.9% reduction in body weight. For those who adopted healthier lifestyles, including diet and exercise, there was an even more substantial average weight loss of 26%. Like all medications, tirzepatide may cause side effects. Understanding potential side effects from clinical studies can help individuals have informed discussions with their healthcare providers.
This information is for educational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice. All medication decisions and side effect management must be guided by qualified healthcare providers.
What are the Tirzepatide Side Effects?
Clinical studies have documented various side effects associated with tirzepatide treatment, ranging from common to less frequent but potentially serious effects. All side effect information should be discussed with healthcare providers, who can assess individual risk factors and provide personalized guidance. Individual experiences with side effects vary significantly.
Tirzepatide Side Effects: Gastrointestinal Side Effects
Nausea, Diarrhea, and Vomiting: Clinical studies have reported gastrointestinal side effects including decreased appetite, nausea, and diarrhea in some participants. These were among the most commonly reported side effects in clinical trials, with many participants experiencing these effects particularly when starting treatment or increasing doses.
These gastrointestinal effects are related to tirzepatide’s mechanism of action, which slows gastric emptying and affects appetite regulation. In clinical studies, these symptoms often decreased over time as participants adjusted to the medication.
Tirzepatide Side Effects: Fatigue
Some study participants reported experiencing fatigue or low energy levels during treatment. This effect may be related to changes in eating patterns, calorie intake, or the body’s adjustment to the medication’s metabolic effects.
Tirzepatide Side Effects: Headache
While headaches were reported in clinical studies, research suggests they may sometimes be related to other factors associated with treatment, such as changes in eating patterns, dehydration, or other side effects rather than direct medication effects.
Tirzepatide Side Effects: Skin Irritation
Many individuals may experience injection site irritation and inflammation.
Tirzepatide Long-Term Side Effects
In addition to the more common side effects of tirzepatide, there are some more long-term side effects with potentially serious consequences that you should be aware of.
Tirzepatide Side Effects: Pancreatitis
GLP-1 medications like tirzepatide have a higher potential for pancreatitis. If an individual on tirzepatide experiences severe stomach or abdominal pain or persistent low back pain, they should contact their doctor immediately.
Tirzepatide Side Effects: Thyroid Tumors
GLP-1 medications include a warning for the potentially increased risk of thyroid tumors, including medullary thyroid cancer. Currently, studies only show an increase in thyroid C-cell tumors in rats. And, a recent study suggests that there is no substantial increase in thyroid cancer risk.
Tirzepatide Side Effects: Kidney Issues
Some of the potential side effects of tirzepatide are acute kidney injury and potential kidney failure. The medication itself might not be the cause, but the severe dehydration linked to the common gastrointestinal issues can be. Hydration is critical for tirzepatide users.
Tirzepatide Side Effects: Gallbladder
There is also the potential for gallbladder issues. If Tirzepatideusers experience persistent upper stomach pain, fever, yellowing of the skin and eyes, or clay-colored stools, they should contact their healthcare provider immediately.
Tirzepatide Side Effects: Hair Loss
Again, Tirzepatide is not the direct cause of hair loss, but it is a potential indirect Tirzepatideside effect. Rapid weight loss can trigger a condition known as Telogen effluvium (TE), which results in non-scarring hair loss. TE can occur up to a few months after the “trauma”.
Tirzepatide Side Effects: “Ozempic Face”
While this term is most associated with semaglutide, it is a universal side effect of extreme weight loss. The fat in your face, and other areas of your body, provides support. As you quickly drop the weight, the loss of fat can cause a saggy, deflated appearance.
Other side effects of tirzepatide
Tirzepatide Side Effects: Anxiety
Some tirzepatide users may experience anxiety while taking the medication. However, studies show that there is actually a reduced risk of anxiety while taking GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Tirzepatide Side Effects: Depression
Similar to anxiety, users may experience depression while on the medication. However, there is not a heightened risk of developing depression. In fact, there is a decreased likelihood of depression for GLP-1 medication users.
Tirzepatide Side Effects: Cardiovascular
Sinus tachycardia may occur in patients taking tirzepatide. However, this side effect is likely tied to preexisting conditions and not the medication itself.
Tirzepatide Side Effects: Low Blood Sugar
Diabetic patients taking medications that lower blood sugar, such as sulfonylureas or insulin, may have an increased risk of hypoglycemia.
Does tirzepatide cause cancer?
There is no evidence that tirzepatide increases the risk of cancer. Though there is some concern about thyroid C-cell tumors, research is still underway.
Obesity increases the risk of many cancers, but lowering BMI and maintaining normal blood glucose levels can help to improve the response to anti-cancer therapies. Some anti-diabetic and glucose-lowering drugs have been found to have anti-cancer potential. GLP-1R/GIPR agonists, like tirzepatide, were found to have several anti-neoplastic effects in different cancers.
Tirzepatide vs Semaglutide: which medication has fewer side effects?
Both Tirzepatide and semaglutide are GLP-1 receptor agonists, designed to manage blood sugar levels. Tirzepatide is a dual agonist, targeting both GLP-1 and GIP receptors, which can enhance its effectiveness.
Despite this difference, there is no significant variation in the side effect profiles of these two medications. In fact, many of the side effects are similar for both. Common side effects include gastrointestinal issues such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, as well as headaches and fatigue.
However, everyone reacts differently to medications. Patients who react poorly to semaglutide may have a more positive experience with tirzepatide and vice versa. Be sure to track your side effects and discuss them with your doctor to see if switching medications is a good choice.
How to prevent some side effects of Tirzepatide?
Many of the Tirzepatide side effects cannot be prevented or mitigated, but there are many that can.
- Kidney Injury. The gastrointestinal issues can lead to dehydration, which can then result in kidney injury. Try to stay hydrated while on the medication.
- Gastrointestinal Issues. Though common, the gastrointestinal symptoms typically fade over time. You may still experience them as you increase your tirzepatide dosing, though. Try taking the medication with food to help alleviate these symptoms.
- Injection Site Irritation. If you are experiencing irritation at the injection site, rotate injection sites and apply ice or a warm compress to help with the discomfort.
Contact Heally to Manage Tirzepatide’s Side Effects
Managing the side effects of tirzepatide can be challenging, but maintaining contact with your healthcare provider can go a long way.
A doctor can offer personalized care tailored to your specific health needs and circumstances. They can monitor your progress closely and make adjustments to your treatment plan as necessary, ensuring that you achieve optimal results with minimal discomfort.
Regular monitoring allows healthcare providers to:
- Assess individual side effect patterns and severity
- Provide appropriate management strategies
- Adjust treatment approaches when necessary
- Monitor for potential serious side effects
- Coordinate with other aspects of your healthcare
- Ensure treatment continues to be safe and effective
If you’re prescribed tirzepatide, maintain regular communication with your healthcare team and report any concerning symptoms promptly for proper evaluation and guidance. Schedule a consultation with Heally to learn more about tirzepatide.
Sources
- National Library of Medicine (NIH): Tirzepatide StatPearls
- Forbes: GLP-1s like Ozempic and Wegovy don’t substantially increase thyroid cancer risk, study suggests
- Epic Research: Most GLP-1 Medications Correlated with a Lower Likelihood of Anxiety and Depression Diagnoses
- UC Health: What is Mounjaro? And does it work better for weight loss than Ozempic and Wegovy?
- The New England Journal of Medicine: Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity
Important Medical Information and Disclaimers
MEDICAL DISCLAIMER
This information is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment recommendation. Tirzepatide is available through two FDA-approved prescription medications: Mounjaro® (tirzepatide) injection is approved for improving blood sugar control in adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus, and Zepbound® (tirzepatide) injection is approved for chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with weight-related medical problems. While both medications contain the same active ingredient (tirzepatide), they are approved for different therapeutic indications and may have different dosing regimens. Always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any treatment.
INDIVIDUAL RESULTS VARY
Results from tirzepatide treatment vary significantly between individuals. Clinical trial results may not reflect real-world outcomes for all patients. Factors that may influence treatment results include adherence to prescribed dosing, implementation of lifestyle modifications (diet and exercise), individual metabolic responses, underlying health conditions, concurrent medications, and genetic factors. No treatment outcome can be guaranteed.
IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION
Common Side Effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, constipation, stomach pain, heartburn, belching, gas, and injection site reactions. These effects are often temporary and may decrease over time.
Always discuss your complete medical history, current medications, and any concerns with your healthcare provider before starting treatment. Regular monitoring and follow-up appointments are essential during treatment.
FDA ADVERSE EVENT REPORTING: You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Healthcare providers and patients can also report adverse events to the manufacturer.
