If you have GLP-1 side effects, tell your clinician. Mild stomach upset is common, and your clinician can help you manage it. If you have severe stomach pain that won't go away, signs of a serious allergic reaction, or signs of severe dehydration, call 911 or go to an emergency room right away.
This guide covers what the FDA labeling for brand-name semaglutide and tirzepatide says about side effects, which symptoms are emergencies, and how to reach your clinician if you are a VevaMD member. It is general information, not a substitute for talking to your own clinician.
When should I call 911 or go to the ER?
Do not wait for a message reply if you have any of these. Call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room:
- Severe stomach pain that won't go away, with or without vomiting. Pay special attention if the pain spreads to your back. The FDA labeling for brand-name GLP-1 medicines lists pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) as a serious risk, and this is a warning sign.
- Signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat, trouble breathing or swallowing, a fast heartbeat, fainting or feeling very dizzy, or a severe rash or itching.
- Signs of severe dehydration, such as being unable to keep fluids down, very little or no urine, feeling faint or confused, or a racing heartbeat. Vomiting and diarrhea can dehydrate you, and the labeling notes that dehydration can lead to kidney problems.
If you are not sure whether something is an emergency, treat it as one. You can let your clinician know what happened afterward.
What side effects are common?
The FDA labeling for brand-name semaglutide and tirzepatide lists these as common side effects:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Stomach pain
- Decreased appetite
- Injection-site reactions, such as redness or irritation where you inject
Many of these relate to how GLP-1 medicines act in the body: they slow how fast your stomach empties and help you feel full sooner. You can read more in how GLP-1 medicines act in the body. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved, and the FDA does not review them for safety or quality before they are sold, so the brand-name labeling is a reference point, not a promise about any compounded product.
What other serious risks should I know about?
Besides pancreatitis, allergic reactions and kidney problems from dehydration, the brand-name labeling lists these serious risks:
- Gallbladder problems. Tell your clinician right away about new pain in your upper stomach or other new, unusual symptoms.
- Low blood sugar. This is mainly a concern if you also take insulin or a sulfonylurea, which is one reason your clinician asks about every medicine you take.
- Thyroid C-cell tumors. The labeling carries a boxed warning about thyroid C-cell tumors seen in rodents. People with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN 2 should not use these medicines, according to that labeling.
You do not need to diagnose yourself. If something feels new, different or worrying, message your clinician. If it feels severe, call 911.
How do I reach my clinician about a side effect?
If you are a VevaMD member, message your clinician through your My VevaMD page. Your clinician is an independent licensed clinician in the Beluga Health network. They may reply by message or set up a video visit.
When you write, it helps to include:
- What you are feeling and when it started
- How bad it is and whether it is getting better or worse
- When you took your last dose
- Whether you can keep food and fluids down
- Any new medicines or supplements
Messaging is for symptoms that are not emergencies. Anything severe or sudden goes to 911 or an ER first.
Should I change my dose or stop on my own?
No. Do not skip, split or change your dose without asking your clinician first. They decide whether to keep your dose the same, adjust it, pause, or change your plan, and they check in before refills and dose changes. You and your clinician decide the next step together.
If you are also asking whether GLP-1 medicine is right for you in the first place, start with who is eligible for GLP-1 treatment. Some health histories, including pancreatitis or certain thyroid cancers, may mean a GLP-1 is not a fit, and the clinician makes that call.
Can VevaMD answer medical questions?
No. VevaMD is a technology company, not a medical provider or a pharmacy. Our team can help with account, shipping and technical questions at +1 (888) 275-1703 or info@vevamd.com, but medical questions belong with your clinician. Learn more in is VevaMD a medical provider?
Next step
If you have not started yet, the free online assessment takes a few minutes. You share your health history and current medicines, and a licensed clinician in your state reviews it before deciding whether treatment is appropriate. A prescription is never guaranteed.
VevaMD is a technology platform, not a medical provider. Educational content only, not medical advice. All prescriptions are written by independent licensed clinicians. Individual results vary.