Thyroid C-cell tumors
Tell your provider if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath.
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Important safety information
Important Safety Information for GLP-1 Medicines
Wegovy, Zepbound, semaglutide, tirzepatide, and other GLP-1 or GIP/GLP-1 medicines have important risks, contraindications, and side effects. Your medical history, current medications, pregnancy plans, prior side effects, and dose changes should be reviewed by a licensed clinician.
Call 911 if you have a medical emergency.
Seek urgent care for symptoms such as trouble breathing, swelling of the face or throat, fainting, severe abdominal pain, or signs of a serious allergic reaction.
Boxed warning
Warning: Risk of Thyroid C-Cell Tumors
Semaglutide and tirzepatide labeling includes a warning about thyroid C-cell tumors observed in animal studies. It is not known whether these medicines cause thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma, in humans.
Who should not use these medicines
Do not use a GLP-1 medicine if:
- You or any family member have ever had medullary thyroid carcinoma
- You have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2
- You have had a serious allergic reaction to semaglutide, tirzepatide, or any ingredient in the prescribed medication
This is not a complete list of reasons a GLP-1 medicine may not be appropriate. Your provider will review your health history before treatment can be prescribed.
Serious side effects
What are the most serious side effects?
Inflammation of the pancreas
Severe stomach pain that does not go away, especially with vomiting or pain spreading to the back, can be a warning sign of pancreatitis and needs urgent medical review.
Gallbladder problems
GLP-1 treatment can be associated with gallbladder disease, including gallstones. Upper abdominal pain, fever, yellowing skin or eyes, or clay-colored stools should be reported promptly.
Low blood sugar
The risk of hypoglycemia can increase when GLP-1 medicines are used with insulin, sulfonylureas, or other glucose-lowering medications. Dizziness, sweating, confusion, blurred vision, shakiness, or a fast heartbeat can be warning signs.
Kidney injury from dehydration
Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which can worsen kidney problems. Tell your provider if you have kidney disease or severe stomach side effects.
Severe stomach and intestinal side effects
Severe or persistent nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or abdominal pain should be reviewed before continuing treatment.
Serious allergic reactions
Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, trouble breathing or swallowing, severe rash or itching, fainting, or a very rapid heartbeat may signal a serious allergic reaction. Stop the medication and seek emergency help.
Vision changes in patients with type 2 diabetes
People with type 2 diabetes should report vision changes promptly, because diabetic retinopathy complications have been reported with semaglutide treatment.
Faster heart rate
A racing heartbeat while resting should be reported, especially after starting treatment or changing dose.
Aspiration risk around anesthesia
GLP-1 medicines slow stomach emptying. Tell your surgical or anesthesia team if you take a GLP-1 medicine before a procedure requiring general anesthesia or deep sedation.
Common side effects
What are the most common side effects?
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Stomach pain
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Indigestion or heartburn
- Dizziness
- Bloating, gas, belching, or reflux
- Injection-site reactions for injected products
Tell your provider
What should I tell my provider before using a GLP-1 medicine?
- A personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN 2
- A history of pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, kidney disease, diabetic retinopathy, or type 1 or type 2 diabetes
- Current insulin, sulfonylureas, or other medications that affect blood sugar
- All prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, supplements, and other weight-loss products you use
- Pregnancy, plans to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or fertility timing
- Any planned surgery or procedure requiring anesthesia or deep sedation
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Tell your provider if you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding
GLP-1 medicines used for weight management are generally not used during pregnancy. Semaglutide labeling advises stopping at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy; tirzepatide labeling advises stopping at least 1 month before a planned pregnancy. Breastfeeding questions should be reviewed with a clinician before treatment starts.
Full prescribing information
This is not a complete list of risks, side effects, warnings, precautions, or drug interactions. Review the current FDA-approved or manufacturer prescribing information before using any prescription GLP-1 medicine.