When it comes to taking any new medication, there's always the possibility of side effects popping up or the medication interacting with other drugs you're taking. So, it's crucial to stay vigilant and report any concerning symptoms to your doctor right away.
In this article, we will discuss the side effects of tirzepatide, drug interactions, and whether it's safe to use if you're pregnant.
What Are the Side Effects of Tirzepatide?
In clinical trials with over 2,500 participants spanning 72 weeks, researchers gave adults with obesity varying doses of tirzepatide. The results showed that tirzepatide led to substantial weight loss. However, some people also experienced temporary gastrointestinal issues such as:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Constipation 1
Generally, more people had these side effects on the higher doses of the drug. The problems also tended to show up when first starting tirzepatide or after increasing the dose. Fortunately, the side effects disappeared after the body adjusted to the medication. 1
Nausea
Nausea is one of the most common side effects people report when starting tirzepatide. 1 During clinical trials, nausea occurred in:
- 25% of participants taking tirzepatide 5 mg
- 28% of participants taking tirzepatide 15 mg 1
The good news is that for most people, the nausea is temporary and goes away on its own within a few weeks of starting the medication or increasing your dose. This is because your body needs time to get used to the effects of tirzepatide. 1
If tirzepatide is making you feel queasy, there are some tricks you can try to relieve the discomfort.
- Stay hydrated and sip on clear liquids like water, broth, or herbal tea.
- Eat bland, easy-to-digest foods in small portions throughout the day rather than large meals.
- Ginger can help with nausea. Have ginger biscuits, candied ginger, or ginger tea.
- Get fresh air and light exercise like taking a walk. 2
Diarrhea
Diarrhea tends to show up early on when first starting tirzepatide or moving up to a higher dose. 1 In clinical trials, diarrhea occurred in:
- 19% of participants taking tirzepatide 5 mg
- 23% of participants taking tirzepatide 15 mg 1
The good news is that diarrhea often becomes less of an issue over time as your system adjusts to tirzepatide. 1 However, if diarrhea persists for more than a couple of days, call your doctor. Untreated diarrhea can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. 3
To help relieve diarrhea and prevent dehydration, follow these tips:
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and eating water-rich foods.
- Follow the BRAT diet, focusing on bland, easy-to-digest foods such as bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. 3
Constipation
Tirzepatide may cause constipation since it slows the movement of food through your digestive tract. This can lead to harder stools that are more difficult to pass. 1
If you are experiencing less than three bowel movements in a week, you may be constipated. 4 The good news is that tirzepatide-related constipation tends to be short-lived. As your body adjusts to the medication over time, constipation will usually subside. 1
If you are experiencing constipation due to tirzepatide, try these tips:
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and eating foods with high water content. Hydration helps keep stools soft and easy to pass.
- Using an over-the-counter stool softener can help make stools more comfortable to pass.
- Consume high-fiber foods like wheat bran, whole grains, fruits and vegetables. Insoluble fiber helps promote regularity and helps get your digestive system moving again. 4
Tirzepatide Drug Interactions
When starting any new medication, it's crucial to keep your doctor in the loop about everything else you're taking, whether prescription or over-the-counter. Certain drugs don't mix well and combining them can make your meds less effective or cause unexpected side effects.
Tirzepatide has a few drug interactions to be aware of:
- Oral medications: Since tirzepatide slows down stomach emptying, it can impact the absorption of oral meds. If you take any oral meds with tirzepatide, your doctor will closely monitor their effectiveness.
- Oral birth control: The delayed stomach emptying caused by tirzepatide may interfere with the absorption of oral birth control pills, potentially leading to an unintended pregnancy. To prevent this, your healthcare provider may suggest switching to a non-oral contraceptive for four weeks after starting tirzepatide or increasing your dosage.
- Insulin: Both tirzepatide and insulin are designed to lower blood sugar levels. When used together, this effect is intensified which increases the risk of dangerously low blood sugar. To mitigate this risk, your doctor may adjust your insulin dosage when initiating tirzepatide therapy. 1
Tirzepatide and Pregnancy
When it comes to pregnancy and tirzepatide, it's crucial to have an open conversation with your healthcare provider. Studies on pregnant rats have revealed that tirzepatide could impact fetal growth and development. While there's not enough research yet on how tirzepatide impacts human pregnancy, these animal studies provide insight into potential risks. 1
The FDA recommends stopping tirzepatide if you're taking it for weight loss and become pregnant. They state that shedding pounds offers no advantage to an expectant mother. In fact, it could be harmful to the fetus. 1
Conclusion
Tirzepatide has the potential to help many people lose weight and improve their health. However, like any medication, it does come with some temporary side effects to be aware of, especially when first starting the drug or increasing your dose. If you are concerned about the long-term effects of tirzepatide, this article can tell you more. The good news is these gastrointestinal issues usually disappear over time as your body adapts.
Though tirzepatide seems to work well for most people, you should let your doctor know right away if you experience any severe or persistent side effects. Your dosage may need to be adjusted, or an alternative treatment option may better suit your needs.
The content in this article is intended for informational purposes only. This website does not provide medical advice. In all circumstances, you should always seek the advice of your physician and/or other qualified health professionals(s) for drug, medical conditions, or treatment advice. The content provided on this website is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
