Tirzepatide
Tirzepatide delays how quickly our stomachs digest food– leading to a feeling of fullness and satisfaction with smaller meal sizes.
Tirzepatide slows intestinal motility so you will feel fuller longer after meals.
Tirzepatide reduces blood sugar, in part by reducing the production of glucagon in the liver.
Tirzepatide stimulates insulin secretion by the pancreas.
Side effects noted in tirzepatide clinical trials that were reported by at least 5% of people taking tirzepatide include the following:6,7
Nausea
Diarrhea
Decreased appetite
Vomiting
Constipation
Indigestion
Abdominal pain
Injection site reactions
Fatigue
Hypersensitivity reactions
Increased gas
Hair loss
In most cases, the side effects were rated as mild to moderate in intensity. These side effects were more common or worsened when participants first started taking tirzepatide or when their dosage was increased. Tirzepatide is administered at a slowly increasing dose to reduce the potential for side effects.
Tirzepatide can also cause low blood sugar, especially in people with diabetes. Low blood sugar can present with the following symptoms:
Increased sweating
Dizziness
Blurred vision
Anxiety, irritability, or other mood changes
Slurred speech
Headaches
Fast heartbeat
In addition to these more common side effects, tirzepatide can cause some potentially serious adverse effects, such as serious allergic reactions, thyroid cancer, and pancreatitis. If you have a personal or family history of thyroid cancer, let your doctor know before you take tirzepatide. Thyroid cancers and tumors were seen in animal trials and studies, and their relevance to humans is not fully known at this point.