Side effects

When to call your prescriber

The US Medication Guides for semaglutide and tirzepatide list warning signs that mean contacting a healthcare provider — some right away. This page gathers them in one place, in the labels' own terms. If you think it's an emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number.

Get help right away

Severe pain in the stomach area that will not go away, with or without vomiting, possibly felt through to the back, can be a sign of pancreatitis^[1][2]. Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, trouble breathing or swallowing, severe rash or itching, fainting or a very fast heartbeat can be signs of a serious allergic reaction^[1].

Contact your provider promptly

Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea that does not go away, because dehydration can lead to kidney problems^[1]. Gallbladder signs: pain in the upper stomach, fever, yellowing skin or eyes, clay-colored stools^[2]. Signs of low blood sugar — such as sweating, shakiness, dizziness, confusion or a fast heartbeat — especially if you also take insulin or a sulfonylurea^[1].

Also tell your provider about

A lump or swelling in the neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing or shortness of breath — the labels carry a boxed warning about thyroid C-cell tumors seen in rodents, and say it is unknown whether they occur in humans^[1][2]. Studies in people have reached conflicting results^[3][4]. Also mention changes in vision if you have type 2 diabetes, a racing heartbeat at rest, and any planned surgery or procedure with anesthesia or sedation^[1][2].

Related

Details: nausea · gallbladder and pancreas · injection-site reactions.

Drawn from US Medication Guides; Canadian monographs have their own wording. General information, not medical advice — your prescriber and pharmacist know your situation.