Important Safety Information for Tirzepatide
Medications, such as tirzepatide, may be prescribed by your healthcare provider but are not regulated by the FDA for safety, efficacy, or quality. FDA-approved versions of semaglutide are available.
WARNING
The use of tirzepatide may be linked to the potential development of thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer. Be vigilant for symptoms like lumps or swelling in the neck, hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or shortness of breath. If any of these signs occur, notify your healthcare provider immediately.
Do not use tirzepatide if you or a family member have a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), a form of thyroid cancer. It should also be avoided if you have been diagnosed with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), or if you have had a severe allergic reaction to tirzepatide or its ingredients.
Serious Side Effects
There are serious side effects associated with the use of tirzepatide, which may include:
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Some individuals have reported significant stomach problems with tirzepatide. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience persistent or severe abdominal discomfort.
- Kidney Issues: Vomiting, diarrhea, or nausea can lead to dehydration, which may result in kidney complications. Ensure adequate hydration to reduce this risk.
- Gallbladder Problems: Tirzepatide may cause gallbladder issues. Seek medical help immediately if you experience upper stomach pain, fever, jaundice, or changes in stool color.
- Pancreatitis: If you experience ongoing abdominal pain, with or without vomiting, stop using tirzepatide and contact your healthcare provider immediately, as it may indicate pancreatic inflammation.
- Allergic Reactions: Stop using the medication and seek urgent medical care if you experience signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as facial swelling, difficulty breathing, hives, or a fast heartbeat.
- Hypoglycemia: The risk of low blood sugar may increase when using tirzepatide alongside other blood-sugar-lowering medications. Watch for symptoms like dizziness, sweating, confusion, or a racing heartbeat.
- Vision Changes: Report any changes in vision during treatment to your healthcare provider.
- Depression or Suicidal Thoughts: Monitor your mental health closely and report any mood changes or suicidal thoughts to your healthcare provider right away.
Common Side Effects
The most common side effects of tirzepatide include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting
- Constipation
- Abdominal pain
- Indigestion
- Injection site reactions
- Fatigue
- Allergic reactions
- Belching
- Hair loss
- Heartburn
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you experience any persistent or troubling symptoms, consult your healthcare provider for advice on managing them.
Let your healthcare provider know if you experience any side effects.
To report suspected severe side effects or adverse reactions to tirzepatide, contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or visit www.fda.gov/medwatch. In the event of an emergency, call 911 or visit your nearest emergency room.
Drug Interactions
Like other medications, tirzepatide can interact with alcohol, certain prescription and over-the-counter medications, and herbal products. The risk of hypoglycemia is higher when used with insulin or insulin secretagogues, such as sulfonylureas. Tirzepatide also slows gastric emptying, which may affect how oral medications are absorbed. If you are taking thyroid hormone medications, you may need to adjust the timing of your doses while on tirzepatide. Medications with narrow therapeutic windows (such as warfarin) should be closely monitored during treatment with tirzepatide.
Refer to the product packaging for the full list of side effects, warnings, interactions, and additional information.
Tirzepatide may reduce the effectiveness of birth control pills. Speak to your doctor before starting tirzepatide if you use oral contraceptives. Your doctor may recommend an alternative method of birth control for four weeks after starting tirzepatide and after each dosage increase.
Note: The above information has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.