Common Side Effect of Currently used GLP1 Agonists & How to Manage Them

Semaglutide and Tirzepatide and others are medications used for managing type 2 diabetes and weight loss. Both are GLP-1 receptor agonists (tirzepatide also has GIP agonist effects), and they can cause some side effects. Preventing or minimizing these side effects requires understanding how the medications work and making adjustments to your routine as needed. Below are tips to help prevent or mitigate common side effects:

Some practitioners based on experience  feel strongly that using upper arms first and maybe tight areas can decrease overall side effects of those meds.Many practitioners describe less side effects with Tirzepatide and in our experience if someone had severe nausea and vomiting and other gastrointestinal symptoms in the past with other GLP1 Agonists ,we prefer to try Tirzepatide first and often wee see overall better results with this approach.

1. Nausea and Vomiting

• Start Low, Go Slow: These medications are often started at a low dose and gradually increased to help your body adjust.
• Eat Small, Low-Fat Meals: Avoid large meals and focus on eating small, frequent meals. High-fat or greasy foods can worsen nausea and cause diarrhea.
• Stay Hydrated: Drink water or clear fluids throughout the day to stay hydrated and prevent dehydration from vomiting.Concerns is hypotension and renal failure
• Take Medication as Directed: Administer injections at the same time each week, following your doctor’s instructions.

1. Diarrhea

• Avoid Trigger Foods: Minimize foods that irritate the digestive system, such as spicy ,fatty and calorie rich food can cause more diarrhea.
• Stay Hydrated: Replenish fluids with water, broths, or electrolyte drinks to prevent dehydration.
• Probiotics: Consider taking probiotics to support gut health, but consult your doctor first.

1. Constipation

• Increase Fiber Gradually: Humans need around 30 grams of fiber per day. Add fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, legumes, seeds and whole grains to your diet, but do so gradually to avoid worsening symptoms. Add also 8-10 grams per day extra of fiber supplements like fiber gummies and/or Metamucil
• Drink Plenty of Water: Adequate hydration helps prevent constipation.
• Stay Active: Regular physical activity supports healthy digestion.
• Use Laxatives if Necessary: Talk to your doctor about short-term use of laxatives or stool softeners if constipation persists.
• Adding magnesium, specially Magnesium Glycinate or Malate at moderate doses can help.

1. Stomach Pain or Bloating

• Chew Food Thoroughly: Eating slowly and chewing food thoroughly can aid digestion and reduce bloating.
• Avoid Carbonated Beverages: These can contribute to gas and bloating.
• Identify Food Triggers: Keep a food diary to identify foods that exacerbate symptoms.
• Any pain in the upper part of the abdomen should raise the concern for pancreatitis and treating physicians should be notified immediately and prescribed medications stopped.
• Decreased Appetite is expected but continuous excessive exercise and   starvation should be avoided.Dehydration is of concern since again it can cause hypotension,renal failure ,fainting and more issues.

• Focus on Nutrient-Dense Foods: When you eat less, ensure your meals are rich in essential nutrients.
• Monitor Weight Loss: While weight loss may be a goal, rapid or excessive loss can cause health issues gallstones and trigger pancreatitis. Optimal goal is 0.5 to 1 pound weight loss per week. Be patient. Share concerns with your doctor.

1. Injection Site Reactions

• Rotate Injection Sites: Change the injection site each time to avoid irritation. Arms and thighs are preferable to minimize side effects
• Use Proper Technique: Ensure the injection is given as instructed, and keep the area clean and dry.

1. Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)

• Monitor Blood Sugar: Regularly check your blood sugar levels, especially if you’re also taking insulin or sulfonylureas.
• Keep Snacks Handy: Carry fast-acting glucose sources, like glucose tablets or juice, in case of low blood sugar.

1. Fatigue or Dizziness

• Rest Adequately: Ensure you’re getting enough sleep.
• Rise Slowly: If you feel dizzy upon standing, rise slowly to avoid a drop in blood pressure.
• Report Persistent Symptoms: Talk to your doctor if fatigue or dizziness is ongoing.

1. RARELY-blurry vision, insomnia and others can develop indirectly due to better blood sugar control and relative lowering of blood sugar,primarily in diabetic patients.
2.  So far no cancer has been associated clearly with human use. More studies are ongoing to clarify long term effects.
3. Excessive weight loss

• Excessive weight loss can cause face and body skin wrinkling requiring interventions like any major weight loss.Losing weight fast can increase the risk for pancreatitis and acute cholecystitis.
• Muscle mass loss
• Muscle mass loss can occur again comparable with other forms of weight loss.

Final  Tips

• Follow Your Doctor’s Instructions: Adhere to the prescribed dosage and administration schedule.DO NOT HURRY TO INCREASE DOSAGES  especially without doctors recommendation since that brings about more complications and increases the likelihood for  weight regain long term
• Report Severe Side Effects: Notify your healthcare provider and stop injections  if side effects worsen or do not improve over time.
• Regular Monitoring: Have periodic check-ups to monitor your progress and side effects.
• Stay Patient: Side effects often improve as your body adjusts to the medication.

If you’re struggling with side effects, your healthcare provider may adjust the dose, suggest lifestyle changes, or consider alternative treatments. Always consult your doctor before making changes to your treatment plan.

As we believe GLP 1 agonists have tremendous benefits, we expect our patients to be reporting  to us all concerning symptoms and signs they experience.