Read this information before you start treatment and each time your prescription changes. Your licensed provider will review your health history and decide whether treatment is appropriate for you.
01Boxed warning: risk of thyroid C cell tumors
In studies with rodents, semaglutide and tirzepatide caused thyroid C cell tumors. It is not known whether they cause these tumors, including a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), in people.
Do not use semaglutide or tirzepatide if you or any family member has ever had MTC, or if you have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
Tell your provider right away if you notice a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath.
02Who should not use these medications
- You or a family member has had medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), or you have MEN 2.
- You have had a serious allergic reaction to semaglutide, tirzepatide, or any ingredient in your medication.
- You are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant. Talk with your provider before starting.
- You are already taking another GLP 1 medication.
03Possible serious side effects
Stop taking your medication and get medical help right away if you have any of the following:
- Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). Severe stomach pain that will not go away, with or without vomiting. The pain may spread to your back.
- Gallbladder problems. Pain in your upper stomach, fever, yellowing of your skin or eyes, or clay colored stools.
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). The risk is higher if you also take insulin or a sulfonylurea. Signs include dizziness, shakiness, sweating, confusion, fast heartbeat, blurred vision, and hunger.
- Kidney problems. Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting can cause dehydration, which may make kidney problems worse. Drink plenty of fluids.
- Serious allergic reactions. Swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, trouble breathing or swallowing, severe rash or itching, fainting, or a very rapid heartbeat.
- Severe stomach problems. Including severe or ongoing nausea, vomiting, or stomach pain.
- Changes in vision in people with type 2 diabetes.
- Increased heart rate while at rest, reported with semaglutide. Tell your provider if your heart races or pounds while you are resting.
- Food or liquid getting into the lungs during surgery or sedation. Tell every provider that you take a GLP 1 medication before any procedure.
04Most common side effects
Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, stomach pain, headache, tiredness, upset stomach, dizziness, bloating, burping, gas, heartburn, and reactions at the injection site. These are often mild to moderate and tend to ease as your body adjusts. Tell your care team about any side effect that bothers you or does not go away.
05Before you start, tell your provider
- If you have ever had problems with your pancreas, gallbladder, or kidneys, or diabetic eye disease.
- If you have severe stomach problems, such as slowed stomach emptying (gastroparesis). These medications are not recommended for people with severe gastroparesis.
- About every medication and supplement you take, especially insulin or a sulfonylurea.
- If you use birth control pills. Tirzepatide may make them less effective. Your provider may advise adding a non oral or barrier method for 4 weeks after you start and for 4 weeks after each dose increase.
- If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a pregnancy.
- If you have surgery or a procedure with sedation coming up.
06About compounded medications
Compounded medications are not FDA-approved and are not reviewed by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or quality. They are prepared by a licensed 503A compounding pharmacy for an individual patient based on a valid prescription. The information on this page is based on the prescribing information for FDA-approved medications that contain semaglutide or tirzepatide and is provided for general education. It reflects FDA prescribing information for semaglutide revised June 2026 and for tirzepatide revised August 2026.
Compounded semaglutide tablets are taken by mouth, and how they are absorbed may differ from injectable forms. Follow the instructions from your provider and pharmacy exactly.
07Getting help and reporting side effects
For a medical emergency, call 911. For questions about side effects, message your KERNX care team. You may also report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 1 800 FDA 1088.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. This information does not replace talking with your licensed provider, who decides whether treatment is appropriate for you.