Important Legal Disclaimer
The information provided below is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for guidance tailored to your medical situation. Do not disregard or delay seeking professional care because of something you have read here.
Overview of GLP-1 Therapies
Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists—such as semaglutide and tirzepatide—are prescription medications used under medical supervision to support weight management and glycemic control. As with any medication, they carry potential risks and side effects.
Common (Typically Mild and Transient) Side Effects
Gastrointestinal disturbances: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, bloating or indigestion. These often lessen after several weeks.
Appetite suppression: Reduced hunger is expected as the medication modulates satiety signals.
Mild fatigue or dizziness: Especially during dose escalations.
Injection-site reactions: Redness, itching, or minor swelling at the injection site.
Headache: Generally mild and transient.
Less Common but Clinically Significant Risks
Pancreatitis: Acute inflammation of the pancreas. Seek immediate medical care if you experience severe, persistent abdominal pain that may radiate to your back, accompanied by nausea or vomiting.
Gallbladder disease: Formation of gallstones or cholecystitis. Report new or worsening upper-right abdominal pain.
Hypoglycemia: Low blood sugar may occur—particularly if you use other glucose-lowering agents. Monitor blood glucose regularly and discuss dose adjustments with your provider.
Dehydration and electrolyte imbalance: From prolonged vomiting or diarrhea. Maintain adequate fluid and electrolyte intake.
Thyroid C-cell tumors (rodent data): In animal studies, GLP-1 agonists increased thyroid C-cell tumor incidence. The relevance to humans is unclear, but report any neck mass or difficulty swallowing.
Rare but Serious Adverse Events
Acute kidney injury: Secondary to dehydration. Notify your clinician if you develop severe gastrointestinal symptoms and reduced urine output.
Hypersensitivity reactions: Rash, angioedema, or anaphylaxis. Discontinue use and seek emergency care if you experience difficulty breathing, swelling of the face or throat, or severe rash.
Strategies to Minimize Risk
Gradual dose escalation
• Our protocol starts at a low dose and increases incrementally to improve tolerability.Hydration and diet
• Sip water regularly; consider small, frequent meals if nausea occurs.Routine monitoring
• Keep track of side effects in your journal; check blood sugars as directed, especially if you’re on insulin or sulfonylureas.Prompt communication
• Use your unlimited 1:1 chat access in the patient portal to report any new, worsening, or persistent symptoms immediately.
Your Safety Is Paramount
If you have questions about side effects, interactions with other medications, or any aspect of your treatment plan, consult your prescribing healthcare professional without delay. They can adjust your regimen or recommend supportive measures based on your individual health profile.
Disclaimer:
Compounded medications are pharmaceutical products that are specifically prepared by a licensed compounding pharmacy to meet the unique medical needs of an individual patient. These medications are not reviewed or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for safety, effectiveness, or quality. Instead, they are prescribed when an FDA-approved drug is not suitable or available for a particular patient, as determined by a licensed healthcare provider.
The decision to use a compounded medication is based on the professional judgment of the prescribing provider, who considers factors such as allergies to ingredients in commercially available products, required dosage forms not available on the market, or specific formulation needs that cannot be met with standard medications.
All compounded medications provided through our service are prepared in licensed U.S. pharmacies that comply with applicable federal and state laws and regulations governing compounding practices. These pharmacies follow rigorous standards for cleanliness, ingredient sourcing, and compounding protocols, including those established by the United States Pharmacopeia (USP.
While compounded medications can offer valuable therapeutic options, patients should be aware that these formulations do not undergo the same clinical testing or regulatory scrutiny as FDA-approved drugs. If you have any questions or concerns about your prescribed compounded medication, we encourage you to speak directly with your healthcare provider or the dispensing pharmacy.