Tirzepatide risks and side effects

Like all medications, tirzepatide may have side effects and isn’t recommended for everyone. Common side effects include:

Gastrointestinal side effects—like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea—are the most common and are typically dose related. This means they often appear or worsen after a dose increase, but tend to settle as your body adjusts over time.

Some patients experience delayed gastric emptying, which can lead to a sensation of prolonged fullness or bloating. You might not immediately recognize it as a side effect, but if you’re feeling unusually full for hours after eating or noticing slower digestion, this could be why.

Serious but Rare Complications: While uncommon, serious potential complications associated with GLP-1 medications include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, and elevations in kidney function tests. Patients should promptly report severe abdominal pain, jaundice, significant changes in urination, or swelling to their healthcare provider.