Weight-Management Medication Safety Information

1. Emergency warning

If you are having a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department now. Do not use this website, messaging, or the intake form to report an emergency. For mental-health crisis support in the United States, call or text 988.

2. Purpose and limits of this page

This page summarizes safety topics for weight-management medications that may be prescribed following our licensed provider's review. It is not a complete list of warnings, interactions, or side effects, and it is not individualized to you.

3. Telehealth limitations

Remote care does not include a hands-on physical examination. Some conditions require in-person evaluation, laboratory testing, or specialist care before treatment is safe.

4. Compounded-medication disclosure

Compounded medications are not FDA-approved for safety, effectiveness, or quality. They are prepared by a compounding pharmacy for an individual patient based on a prescription. See the Pharmacy and Medication Disclosure for details about roles and fulfillment.

5. State and product availability

Which products are offered to you depends on your state of residence, the judgment of your treating provider, and pharmacy supply at the time of your order. Not every product described on this page is available in every state, and availability can change. Your provider and the checkout flow will confirm what is available to you before you are charged.

6. Compounded semaglutide

Compounded semaglutide is prepared by a licensed compounding pharmacy under an individual prescription. It is not FDA-approved, and the FDA does not review compounded medications for safety, effectiveness, or quality. Discuss the potential risks below with your provider. Strength, concentration, and formulation may vary; confirm your dose and administration technique with your provider or pharmacist, and never adjust your dose on your own.

7. Compounded tirzepatide

Compounded tirzepatide is prepared by a licensed compounding pharmacy under an individual prescription. It is not FDA-approved, and the FDA does not review compounded medications for safety, effectiveness, or quality. Discuss the potential risks below with your provider. Confirm your prescribed concentration, dose, and injection technique with your provider or pharmacist; do not use instructions for another product or adjust your dose on your own.

8. Contraindications

Semaglutide- and tirzepatide-based products are contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) and in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). They are also contraindicated in anyone with a prior serious hypersensitivity reaction to semaglutide, tirzepatide, or any component of the formulation. Tell your provider about your personal and family thyroid and endocrine history before starting treatment.

9. Boxed warnings

Boxed warning — Risk of thyroid C-cell tumors. In rodent studies, semaglutide and tirzepatide caused thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma, at clinically relevant exposures. It is not known whether these medications cause thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma, in humans. These medications are contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2. Counsel patients on the potential risk and symptoms of thyroid tumors, including a lump or swelling in the neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath, and report any such symptoms to your provider promptly.

10. Common adverse reactions

The most common side effects reported with semaglutide- and tirzepatide-based products are gastrointestinal: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, indigestion, and decreased appetite. These effects are most common when starting treatment or increasing the dose, and they typically lessen over time. Injection-site reactions, fatigue, belching, heartburn, and hair loss have also been reported. Contact your provider if any side effect is severe, persistent, or interferes with eating, drinking, or daily activity.

11. Serious adverse reactions

Serious risks associated with semaglutide- and tirzepatide-based products include: acute pancreatitis (persistent, severe abdominal pain, sometimes radiating to the back, with or without vomiting — discontinue and seek care immediately if suspected); gallbladder disease, including gallstones and cholecystitis; hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), particularly when used together with insulin or a sulfonylurea; acute kidney injury, usually related to dehydration from vomiting, diarrhea, or reduced fluid intake; diabetic retinopathy complications in patients with type 2 diabetes and a history of retinopathy; hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis and angioedema; and increased heart rate. There is also a risk of pulmonary aspiration during procedures requiring general anesthesia or deep sedation because these medications delay gastric emptying; tell your surgeon, anesthesiologist, or endoscopist that you are taking a GLP-1 or dual GIP/GLP-1 medication before any such procedure.

12. Drug interactions

Semaglutide- and tirzepatide-based products slow gastric emptying and can affect the absorption of oral medications taken at the same time, including oral contraceptives and other narrow-therapeutic-index drugs; your provider may recommend timing adjustments or monitoring for affected medications. Combining these medications with insulin or a sulfonylurea increases the risk of hypoglycemia, and your provider may reduce the dose of insulin or the sulfonylurea when starting treatment. Tell your provider about every prescription medication, over-the-counter product, and supplement you take before starting treatment and whenever your regimen changes.

13. Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Semaglutide- and tirzepatide-based products are not recommended during pregnancy, because weight loss offers no benefit during pregnancy and may cause fetal harm, and because animal studies have shown adverse effects on the fetus at clinically relevant exposures. If you are planning a pregnancy, treatment should be discontinued at least 2 months before you plan to become pregnant, to allow the medication to clear your system, given its long half-life. Tell your provider immediately if you become pregnant while on treatment. It is not known whether semaglutide or tirzepatide passes into human breast milk; discuss the risks and benefits of continuing treatment while breastfeeding with your provider.

14. Monitoring

Your provider will ask you to check in periodically, typically before each dose adjustment and at least once per 28-day fill, to review your weight, symptoms, and any side effects. Your provider may order laboratory testing, such as thyroid, kidney function, or blood glucose monitoring, when clinically indicated based on your health history or the medication prescribed. Report new or worsening symptoms promptly rather than waiting for your next scheduled check-in.

15. When to contact your provider

• Side effects that persist, worsen, or interfere with eating, drinking, or daily activity.
• Signs of dehydration, or vomiting and diarrhea that do not resolve.
• New or unusual symptoms after a dose change.
• Any pregnancy, planned pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
• A planned surgery or procedure involving anesthesia or sedation.
• Starting, stopping, or changing any other medication.

16. When to call 911

• Trouble breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or another severe allergic reaction.
• Severe, persistent abdominal pain, especially with vomiting.
• Chest pain, fainting, confusion, or a severe change in vision.
• Any symptom you believe is life-threatening.

17. Reporting side effects

Report suspected side effects to your prescribing provider and dispensing pharmacy. Do not wait for a scheduled check-in if symptoms are severe or worsening. For a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.

18. Trademark attribution

All brand names referenced are trademarks of their respective owners. Reference to a brand does not imply affiliation with, sponsorship by, or endorsement by the trademark owner.

19. Effective date

Effective date: August 18, 2026.