GLP-1 side effects: what's common, what's serious
Common and serious side effects of semaglutide, tirzepatide, liraglutide and orforglipron, and when to call a doctor.
Key point
Most side effects are digestive and appear when starting or increasing the dose: nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation and stomach pain. Slow dose increases are designed to limit them.
Get medical help for
- Severe stomach pain that does not go away, with or without vomiting (possible pancreatitis)
- Pain in the upper right abdomen, fever, yellow skin or eyes (gallbladder)
- Signs of dehydration or reduced urine
- A lump or swelling in the neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing
- Signs of a serious allergic reaction
Tell any surgical or endoscopy team that you take a GLP-1 medicine, because of the risk of aspiration under anesthesia.
Sources
Checked against these primary sources on .