Tirzepatide is a powerful weight loss drug that goes by a few brand names – Mounjargo and Zepbound+. The antidiabetic medication is delivered by subcutaneous injection, and can lead to impressive weight loss that greatly diminishes the health risks associated with type 2 diabetes.
Unfortunately, like many medications, Zepbound brings with it some side effects. But those side effects aren’t a life sentence! Today we’ll be going over some common side effects of Zepbound, plus ways that you can address those unwanted symptoms with wellness supplements and other remedies.
That includes:
- Gut-based symptoms like diarrhea and constipation
- Nausea, abdominal pain, on comfort-related symptoms
- And more
+ Zepbound™ and its delivery device base are registered trademarks owned or licensed by Eli Lilly and Company, its subsidiaries, or affiliates.
The most common side effects of the GLP-1 weight loss medication Zepbound are based in the digestive tract, like nausea, vomiting, and other digestive disturbances.
Symptom 1: Gut-Based Side Effects
In clinical trials for Zepbound, nausea was the most common side effect of Zepbound, but other gut-based side effects weren’t far behind*. These side effects can be most bothersome when first starting Zepbound or increasing your dose, but typically become less severe over time. For example, research has shown that the frequency and severity of vomiting declines over time when taking Tirzepatide.
Most healthcare providers will start patients on a low dose of Zepbound for this very reason, with an initial dose of as low as 2.5mg. While this dosage won’t achieve the weight loss results most patients are looking for, it will help the body slowly adjust to the medication, reducing the chances of these gastrointestinal side effects. Unfortunately, some patients will still experience side effects like nausea, heart burn, reflux, and gas despite these precautions.
*The most significant side effects noted were nausea (25-29% of test users), diarrhea (19-23%), constipation (11-17%), vomiting (8-13%), and stomach upset (9-10%)
Treating Nausea, Diarrhea, Constipation, and Stomach Upset
Taking steps to support your gut health can help reduce these uncomfortable side effects of Zepbound. Probiotic and prebiotic foods and supplements are one option that may provide relief.
Foods that are high in pro- and pre- biotics include: kefir, kombucha, miso, sauerkraut, yogurt, pickles, aged cheese, miso, and pickles.
Wellness supplements like Dr. Emil’s Total Gut Complex and Dr. Emil’s Lion's Mane Mushroom Complex can also provide digestive support in convenient capsule form.
Tracking trigger foods that lead to uncomfortable symptoms is also a great way to identify what is causing the problem, and remove it from your diet. Most healthcare providers recommend limiting alcohol consumption while taking GLP-1 medications like Zepbound.
Symptom 2: Abdominal Discomfort
Zepbound has been associated with several conditions that may be the cause of your gastrointestinal discomfort. For the most part, these symptoms are caused by relatively mild conditions – an upset stomach, heartburn, and other things that can be treated with over the counter medication.
Serious side effects may also mask themselves as abdominal or gastrointestinal discomfort. If you feel pain that matches the descriptions below or something else doesn’t feel right, do not hesitate to contact your doctor for an urgent follow-up appointment.
❗️Pancreatitis: Aka, inflammation of the pancreas. While this might not sound serious – joints and stuff get inflamed all the time, right? – it’s definitely something you want to get checked out. Pancreatitis can be identified by intense mid-upper abdominal pain, often extending to the back, combined with intense or unrelenting nausea or vomiting. If you experience these symptoms, stop taking Zepbound right away and contact your doctor immediately.
❗️Gallbladder disease: Gallbladder disease feels like pain in the upper right abdomen. It is accompanied by fever, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), and clay colored stools. If you experience these symptoms, contact your doctor immediately.
Treating Gastrointestinal Discomfort Related to Zepbound
When unrelated to these serious side effects, abdominal pain and bloating can be treated effectively by over the counter medication like simethicone (Gas-X) and calcium carbonate (Tums).
Dietary changes can also help reduce gastrointestinal discomfort. This includes eating smaller meals and avoiding high-fat and spicy foods.
Hair loss, particularly during the initial weeks of Zepbound or after a dose increase, is a very real possibility, particular for female patients. Luckily, there are a few things you can do to minimize the effects on your mane.
Symptom 3: Hair Loss
For many people, losing weight is both about physical health and mental health. Taking off the extra pounds not only reduces your risk of many diseases and illnesses but can give a big confidence boost. But one somewhat common Zepbound side effect may work against that goal.
While not one of the most common side effects of Zepbound, hair loss was reported in 4-5% of users. Most of the users reporting the side effect were female (7.1% of female users reporting) versus males (0.5%). GLP-1s like Zepbound, Wegovy, and Ozempic can disrupt the natural hair follicle growth cycle.
The good news? Hair loss is typically a temporary side effect, which declines as the weight stabilizes.
Treating Hair Loss Related to Zepbound or Weight Loss
Hair loss can occur when weight is lost rapidly. Be sure to check with your doctor regarding your dosage to ensure you are losing weight in a healthy fashion. Your doctor can also rule out other causes of hair loss, like different medications, iron deficiency, thyroid levels, or polycystic ovary syndrome.
Double down on hair health. This can mean taking a break from damaging styling routines, like heat or chemical treatments and ensuring you’re eating a balanced diet with plenty of water. Some collagen supplements can also help promote hair health. While they won’t likely regrow permanent hair loss caused by conditions like female pattern baldness, supplements like Dr. Emil’s Multi Collagen Plus can keep the hair stronger and more resistant to temporary stress.
Symptom 4: Feeling Tired
Another side effect listed on the box is fatigue. Some people might not experience fatigue at all, but according to discussions on the r/Zepbound subreddit, “shot day” is the worst for fatigue. Luckily, users and experts alike have recommendations to combat Zepbound-related fatigue.
Like other side effects on this list, this feeling of tiredness should become less drastic as your body adjusts to the medication.
Dealing with Fatigue While Taking Zepbound
Consuming enough calories and getting enough water can help cut back on fatigue.
Other pick-me-ups include heading outside for some fresh air and taking a supplement with a gentle boost of caffeine. Dr. Emil’s Collagen Peptides Plus Matcha contains matcha for a revitalizing boost as well as collagen to support hair health, making it a side effect-busting double whammy.
Maintaining a healthy diet, drinking plenty of water, and getting enough calories and macros each day can help cut down on many uncomfortable side effects of Zepbound.
Symptom 5: Injection Site Reactions
Delivered by weekly injection, injection site reactions are another common side effect. Injection site reactions include:
- Pain
- Itching
- Swelling
- Burning
- Bruising
- Redness
- Irritation
- Rash
How to Avoid Injection Site Reactions When Taking Zepbound
If you’re experiencing adverse injection site reactions, have your healthcare provider check your technique. They can demonstrate or provide feedback to help you deliver the Zepbound injections as comfortably as possible.
Additionally, cold medication tends to be more irritating. It is recommended to store Zepbound in the refrigerator, but remove it 30 minutes before use to reduce the risk of injection site reactions. However, do not leave Zepbound in direct sunlight! That can deactivate the medication.
For many people, the side effects of Zepbound are relatively mild, leaving a smile on their face. However, there are a few things to watch for in regards to serious side effects that should mean an instant call to your healthcare provider.
Other Serious Side Effects of Zepbound
We’ve already covered a few of the potentially serious side effects of Zebound. However, there are a few additional serious side effects we need to discuss before wrapping it up for the day.
❗️Thyroid tumors: Clinical studies have linked Zepbound to tumors of the thyroid, including thyroid cancer. Keep a keen eye out for possible symptoms like a lump or swelling in the neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, and shortness of breath. Also, be sure to discuss your family history and medical history with your provider before starting Zepbound because some factors increase the likelihood of this dangerous side effect.
❗️Allergic reactions: Certain individuals may be allergic to ingredients found in Zepbound, leading to symptoms such as itching, swelling, or hives. It's essential to read the ingredient list carefully and consult with a healthcare professional if you have known allergies.
❗️Drug interactions: Zepbound contains ingredients like ginger and turmeric, which may interact with certain medications, such as blood thinners or diabetes medications. If you're taking prescription medications, it's crucial to speak with your doctor before starting Zepbound to avoid potential interactions.
❗️Kidney disease: Dehydration caused by vomiting and diarrhea can wreak havoc on kidney health. If you are unable to treat these symptoms on your own, be sure to go to your doctor with these side effects before they cause serious damage.
Zepbound side effects may be uncomfortable, but there are simple steps you can follow to make the process easier.
Like any medication, Zepbound comes with side effects. Some Zepbound side effects are easy to deal with – side effects like nausea and bloating are typically not very serious and can be dealt with using over the counter medications. Others may get better over time, like weight loss-related hair loss. We’ve also covered serious side effects, and when to call your healthcare provider. (But bottom line: if something doesn’t feel right, contact your doctor right away. It’s always better to be safe than sorry.)
We hope that the suggestions in this article help get you through the worst of the Zepbound side effects. It is a powerful medication, and it can help reduce the risks of obesity and type 2 diabetes. Regardless of the bumps on this journey, the destination will be well worth it. Good luck!
