GLP-1 Side Effects: How Common, How Long They Last

Placebo comparison of GLP-1 side effect rates from labels

Each label covers its own placebo-controlled trials, which included different groups of people. Compare the rows for rough guidance, not for a head-to-head result.

Stomach side effects from the highest dose group in every GLP-1 label

Medicine	Nausea	Vomiting	Diarrhea	Constipation	Stomach pain	Heartburn and indigestion	Trial group
Ozempic	20.3%	9.2%	8.8%	5%	7.3%	Not listed	Adults with type 2 diabetes
Wegovy	44%	24%	30%	24%	20%	9%	Adults with obesity or overweight (weight management)
Rybelsus	20%	8%	10%	6%	11%	Not listed	Adults with type 2 diabetes
Mounjaro	18%	9%	17%	7%	6%	8%	Adults with type 2 diabetes
Zepbound	29%	13%	23%	17%	10%	10%	Adults with obesity or overweight (weight management)
Foundayo	35%	24%	25%	27%	14%	16%	Adults with obesity or overweight (weight management)
Trulicity	21.1%	12.7%	12.6%	Not listed	9.4%	5.8%	Adults with type 2 diabetes
Saxenda	39.3%	15.7%	20.9%	19.4%	5.4%	9.6%	Adults with obesity or overweight (weight management)
Victoza	20%	9%	12%	5%	Not listed	7%	Adults with type 2 diabetes
Byetta	44%	13%	13%	Not listed	Not listed	6%	Adults with type 2 diabetes

These labels provide the source data: Ozempic label (DailyMed), Wegovy label (DailyMed), Rybelsus label (DailyMed), Mounjaro label (DailyMed), Zepbound label (DailyMed), Foundayo label (DailyMed), Trulicity label (DailyMed), Saxenda label (DailyMed), Victoza label (DailyMed), Byetta label (DailyMed).

Plain words for serious warnings

These warnings appear in the Wegovy label. The same class warnings also appear in the remaining GLP-1 labels.

• Boxed warning, Thyroid C-cell tumors. In rodents, it caused thyroid C-cell tumors. Whether people have the same result is not known. Not for people who have medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) in their personal or family history, or who have MEN 2.
• Pancreatitis. It may cause inflammation of the pancreas. If severe stomach pain does not go away and sometimes spreads to your back, stop taking it and get care.
• Gallbladder disease. Gallstones and gallbladder inflammation can develop. Report upper right belly pain, a fever, or yellow skin or eyes.
• Low blood sugar. Taking it with insulin or a sulfonylurea raises the risk of low blood sugar, so those doses may need to be lowered.
• Kidney injury from fluid loss. Vomiting or diarrhea that causes fluid loss can result in kidney injury. Heavy fluid loss should be reported, and you should drink fluids.
• Severe stomach and gut reactions. Side effects in the stomach and gut are common, and they can be severe. This is not recommended for people with severe gastroparesis.
• Serious allergic reactions. Reports describe serious allergic reactions, including swelling of the face, lips, or throat. Get help right away and stop it if any of these happen.
• Worsening diabetic eye disease. In people with type 2 diabetes, this eye disease may worsen, especially when blood sugar falls quickly. If you already have diabetic eye disease, eye checks matter.
• Faster heart rate. Can raise resting heart rate. Tell your doctor if your heartbeat races or pounds while you are at rest.
• Food entering the lungs while you receive anesthesia or sedation. Food may remain in your stomach longer, which matters during anesthesia or deep sedation. Before any procedure, tell your care team.

Source: FDA label (DailyMed).

Side effects that are common, one at a time

• Butt changes
• Constipation
• Diarrhea
• Face changes
• Hair loss
• Headache
• Heartburn and indigestion
• Muscle loss
• Nausea
• Sulfur burps