Important Safety Information for Ozempic, Zepbound, Wegovy, and Mounjaro
See Important Safety Information, including Boxed Warning, about:
Ozempic® (semaglutide)
FDA approved for:
- Type 2 diabetes (glycemic control)
- Reducing cardiovascular risk in patients with established CVD
Not approved for:
- Type 1 diabetes
- Patients with a history of pancreatitis
Do not use if:
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or MEN 2
- Known allergy to semaglutide
Common side effects:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Stomach pain
- Low blood sugar
Serious side effects:
- Thyroid tumors, including MTC
- Pancreatitis
- Gallbladder problems (e.g., gallstones)
- Acute kidney injury, especially with dehydration
- Diabetic retinopathy complications
- Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis, angioedema)
- Hypoglycemia (with insulin or sulfonylureas)
This information is not comprehensive. Please see the full Prescribing Information for complete safety information.
Zepbound® (tirzepatide)
FDA approved for:
- Chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight and at least one weight-related condition
Do not use if:
- Personal or family history of MTC or MEN 2
- Known allergy to tirzepatide
Common side effects:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Indigestion
- Injection site reactions
- Abdominal pain
- Fatigue
- Belching
- Hair loss
- Acid reflux (GERD)
Serious side effects:
- Thyroid tumors, including MTC
- Pancreatitis
- Gallbladder problems
- Acute kidney injury
- Severe dehydration from GI issues
- Hypoglycemia (with insulin or sulfonylureas)
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
- Severe allergic reactions
This information is not comprehensive. Please see the full Prescribing Information for complete safety information.
Mounjaro® (tirzepatide)
FDA approved for:
- Type 2 diabetes (glycemic control)
Not approved for:
- Type 1 diabetes
- Patients with a history of pancreatitis
Do not use if:
- Personal or family history of MTC or MEN 2
- Known allergy to tirzepatide
Common side effects:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Stomach pain
Serious side effects:
- Thyroid tumors, including MTC
- Pancreatitis
- Gallbladder problems
- Acute kidney injury
- Severe allergic reactions
- Hypoglycemia (with certain medications)
- Suicidal ideation or mood changes
Wegovy® (semaglutide)
FDA approved for:
- Chronic weight management
- Cardiovascular risk reduction in overweight/obese patients with known CVD
Do not use if:
- Personal or family history of MTC or MEN 2
- Known allergy to semaglutide
Common side effects:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Stomach pain
- Dyspepsia
- Belching
- Flatulence
- Gastroenteritis
- GERD
- Abdominal distension
- Dizziness
Serious side effects:
- Thyroid tumors, including MTC
- Pancreatitis
- Gallbladder problems
- Acute kidney injury
- Diabetic retinopathy complications
- Hypoglycemia
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
- Severe allergic reactions
- Severe gastrointestinal reactions
- Increased heart rate
- Pulmonary aspiration during sedation or anesthesia
This information is not comprehensive. Please see the full Prescribing Information for complete safety information.
Shared Black Box Warning (All Medications Above):
Animal studies identified an increased risk of Thyroid C-cell Tumors. Whether this risk exists in humans is unknown. Do not use in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or MEN 2.
Do not combine GLP-1 receptor agonists (e.g., Ozempic®, Saxenda®, Victoza®, Byetta®, or Bydureon®).
How should my medication be administered?
These medications are self-administered subcutaneous injections once weekly (thigh, stomach, or upper arm). Rotate the injection site each week. They may be taken with or without food. If you miss a dose and it’s been less than 5 days, take it as soon as possible. If more than 5 days have passed, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule.
What should I tell my provider before using my medication?
Share your full medical history, especially if you have or have had: type 1 or 2 diabetes, thyroid cancer, pancreatitis, kidney disease, diabetic retinopathy, gallbladder problems, depression, or suicidal thoughts.
Also, tell your provider about all medications, vitamins, and supplements you take. Some medications to watch for include insulin, sulfonylureas (glipizide, glyburide), and oral agents that lower blood sugar.
GLP-1 receptor agonists should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.Remember: Never share your injector pen.
This summary is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice. Always consult your physician before making any changes to your treatment plan.