Tirzepatide Side Effects

Tirzepatide is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. It’s part of a class of drugs called GLP-1 RAs (glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists). GLP-1 RAs mimic the naturally occurring GLP-1 hormone in the body. This hormone helps manage glucose levels in the blood. The GLP-1 hormone also can help you feel fuller as you’re eating.

Tirzepatide is the generic name of the drug. Drug maker Eli Lilly markets tirzepatide under the brand names Mounjaro® and Zepbound®.

In May 2022, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved tirzepatide to treat type 2 diabetes under the brand name Mounjaro. Mounjaro helps control type 2 diabetes by increasing insulin levels in the body to lower one’s blood sugar.

In November 2023, the FDA approved tirzepatide for chronic weight management under the brand name Zepbound. The FDA approved Zepbound to treat adults who are overweight or obese and have a weight-related health problem. Weight-related health problems include:

• Cardiovascular disease
• Dyslipidemia
• Hypertension
• Obstructive sleep apnea
• Type 2 diabetes mellitus

Is tirzepatide similar to Ozempic and Wegovy?

Yes, like Ozempic® and Wegovy®, tirzepatide is also a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA). However, these drugs utilize the active ingredient semaglutide rather than tirzepatide. Despite this difference, people take semaglutide-based drugs and tirzepatide-based medications in a similar manner. Mounjaro, Ozempic, Wegovy and Zepbound are all administered through injections under the skin.

The Mounjaro and Zepbound drug labels list several side effects of these drugs. However, some alleged long-term injuries for those using tirzepatide involve health outcomes not listed on the labels. People who’ve experienced some of these serious unlisted health conditions are filing Mounjaro and Zepbound lawsuits. 

Learn more about some of the tirzepatide side effects and health complications that are alleged and unlisted.

Blood clots and deep vein thrombosis

Blood clots are gel-like masses of red blood cells stuck together. The clotting of blood is important to control and stop bleeding. However, blood clots that form inside arteries and veins may cause serious medical issues. 

Deep vein thrombosis (DVT) is a health condition in which a blood clot forms in a large vein in some part of the body, often the legs. This blood clot could travel to the lungs and potentially block blood flow to the lungs, causing a pulmonary embolism. Without immediate treatment, a pulmonary embolism can be fatal.

Neither blood clots nor deep vein thrombosis are listed as side effects on tirzepatide drug labels. However, studies have linked GLP-1 RAs, like tirzepatide, with deep vein thrombosis. 

Additionally, several patients taking tirzepatide have reported DVT and pulmonary embolisms in the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) after taking the medication. There have been deaths associated with tirzepatide reported as well.

Gastroparesis

Gastroparesis is a disorder that causes paralysis of the stomach, or delayed gastric emptying. It affects the nerves and muscles that control stomach contractions, making it hard for the body to pass food through the stomach and into the small intestine.

Complications of gastroparesis include loss of appetite, severe stomach pain and vomiting. Frequent vomiting from gastroparesis may lead to dehydration and malnutrition.

People suffering from gastroparesis may need hospitalization. Some complications of gastroparesis may be life-threatening without treatment. 

GLP-1 RAs, like tirzepatide, may be linked to gastroparesis. However, neither the Mounjaro nor Zepbound labels warn patients about the condition.

Learn more about gastroparesis lawsuits.

Ileus

Ileus occurs when normal muscle contractions don’t occur in the intestines. Ileus prevents the passage of food through the intestines and causes symptoms similar to an intestinal blockage. It may even lead to a blockage.

Symptoms of ileus include:

• Abdominal bloating
• Abdominal pain
• Cramps
• Loss of appetite
• Nausea
• Severe constipation
• Vomiting

Ileus injuries can range from moderate to severe. Ileus may cause both chronic and permanent conditions. Prolonged ileus could lead to death.

Patients have reported ileus on the FAERS public dashboard after taking tirzepatide. The initial Mounjaro and Zepbound labels didn’t contain warnings of ileus or intestinal obstruction. However, both drug labels have now been updated to include ileus. The condition is listed as a “postmarketing experience.” This means it was discovered by patients and physicians after the drug had already gone to market.

Vision changes

Certain vision changes are a listed side effect on tirzepatide drug labels. Others are not. According to the FAERS public dashboard, some people who took tirzepatide later experienced health problems related to vision changes, including blurred vision, loss of vision in one eye, and tunnel vision.

The Zepbound label lists changes in vision as a possible tirzepatide side effect of diabetic retinopathy. However, it only mentions the side effect as a possibility for patients with type 2 diabetes.

*Reports by themselves are not an indicator of a drug’s safety profile. In addition, FAERS may include duplicate reports or may significantly undercount injuries. 

Mounjaro and Zepbound labels list multiple side effects, including:

If you’re suffering from any of these side effects after taking tirzepatide, reach out to your doctor immediately.

We have represented thousands of patients in dangerous drug lawsuits. We help people who suffer injuries in connection with taking over-the-counter and prescription medications. We also help with injuries related to use of medical devices.

If you believe a medication like tirzepatide made you sick or harmed your health in any way, our attorneys have the resources to thoroughly investigate your claim. We are ready to speak with you today about your legal options.

Read more about our medical drug litigation experience.

Never discontinue a prescribed medication without first consulting your physician. Stopping a prescribed medication without your doctor’s advice may result in injury or death. Mounjaro, Zepbound, Ozempic, Wegovy remain approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.