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Tirzepatide Side Effects

Tirzepatide Side Effects

People have suffered dangerous health side effects after taking the drug tirzepatide. Some of these side effects aren’t listed on the medication label.

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Case Overview

Some people taking tirzepatide have experienced blood clots, gastroparesis, ileus and stomach pain. Many of these side effects are not included on the drug’s label. Those who believe they have been harmed by tirzepatide may be in a good position to file a lawsuit against the drug manufacturers that failed to disclose alleged severe side effects.

Key takeaways about tirzepatide side effects

  • Some people who’ve used tirzepatide have later experienced serious or long-term, irreversible health conditions after taking the drug.
  • Labels on tirzepatide’s brand-name drugs didn’t warn of the potential for some dangerous side effects, like gastroparesis, that some users of the medication have experienced.
  • There is an MDL (multidistrict litigation) for people who’ve suffered injuries from GLP-1 RAs like tirzepatide. Over 1,000 actions were pending in the MDL as of October 2024. 

What is tirzepatide?

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.

 

Brand name

Active Ingredient

Approved to treat

Manufacturer

Mounjaro

tirzepatide

Type 2 diabetes

Eli Lilly

Zepbound

tirzepatide

Chronic weight management

Eli Lilly

Ozempic

semaglutide

Type 2 diabetes

Novo Nordisk

Wegovy

semaglutide

Chronic weight management

Novo Nordisk

What are the negative side effects of tirzepatide?

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. 

Contact a tirzepatide lawyer today

If you or a loved one experienced what you believe is a serious tirzepatide side effect, you may be eligible to sue Eli Lilly, the manufacturer of Zepbound and Mounjaro.

Complete this webform or call 1.800.768.4026 to contact attorneys Sara Couch and Jonathan Orent for more information or to discuss a potential claim.

Other tirzepatide side effects

Mounjaro and Zepbound labels list multiple side effects, including:

Listed health effects of Mounjaro

Listed health effects of Zepbound

  • Abdominal pain
  • Acute gallbladder disease 
  • Acute kidney injury (AKI)
  • Allergic reaction
  • Constipation
  • Decreased appetite
  • Diabetic retinopathy complications 
  • Diarrhea
  • Dyspepsia (indigestion)
  • Hypersensitivity reactions
  • Hypoglycemia
  • Nausea
  • Pancreatitis
  • Severe gastrointestinal disease
  • Vomiting

 

 

 

  • Abdominal pain
  • Acute gallbladder disease 
  • Acute kidney injury (AKI)
  • Acute pancreatitis
  • Allergic reaction
  • Constipation
  • Diabetic retinopathy complications (in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus)
  • Diarrhea
  • Dyspepsia (indigestion)
  • Eructation (belching)
  • Fatigue
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Hair loss
  • Hypersensitivity reactions
  • Hypoglycemia 
  • Injection site reactions
  • Nausea
  • Severe gastrointestinal disease
  • Suicidal behavior and ideation
  • Vomiting

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

FAQs about tirzepatide weight loss side effects

Are there tirzepatide side effects involving the thyroid?

The drug labels for Zepbound and Mounjaro mention a risk of thyroid C-cell tumors. Both drugs are brand names for tirzepatide. During trials, tirzepatide caused thyroid C-cell tumors in rats. It’s unknown whether it causes thyroid tumors in humans. As of October 2024, 124 adverse reactions of tirzepatide drugs reported to the FDA included thyroid changes, including masses and tumors.

If you suspect thyroid problems from tirzepatide, contact your doctor at once. Such problems may include a hoarse voice, or lumps or swelling in the neck or throat. Other signs of thyroid issues include trouble breathing and swallowing.

How long do tirzepatide side effects last?

Side effects from tirzepatide usage can vary in length and severity. Some people see their injuries resolve after a brief treatment period or hospitalization. Other people develop severe and long-lasting conditions from purported side effects. Some purported side effects or related complications may be life-threatening.

If you believe you’re suffering in connection with tirzepatide injections, consult a doctor immediately. Any side effects could indicate a severe health condition that needs medical care.

Are there tirzepatide long-term side effects?

Yes — some alleged tirzepatide side effects or related health complications may be long-lasting or permanent. For example, a patient who develops gastroparesis after taking tirzepatide may require treatment for the rest of their life to manage the condition. Gastroparesis has no cure.

Can you sue over tirzepatide side effects?

Yes, patients who were injured while taking tirzepatide may be able to sue Eli Lilly over the unlisted side effects. Hundreds of weight-loss drug and diabetes drug lawsuits against GLP-1 RAs manufacturers have already been consolidated into multidistrict litigation (MDL). 

Given the serious, long-term health conditions associated with GLP-1 RA drugs, many plaintiffs seek compensation to cover medical bills related to surgeries and ongoing treatments. 

If you suffered an injury you believe is related to a tirzepatide side effect, speak with an attorney about filing a tirzepatide lawsuit and holding Eli Lilly accountable.

Our diabetes drugs experience

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. 

What is tirzepatide?

What are the negative side effects of tirzepatide?

Other tirzepatide side effects

FAQs about tirzepatide weight loss side effects

Our diabetes drug experience

About the Author

Sources
  1. Cleveland Clinic. Blood Clots.
  2. Cleveland Clinic. Gastroparesis.
  3. Cleveland Clinic. GLP-1 Agonists.
  4. Cleveland Clinic. Tirzepatide Injection.
  5. Drugs.com. Tirzepatide vs. Semaglutide: How Do They Compare?
  6. Eli Lilly. FDA Approves Lilly’s Mounjaro (Tirzepatide).
  7. Eli Lilly. FDA Approves Lilly’s Zepbound (Tirzepatide).
  8. Mayo Clinic. Deep Vein Thrombosis.
  9. Mayo Clinic. Pulmonary Embolism.
  10. Mayo Clinic. Tirzepatide (Subcutaneous Route).
  11. Merck Manual. Ileus.
  12. National Library of Medicine. Tirzepatide.
  13. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. FAERS Public Dashboard.
  14. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Mounjaro Label.
  15. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Questions and Answers on FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS).
  16. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Zepbound Label.