Zepbound and Vomiting

Zepbound is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA). Using the active ingredient tirzepatide, Zepbound is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help with weight management for chronically obese or overweight adults with weight-related health issues.

Pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly began marketing tirzepatide under the brand name Zepbound in November 2023.

Yes, many patients have reported taking Zepbound and vomiting afterward. Vomiting while on Zepbound can be a serious side effect. Repeated vomiting can lead to dehydration if the condition isn’t treated. Dehydration related to vomiting can lead to health problems like kidney failure. 

Some people recover from vomiting and dehydration after a brief hospitalization. Other people have more severe side effects that require surgery. 

Those who suffer repeated vomiting from taking Zepbound may also experience symptoms of gastroparesis. Other secondary health issues related to Zepbound and vomiting could include:

• Dehydration
• Difficulties controlling blood glucose
• Malnutrition from a failure to absorb nutrients
• Neurological disorders

For some people on Zepbound, side effects are not reversible. For these people, the conditions that result from repeated vomiting could lead to a fatality.

How common is vomiting on Zepbound?

Vomiting is a common side effect of Zepbound. According to the Zepbound label:

• 13% of people taking 15 mg Zepbound reported vomiting as an adverse reaction.
• 11% of people taking 10 mg Zepbound reported vomiting.
• 8% of people taking 5 mg Zepbound reported vomiting.
• 2% of people taking a placebo reported vomiting.

The FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) mentioned vomiting as a common event. During 2024, 2.79% of the reported reactions for Zepbound on FAERS involved vomiting. FAERS is intended to help identify safety concerns related to marketed products, but it does not prove any product or drug is linked or caused a particular side effect or injury. Reports by themselves are not an indicator of a drug’s safety profile. In addition, FAERS may include duplicate reports or may significantly undercount harms.

How serious is nausea from Zepbound?

Nausea is another common side effect of Zepbound that may co-occur with vomiting. Like vomiting, nausea may also be a precursor to a more serious condition. The Zepbound approval label discloses the following warning associated with nausea.

“Use of Zepbound has been associated with acute kidney injury, which can result from dehydration due to gastrointestinal adverse reactions to Zepbound; including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.”

The label lists nausea as the most common side effect of Zepbound, occurring in up to 29% of patients on the drug. It says nausea is most common when doses are increased. According to FAERS, nausea was mentioned in 8.56% of adverse reaction reports.

If you experience Zepbound nausea after eating or at any other time, inform your doctor.

When someone suffers vomiting from Zepbound, serious side effects are possible. 

• Gastroparesis is a specific type of stomach problem that could happen after taking Zepbound. Vomiting can be an initial symptom of gastroparesis. Those who have gastroparesis may suffer severe dehydration. Gastroparesis may also cause harm to the body from the lack of nutrients and hydration.
• Ileus is a failure of muscle contractions in the intestines. This failure can cause bowel obstructions. Prolonged ileus that goes untreated could be fatal.

The Zepbound label didn’t include a warning of gastroparesis as a side effect. It doesn’t list ileus or intestinal obstruction, either. The Zepbound label lists severe gastrointestinal adverse reactions. Yet, neither gastroparesis nor ileus appear under specific Adverse Reactions on the label.

Patients who took GLP-1 RAs, like Zepbound, have been hospitalized for severe injuries. Some plaintiffs have experienced disabling pain and malnutrition from gastroparesis and ileus. One plaintiff is bedridden from ongoing stomach pain. Such injuries led to GLP-1 RA lawsuits.

Eli Lilly began marketing Zepbound in November 2023. Its warning label mentioned health problems related to Zepbound usage, including:

• Acute gallbladder disease
• Acute kidney injury
• Acute pancreatitis
• Diabetic retinopathy complications in patients with type 2 diabetes
• Hypersensitivity reactions
• Hypoglycemia
• Risk of thyroid C-cell tumors (but seen only in rats during drug trials)
• Severe gastrointestinal disease
• Suicidal behavior and ideation

How long do Zepbound side effects last?

Zepbound patients may experience side effects lasting days, weeks or months. Minor side effects may resolve on their own within a matter of days. More severe side effects may require medical intervention to avoid becoming permanent.

Some people may need treatment with drugs or surgery over a few weeks or months to ease symptoms. Even after treatment, some people continue to suffer daily issues that never ease. 

Some people have developed irreversible secondary conditions related to taking Zepbound. You should see a doctor if you have any side effects related to taking Zepbound.

Can I sue for severe vomiting on Zepbound?

Yes, you could sue for severe vomiting from taking Zepbound. Past patients who suffered vomiting from Zepbound and other GLP-1 RAs filed lawsuits. Some plaintiffs in the lawsuits were hospitalized for their symptoms. Other plaintiffs became bedridden from severe pain.

What are my next steps in filing a Zepbound case?

To learn more about filing a Zepbound case, reach out to Motley Rice. Our medical attorneys can examine your case. We can provide advice on whether you have an injury claim related to taking Zepbound. We can file the claim against Zepbound’s manufacturer (Eli Lilly) for you.

Our medical attorneys have experience representing thousands of patients who suffered injuries caused by medical products. We represent victims of dangerous prescription and over-the-counter (OTC) drugs. If you or a loved one suffered injuries because of Zepbound and vomiting or another side effect, reach out to us. 

We lead the litigation against GLP-1 drugs, including Zepbound, Mounjaro, Ozempic and Wegovy. Our knowledge of these tirzepatide and semaglutide drugs is extensive. We have the resources you need to determine whether you’re eligible to file a lawsuit.

Read more on our medical drug litigation experience.

Do not stop taking a prescribed medication without first consulting with your doctor. Discontinuing a prescribed medication without your doctor's advice can result in injury or death. Zepbound, Mounjaro, Wegovy and Ozempic remain approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.