Harm check
Read the label cautions before the success stories
The common problems and the rare serious ones belong in the same conversation as possible benefit. Bring the parts that match your own history.
Stomach symptoms lead the lists
In Wegovy weight trials, 44 in 100 people taking semaglutide felt sick to the stomach, compared with 16 in 100 on a dummy shot. Diarrhea, vomiting and constipation were also common.
In Zepbound weight trials, about 25 to 29 in 100 people taking tirzepatide felt sick to the stomach, compared with 8 in 100 on a dummy shot.
In Saxenda weight trials, about 39 in 100 adults taking liraglutide felt sick to the stomach, compared with about 14 in 100 on a dummy shot.
- Ask what stomach problems matter for your own history.
- Ask who to contact if a symptom is hard to manage.
- Ask how an upcoming procedure changes the plan.
All three labels carry the same central unknown
Semaglutide labels carry the Food and Drug Administration’s strongest warning, called a boxed warning, about thyroid tumors seen in rats and mice. It is not known whether semaglutide causes them in people.
Tirzepatide labels carry a boxed warning about thyroid tumors seen in rats. The labels rule the medicine out for people with certain personal or family histories.
Liraglutide labels carry a boxed warning about thyroid tumors seen in rats and mice. It is not known whether liraglutide causes them in people.
- Bring any personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer, or MTC, the rare thyroid cancer named in the labels. Also mention MEN 2, a rare inherited condition, if it runs in your family.
- Bring a list of past serious reactions.
- Ask which exact product label applies.
Next in the pathway
See the three medicines side by side
The next page explains each brand, its uses and which versions can be swapped.