New Delhi: The term weight loss drug itself sounds quite revolutionising in the fitness world. But the question is it a sweet escape from the hard work and pain of exercising? Most recently, an expert committee of India’s drug regulator gave a green light to the drug tripeptide. Both injectable Semaglutide and Tirzepatide are prescription medications used alongside diet and exercise to help control blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes and to promote weight loss in people with obesity. But do you know what are the side effects of these drugs?
Dr Rajiv Kovil, Head of Diabetology, Zandra Healthcare and Co-founder of the Rang De Neela initiative shared with News9, “Gastrointestinal side effects, like nausea and diarrhoea, are the most common with these drugs. Gradually increasing the dose, as directed by your healthcare provider, can help manage these stomach-related side effects.”
Differences and Common Side Effects
The Rybelsus brand of semaglutide is also available as an oral tablet for type 2 diabetes. Mounjaro (tirzepatide) and Ozempic (semaglutide) belong to the incretin mimetics class but act on different receptors. Mounjaro targets both GIP and GLP-1 receptors, while Ozempic targets only GLP-1 receptors.
Mounjaro (tirzepatide), from Eli Lilly, is a dual-acting GIP and GLP-1 receptor agonist. It lowers fasting and postprandial glucose levels, decreases food intake, and reduces body weight.
Comparative Efficacy and Side Effects
Studies show that tirzepatide at various doses is more effective in lowering A1c levels compared to semaglutide but is associated with more gastrointestinal side effects.
Side Effects of Mounjaro
According to Dr Kovil, “Commonly reported side effects in Mounjaro studies include nausea, diarrhoea, decreased appetite, vomiting, and constipation. About 3 per cent to 6.6 per cent of patients stopped treatment due to gastrointestinal issues compared to 0.4 per cent with placebo. Other side effects include hypoglycemia, increased heart rate, allergic reactions, injection site reactions, acute gallbladder disease, and elevated pancreatic enzymes.”
Side Effects of Ozempic
Ozempic’s common side effects include nausea, diarrhoea, vomiting, constipation, heartburn, and abdominal pain. “About 3.1 per cent to 3.8 per cent of patients discontinued treatment due to gastrointestinal issues compared to 0.4 per cent with placebo. Other side effects include hypoglycemia, injection site reactions, elevated pancreatic enzymes, gallstones, increased heart rate, fatigue, altered taste, allergic reactions, and dizziness,” added Dr Kovil.
Boxed Warnings and Recent FDA Updates
Both Mounjaro and Ozempic carry Boxed Warnings for potential thyroid tumours, including cancer, seen in animal studies. They are not recommended for individuals with a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
In September 2023, the FDA updated the side effects for Ozempic to include a potential risk of ileus, an intestinal blockage. This warning also applies to Mounjaro and other semaglutide products like Wegovy and Rybelsus. Ileus involves a failure of the intestinal contents to pass through due to muscle or nerve issues in the intestine.
Warnings and Precautions
Do not use these medications if you have a history of pancreatitis, gallstone disease, pregnancy, lactation, or diabetic retinopathy with type 2 diabetes.
Understanding these side effects and warnings is crucial for patients considering or currently using Semaglutide or Tirzepatide. Always consult with your healthcare provider to ensure these medications are appropriate for your condition and to manage any potential side effects effectively.
Studies show that tirzepatide at various doses is more effective in lowering A1c levels compared to semaglutide but is associated with more gastrointestinal side effects. Expert says do not use these medications if you have a history of pancreatitis, gallstone disease, pregnancy, lactation, or diabetic retinopathy with type 2 diabetes. Health Conditions Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
