Frequently Asked Questions - Side Effects

Most of the side effects are mild and well tolerated. However, at times, they can

become more bothersome requiring treatment or medication adjustment. We start you on a low dose of your medication and slowly titrate upwards allowing your body to adjust to the medication's affect. Increasing your dose will be based upon your response and tolerability of the medication.

Nausea, mild belching, and constipation.

• Nausea and belching - we recommend small meal sizes. In the beginning, you may struggle with this. Eating until you are about 80% full is a good start. Eat slowly, as well. This will give your body time to inform you that you have reached your satiety level (the feeling of fullness). Over time, you will find that you will only need 1/3-1/2 the amount you ate previously.

• Additionally, look at the foods you are eating. Certain foods may trigger your nausea while others may relieve it. Cruciferous vegetables may not be as well tolerated. Carbonated beverages may leave you feeling much more bloated.

• Anti-nausea lozenges are available commercially. You can generally obtain these on Amazon or at your local store or pharmacy. Ginger is a great option to treat nausea. You may find the Ginger-flavored lozenges to your liking.

• Clients find that rotating injection sites can affect the side effects. Some feel that injecting Semaglutide or Tirzepatide into the fatty portion of the thigh produces less nausea than injecting into the abdomen.

• If dietary changes or OTC remedies are not helping, our provider may be able to prescribe an antiemetic (anti-nausea) medication for you. This can be prescribed to your local pharmacy, at your cost. Please consider non-medicated options first, as these would be better for you in the long-term.

• Constipation can become a real problem while taking Semaglutide or Tirzepatide, due to the delayed gastric emptying and diuresis affect. Hydration is key, however, it may not be enough. High-fiber foods will help.

• Psyllium husk supplement is another option. If helps alleviate constipation, without causing bloating. Additionally, it has the benefit of reducing hunger and overeating.

• Miralax is also a gently product that can be taken daily or every other day to keep you regular. You can titrate Miralax according to your needs. Mix the recommended dose in a glass of sugar-free juice or water-based drinks and drink, or just sprinkle it over foods such as yogurt, applesauce, mashed potatoes. It is tasteless and will blend right in!