Safety Overview

Date of Last Update: 11.2.2026

Important Safety Information

GLP-1 medications prescribed by Apios Health

Apios Health clinicians may prescribe the following GLP-1 medications when they are appropriate for you. We don’t carry, stock, sell, or dispense medication. You fill your prescription at the pharmacy of your choice.

  • Foundayo (orforglipron), oral tablet

  • Wegovy (semaglutide), injection

  • Wegovy Pill (semaglutide), oral tablet

  • Zepbound (tirzepatide), injection

  • Saxenda (liraglutide), injection

  • Mounjaro (tirzepatide), injection

  • Ozempic (semaglutide), injection

About these medications

GLP-1 medications are prescription drugs approved by the FDA for specific uses. Each one has its own approved indications, which may include chronic weight management, type 2 diabetes, or both. Using a medication for a purpose outside its approved uses is considered off-label. Apios Health clinicians prescribe these medications only when they determine that a medication is appropriate for you.

FDA-approved uses

Foundayo (orforglipron): Long-term weight reduction and maintenance in adults with obesity, or adults with overweight and at least one weight-related condition.

Wegovy (semaglutide) injection: Chronic weight management in adults and children 12 and older. Also approved to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with established cardiovascular disease and overweight or obesity, and for MASH with liver fibrosis.

Wegovy Pill (semaglutide): Chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with a weight-related condition. Also approved to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in adults with established cardiovascular disease and overweight or obesity.

Zepbound (tirzepatide) injection: Chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with a weight-related condition. Also approved for moderate-to-severe obstructive sleep apnea in adults with obesity.

Saxenda (liraglutide) injection: Chronic weight management in adults with obesity or overweight with a weight-related condition, and in adolescents 12 to 17 with obesity.

Mounjaro (tirzepatide) injection: Type 2 diabetes, to improve blood sugar in adults.

Ozempic (semaglutide) injection: Type 2 diabetes, to improve blood sugar in adults. Also approved to reduce cardiovascular risk in adults with type 2 diabetes and established cardiovascular disease, and to reduce kidney risk in adults with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease.

These medications have been shown in clinical trials to support blood sugar control and/or weight reduction in appropriate patients. Like all medications, they carry risks. This information does not replace the full prescribing information or medication guide for your specific medication, and it is not a substitute for medical advice. Discuss your risks and benefits with your clinician before starting.

How GLP-1 medications work

These medications can help your body regulate blood sugar, slow how quickly food leaves your stomach, reduce appetite, and support weight loss. Because they affect digestion and hormones, side effects most often involve the digestive system.

Common side effects

The most common side effects are digestive. They may be more noticeable when you first start a medication or when your dose increases. These may include:

  • Nausea

  • Vomiting

  • Diarrhea

  • Constipation

  • Stomach pain or discomfort

  • Decreased appetite

  • Indigestion, acid reflux, or heartburn

  • Fatigue

  • Dizziness

For many people these symptoms improve as the body adjusts. Some people need a dose adjustment, and starting at a lower dose and increasing gradually may help. If symptoms feel severe, don’t improve, or get in the way of daily life, message your Apios clinician.

Serious risks

Serious side effects are uncommon, but you should know what to watch for.

Thyroid tumor risk (boxed warning). All of these medications carry a boxed warning. In animal studies, GLP-1 medications caused thyroid C-cell tumors in rodents. It is not known whether they cause thyroid cancer in humans. Routine monitoring for thyroid tumors is not established. Contact your clinician promptly if you notice a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath.

Pancreatitis. In rare cases, these medications may cause pancreatitis, including fatal and non-fatal cases. Stop the medication and seek urgent care for severe, persistent stomach pain, pain that spreads to your back, or nausea or vomiting that doesn’t stop.

Gallbladder problems. These medications may increase the risk of gallstones and gallbladder inflammation. Seek care for severe pain in the upper right side of your abdomen, fever, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.

Kidney problems. Severe vomiting or diarrhea can cause dehydration, which may affect your kidneys. Contact your clinician if you can’t keep fluids down, feel unusually weak or lightheaded, or notice reduced urination.

Severe gastrointestinal reactions. Serious GI reactions can occur, particularly when starting or increasing a dose. Contact your clinician if symptoms are severe or don’t improve.

Low blood sugar. These medications used alone don’t usually cause low blood sugar. Your risk increases if you also take insulin or a sulfonylurea. Symptoms include shaking, sweating, fast heartbeat, confusion, and feeling faint. Ask your clinician whether your other diabetes medication doses need adjusting.

Diabetic eye disease. In people with diabetes, worsening diabetic retinopathy has been reported. Tell your clinician about any changes in your vision.

Mood changes. Tell your clinician if you notice new or worsening depression, or changes in your mood, thoughts, or behavior. If you are in immediate danger, call 911 or your local emergency number.

Delayed stomach emptying. These medications slow digestion. This can affect how oral medications are absorbed and may increase the risk of pulmonary aspiration during anesthesia or deep sedation. Tell your healthcare team you take a GLP-1 medication before any surgery, procedure requiring sedation, or new oral medication.

Serious allergic reactions. Although rare, severe allergic reactions can occur. Stop the medication and call 911 if you have swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat, trouble breathing, or a severe rash.

Do not use if you:

  • Have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)

  • Have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)

  • Have had a serious allergic reaction to this medication

  • Are pregnant, trying to become pregnant, or breastfeeding

Do not take with another GLP-1 medication. Don’t use these medications together with another GLP-1 receptor agonist or a tirzepatide-containing product.

Always tell your clinician if you:

  • Have a history of pancreatitis

  • Have gallbladder disease or kidney problems

  • Have diabetic eye disease

  • Take insulin, other diabetes medications, oral contraceptives, or levothyroxine

  • Have depression or mood changes

  • Have a procedure or surgery scheduled

Keeping all of your healthcare providers informed helps ensure safe, coordinated care.

Emergencies

Apios Health is a text-based service and is not for emergencies. If you think you have a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.