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Trizepatide vs Semalutide is a debatable comparison. People often wonder which medicine works better. Tirzepatide and semaglutide are the kind of medicines that are helpful for people who have type 2 diabetes are have to lose weight. These medicines suppress your hunger as they send messages to your brain, making you feel fuller.
Semaglutide works on your body like a chemical called GLP-1. This chemical tells your brain when your stomach is full. Tirzepatide copies two body chemicals – GLP-1 and GIP. This makes tirzepatide work better for some people because it has two helpers instead of one. Let’s have a deeper look at the semaglutide vs tirzepatide comparison and see which one is better in which situation.
Common Side Effects That Happen Often
Many people who take tirzepatide for weight loss experience, face these side effects. They are not dangerous but can make you feel uncomfortable.
Gastric Problems:
- Feeling sick to your stomach: This is the most common problem. You might feel like you want to throw up
- Throwing up: Some people throw up, especially in the first few weeks
- Loose bowel movements: Your bowel movements might be watery or happen more often than normal.
- Hard bowel movements: Some people have trouble going to the bathroom.
- Stomach pain: Your belly might hurt or feel crampy
- Heartburn: You might feel a burning in your chest after eating
Other Common Problems
Besides stomach issues, you might notice these other changes in your body.
- Feeling very tired: You might feel sleepy or have less energy than usual
- Not wanting to eat: Food might not seem interesting to you
- Burping more: You might burp more often than before
- Pain where you get the injectionshot: The spot where you inject the medicine might hurt or turn red
- Hair falling out: Some people lose more hair than normal usually due to the malnourishment.
Serious Side Effects You Should Know About
Some side effects are more serious and need quick medical help. These do not happen to most people, but you should know about them.
Pancreatic Problems:
The pancreas helps you digest food. Sometimes this medicine can cause the pancreas to get swollen. and painful.
Signs your pancreas might be in trouble:
- Very bad stomach pain that does not go away
- Pain in your back
- Feeling sick and throwing up that gets worse and does not improve.
- Fever
If you have these signs, call your doctor right away or go to the hospital.
Low Blood Sugar:
If you have a history of diabetes, and take diabetes take other diabetes medicines with this medicine, your blood sugar might drop too low because of the decrease in food intake. This can be dangerous.
Signs of low blood sugar:
- Feeling shaky or dizzy
- Sweating a lot
- Feeling confused
- Heart beating fast
- Feeling very hungry
Keep glucose tablets or candy with you in case this happens.
Gallbladder Problems:
Your gallbladder stores bile that helps digest fat. Some studies show that this medicine might cause stones to form in your gallbladder.
Signs of gallbladder problems:
- Pain in the upper right part of your stomach
- Pain in your right shoulder
- Yellow skin or eyes
- Fever with chills
Thyroid Cancer Risk
Studies in animals showed that this medicine might cause thyroid cancer. Doctors are not sure if this happens in people, too. Inform your doctor if you notice:
- A lump in your neck
- Trouble swallowing
- Voice changes
- Trouble breathing
Long Term Side Effects
The long-term effects of GLP-1s are still under study by doctors. But some of them are given below:
Weight Changes
Most people who take GLP-1s lose weight. It is often a good thing, but some people lose too much weight too fast. Your doctor will watch your weight carefully.
Kidney Problems:
If you vomit or have loose bowel movements a lot, you might lose too much water from your body. This can hurt your kidneys.
Signs to watch for:
- Not urinating much
- Feeling very thirsty
- Feeling dizzy when you stand up
- Dark yellow urine
Changes in Mood
Some people feel sad or worried when taking Tirzepatide. Although not confirmed, some studies show that some people have thoughts about hurting themselves.
Tell your doctor right away if you:
- Feel very sad
- Think about hurting yourself
- Feel more worried than usual
- Have trouble sleeping
How to Handle Side Effects
You can do several things to feel better while taking this medicine. These tips help many people manage their side effects.
For Stomach Problems
- Eat smaller meals
- Eat slowly
- Avoid greasy foods
- Drink clear liquids
- Try ginger teas
For Tiredness
- Get enough sleep
- Take short naps
- Do light exercise
- Eat healthy foods
For injection Site Pain
- Use different spots
- Let the medicine warm up
- Use ice
- Keep the area clean
When to Call Your Doctor
- You should call your doctor right away if you have any of these serious problems:
- Stomach pain for a long time
- Throwing up so much that you cannot keep liquids down
- Signs of very low blood sugar
- Yellow skin or eyes
- Trouble breathing or swallowing
- Thoughts about hurting yourself
- Lump in your neck
- Not urinating for many hours
Recovery and Getting Better
Most people start to feel better after taking this medicine for a few weeks. Your body needs time to get used to the medicine.
The first month is usually the hardest. After that, most side effects get much better or go away completely. Some people feel normal again after just two weeks. But if you still feel the symptoms are not gone, it is better to consult your doctor.
Final Thoughts
Most people start to feel better after taking this medicine for a few weeks. Your body needs time to get used to the medicine.
The first month is usually the hardest. After that, most side effects get much better or go away completely. Some people feel normal again after just two weeks. But if you still feel the symptoms are not gone, it is better to consult your doctor.
This medicine can be very helpful for diabetics or obese people. Like all medicines, people can experience side effects. Most side effects are not very serious and get better with time. Your doctor can help you manage side effects and decide if tirzepatide is right for you.
Listen to your doctor’s instructions and watch for warning signs. GLP-1s can be a safe and effective medicine for you if administered properly.
Frequently Asked Question
When should I take another shot if I miss a dose?
If you realise you missed a dose, take it as soon as you remember, preferably within 4 days of the last dose. If more than 4 days have passed, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule. Don't double up on doses.
Are the side effects of trizepatide the same as other weight loss medications?
Tirzepatide has a better side effect ratio compared to many other weight loss medications.
Will I regain weight if I stop taking this medicine?
There is a gain in weight again after you stop using tirzepatide, as this medication helps in suppressing your hunger and decreases your metabolic rate.
Do the side effects of tirzepatide stay for long?
They are most visible during the first 4-8 weeks of treatment and when the dose is increased. These effects become less as your body adjusts to the medication.
