GLP-1 Side Effect Timeline — When Each Side Effect Peaks and Resolves
Honest answer: This shows population-level patterns from clinical trials and FDA labels — not a prediction for any one person. Your timeline depends on dose-escalation speed, prior GLP-1 exposure, individual sensitivity, and concurrent meds. Severe or persistent symptoms warrant calling your prescriber.
Choose a GLP-1 to see its side-effect timeline
| Side effect | Weeks 0–4 | Weeks 5–8 | Weeks 9–16 | Weeks 17–40 | Week 41+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nausea | |||||
| Vomiting | |||||
| Diarrhea | |||||
| Constipation | |||||
| Abdominal pain | |||||
| Fatigue | |||||
| Headache |
Stop and call your prescriber for severe or persistent vomiting, severe abdominal pain (possible pancreatitis), right upper-quadrant pain (possible gallbladder), or symptoms not on this timeline. Trial-derived patterns describe populations, not individuals.
Wegovy side-effect timeline
| Side effect | Weeks 0-4 | Weeks 5-8 | Weeks 9-16 | Weeks 17-40 | Weeks 41+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| nausea | PEAK (~44% cum.) (STEP-1 Table 3 (Adverse Events) — Wilding NEJM 2021). Verbatim: “Nausea: 577 (44.2) [semaglutide] vs 114 (17.4) [placebo] [Table 3 Adverse Events reported in ≥10% of participants]” | PEAK (~44% cum.) (STEP-1 Table 3 (Adverse Events) — Wilding NEJM 2021). Verbatim: “Nausea: 577 (44.2) [semaglutide] vs 114 (17.4) [placebo] [Table 3 Adverse Events reported in ≥10% of participants]” | TAPER (STEP-1 Safety section — Wilding NEJM 2021). Verbatim: “Most gastrointestinal events were mild-to-moderate in severity, were transient, and resolved without permanent discontinuation of the regimen.” | RESOLVED (STEP-1 Safety section — Wilding NEJM 2021). Verbatim: “Most gastrointestinal events were mild-to-moderate in severity, were transient, and resolved without permanent discontinuation of the regimen.” | RESOLVED (STEP-1 Safety section — Wilding NEJM 2021). Verbatim: “Most gastrointestinal events were mild-to-moderate in severity, were transient, and resolved without permanent discontinuation of the regimen.” |
| vomiting | PEAK (~25% cum.) (STEP-1 Table 3 (Adverse Events) — Wilding NEJM 2021). Verbatim: “Vomiting: 324 (24.8) [semaglutide] vs 43 (6.6) [placebo] [Table 3 Adverse Events reported in ≥10% of participants]” | PEAK (~25% cum.) (STEP-1 Table 3 (Adverse Events) — Wilding NEJM 2021). Verbatim: “Vomiting: 324 (24.8) [semaglutide] vs 43 (6.6) [placebo] [Table 3 Adverse Events reported in ≥10% of participants]” | TAPER (STEP-1 Safety section — Wilding NEJM 2021). Verbatim: “Most gastrointestinal events were mild-to-moderate in severity, were transient, and resolved without permanent discontinuation of the regimen.” | RESOLVED (STEP-1 Safety section — Wilding NEJM 2021). Verbatim: “Most gastrointestinal events were mild-to-moderate in severity, were transient, and resolved without permanent discontinuation of the regimen.” | RESOLVED (STEP-1 Safety section — Wilding NEJM 2021). Verbatim: “Most gastrointestinal events were mild-to-moderate in severity, were transient, and resolved without permanent discontinuation of the regimen.” |
| diarrhea | PEAK (~32% cum.) (STEP-1 Table 3 (Adverse Events) — Wilding NEJM 2021). Verbatim: “Diarrhea: 412 (31.5) [semaglutide] vs 104 (15.9) [placebo] [Table 3 Adverse Events reported in ≥10% of participants]” | PEAK (~32% cum.) (STEP-1 Table 3 (Adverse Events) — Wilding NEJM 2021). Verbatim: “Diarrhea: 412 (31.5) [semaglutide] vs 104 (15.9) [placebo] [Table 3 Adverse Events reported in ≥10% of participants]” | TAPER (STEP-1 Safety section — Wilding NEJM 2021). Verbatim: “Most gastrointestinal events were mild-to-moderate in severity, were transient, and resolved without permanent discontinuation of the regimen.” | RESOLVED (STEP-1 Safety section — Wilding NEJM 2021). Verbatim: “Most gastrointestinal events were mild-to-moderate in severity, were transient, and resolved without permanent discontinuation of the regimen.” | RESOLVED (STEP-1 Safety section — Wilding NEJM 2021). Verbatim: “Most gastrointestinal events were mild-to-moderate in severity, were transient, and resolved without permanent discontinuation of the regimen.” |
| constipation | 24% cumulative (Wegovy FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Constipation: 24% vs 11% [WEGOVY 2.4 mg vs placebo, Section 6.1 most common adverse reactions table]” | 24% cumulative (Wegovy FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Constipation: 24% vs 11% [WEGOVY 2.4 mg vs placebo, Section 6.1 most common adverse reactions table]” | 24% cumulative (Wegovy FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Constipation: 24% vs 11% [WEGOVY 2.4 mg vs placebo, Section 6.1 most common adverse reactions table]” | 24% cumulative (Wegovy FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Constipation: 24% vs 11% [WEGOVY 2.4 mg vs placebo, Section 6.1 most common adverse reactions table]” | 24% cumulative (Wegovy FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Constipation: 24% vs 11% [WEGOVY 2.4 mg vs placebo, Section 6.1 most common adverse reactions table]” |
| abdominal-pain | 20% cumulative (Wegovy FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Abdominal Pain: 20% vs 10% [WEGOVY 2.4 mg vs placebo, Section 6.1 most common adverse reactions table]” | 20% cumulative (Wegovy FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Abdominal Pain: 20% vs 10% [WEGOVY 2.4 mg vs placebo, Section 6.1 most common adverse reactions table]” | 20% cumulative (Wegovy FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Abdominal Pain: 20% vs 10% [WEGOVY 2.4 mg vs placebo, Section 6.1 most common adverse reactions table]” | 20% cumulative (Wegovy FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Abdominal Pain: 20% vs 10% [WEGOVY 2.4 mg vs placebo, Section 6.1 most common adverse reactions table]” | 20% cumulative (Wegovy FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Abdominal Pain: 20% vs 10% [WEGOVY 2.4 mg vs placebo, Section 6.1 most common adverse reactions table]” |
| fatigue | 11% cumulative (Wegovy FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Fatigue: 11% vs 5% [WEGOVY 2.4 mg vs placebo, Section 6.1 most common adverse reactions table]” | 11% cumulative (Wegovy FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Fatigue: 11% vs 5% [WEGOVY 2.4 mg vs placebo, Section 6.1 most common adverse reactions table]” | 11% cumulative (Wegovy FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Fatigue: 11% vs 5% [WEGOVY 2.4 mg vs placebo, Section 6.1 most common adverse reactions table]” | 11% cumulative (Wegovy FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Fatigue: 11% vs 5% [WEGOVY 2.4 mg vs placebo, Section 6.1 most common adverse reactions table]” | 11% cumulative (Wegovy FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Fatigue: 11% vs 5% [WEGOVY 2.4 mg vs placebo, Section 6.1 most common adverse reactions table]” |
| headache | 14% cumulative (Wegovy FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Headache: 14% vs 10% [WEGOVY 2.4 mg vs placebo, Section 6.1 most common adverse reactions table]” | 14% cumulative (Wegovy FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Headache: 14% vs 10% [WEGOVY 2.4 mg vs placebo, Section 6.1 most common adverse reactions table]” | 14% cumulative (Wegovy FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Headache: 14% vs 10% [WEGOVY 2.4 mg vs placebo, Section 6.1 most common adverse reactions table]” | 14% cumulative (Wegovy FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Headache: 14% vs 10% [WEGOVY 2.4 mg vs placebo, Section 6.1 most common adverse reactions table]” | 14% cumulative (Wegovy FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Headache: 14% vs 10% [WEGOVY 2.4 mg vs placebo, Section 6.1 most common adverse reactions table]” |
Zepbound side-effect timeline
| Side effect | Weeks 0-4 | Weeks 5-8 | Weeks 9-16 | Weeks 17-40 | Weeks 41+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| nausea | PEAK (~30% cum.) (SURMOUNT-1 Table 4 (Adverse Events) — Jastreboff NEJM 2022). Verbatim: “Nausea: 5mg 155 (24.6), 10mg 212 (33.3), 15mg 195 (31.0), placebo 61 (9.5) [Table 4 AEs in ≥5% of participants]” | PEAK (~30% cum.) (SURMOUNT-1 Table 4 (Adverse Events) — Jastreboff NEJM 2022). Verbatim: “Nausea: 5mg 155 (24.6), 10mg 212 (33.3), 15mg 195 (31.0), placebo 61 (9.5) [Table 4 AEs in ≥5% of participants]” | TAPER (SURMOUNT-1 Safety section — Jastreboff NEJM 2022). Verbatim: “These adverse events ... were transient and mild to moderate in severity, and occurred primarily during the dose-escalation period.” | TAPER (SURMOUNT-1 Safety section — Jastreboff NEJM 2022). Verbatim: “These adverse events ... were transient and mild to moderate in severity, and occurred primarily during the dose-escalation period.” | RESOLVED (SURMOUNT-1 Safety section — Jastreboff NEJM 2022). Verbatim: “These adverse events ... were transient and mild to moderate in severity, and occurred primarily during the dose-escalation period.” |
| vomiting | PEAK (~11% cum.) (SURMOUNT-1 Table 4 (Adverse Events) — Jastreboff NEJM 2022). Verbatim: “Vomiting: 5mg 52 (8.3), 10mg 68 (10.7), 15mg 77 (12.2), placebo 11 (1.7) [Table 4 AEs in ≥5% of participants]” | PEAK (~11% cum.) (SURMOUNT-1 Table 4 (Adverse Events) — Jastreboff NEJM 2022). Verbatim: “Vomiting: 5mg 52 (8.3), 10mg 68 (10.7), 15mg 77 (12.2), placebo 11 (1.7) [Table 4 AEs in ≥5% of participants]” | TAPER (SURMOUNT-1 Safety section — Jastreboff NEJM 2022). Verbatim: “These adverse events ... were transient and mild to moderate in severity, and occurred primarily during the dose-escalation period.” | TAPER (SURMOUNT-1 Safety section — Jastreboff NEJM 2022). Verbatim: “These adverse events ... were transient and mild to moderate in severity, and occurred primarily during the dose-escalation period.” | RESOLVED (SURMOUNT-1 Safety section — Jastreboff NEJM 2022). Verbatim: “These adverse events ... were transient and mild to moderate in severity, and occurred primarily during the dose-escalation period.” |
| diarrhea | PEAK (~21% cum.) (SURMOUNT-1 Table 4 (Adverse Events) — Jastreboff NEJM 2022). Verbatim: “Diarrhea: 5mg 118 (18.7), 10mg 135 (21.2), 15mg 145 (23.0), placebo 47 (7.3) [Table 4 AEs in ≥5% of participants]” | PEAK (~21% cum.) (SURMOUNT-1 Table 4 (Adverse Events) — Jastreboff NEJM 2022). Verbatim: “Diarrhea: 5mg 118 (18.7), 10mg 135 (21.2), 15mg 145 (23.0), placebo 47 (7.3) [Table 4 AEs in ≥5% of participants]” | TAPER (SURMOUNT-1 Safety section — Jastreboff NEJM 2022). Verbatim: “These adverse events ... were transient and mild to moderate in severity, and occurred primarily during the dose-escalation period.” | TAPER (SURMOUNT-1 Safety section — Jastreboff NEJM 2022). Verbatim: “These adverse events ... were transient and mild to moderate in severity, and occurred primarily during the dose-escalation period.” | RESOLVED (SURMOUNT-1 Safety section — Jastreboff NEJM 2022). Verbatim: “These adverse events ... were transient and mild to moderate in severity, and occurred primarily during the dose-escalation period.” |
| constipation | 17% cumulative (Zepbound FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Constipation: ZEPBOUND 5 mg 17%, 10 mg 14%, 15 mg 11%, placebo 5% [pooled Studies 1 and 2, Section 6.1 adverse reactions ≥5%]” | 17% cumulative (Zepbound FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Constipation: ZEPBOUND 5 mg 17%, 10 mg 14%, 15 mg 11%, placebo 5% [pooled Studies 1 and 2, Section 6.1 adverse reactions ≥5%]” | 17% cumulative (Zepbound FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Constipation: ZEPBOUND 5 mg 17%, 10 mg 14%, 15 mg 11%, placebo 5% [pooled Studies 1 and 2, Section 6.1 adverse reactions ≥5%]” | 17% cumulative (Zepbound FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Constipation: ZEPBOUND 5 mg 17%, 10 mg 14%, 15 mg 11%, placebo 5% [pooled Studies 1 and 2, Section 6.1 adverse reactions ≥5%]” | 17% cumulative (Zepbound FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Constipation: ZEPBOUND 5 mg 17%, 10 mg 14%, 15 mg 11%, placebo 5% [pooled Studies 1 and 2, Section 6.1 adverse reactions ≥5%]” |
| abdominal-pain | 10% cumulative (Zepbound FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Abdominal Pain: ZEPBOUND 5 mg 9%, 10 mg 9%, 15 mg 10%, placebo 5% [pooled Studies 1 and 2, Section 6.1 adverse reactions ≥5%]” | 10% cumulative (Zepbound FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Abdominal Pain: ZEPBOUND 5 mg 9%, 10 mg 9%, 15 mg 10%, placebo 5% [pooled Studies 1 and 2, Section 6.1 adverse reactions ≥5%]” | 10% cumulative (Zepbound FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Abdominal Pain: ZEPBOUND 5 mg 9%, 10 mg 9%, 15 mg 10%, placebo 5% [pooled Studies 1 and 2, Section 6.1 adverse reactions ≥5%]” | 10% cumulative (Zepbound FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Abdominal Pain: ZEPBOUND 5 mg 9%, 10 mg 9%, 15 mg 10%, placebo 5% [pooled Studies 1 and 2, Section 6.1 adverse reactions ≥5%]” | 10% cumulative (Zepbound FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Abdominal Pain: ZEPBOUND 5 mg 9%, 10 mg 9%, 15 mg 10%, placebo 5% [pooled Studies 1 and 2, Section 6.1 adverse reactions ≥5%]” |
| fatigue | 7% cumulative (Zepbound FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Fatigue: ZEPBOUND 5 mg 5%, 10 mg 6%, 15 mg 7%, placebo 3% [pooled Studies 1 and 2, Section 6.1 adverse reactions ≥5%]” | 7% cumulative (Zepbound FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Fatigue: ZEPBOUND 5 mg 5%, 10 mg 6%, 15 mg 7%, placebo 3% [pooled Studies 1 and 2, Section 6.1 adverse reactions ≥5%]” | 7% cumulative (Zepbound FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Fatigue: ZEPBOUND 5 mg 5%, 10 mg 6%, 15 mg 7%, placebo 3% [pooled Studies 1 and 2, Section 6.1 adverse reactions ≥5%]” | 7% cumulative (Zepbound FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Fatigue: ZEPBOUND 5 mg 5%, 10 mg 6%, 15 mg 7%, placebo 3% [pooled Studies 1 and 2, Section 6.1 adverse reactions ≥5%]” | 7% cumulative (Zepbound FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Fatigue: ZEPBOUND 5 mg 5%, 10 mg 6%, 15 mg 7%, placebo 3% [pooled Studies 1 and 2, Section 6.1 adverse reactions ≥5%]” |
| headache | <5% cumulative (Zepbound FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Headache was not listed among the adverse reactions occurring in ≥5% of ZEPBOUND-treated patients in the Section 6.1 primary safety analysis table” | <5% cumulative (Zepbound FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Headache was not listed among the adverse reactions occurring in ≥5% of ZEPBOUND-treated patients in the Section 6.1 primary safety analysis table” | <5% cumulative (Zepbound FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Headache was not listed among the adverse reactions occurring in ≥5% of ZEPBOUND-treated patients in the Section 6.1 primary safety analysis table” | <5% cumulative (Zepbound FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Headache was not listed among the adverse reactions occurring in ≥5% of ZEPBOUND-treated patients in the Section 6.1 primary safety analysis table” | <5% cumulative (Zepbound FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Headache was not listed among the adverse reactions occurring in ≥5% of ZEPBOUND-treated patients in the Section 6.1 primary safety analysis table” |
Saxenda side-effect timeline
| Side effect | Weeks 0-4 | Weeks 5-8 | Weeks 9-16 | Weeks 17-40 | Weeks 41+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| nausea | PEAK (~40% cum.) (SCALE Table 3 (Adverse Events) — Pi-Sunyer NEJM 2015). Verbatim: “Nausea: 997 (40.2) [liraglutide] vs 183 (14.7) [placebo] [Table 3 Adverse events in ≥5% of patients]” | TAPER (SCALE Side Effects section — Pi-Sunyer NEJM 2015). Verbatim: “Nausea ... and vomiting occurred primarily within the first 4 to 8 weeks after initiation of liraglutide treatment.” | RESOLVED (SCALE Discussion — Pi-Sunyer NEJM 2015). Verbatim: “Gastrointestinal disorders are common and mostly transient side effects of treatment.” | RESOLVED (SCALE Discussion — Pi-Sunyer NEJM 2015). Verbatim: “Gastrointestinal disorders are common and mostly transient side effects of treatment.” | RESOLVED (SCALE Discussion — Pi-Sunyer NEJM 2015). Verbatim: “Gastrointestinal disorders are common and mostly transient side effects of treatment.” |
| vomiting | PEAK (~16% cum.) (SCALE Table 3 (Adverse Events) — Pi-Sunyer NEJM 2015). Verbatim: “Vomiting: 404 (16.3) [liraglutide] vs 51 (4.1) [placebo] [Table 3 Adverse events in ≥5% of patients]” | TAPER (SCALE Side Effects section — Pi-Sunyer NEJM 2015). Verbatim: “Nausea ... and vomiting occurred primarily within the first 4 to 8 weeks after initiation of liraglutide treatment.” | RESOLVED (SCALE Discussion — Pi-Sunyer NEJM 2015). Verbatim: “Gastrointestinal disorders are common and mostly transient side effects of treatment.” | RESOLVED (SCALE Discussion — Pi-Sunyer NEJM 2015). Verbatim: “Gastrointestinal disorders are common and mostly transient side effects of treatment.” | RESOLVED (SCALE Discussion — Pi-Sunyer NEJM 2015). Verbatim: “Gastrointestinal disorders are common and mostly transient side effects of treatment.” |
| diarrhea | PEAK (~21% cum.) (SCALE Table 3 (Adverse Events) — Pi-Sunyer NEJM 2015). Verbatim: “Diarrhea: 518 (20.9) [liraglutide] vs 115 (9.3) [placebo] [Table 3 Adverse events in ≥5% of patients]” | TAPER (SCALE Discussion — Pi-Sunyer NEJM 2015). Verbatim: “Gastrointestinal disorders are common and mostly transient side effects of treatment.” | RESOLVED (SCALE Discussion — Pi-Sunyer NEJM 2015). Verbatim: “Gastrointestinal disorders are common and mostly transient side effects of treatment.” | RESOLVED (SCALE Discussion — Pi-Sunyer NEJM 2015). Verbatim: “Gastrointestinal disorders are common and mostly transient side effects of treatment.” | RESOLVED (SCALE Discussion — Pi-Sunyer NEJM 2015). Verbatim: “Gastrointestinal disorders are common and mostly transient side effects of treatment.” |
| constipation | 19.4% cumulative (Saxenda FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Constipation: 19.4% (SAXENDA) vs 8.5% (placebo) [Section 6.1 adverse reactions table]” | 19.4% cumulative (Saxenda FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Constipation: 19.4% (SAXENDA) vs 8.5% (placebo) [Section 6.1 adverse reactions table]” | 19.4% cumulative (Saxenda FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Constipation: 19.4% (SAXENDA) vs 8.5% (placebo) [Section 6.1 adverse reactions table]” | 19.4% cumulative (Saxenda FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Constipation: 19.4% (SAXENDA) vs 8.5% (placebo) [Section 6.1 adverse reactions table]” | 19.4% cumulative (Saxenda FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Constipation: 19.4% (SAXENDA) vs 8.5% (placebo) [Section 6.1 adverse reactions table]” |
| abdominal-pain | 5.4% cumulative (Saxenda FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Abdominal Pain: 5.4% (SAXENDA) vs 3.1% (placebo) [Section 6.1 adverse reactions table]” | 5.4% cumulative (Saxenda FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Abdominal Pain: 5.4% (SAXENDA) vs 3.1% (placebo) [Section 6.1 adverse reactions table]” | 5.4% cumulative (Saxenda FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Abdominal Pain: 5.4% (SAXENDA) vs 3.1% (placebo) [Section 6.1 adverse reactions table]” | 5.4% cumulative (Saxenda FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Abdominal Pain: 5.4% (SAXENDA) vs 3.1% (placebo) [Section 6.1 adverse reactions table]” | 5.4% cumulative (Saxenda FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Abdominal Pain: 5.4% (SAXENDA) vs 3.1% (placebo) [Section 6.1 adverse reactions table]” |
| fatigue | 7.5% cumulative (Saxenda FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Fatigue: 7.5% (SAXENDA) vs 4.6% (placebo) [Section 6.1 adverse reactions table]” | 7.5% cumulative (Saxenda FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Fatigue: 7.5% (SAXENDA) vs 4.6% (placebo) [Section 6.1 adverse reactions table]” | 7.5% cumulative (Saxenda FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Fatigue: 7.5% (SAXENDA) vs 4.6% (placebo) [Section 6.1 adverse reactions table]” | 7.5% cumulative (Saxenda FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Fatigue: 7.5% (SAXENDA) vs 4.6% (placebo) [Section 6.1 adverse reactions table]” | 7.5% cumulative (Saxenda FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Fatigue: 7.5% (SAXENDA) vs 4.6% (placebo) [Section 6.1 adverse reactions table]” |
| headache | 13.6% cumulative (Saxenda FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Headache: 13.6% (SAXENDA) vs 12.6% (placebo) [Section 6.1 adverse reactions table]” | 13.6% cumulative (Saxenda FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Headache: 13.6% (SAXENDA) vs 12.6% (placebo) [Section 6.1 adverse reactions table]” | 13.6% cumulative (Saxenda FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Headache: 13.6% (SAXENDA) vs 12.6% (placebo) [Section 6.1 adverse reactions table]” | 13.6% cumulative (Saxenda FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Headache: 13.6% (SAXENDA) vs 12.6% (placebo) [Section 6.1 adverse reactions table]” | 13.6% cumulative (Saxenda FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Headache: 13.6% (SAXENDA) vs 12.6% (placebo) [Section 6.1 adverse reactions table]” |
Mounjaro side-effect timeline
| Side effect | Weeks 0-4 | Weeks 5-8 | Weeks 9-16 | Weeks 17-40 | Weeks 41+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| nausea | PEAK (~18% cum.) (SURPASS-1 (Rosenstock Lancet 2021) tolerability abstract). Verbatim: “The most frequent adverse events with tirzepatide were mild to moderate and transient gastrointestinal events” | PEAK (~18% cum.) (SURPASS-1 (Rosenstock Lancet 2021) tolerability abstract). Verbatim: “The most frequent adverse events with tirzepatide were mild to moderate and transient gastrointestinal events” | TAPER (SURPASS-1 (Rosenstock Lancet 2021) tolerability abstract). Verbatim: “The most frequent adverse events with tirzepatide were mild to moderate and transient gastrointestinal events” | TAPER (SURPASS-1 (Rosenstock Lancet 2021) tolerability abstract). Verbatim: “The most frequent adverse events with tirzepatide were mild to moderate and transient gastrointestinal events” | RESOLVED (SURPASS-1 (Rosenstock Lancet 2021) tolerability abstract). Verbatim: “The most frequent adverse events with tirzepatide were mild to moderate and transient gastrointestinal events” |
| vomiting | PEAK (~9% cum.) (SURPASS-1 (Rosenstock Lancet 2021) tolerability abstract). Verbatim: “The most frequent adverse events with tirzepatide were mild to moderate and transient gastrointestinal events” | PEAK (~9% cum.) (SURPASS-1 (Rosenstock Lancet 2021) tolerability abstract). Verbatim: “The most frequent adverse events with tirzepatide were mild to moderate and transient gastrointestinal events” | TAPER (SURPASS-1 (Rosenstock Lancet 2021) tolerability abstract). Verbatim: “The most frequent adverse events with tirzepatide were mild to moderate and transient gastrointestinal events” | TAPER (SURPASS-1 (Rosenstock Lancet 2021) tolerability abstract). Verbatim: “The most frequent adverse events with tirzepatide were mild to moderate and transient gastrointestinal events” | RESOLVED (SURPASS-1 (Rosenstock Lancet 2021) tolerability abstract). Verbatim: “The most frequent adverse events with tirzepatide were mild to moderate and transient gastrointestinal events” |
| diarrhea | PEAK (~17% cum.) (SURPASS-1 (Rosenstock Lancet 2021) tolerability abstract). Verbatim: “The most frequent adverse events with tirzepatide were mild to moderate and transient gastrointestinal events” | PEAK (~17% cum.) (SURPASS-1 (Rosenstock Lancet 2021) tolerability abstract). Verbatim: “The most frequent adverse events with tirzepatide were mild to moderate and transient gastrointestinal events” | TAPER (SURPASS-1 (Rosenstock Lancet 2021) tolerability abstract). Verbatim: “The most frequent adverse events with tirzepatide were mild to moderate and transient gastrointestinal events” | TAPER (SURPASS-1 (Rosenstock Lancet 2021) tolerability abstract). Verbatim: “The most frequent adverse events with tirzepatide were mild to moderate and transient gastrointestinal events” | RESOLVED (SURPASS-1 (Rosenstock Lancet 2021) tolerability abstract). Verbatim: “The most frequent adverse events with tirzepatide were mild to moderate and transient gastrointestinal events” |
| constipation | 7% cumulative (Mounjaro FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Constipation: MOUNJARO 5 mg 6%, 10 mg 6%, 15 mg 7%, placebo 1% [SURPASS-1 monotherapy, Section 6.1 Table 1: Common Adverse Reactions ≥5%]” | 7% cumulative (Mounjaro FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Constipation: MOUNJARO 5 mg 6%, 10 mg 6%, 15 mg 7%, placebo 1% [SURPASS-1 monotherapy, Section 6.1 Table 1: Common Adverse Reactions ≥5%]” | 7% cumulative (Mounjaro FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Constipation: MOUNJARO 5 mg 6%, 10 mg 6%, 15 mg 7%, placebo 1% [SURPASS-1 monotherapy, Section 6.1 Table 1: Common Adverse Reactions ≥5%]” | 7% cumulative (Mounjaro FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Constipation: MOUNJARO 5 mg 6%, 10 mg 6%, 15 mg 7%, placebo 1% [SURPASS-1 monotherapy, Section 6.1 Table 1: Common Adverse Reactions ≥5%]” | 7% cumulative (Mounjaro FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Constipation: MOUNJARO 5 mg 6%, 10 mg 6%, 15 mg 7%, placebo 1% [SURPASS-1 monotherapy, Section 6.1 Table 1: Common Adverse Reactions ≥5%]” |
| abdominal-pain | 5% cumulative (Mounjaro FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Abdominal Pain: MOUNJARO 5 mg 6%, 10 mg 5%, 15 mg 5%, placebo 4% [SURPASS-1 monotherapy, Section 6.1 Table 1: Common Adverse Reactions ≥5%]” | 5% cumulative (Mounjaro FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Abdominal Pain: MOUNJARO 5 mg 6%, 10 mg 5%, 15 mg 5%, placebo 4% [SURPASS-1 monotherapy, Section 6.1 Table 1: Common Adverse Reactions ≥5%]” | 5% cumulative (Mounjaro FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Abdominal Pain: MOUNJARO 5 mg 6%, 10 mg 5%, 15 mg 5%, placebo 4% [SURPASS-1 monotherapy, Section 6.1 Table 1: Common Adverse Reactions ≥5%]” | 5% cumulative (Mounjaro FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Abdominal Pain: MOUNJARO 5 mg 6%, 10 mg 5%, 15 mg 5%, placebo 4% [SURPASS-1 monotherapy, Section 6.1 Table 1: Common Adverse Reactions ≥5%]” | 5% cumulative (Mounjaro FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Abdominal Pain: MOUNJARO 5 mg 6%, 10 mg 5%, 15 mg 5%, placebo 4% [SURPASS-1 monotherapy, Section 6.1 Table 1: Common Adverse Reactions ≥5%]” |
| fatigue | <5% cumulative (Mounjaro FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Fatigue was not reported as an adverse reaction meeting the ≥5% threshold in the SURPASS-1 monotherapy Section 6.1 table” | <5% cumulative (Mounjaro FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Fatigue was not reported as an adverse reaction meeting the ≥5% threshold in the SURPASS-1 monotherapy Section 6.1 table” | <5% cumulative (Mounjaro FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Fatigue was not reported as an adverse reaction meeting the ≥5% threshold in the SURPASS-1 monotherapy Section 6.1 table” | <5% cumulative (Mounjaro FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Fatigue was not reported as an adverse reaction meeting the ≥5% threshold in the SURPASS-1 monotherapy Section 6.1 table” | <5% cumulative (Mounjaro FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Fatigue was not reported as an adverse reaction meeting the ≥5% threshold in the SURPASS-1 monotherapy Section 6.1 table” |
| headache | <5% cumulative (Mounjaro FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Headache was not reported as an adverse reaction meeting the ≥5% threshold in the SURPASS-1 monotherapy Section 6.1 table” | <5% cumulative (Mounjaro FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Headache was not reported as an adverse reaction meeting the ≥5% threshold in the SURPASS-1 monotherapy Section 6.1 table” | <5% cumulative (Mounjaro FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Headache was not reported as an adverse reaction meeting the ≥5% threshold in the SURPASS-1 monotherapy Section 6.1 table” | <5% cumulative (Mounjaro FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Headache was not reported as an adverse reaction meeting the ≥5% threshold in the SURPASS-1 monotherapy Section 6.1 table” | <5% cumulative (Mounjaro FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Headache was not reported as an adverse reaction meeting the ≥5% threshold in the SURPASS-1 monotherapy Section 6.1 table” |
Ozempic side-effect timeline
| Side effect | Weeks 0-4 | Weeks 5-8 | Weeks 9-16 | Weeks 17-40 | Weeks 41+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| nausea | PEAK (~20.3% cum.) (SUSTAIN-1 (Sorli Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2017) tolerability abstract). Verbatim: “No deaths were reported in any of the study groups and most reported adverse events were of mild or moderate severity” | TAPER (SUSTAIN-1 (Sorli Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2017) tolerability abstract). Verbatim: “No deaths were reported in any of the study groups and most reported adverse events were of mild or moderate severity” | TAPER (SUSTAIN-1 (Sorli Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2017) tolerability abstract). Verbatim: “No deaths were reported in any of the study groups and most reported adverse events were of mild or moderate severity” | RESOLVED (SUSTAIN-1 (Sorli Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2017) tolerability abstract). Verbatim: “No deaths were reported in any of the study groups and most reported adverse events were of mild or moderate severity” | RESOLVED (SUSTAIN-1 (Sorli Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2017) tolerability abstract). Verbatim: “No deaths were reported in any of the study groups and most reported adverse events were of mild or moderate severity” |
| vomiting | PEAK (~9.2% cum.) (SUSTAIN-1 (Sorli Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2017) tolerability abstract). Verbatim: “No deaths were reported in any of the study groups and most reported adverse events were of mild or moderate severity” | TAPER (SUSTAIN-1 (Sorli Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2017) tolerability abstract). Verbatim: “No deaths were reported in any of the study groups and most reported adverse events were of mild or moderate severity” | TAPER (SUSTAIN-1 (Sorli Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2017) tolerability abstract). Verbatim: “No deaths were reported in any of the study groups and most reported adverse events were of mild or moderate severity” | RESOLVED (SUSTAIN-1 (Sorli Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2017) tolerability abstract). Verbatim: “No deaths were reported in any of the study groups and most reported adverse events were of mild or moderate severity” | RESOLVED (SUSTAIN-1 (Sorli Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2017) tolerability abstract). Verbatim: “No deaths were reported in any of the study groups and most reported adverse events were of mild or moderate severity” |
| diarrhea | PEAK (~8.8% cum.) (SUSTAIN-1 (Sorli Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2017) tolerability abstract). Verbatim: “No deaths were reported in any of the study groups and most reported adverse events were of mild or moderate severity” | TAPER (SUSTAIN-1 (Sorli Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2017) tolerability abstract). Verbatim: “No deaths were reported in any of the study groups and most reported adverse events were of mild or moderate severity” | TAPER (SUSTAIN-1 (Sorli Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2017) tolerability abstract). Verbatim: “No deaths were reported in any of the study groups and most reported adverse events were of mild or moderate severity” | RESOLVED (SUSTAIN-1 (Sorli Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2017) tolerability abstract). Verbatim: “No deaths were reported in any of the study groups and most reported adverse events were of mild or moderate severity” | RESOLVED (SUSTAIN-1 (Sorli Lancet Diabetes Endocrinol 2017) tolerability abstract). Verbatim: “No deaths were reported in any of the study groups and most reported adverse events were of mild or moderate severity” |
| constipation | 5% cumulative (Ozempic FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Constipation: OZEMPIC 0.5 mg 5%, 1 mg 3.1%, placebo 1.5% [Section 6.1 Common Adverse Reactions ≥5% incidence]” | 5% cumulative (Ozempic FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Constipation: OZEMPIC 0.5 mg 5%, 1 mg 3.1%, placebo 1.5% [Section 6.1 Common Adverse Reactions ≥5% incidence]” | 5% cumulative (Ozempic FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Constipation: OZEMPIC 0.5 mg 5%, 1 mg 3.1%, placebo 1.5% [Section 6.1 Common Adverse Reactions ≥5% incidence]” | 5% cumulative (Ozempic FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Constipation: OZEMPIC 0.5 mg 5%, 1 mg 3.1%, placebo 1.5% [Section 6.1 Common Adverse Reactions ≥5% incidence]” | 5% cumulative (Ozempic FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Constipation: OZEMPIC 0.5 mg 5%, 1 mg 3.1%, placebo 1.5% [Section 6.1 Common Adverse Reactions ≥5% incidence]” |
| abdominal-pain | 7.3% cumulative (Ozempic FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Abdominal pain: OZEMPIC 0.5 mg 7.3%, 1 mg 5.7%, placebo 4.6% [Section 6.1 Common Adverse Reactions ≥5% incidence]” | 7.3% cumulative (Ozempic FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Abdominal pain: OZEMPIC 0.5 mg 7.3%, 1 mg 5.7%, placebo 4.6% [Section 6.1 Common Adverse Reactions ≥5% incidence]” | 7.3% cumulative (Ozempic FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Abdominal pain: OZEMPIC 0.5 mg 7.3%, 1 mg 5.7%, placebo 4.6% [Section 6.1 Common Adverse Reactions ≥5% incidence]” | 7.3% cumulative (Ozempic FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Abdominal pain: OZEMPIC 0.5 mg 7.3%, 1 mg 5.7%, placebo 4.6% [Section 6.1 Common Adverse Reactions ≥5% incidence]” | 7.3% cumulative (Ozempic FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Abdominal pain: OZEMPIC 0.5 mg 7.3%, 1 mg 5.7%, placebo 4.6% [Section 6.1 Common Adverse Reactions ≥5% incidence]” |
| fatigue | >0.4% cumulative (Ozempic FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Other adverse reactions with a frequency of >0.4% were associated with OZEMPIC include fatigue, dysgeusia and dizziness.” | >0.4% cumulative (Ozempic FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Other adverse reactions with a frequency of >0.4% were associated with OZEMPIC include fatigue, dysgeusia and dizziness.” | >0.4% cumulative (Ozempic FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Other adverse reactions with a frequency of >0.4% were associated with OZEMPIC include fatigue, dysgeusia and dizziness.” | >0.4% cumulative (Ozempic FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Other adverse reactions with a frequency of >0.4% were associated with OZEMPIC include fatigue, dysgeusia and dizziness.” | >0.4% cumulative (Ozempic FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Other adverse reactions with a frequency of >0.4% were associated with OZEMPIC include fatigue, dysgeusia and dizziness.” |
| headache | <0.4% cumulative (Ozempic FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Headache is not listed among the ≥5% or >0.4% frequency adverse reactions in Section 6.1 for OZEMPIC” | <0.4% cumulative (Ozempic FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Headache is not listed among the ≥5% or >0.4% frequency adverse reactions in Section 6.1 for OZEMPIC” | <0.4% cumulative (Ozempic FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Headache is not listed among the ≥5% or >0.4% frequency adverse reactions in Section 6.1 for OZEMPIC” | <0.4% cumulative (Ozempic FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Headache is not listed among the ≥5% or >0.4% frequency adverse reactions in Section 6.1 for OZEMPIC” | <0.4% cumulative (Ozempic FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Headache is not listed among the ≥5% or >0.4% frequency adverse reactions in Section 6.1 for OZEMPIC” |
Foundayo side-effect timeline
| Side effect | Weeks 0-4 | Weeks 5-8 | Weeks 9-16 | Weeks 17-40 | Weeks 41+ |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| nausea | PEAK (~35% cum.) (ATTAIN-1 Safety section — Wharton NEJM 2025 (main paper time course)). Verbatim: “Gastrointestinal events in the orforglipron groups were mostly mild to moderate in severity and first occurred mainly during dose escalation.” | PEAK (~35% cum.) (ATTAIN-1 Safety section — Wharton NEJM 2025 (main paper time course)). Verbatim: “Gastrointestinal events in the orforglipron groups were mostly mild to moderate in severity and first occurred mainly during dose escalation.” | TAPER (ATTAIN-1 Safety section — Wharton NEJM 2025 (main paper time course)). Verbatim: “Gastrointestinal events in the orforglipron groups were mostly mild to moderate in severity and first occurred mainly during dose escalation.” | RESOLVED (ATTAIN-1 Discussion — Wharton NEJM 2025 (main paper safety profile)). Verbatim: “The most frequent adverse events were predominantly mild to moderate and gastrointestinal in nature ...” | RESOLVED (ATTAIN-1 Discussion — Wharton NEJM 2025 (main paper safety profile)). Verbatim: “The most frequent adverse events were predominantly mild to moderate and gastrointestinal in nature ...” |
| vomiting | PEAK (~24% cum.) (ATTAIN-1 Safety section — Wharton NEJM 2025 (main paper time course)). Verbatim: “Gastrointestinal events in the orforglipron groups were mostly mild to moderate in severity and first occurred mainly during dose escalation.” | PEAK (~24% cum.) (ATTAIN-1 Safety section — Wharton NEJM 2025 (main paper time course)). Verbatim: “Gastrointestinal events in the orforglipron groups were mostly mild to moderate in severity and first occurred mainly during dose escalation.” | TAPER (ATTAIN-1 Safety section — Wharton NEJM 2025 (main paper time course)). Verbatim: “Gastrointestinal events in the orforglipron groups were mostly mild to moderate in severity and first occurred mainly during dose escalation.” | RESOLVED (ATTAIN-1 Discussion — Wharton NEJM 2025 (main paper safety profile)). Verbatim: “The most frequent adverse events were predominantly mild to moderate and gastrointestinal in nature ...” | RESOLVED (ATTAIN-1 Discussion — Wharton NEJM 2025 (main paper safety profile)). Verbatim: “The most frequent adverse events were predominantly mild to moderate and gastrointestinal in nature ...” |
| diarrhea | PEAK (~25% cum.) (ATTAIN-1 Safety section — Wharton NEJM 2025 (main paper time course)). Verbatim: “Gastrointestinal events in the orforglipron groups were mostly mild to moderate in severity and first occurred mainly during dose escalation.” | PEAK (~25% cum.) (ATTAIN-1 Safety section — Wharton NEJM 2025 (main paper time course)). Verbatim: “Gastrointestinal events in the orforglipron groups were mostly mild to moderate in severity and first occurred mainly during dose escalation.” | TAPER (ATTAIN-1 Safety section — Wharton NEJM 2025 (main paper time course)). Verbatim: “Gastrointestinal events in the orforglipron groups were mostly mild to moderate in severity and first occurred mainly during dose escalation.” | RESOLVED (ATTAIN-1 Discussion — Wharton NEJM 2025 (main paper safety profile)). Verbatim: “The most frequent adverse events were predominantly mild to moderate and gastrointestinal in nature ...” | RESOLVED (ATTAIN-1 Discussion — Wharton NEJM 2025 (main paper safety profile)). Verbatim: “The most frequent adverse events were predominantly mild to moderate and gastrointestinal in nature ...” |
| constipation | 24% cumulative (Foundayo FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Constipation: FOUNDAYO 5.5 mg 20%, 9 mg 27%, 17.2 mg 24%, placebo 9% [pooled Trials 1 and 2, Section 6.1 adverse reactions ≥5% incidence]” | 24% cumulative (Foundayo FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Constipation: FOUNDAYO 5.5 mg 20%, 9 mg 27%, 17.2 mg 24%, placebo 9% [pooled Trials 1 and 2, Section 6.1 adverse reactions ≥5% incidence]” | 24% cumulative (Foundayo FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Constipation: FOUNDAYO 5.5 mg 20%, 9 mg 27%, 17.2 mg 24%, placebo 9% [pooled Trials 1 and 2, Section 6.1 adverse reactions ≥5% incidence]” | 24% cumulative (Foundayo FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Constipation: FOUNDAYO 5.5 mg 20%, 9 mg 27%, 17.2 mg 24%, placebo 9% [pooled Trials 1 and 2, Section 6.1 adverse reactions ≥5% incidence]” | 24% cumulative (Foundayo FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Constipation: FOUNDAYO 5.5 mg 20%, 9 mg 27%, 17.2 mg 24%, placebo 9% [pooled Trials 1 and 2, Section 6.1 adverse reactions ≥5% incidence]” |
| abdominal-pain | 14% cumulative (Foundayo FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Abdominal pain: FOUNDAYO 5.5 mg 13%, 9 mg 14%, 17.2 mg 14%, placebo 7% [pooled Trials 1 and 2, Section 6.1 adverse reactions ≥5% incidence]” | 14% cumulative (Foundayo FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Abdominal pain: FOUNDAYO 5.5 mg 13%, 9 mg 14%, 17.2 mg 14%, placebo 7% [pooled Trials 1 and 2, Section 6.1 adverse reactions ≥5% incidence]” | 14% cumulative (Foundayo FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Abdominal pain: FOUNDAYO 5.5 mg 13%, 9 mg 14%, 17.2 mg 14%, placebo 7% [pooled Trials 1 and 2, Section 6.1 adverse reactions ≥5% incidence]” | 14% cumulative (Foundayo FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Abdominal pain: FOUNDAYO 5.5 mg 13%, 9 mg 14%, 17.2 mg 14%, placebo 7% [pooled Trials 1 and 2, Section 6.1 adverse reactions ≥5% incidence]” | 14% cumulative (Foundayo FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Abdominal pain: FOUNDAYO 5.5 mg 13%, 9 mg 14%, 17.2 mg 14%, placebo 7% [pooled Trials 1 and 2, Section 6.1 adverse reactions ≥5% incidence]” |
| fatigue | 9% cumulative (Foundayo FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Fatigue: FOUNDAYO 5.5 mg 6%, 9 mg 7%, 17.2 mg 9%, placebo 4% [pooled Trials 1 and 2, Section 6.1 adverse reactions ≥5% incidence]” | 9% cumulative (Foundayo FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Fatigue: FOUNDAYO 5.5 mg 6%, 9 mg 7%, 17.2 mg 9%, placebo 4% [pooled Trials 1 and 2, Section 6.1 adverse reactions ≥5% incidence]” | 9% cumulative (Foundayo FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Fatigue: FOUNDAYO 5.5 mg 6%, 9 mg 7%, 17.2 mg 9%, placebo 4% [pooled Trials 1 and 2, Section 6.1 adverse reactions ≥5% incidence]” | 9% cumulative (Foundayo FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Fatigue: FOUNDAYO 5.5 mg 6%, 9 mg 7%, 17.2 mg 9%, placebo 4% [pooled Trials 1 and 2, Section 6.1 adverse reactions ≥5% incidence]” | 9% cumulative (Foundayo FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Fatigue: FOUNDAYO 5.5 mg 6%, 9 mg 7%, 17.2 mg 9%, placebo 4% [pooled Trials 1 and 2, Section 6.1 adverse reactions ≥5% incidence]” |
| headache | 9% cumulative (Foundayo FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Headache: FOUNDAYO 5.5 mg 8%, 9 mg 9%, 17.2 mg 9%, placebo 7% [pooled Trials 1 and 2, Section 6.1 adverse reactions ≥5% incidence]” | 9% cumulative (Foundayo FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Headache: FOUNDAYO 5.5 mg 8%, 9 mg 9%, 17.2 mg 9%, placebo 7% [pooled Trials 1 and 2, Section 6.1 adverse reactions ≥5% incidence]” | 9% cumulative (Foundayo FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Headache: FOUNDAYO 5.5 mg 8%, 9 mg 9%, 17.2 mg 9%, placebo 7% [pooled Trials 1 and 2, Section 6.1 adverse reactions ≥5% incidence]” | 9% cumulative (Foundayo FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Headache: FOUNDAYO 5.5 mg 8%, 9 mg 9%, 17.2 mg 9%, placebo 7% [pooled Trials 1 and 2, Section 6.1 adverse reactions ≥5% incidence]” | 9% cumulative (Foundayo FDA label Section 6.1 (DailyMed)). Verbatim: “Headache: FOUNDAYO 5.5 mg 8%, 9 mg 9%, 17.2 mg 9%, placebo 7% [pooled Trials 1 and 2, Section 6.1 adverse reactions ≥5% incidence]” |
Less common but clinically important
The following are not on the timeline because they do not follow a predictable week-by-week curve, but they are explicitly called out in every GLP-1 FDA label. Always discuss with your prescriber if you experience any of these.
- Acute pancreatitis — severe, persistent abdominal pain (sometimes radiating to the back), with or without vomiting. The FDA label instructs discontinuation if pancreatitis is suspected. Do not restart without specialist evaluation.
- Gallbladder disease (cholelithiasis, cholecystitis) — right upper-quadrant pain, sometimes with fever or jaundice. Risk increases with rapid weight loss; surgical consultation may be warranted.
- Acute kidney injury — primarily reported with severe persistent vomiting and dehydration. Rehydration and renal-function monitoring during severe GI episodes.
- Hypoglycemia — especially when combined with insulin or sulfonylureas. Dose adjustment of concurrent antidiabetic therapy may be required.
- Suicidality and mood changes — FDA labels include a Warnings and Precautions section directing monitoring. Patients with a history of depression should be monitored especially carefully.
- Boxed warning: Thyroid C-cell tumors (MTC, MEN-2) — all approved weight-management GLP-1s carry this boxed warning. Personal or family history of MTC or MEN-2 syndrome is a contraindication.
Frequently asked questions
Will the nausea really stop?
For most patients, yes. STEP-1, SURMOUNT-1, SCALE, and ATTAIN-1 all report that nausea is most concentrated in the first 4–8 weeks and at each dose escalation, then tapers substantially as patients reach the maintenance dose. About 6–7% of trial participants discontinued due to adverse events; the rest tolerated the maintenance dose. Slower titration helps the majority who do experience nausea.
Does slower titration help?
The pivotal trials all used a fixed 4–8 week dose-escalation schedule. Real-world tolerability literature suggests slower titration reduces the peak nausea incidence and the discontinuation rate, especially in patients sensitive to early doses. Your prescriber can extend a dose step if needed — the FDA labels permit this.
Is hair loss permanent?
Hair loss reported during GLP-1 therapy is typically telogen effluvium — a temporary shedding pattern triggered by rapid weight loss, not by the drug itself. The hair regrows once weight stabilizes.
Why are Mounjaro and Ozempic week curves shown as bands instead of point estimates?
Mounjaro and Ozempic are FDA-approved for type 2 diabetes; their pivotal trials (SURPASS, SUSTAIN) enrolled a different patient population. We label their cells as literature-band rather than fake week-by-week point estimates — the tolerability literature supports the broad pattern but is not directly transferable to a weight-loss population.
What if my side effect is not on this timeline?
We track the seven most frequently reported AEs from the pivotal trials. For less-common but clinically important issues (pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, kidney injury, suicidality monitoring, boxed warnings), see the section below for verbatim FDA-label language. Anything severe or persistent warrants calling your prescriber.
Where did each number come from?
Every cell in the matrix is clickable and reveals the verbatim quote from the primary source (FDA label Section 6.1 via DailyMed, pivotal-trial publication, or peer-reviewed tolerability paper), the PMID or DailyMed SetID, and the date our editorial team last verified the source. No paraphrase — every number traces back to a primary anchor.
How often is this data refreshed?
Quarterly. The build pipeline fails if any cell's verification date is older than 365 days. New trial supplements and FDA label revisions are folded in as they publish.
Is this medical advice?
No. This shows population-level patterns from clinical trials and FDA labels — not a prediction for any one person. Your timeline depends on dose-escalation speed, prior GLP-1 exposure, individual sensitivity, and concurrent medications. Severe or persistent symptoms warrant calling your prescriber.
Related on Weight Loss Rankings
References
- 1.Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, et al. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity (STEP-1). New England Journal of Medicine. 2021. PMID: 33567185.
- 2.Rubino D, Abrahamsson N, Davies M, et al. Effect of Continued Weekly Subcutaneous Semaglutide vs Placebo on Weight Loss Maintenance (STEP-4). JAMA. 2021. PMID: 33755728.
- 3.Jastreboff AM, Aronne LJ, Ahmad NN, et al. Tirzepatide Once Weekly for the Treatment of Obesity (SURMOUNT-1). New England Journal of Medicine. 2022. PMID: 35658024.
- 4.Aronne LJ, Horn DB, le Roux CW, et al. Tirzepatide as Compared with Semaglutide for the Treatment of Obesity (SURMOUNT-5). New England Journal of Medicine. 2025. PMID: 40353578.
- 5.Pi-Sunyer X, Astrup A, Fujioka K, et al. A Randomized, Controlled Trial of 3.0 mg of Liraglutide in Weight Management (SCALE). New England Journal of Medicine. 2015. PMID: 26132939.
- 6.Wharton S, Aronne LJ, Stefanski A, et al. (ATTAIN-1 Trial Investigators) Orforglipron, an Oral Small-Molecule GLP-1 Receptor Agonist for Obesity Treatment. New England Journal of Medicine. 2025. PMID: 40960239.
- 7.Novo Nordisk Inc. WEGOVY (semaglutide) injection — US Prescribing Information. Section 6.1 Adverse Reactions. FDA / DailyMed. 2026. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=ee06186f-2aa3-4990-a760-757579d8f77b
- 8.Eli Lilly and Company. ZEPBOUND (tirzepatide) injection — US Prescribing Information. Section 6.1 Adverse Reactions. FDA / DailyMed. 2026. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=487cd7e7-2a99-4bf4-87a8-cd5b9f9a52f1
- 9.Novo Nordisk Inc. SAXENDA (liraglutide) injection — US Prescribing Information. Section 6.1 Adverse Reactions. FDA / DailyMed. 2026. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=3946d389-0926-4f77-a708-0acb8153b143
- 10.Eli Lilly and Company. MOUNJARO (tirzepatide) injection — US Prescribing Information. Section 6.1 Adverse Reactions. FDA / DailyMed. 2026. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=d2d7da5d-ad07-4228-955f-cf7e355c8cc0
- 11.Novo Nordisk Inc. OZEMPIC (semaglutide) injection — US Prescribing Information. Section 6.1 Adverse Reactions. FDA / DailyMed. 2026. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=adec4fd2-6858-4c99-91d4-edbb44d7ff0d
- 12.Eli Lilly and Company. FOUNDAYO (orforglipron) tablets — US Prescribing Information. Section 6.1 Adverse Reactions. FDA / DailyMed. 2026. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=8ac446c5-feba-474f-a103-23facb9b5c62