Trouble breathing needs urgent help
A severe allergic reaction is possible with trouble swallowing or breathing, or swelling in the tongue or face. That reaction can threaten life.
MedlinePlus · severe allergic reactionsFor severe allergic symptoms, MedlinePlus says to seek emergency help or go to the closest emergency room.
MedlinePlus · getting helpTell the emergency team what happened and which medicines you take. They can assess what caused the symptoms.
Take lasting, severe belly pain seriously
Semaglutide’s Wegovy label describes belly pain that lasts or is severe and may spread to the back. It can be a sign that the pancreas is swollen and irritated. The pancreas is a part of the body behind the stomach.
National Library of Medicine · belly painThe label for tirzepatide (Zepbound) describes the same possible sign.
National Library of Medicine · tirzepatide concernAsk how the care service handles these signs and how to get prompt help.
Tell the clinician about cancer in the family
The thyroid is a small part of the body in the neck, called a gland. Medullary thyroid cancer is a rare cancer in that gland. The labels for semaglutide, tirzepatide and liraglutide say these medicines must not be used if you or your family have had that cancer.
Medicine labels · thyroid historyThese medicines must also not be used by people with MEN 2. MEN 2 stands for multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2. This is a rare illness passed down in families that involves tumors in glands, the parts of the body that make hormones.
Medicine labels · inherited conditionHormones are signals made by the body. If someone in your family has had this illness or a cancer whose name you do not know, bring that up at the visit. The clinician can help check the name; this page cannot tell whether you have it.
Pregnancy and procedures belong in the review
The medicine labels have pregnancy warnings. Their instructions differ by product.
Medicine labels · pregnancy wordingThe semaglutide label asks people to tell the care team about its use before planned surgery or procedures.
National Library of Medicine · planned proceduresAsk for the words to be explained for your own medicine. Discuss any change to treatment with the clinician.
Ask about a warm arrival before using it
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) advises against use of GLP-1 injections delivered warm or with too little cooling. Its quality may be affected.
FDA · cold delivery concernsKeep the packaging and contact the pharmacy about the parcel. Ask how a replacement or refund is handled.