GLP-1 Side Effect Guide
This guide is for current Evergreen Med patients. Call or Text 509-720-6314 with questions.
We guide GLP-1 treatment by telehealth across Washington and Idaho. Our clinic is in Spokane.
Prepare for Side Effects
Please buy the products below. They help with side effects from semaglutide or tirzepatide.
Amazon Products
Click the links below.
- Anti-Nausea - Chewable Meclizine 25 mg
- Stool Softener - Docusate 100 mg
- Laxative - Senna 8.6 mg
- Low Blood Sugar Rescue - Glucose Tablets
- Heartburn - Tums with Gas Relief
- Night-Time or Severe Heartburn - Famotidine
How to Take Semaglutide and Tirzepatide Safely
Email Care@evergreenmed.health if your question is not answered below.
What side effects will I have?
At Evergreen Med, we start every patient at 5 units of semaglutide. This limits side effects and gets the most from the drug. A common error is taking 50 units instead of 5. If you are not sure how much 5 units is, contact your clinician.
The most common side effects are nausea, heartburn, and constipation. For mild nausea, ginger chews work well. If that fails, try Meclizine chewable 25 mg. If that still does not help, we can prescribe Zofran. We will first check that it is safe for you. See below for constipation.
What if I have not had a bowel movement?
Take 200 mg (two capsules) of the stool softener docusate. Also take 1 to 2 tablets of the laxative Senna. Still no bowel movement by day 3? Tell your clinician right away. Untreated constipation on this type of medicine can become life-threatening. So it is very important to let us know by day 3.
How do I prevent low blood sugar?
Most people who take semaglutide for weight loss are not diabetic. But this medicine was first approved to treat diabetes. It can sometimes cause low blood sugar. To prevent this, eat a healthy meal with enough protein.
Keep glucose tablets nearby for an emergency. Keep them in your car, gym bag, desk, nightstand, purse, and bags. This matters most if you run, ski, golf, or do similar activities.
If your blood sugar drops and you have no glucose tablets, you may faint. Please take this seriously. Always carry glucose tablets.
How do I prevent muscle loss?
Fast weight loss always causes some muscle loss, no matter how you lose it. To limit this, drink at least one protein shake a day. Choose one with added amino acids. Our favorite brand is Naked. You can find it on Amazon or at https://nakednutrition.com/.
Collagen powder is a protein and may help. But it is not a complete protein. It does not count toward your daily protein goal for preventing muscle loss.
Have more questions?
If you have an emergency, always call 911. Otherwise, call or text us at 509-720-6314. We are glad to help.
Not a Patient Yet?
Schedule a free 15-minute call with a clinician. We serve adults in Washington and Idaho by telehealth.