semaglutide heart failure reduced ejection fraction Design and Baseline Characteristics of STEP-HFpEF Program Evaluating in Patients With Obesity HFpEF Phenotype Mechanisms of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists

Semaglutide builds up gradually, taking about 4 to 5 weeks to reach a steady level in the blood, so hunger can fluctuate in the first month or two

The relationship between semaglutides, weight loss, and the menstrual cycle is complex

Common Side Effects (Both Medications): Gastrointestinal Side Effects (Most Common): These typically occur when starting treatment or increasing doses, and often improve over time: Nausea: Most frequent side effect for both medications Semaglutide: 44% of participants in clinical trials Tirzepatide: 30-37% depending on dose Usually mild to moderate Most common in weeks 1-8, improves with continued use Diarrhea: Semaglutide: 30% of participants Tirzepatide: 19-23% depending on dose Often resolves within a few weeks Staying hydrated helps manage symptoms Constipation: Semaglutide: 24% of participants Tirzepatide: 10-17% depending on dose Can alternate with diarrhea Fiber and hydration help Vomiting: Semaglutide: 24% of participants Tirzepatide: 9-17% depending on dose More common at higher doses May require dose reduction Abdominal Pain: Semaglutide: 20% of participants Tirzepatide: 8-11% depending on dose Usually mild, related to slower stomach emptying Other Common Side Effects: Appetite Changes: Decreased appetite (desired effect) Food aversions or taste changes Reduced interest in previously enjoyed foods Early satiety (feeling full quickly) Fatigue: Semaglutide: 11% of participants Tirzepatide: Similar rates Often related to reduced calorie intake May improve as body adjusts Injection Site Reactions: Mild redness, swelling, or itching at injection site Usually resolves within a few days Rotating injection sites helps minimize Headache: Occurs in 10-14% of participants with both medications Usually mild and temporary Often related to dehydration Side Effect Comparison: Why Tirzepatide May Have Fewer GI Side Effects: Despite being more potent, tirzepatide appears to cause slightly less nausea and GI distress

doi: 10.2337/dc25-S006

A half-unit error at 1 mg/mL changes your dose by only 0.005 mg, a 2% error at the 0.25 mg loading dose