GLP-1 side effects: what is common, what is serious, and what switching drugs costs
The most common GLP-1 side effects are stomach ones: nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and constipation, mostly while the dose goes up. If they do not settle, a slower step-up or a different drug can help, and on our chart the lowest compounded tirzepatide price is $69 a month, drug price.
Start here: GLP-1 side effects chart. Expected and serious side effects side by side, from the labels.
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What a switch costs on our chart
If side effects push you to another drug or form, these are the lowest prices on our chart for each, read November 4, 2026.
| Route | Price | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Compounded semaglutide | $59 a month, drug price | Lowest on our chart |
| Compounded tirzepatide | $69 a month, drug price | Lowest on our chart |
| Wegovy pill, from the maker | $149 to $299 a month | A pill instead of a shot |
| Zepbound vials, from the maker | $299 to $699 a month | By dose |
The common ones
The Wegovy and Zepbound labels list nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation and stomach pain as the most common side effects. They are most common in the first weeks and after each dose increase. Smaller meals, stopping eating when full and enough water are the usual first steps.
The serious ones
The labels warn about pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, low blood sugar with some diabetes drugs, kidney problems from dehydration, and a boxed warning about a type of thyroid tumor seen in rodents. Severe stomach pain that does not stop, or vomiting you cannot keep fluids down through, needs a doctor the same day.
Switching drugs or programs
Some people who cannot tolerate one GLP-1 do better on another, or on a slower dose schedule. A switch needs your prescriber. Our guide to switching programs covers how to keep your dose and records when you move.
Every guide for this reader
- Ozempic face and body changes
- GLP-1s with an SSRI or depression
- Switch programs without losing your dose
- Tirzepatide vs semaglutide
- GLP-1 dosing schedules
- Stopping a GLP-1
- Fake GLP-1 products to avoid
Latest news
- The GLP-1 brain disorder study found 15 cases of Wernicke encephalopathy, most from FDA reports September 13, 2026
- Korean study tying weight-loss drugs and weight regain to suicidal thoughts names no GLP-1 drug September 11, 2026
- GLP-1 drugs linked to a 7 percent added risk of hair loss in men already at genetic risk September 10, 2026
Questions
What are the most common GLP-1 side effects?
Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation and stomach pain, per the Wegovy and Zepbound labels. They are most common early and after each dose increase.
What does it cost to switch to tirzepatide?
On our chart the lowest compounded tirzepatide price is $69 a month, drug price, and Zepbound vials from the maker run $299 to $699 a month, read November 4, 2026.
Sources
- Wegovy prescribing information (DailyMed)
- Zepbound prescribing information (DailyMed)
- MedlinePlus, nausea and vomiting
Prices on GLP Chart are read from each program's own pricing page. How: how we check prices. Other readers: guides by reader.