Safety Information

Important Safety Information

This summary is for educational purposes only and does not replace medical advice or the full Prescribing Information. Discuss risks and benefits with your Southern Virtual Health clinician before starting treatment.

Boxed Warning: Risk of Thyroid C-Cell Tumors

In animal studies, medicines in this class caused thyroid C-cell tumors. It is not known whether this risk occurs in humans.

Do not use Zepbound, Wegovy, or Foundayo if you or a family member has ever had medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if you have MEN 2. Do not use more than one GLP-1 medicine at the same time. Do not use during pregnancy or breastfeeding.

Zepbound® (tirzepatide)+

FDA approved for

  • Chronic weight management in adults with obesity, or overweight with at least one weight-related condition, used with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity

Do not use if

  • Personal or family history of MTC or MEN 2
  • Known serious allergy to tirzepatide or any ingredient in Zepbound

Common side effects

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Indigestion
  • Abdominal pain
  • Injection-site reactions
  • Fatigue
  • Belching
  • Hair loss
  • Acid reflux (GERD)

Serious risks

  • Thyroid tumors, including MTC
  • Pancreatitis
  • Gallbladder problems (including gallstones)
  • Severe gastrointestinal reactions
  • Acute kidney injury, especially with dehydration
  • Hypoglycemia when used with insulin or sulfonylureas
  • Severe allergic reactions (anaphylaxis, angioedema)
  • Pulmonary aspiration during sedation or general anesthesia

How it is used

Zepbound is a once-weekly subcutaneous injection (abdomen, thigh, or upper arm). Rotate injection sites. It may be taken with or without food. Never share your pen or needles.

If you miss a dose and it has been less than 4 days (96 hours), take it as soon as possible. If more than 4 days have passed, skip the missed dose and resume your regular weekly schedule.

This information is not complete. See the full Zepbound Prescribing Information.

Wegovy® (semaglutide)+

FDA approved for

  • Chronic weight management
  • Reducing cardiovascular risk in adults with overweight or obesity and established cardiovascular disease

Do not use if

  • Personal or family history of MTC or MEN 2
  • Known serious allergy to semaglutide or any ingredient in Wegovy

Common side effects

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Stomach pain
  • Dyspepsia
  • Belching
  • Flatulence
  • Gastroenteritis
  • GERD
  • Abdominal distension
  • Dizziness
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Hair loss

Serious risks

  • Thyroid tumors, including MTC
  • Pancreatitis
  • Gallbladder problems
  • Acute kidney injury, especially with dehydration
  • Severe gastrointestinal reactions
  • Hypoglycemia (especially with insulin or sulfonylureas)
  • Diabetic retinopathy complications in people with type 2 diabetes
  • Increased heart rate
  • Severe allergic reactions
  • Pulmonary aspiration during sedation or general anesthesia

How it is used

Wegovy is a once-weekly subcutaneous injection (abdomen, thigh, or upper arm). Rotate injection sites. It may be taken with or without food. Never share your pen.

If you miss a dose and the next scheduled dose is more than 2 days away, take the missed dose as soon as possible. If the next dose is less than 2 days away, skip the missed dose and resume your regular schedule.

This information is not complete. See the full Wegovy Prescribing Information.

Foundayo® (orforglipron)+

FDA approved for

  • Chronic weight management in adults with obesity, or overweight with at least one weight-related condition, used with a reduced-calorie diet and increased physical activity

Not approved for

  • Type 1 or type 2 diabetes as a standalone indication

Do not use if

  • Personal or family history of MTC or MEN 2
  • Known serious allergy to orforglipron or any ingredient in Foundayo

Use with caution / extra discussion needed if you have

  • History of pancreatitis
  • Severe gastrointestinal disease, including severe gastroparesis
  • Kidney disease
  • Diabetic retinopathy
  • Significant liver problems

Common side effects

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Abdominal pain
  • Indigestion
  • Decreased appetite
  • Fatigue
  • Headache
  • Bloating, gas, or heartburn
  • Hair loss
  • Slightly increased heart rate

Serious risks

  • Thyroid tumors, including MTC
  • Pancreatitis
  • Gallbladder problems
  • Acute kidney injury, especially with dehydration
  • Severe gastrointestinal reactions
  • Hypoglycemia when used with insulin or certain diabetes medicines
  • Diabetic retinopathy complications in patients with type 2 diabetes
  • Pulmonary aspiration during sedation or general anesthesia
  • Severe allergic reactions

How it is used

Foundayo is an oral tablet taken once daily. Swallow tablets whole. It may be taken with or without food. Do not take two doses on the same day.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember that day. If you miss 7 or more days in a row, contact your clinician before restarting.

Birth control note

Foundayo may reduce absorption of oral hormonal contraceptives. Use a non-oral method, or add a barrier method, for 30 days after starting Foundayo and for 30 days after each dose increase.

This information is not complete. See the full Foundayo Prescribing Information and Medication Guide at foundayo.lilly.com.

What to tell your SVH clinician+

Share your full medical history, especially if you have or have had:

  • Type 1 or type 2 diabetes
  • Personal or family history of MTC or MEN 2
  • Thyroid nodules or thyroid cancer
  • Pancreatitis
  • Gallbladder disease
  • Kidney disease
  • Gastroparesis or other significant GI conditions
  • Diabetic retinopathy
  • Planned surgery or procedures requiring sedation/anesthesia
  • Pregnancy, plans to become pregnant, or breastfeeding

Also list all medications, vitamins, and supplements. Pay special attention to insulin, sulfonylureas (such as glipizide or glyburide), and other medicines that lower blood sugar or depend on consistent absorption.

When to seek urgent or emergency care+
  • Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or trouble breathing
  • Severe abdominal pain that will not go away, with or without vomiting
  • Persistent vomiting or inability to keep fluids down
  • Dizziness, fainting, or other signs of severe dehydration
  • A new neck lump, hoarseness, or trouble swallowing
  • Signs of very low blood sugar if you also take insulin or a sulfonylurea

Stay well hydrated, especially if you have nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Do not change your dose or stop medication without speaking with your clinician, except in an emergency.

Zepbound® is a registered trademark of Eli Lilly and Company. Wegovy® is a registered trademark of Novo Nordisk A/S. Foundayo® is a trademark of Eli Lilly and Company. Southern Virtual Health is not affiliated with these manufacturers. Compounded products, if offered separately, are not FDA-approved and are not the same as these branded medications. Individual results vary. Your clinician will determine whether a medication is appropriate based on your history, exam, and current labeling.