I assess the appropriateness of the medication carefully and monitor closely when [these patients] are on a GLP-1 agonist. The caution is warranted, according to John Batsis, MD, an associate professor of medicine in the Division of Geriatric Medicine at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill School of Medicine, particularly because of the lack of clinical data on the specific impact of GLP-1 medications on older adults
Common Side Effects The most frequently reported side effects include: Nausea The most common side effect, often occurring during dose increases Diarrhea Gastrointestinal upset is common but often temporary Vomiting May occur, particularly with higher doses Abdominal pain Discomfort in the stomach area Constipation Some patients experience reduced bowel movements These side effects are typically mild to moderate and tend to improve over time as the body adjusts to the medication
Medicaid coverage is also state-dependent
In the Phase 2 trial, participants across all dose groups had lost an average of 3% to 5% of their body weight by week four
By targeting these receptors, tirzepatide suppresses appetite and delays stomach emptying, which reduces food intake