When starting a new medication, some side effects are normal. Here's what to expect.
Common side effects (GLP-1/GIP medications)
These are typically mild and often improve as your body adjusts:
Nausea
Diarrhea or constipation
Stomach discomfort or bloating
Acidic/ Sulfur burps
Fatigue or low energy
Headache
Injection site reactions (mild redness, swelling, or itching)
When do side effects improve?
Most side effects improve within 2-4 weeks as your body adjusts to the medication. Starting at a lower dose and gradually increasing helps minimize side effects.
Tips to manage common side effects
For nausea: Eat smaller, more frequent meals. Avoid fatty or spicy foods. Stay hydrated.
For diarrhea: Avoid heavy or fatty foods and stick to bland, light meals like rice, bananas, toast, and crackers. Make sure you’re drinking plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. For extended periods, you may take oral rehydration solution such as Hydrite.
For constipation: Increase fiber intake and drink plenty of water.
For fatigue: Make sure you're eating enough and staying hydrated.
For headache: Medicine such as ibuprofen can be taken every 6 hours as needed while the headaches continue.
For injection site reactions: Rotate injection sites. Apply a cold compress if needed.
When to contact your doctor
If side effects are severe, persistent, or interfering with your daily life, send us an email at [email protected] and book a consultation with our medical team through your account page (www.andyou.ph/account) available 24/7.