Important Safety Information

This information applies to compounded GLP-1 receptor agonist medications (such as semaglutide and tirzepatide) that may be prescribed by independent licensed providers to patients using the Living+ platform. It is a summary and does not replace the guidance of your provider or the information dispensed with your medication.

This page is educational and does not constitute medical advice. Discuss your full medical history with a licensed provider before starting any treatment.

Who should not use GLP-1 medications

• Anyone with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
• Anyone who has had a serious allergic reaction to the medication or any of its ingredients.
• Anyone who is pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. These medications may harm an unborn baby; tell your provider if you become pregnant during treatment.

Warnings and precautions

• Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). Stop using the medication and contact your provider immediately if you have severe pain in your stomach area that will not go away, with or without vomiting. The pain may spread to your back.
• Gallbladder problems. Gallstones and gallbladder inflammation have occurred. Tell your provider if you have pain in your upper stomach, fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or clay-colored stools.
• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). The risk is higher if you also take insulin or a sulfonylurea. Signs include dizziness, shakiness, sweating, confusion, blurred vision, and rapid heartbeat. Tell your provider about every diabetes medication you take.
• Kidney problems. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea can cause dehydration, which may cause or worsen kidney problems. Drink fluids and contact your provider if you cannot keep liquids down.
• Serious allergic reactions. Stop using the medication and get medical help right away for swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, trouble breathing or swallowing, severe rash, or rapid heartbeat.
• Vision changes in people with type 2 diabetes. Rapid improvement in blood sugar control has been associated with a temporary worsening of diabetic retinopathy. Tell your provider about any changes in your vision.
• Increased heart rate. These medications can increase resting heart rate. Tell your provider if you feel your heart racing or pounding while at rest.
• Depression or thoughts of self-harm. Tell your provider promptly about any new or worsening mood changes, depression, or thoughts of harming yourself.
• Slowed stomach emptying, surgery, and anesthesia. These medications slow stomach emptying. Tell every healthcare provider who treats you — including before any planned surgery or procedure with anesthesia — that you use a GLP-1 medication.

Most common side effects

The most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, stomach (abdominal) pain, indigestion, and injection-site reactions. These are often most noticeable when starting treatment or after a dose change and may lessen over time. Tell your provider about any side effect that bothers you or does not go away — this is exactly what your care team and provider messaging are for.

About compounded medications

Compounded medications are prepared by licensed U.S. pharmacies against a patient-specific prescription. Compounded medications are not FDA-approved and are not evaluated by the FDA for safety, effectiveness, or manufacturing quality, and they are not therapeutically equivalent to, or substitutes for, FDA-approved products. A compounded preparation is prescribed only when the treating provider determines that an FDA-approved product is not clinically suitable for that specific patient and documents that clinical reason in the patient record.