General information, not medical advice
This page is educational and does not replace guidance from your licensed provider or pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change any medication or supplement without talking to them first.
Why it can happen
GLP-1 medications change how quickly food moves through the digestive system. Some people experience slower transit (constipation); others experience faster transit and loose stools, especially early in treatment or after a dose increase.
Diarrhea is often temporary. The main risk is dehydration, which can affect the kidneys, so fluid intake matters. Diarrhea that occurs most days rather than only around injection day is a reason to contact your provider.
Hydration first
Fluids through the day
Water, clear broth, and drinks containing electrolytes. Small amounts often are easier to keep down than large amounts at once.
Watch urine colour
Pale yellow generally suggests adequate hydration; dark urine, dizziness, or a dry mouth are signs to act on.
Food choices
General patterns many people find helpful while symptoms last.
Common triggers
- Fried, fatty, or greasy food
- Alcohol and caffeine
- Dairy, for people who are lactose intolerant
- Very spicy food
- Sugar alcohols such as sorbitol, mannitol, and xylitol in sugar-free products
Gentler choices
- Bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast
- Plain baked chicken, turkey, or fish
- Cooked vegetables such as carrots and green beans
- White rice, oatmeal, and plain pasta
- Smaller, more frequent meals
Options to raise with your provider or pharmacist
Ask before trying any of these, and mention every medication and supplement you already take. This page does not give doses.
- Probiotic foods or supplements.
- Short-term over-the-counter anti-diarrheal products such as loperamide, which are not intended for daily or long-term use without provider guidance.
- A food diary to identify your own triggers.
If you feel you need an anti-diarrheal product for more than a couple of days, contact your provider rather than continuing on your own.
When to contact your provider
Contact your provider if you have:
- Diarrhea lasting more than three days, or occurring most days of the week.
- Signs of dehydration: dizziness, dry mouth, dark urine, or confusion.
- Severe abdominal pain or cramping.
- Blood or mucus in your stool.
- A fever, or an inability to keep fluids down.
For severe abdominal pain, chest pain, trouble breathing, signs of an allergic reaction, or confusion, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency department.
References
- Schiller LR, Pardi DS, Sellin JH. Chronic diarrhea: diagnosis and management. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol. 2017;15(2):182-193. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/27496381/
- Nauck MA, Quast DR, Wefers J, Meier JJ. GLP-1 receptor agonists in the treatment of type 2 diabetes – state-of-the-art. Mol Metab. 2021;46:101102. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33068776/
- FDA-approved prescribing information for tirzepatide injection products, via DailyMed (U.S. National Library of Medicine). Compounded versions were not studied in these trials. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/search.cfm?labeltype=all&query=tirzepatide