Self-Reported Side Effects of Semaglutide and Tirzepatide in Online Communities

TL;DR

This study analyzes Reddit posts to identify self-reported side effects of semaglutide and tirzepatide, revealing common gastrointestinal issues and potential new effects like reproductive and temperature-related symptoms, thus expanding real-world safety data.

Contribution

It demonstrates the utility of large-scale social media analysis in detecting unreported side effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists beyond clinical trials.

Findings

Gastrointestinal symptoms are most common side effects.

Reproductive and temperature-related symptoms were also reported.

Social media analysis can identify emerging drug safety signals.

Abstract

Social media can reveal patient experiences with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) that extend beyond clinical trial data. We analyzed 410,198 Reddit posts (May 2019-June 2025) mentioning semaglutide or tirzepatide. A total of 67,008 users self-reported using these medications, and 43.5% described at least one side effect. Gastrointestinal symptoms predominated, including nausea (36.9%), fatigue (16.7%), vomiting (16.3%), constipation (15.3%), and diarrhea (12.6%). Notably, reproductive symptoms (e.g., menstrual irregularities) and temperature-related complaints (e.g., chills, hot flashes) emerged as unrecognized potential effects. These findings highlight patient concerns not well captured in current labeling or trials. Large-scale social media analysis can complement traditional pharmacovigilance by detecting emerging safety signals and expanding understanding of the real-world safety profile of GLP-1 RAs.