# Dual Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 (GLP-1) and Glucose-Dependent Insulinotropic Polypeptide (GIP) Receptor Agonist-Associated Thyroiditis: A Case Report of Thyroid Dysfunction Following Tirzepatide Use

**Authors:** Sara Humaida, Kamar Manzalji, Naheel Seyam, Lolwa Al-Masalmani

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.85123 · Cureus · 2025-05-31

## TL;DR

A woman developed thyroid inflammation after using tirzepatide, a drug for weight and blood sugar control, suggesting a possible side effect of the medication.

## Contribution

This case report adds to the limited literature on drug-induced thyroiditis linked to tirzepatide use.

## Key findings

- A 32-year-old woman developed painless biphasic thyroiditis after two months of tirzepatide therapy.
- Thyroid function returned to normal two months after discontinuing tirzepatide without treatment.
- Infectious, autoimmune, postpartum, and infiltrative causes were ruled out for the thyroiditis.

## Abstract

Drug-induced thyroiditis is an uncommon but clinically important condition. As dual glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptor agonists like tirzepatide are increasingly used for weight management and blood sugar control, there is growing interest in understanding their potential thyroid-related effects.

We report a 32-year-old woman with no personal or family history of thyroid disease who developed painless biphasic thyroiditis, initial thyrotoxicosis followed by transient hypothyroidism, after two months of tirzepatide therapy. Thyroid autoantibodies were negative, and ultrasound showed heterogeneous echotexture with increased vascularity, consistent with thyroiditis. Infectious, autoimmune, postpartum, and infiltrative causes were excluded based on clinical history, laboratory findings, and imaging. Thyroid function normalized two months after discontinuing tirzepatide without the need for treatment.

This case highlights a possible association between tirzepatide and drug-induced painless thyroiditis. It adds to the limited literature and emphasizes the need for clinician awareness of this possible adverse effect.

## Linked entities

- **Proteins:** GCG (glucagon), GIP (gastric inhibitory polypeptide)
- **Chemicals:** tirzepatide (PubChem CID 163285897)
- **Diseases:** thyroiditis (MONDO:0004126), thyrotoxicosis (MONDO:0010138), hypothyroidism (MONDO:0005420)

## Full-text entities

- **Genes:** GCG (glucagon) [NCBI Gene 2641] {aka GLP-1, GLP1, GLP2, GRPP}, GIP (gastric inhibitory polypeptide) [NCBI Gene 2695]
- **Diseases:** thyrotoxicosis (MESH:C566386), Drug-induced (MESH:D000081015), Thyroiditis (MESH:D013966), Thyroid Dysfunction (MESH:D013959), hypothyroidism (MESH:D007037)
- **Chemicals:** blood sugar (MESH:D001786)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

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## References

9 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12127604/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12127604