Can Tirzepatide (a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist) cause body aches and pains?

Tirzepatide and Body Aches and Pains

Tirzepatide is not specifically associated with body aches and pains as a common side effect, though patients may experience musculoskeletal discomfort as part of the overall side effect profile of GLP-1/GIP receptor agonists.

Side Effect Profile of Tirzepatide

Tirzepatide, a dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) and glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist, has a well-documented side effect profile that primarily focuses on gastrointestinal symptoms rather than musculoskeletal pain.

Common Side Effects

According to the American Diabetes Association's Standards of Care (2024), the most frequently reported adverse effects of tirzepatide include 1:

• Gastrointestinal side effects:
  • Nausea (31%)
  • Diarrhea (23%)
  • Vomiting (12%)
  • Constipation (5%)
  • Abdominal pain (5%)
• Other notable side effects:
  • Alopecia/hair loss (6%)
  • Elevated heart rate

A comprehensive review in Anaesthesia (2024) similarly lists the common adverse effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists, including tirzepatide, with no specific mention of body aches or pains 1.

Gastrointestinal Predominance

Meta-analyses of tirzepatide trials have consistently shown that gastrointestinal adverse events are the most common side effects, occurring in 39-49% of patients depending on dosage 2. These symptoms are dose-dependent, with higher rates at the 15mg dose compared to lower doses.

A systematic review and meta-analysis of 10 trials involving 6,836 participants found that 2:

• Gastrointestinal adverse events were reported in:
  • 39% of patients on 5mg dose
  • 46% of patients on 10mg dose
  • 49% of patients on 15mg dose

Monitoring and Management

When prescribing tirzepatide, clinicians should:

1. Monitor for the more common gastrointestinal side effects
2. Be aware that most adverse effects are mild to moderate in severity
3. Consider dose titration to minimize side effects
4. Recognize that severe adverse events are rare (≤1%) across all doses 2

Clinical Implications

If a patient on tirzepatide reports body aches and pains:

1. Consider alternative causes for the symptoms
2. Evaluate for other potential medication side effects
3. Assess for rare complications such as pancreatitis (which could present with referred pain)
4. Consider dose adjustment if symptoms persist

Conclusion

While body aches and pains are not specifically listed among the common side effects of tirzepatide in current guidelines and research, individual patient responses may vary. The predominant adverse effects remain gastrointestinal in nature. If a patient experiences persistent body aches while on tirzepatide, clinical evaluation should focus on ruling out other causes while monitoring for rare complications of therapy.