What Is Retatrutide?
Retatrutide is a new prescription GLP-1 medication that is currently being developed by Eli Lilly, which also recently brought Mounjaro and Zepbound to the market. Since retatrutide is still in clinical trials, it has not been given a brand name yet but is sometimes referred to as LY-3437943.
It is the first triple-agonist injectable, meaning it mimics three of your natural hormones, including GLP-1, GIP, and glucagon, and this combination is proving to substantially improve the user’s metabolic functions and has helped those participating in the Phase 2 trials lose an average of 24% of their starting weight in about 11 months. This is a more significant and faster rate of weight loss than any other GLP-1 medication available today.
The other GLP-1-type medications are known for sharing some common side effects, and the clinical trials of retatrutide have shown that participants are experiencing these as well. Everyone’s body reacts differently to medications, so it is important that you work with a qualified doctor like Dr. Angelina Postoev with MySlimMed to ensure the medication you are taking is helping you lose weight with the fewest side effects possible.
Side Effects of Retatrutide
| Side Effect Of Retatrutide | Frequency Of Instances | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation | Very common | Mild to moderate, usually occurs early on or with increases in the dose. |
| Increased heart rate or arrhythmias | Rare | Arrhythmias are usually mild but require monitoring. |
| Blood pressure changes | Common | It usually decreases blood pressure and requires close observation if already on medication. |
| Fatigue | Common | Usually mild and temporary. |
| Insomnia | Rare | Potentially related to discomfort caused by other retatrutide side effects. |
| Liver enzyme elevation | Very rare, occurring in only around 1% of users. | Lab monitoring is recommended. |
| Skin sensitivity | Experienced by about 7% of users. | Usually mild |
| Injection-site issues | Occasionally | Mild redness and swelling, but typically can be managed by using a lighter touch and alternating injection sites. |
| Hair loss | Anecdotal | Possibly due to rapid weight loss or inadequate nutrition. |
Common Gastrointestinal Effects of Retatrutide
Some of the most frequently reported effects that show up in the early days of use usually reconcile themselves as your body grows accustomed to the medication. Side effects you may experience when starting retatrutide or increasing the strength include:
- Nausea, which most often occurs when first starting the medication and can be mild to moderate in intensity but often can be controlled by adjusting the dose.
- Diarrhea and vomiting are also very common when first starting on the medication, especially at first or when your dose increases.
- Constipation can occur, although it is less common than diarrhea.
- Stomach discomfort, bloating, or mild indigestion can often accompany these other gastrointestinal symptoms.
Other Side Effects of Retatrutide
Cardiovascular
Retratrutide has been shown in some instances to cause:
- Increased heart rate
- Arrhythmias
- Blood pressure changes
Some people taking Retatrutide have seen a slight increase in their resting heart rate, especially around the 24-week mark. After that, it tends to go back down, but there were also a few rare cases of irregular heart rhythms; but, most were mild and were shown to be connected to other medications the participant was already taking.
Retatrutide may also lower your blood pressure a bit, which may be helpful for people with high blood pressure, but anyone already taking medication to regulate their blood pressure should work with their doctor to ensure their dose of retatrutide is adjusted accordingly, and their vital signs should be closely monitored during their weight loss journey to catch any potential issues right away.
Fatigue and Insomnia
- Some participants noted that retatrutide made them feel tired, especially when they first started taking it, but it was usually mild and went away on its own.
- Insomnia was reported in some rare instances, and it is thought to be related indirectly to gastrointestinal discomfort or changes in the participant’s metabolism.
Liver, Gallbladder, And Pancreas
- About 1% of people taking retatrutide had a small increase in their liver enzymes, but it usually did not cause any symptoms and went away on its own.
- There have been rare reports of issues related to the pancreas or gallbladder, though they were not very common in the early studies of retatrutide, and similar reports have been seen with all the other GLP-1 medications.
It is a good idea to keep an eye on how the medication is affecting these vital organs with regular blood tests to ensure any issues are identified and caught early.
Skin Sensitivity
- About 7 % of the participants experienced some mild-to-moderate retatrutide skin sensitivity, like tingling, pain, or discomfort when touched or when pressure or heat was applied while using the medication.
- Injection-site reactions were also noted, which included minor redness, swelling, or itching, which usually resolved with adjustments in how the injections were given and rotating the injection site locations.
Hair Loss
Retatrutide hair loss was not commonly reported in trials, but rapid weight loss and lack of certain nutrients are known to trigger shedding and hair thinning. There have been a few anecdotal reports that mention hair thinning or hair loss, similar to those shared about other GLP-1 weight-loss injections.
How Can You Mitigate Side Effects of Retatrutide?
Because everyone reacts to prescription medication differently, it is difficult to know who will experience symptoms and which ones they will be. You can take some steps to determine if you are among those who will experience some of the rarer side effects, so you can make adjustments or discontinue use. Some of the strategies you can use to help lessen the potential side effects of retatrutide include:
- Start on a low dose and slowly increase the strength to allow your body time to adjust.
- Administer your injections with a small meal and not on an empty stomach.
- Make sure you stay properly hydrated and eat a well-balanced and nutritional diet.
- Work with your doctor to monitor your vital signs and your blood work regularly as part of your weight loss journey.
- Rotate the locations and use the proper techniques for administering your injections.
Where Can I Learn More About Retatrutide?
Dr. Angelina and the team at MySlimMed can answer questions you have about retatrutide and other GLP-1 medications such as semaglutide and tirzepatide.
To date, retatrutide has demonstrated faster and more substantial weight-loss potential along with metabolic improvements during the ongoing clinical trials. Some patients have experienced side effects of retatrutide similar to those that are common with other GLP-1 medications. Most are mild or temporary, and the rare side effects that have occurred about 1% of the time are still being studied in Phase 3 clinical trials.
Before using any GLP-1 medication, it is vital to consult with a qualified doctor like Dr. Angelina and talk with her about any personal or family history of heart conditions, liver issues, or thyroid problems. She will help determine if GLP-1 medications like retatrutide would be a good choice for you. Set up a consultation today and get started on a weight management program that can improve your health and quality of life.
