Safety
Important Safety Information
Please read this before starting treatment, and talk with your physician about any questions. This information doesn't replace a conversation with your physician, and it isn't a complete list of possible side effects.
About compounded medications: Medications prescribed through Vita are compounded by a state-licensed U.S. pharmacy for individual patients. Compounded medications are not reviewed or approved by the FDA for safety, effectiveness or quality. The safety information below is based on the FDA-approved prescribing information for medicines that contain the same active ingredients.
Compounded semaglutide and tirzepatide
Warning: possible thyroid tumors, including cancer
In studies in rodents, semaglutide and tirzepatide caused thyroid C-cell tumors. It isn't known whether they cause these tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), in people.
Do not use semaglutide or tirzepatide if you or any family member has ever had MTC, or if you have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Tell your physician right away if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing or shortness of breath.
Do not use if you:
- Have a personal or family history of MTC, or have MEN 2
- Have had a serious allergic reaction to semaglutide, tirzepatide or any of the ingredients
- Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
Before starting, tell your physician if you:
- Have or have had problems with your pancreas, gallbladder or kidneys
- Have severe stomach or digestion problems, such as slowed stomach emptying (gastroparesis)
- Have type 2 diabetes or a history of diabetic retinopathy
- Have a history of depression, suicidal thoughts or an eating disorder
- Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed
- Take any other medications, including insulin, sulfonylureas, other GLP-1 medications, vitamins or supplements
- Are scheduled for surgery or a procedure that requires anesthesia or deep sedation
Possible serious side effects
- Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis): stop and get medical help right away if you have severe stomach pain that won't go away, with or without vomiting. The pain may spread to your back.
- Gallbladder problems: including gallstones. Symptoms can include upper stomach pain, fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or clay-colored stools.
- Low blood sugar: the risk is higher if you also take insulin or a sulfonylurea. Signs include dizziness, shakiness, sweating, confusion, fast heartbeat, headache and irritability.
- Kidney problems: vomiting and diarrhea can cause dehydration, which may make kidney problems worse. Drink plenty of fluids.
- Severe stomach problems: tell your physician if stomach symptoms are severe or don't go away.
- Serious allergic reactions: get medical help right away for swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, trouble breathing or swallowing, severe rash or itching, fainting or a very fast heartbeat.
- Increased heart rate: tell your physician if your heart races or pounds while you're resting.
- Vision changes in people with type 2 diabetes: tell your physician about any changes in your vision.
- Depression or thoughts of suicide: pay attention to changes in mood, behavior or feelings, and contact your physician right away about new or worsening depression or thoughts of self-harm.
- Food or liquid getting into the lungs during anesthesia or deep sedation: tell every provider who treats you that you're taking a GLP-1 medication before any planned procedure.
Most common side effects
Nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, stomach (abdominal) pain, indigestion or heartburn, burping, gas, bloating, headache, tiredness, dizziness and injection-site reactions. Hair loss has also been reported. These are most common when starting treatment or after a dose increase, and often improve over time.
Birth control and other medications
- GLP-1 medications slow how fast food leaves your stomach, which may change how well medicines you take by mouth are absorbed.
- Tirzepatide may make birth control pills (oral hormonal contraceptives) less effective. If you take birth control pills, your physician may recommend switching to a non-oral method, or adding a barrier method such as condoms, for 4 weeks after you start tirzepatide and for 4 weeks after each dose increase.
- If you're taking semaglutide and plan to become pregnant, talk with your physician. Semaglutide is generally stopped at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy.
Vita Steady (lower-dose plans)
Vita Steady uses the same active ingredients (compounded semaglutide or tirzepatide), so all of the safety information above applies. Lower-dose GLP-1 plans aren't a standardized treatment, and research on lower-dose use is limited. Your physician decides whether a lower dose is right for you and what dose to prescribe.
Compounded NAD+ and glutathione injections
NAD+ and glutathione injections are compounded and are not FDA-approved. Their safety and effectiveness have not been established by the FDA, and research is limited.
- Possible side effects include injection-site pain, redness or bruising, flushing or warmth, nausea, headache, lightheadedness and tiredness.
- Allergic reactions are possible. Get medical help right away for swelling, trouble breathing or a severe rash.
- Tell your physician if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have asthma, or take other medications or supplements.
Getting help
If you think you're having a medical emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
For questions about your treatment, side effects or dose, message your care team in your patient portal. For questions about your account, billing or shipping, email hello@joinvitahealth.com.
You can report side effects to the FDA at fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.
This is not a complete list of side effects or safety information. Vita Health, LLC is not a medical provider. Medical services are provided by independent, U.S.-licensed physicians, and treatment is prescribed only if a physician determines it's medically appropriate. See also our Telehealth Informed Consent. Last updated October 25, 2026.