How to read this page
This page gives general information about the class of medicines our program uses, including semaglutide (Wegovy, Wegovy pill), tirzepatide (Zepbound) and orforglipron (Foundayo). It is drawn from the FDA-approved prescribing information. It is not a full list, and it is not advice about your own health. Each medicine has its own label. Dr. Conkright goes over the label for your medicine with you at your visit, and you can ask him anything.
Common side effects
According to the prescribing information, the most common side effects of these medicines involve the stomach and digestion. They include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation, stomach pain, indigestion and reduced appetite. Some people also report tiredness, headache, dizziness or bloating.
Per the labels, these effects are often most noticeable when starting the medicine or when the dose is increased. Let us know if they bother you. Dr. Conkright may adjust your plan.
Serious warnings in the labels
The labels also describe less common but serious problems.
- Pancreatitis. Inflammation of the pancreas, which can be serious.
- Gallbladder problems, including gallstones and gallbladder inflammation.
- Kidney problems. Dehydration from vomiting or diarrhea can affect the kidneys.
- Low blood sugar, especially in people who also take insulin or certain diabetes medicines.
- Serious allergic reactions.
- Changes in vision in some people with diabetes, per the semaglutide labels.
- Heart rate increase.
- Mood changes or thoughts of self-harm. The suicidal behavior and ideation warning was removed from the current Wegovy and Zepbound labels in 2026, after an FDA review.
- Food or liquid getting into the lungs during anesthesia or deep sedation. The labels advise telling any doctor planning a procedure that you take one of these medicines.
The thyroid boxed warning
The labels for semaglutide and tirzepatide products carry a boxed warning, the FDA's most prominent kind. It concerns a possible risk of thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma, which were seen in rodent studies. Per the labels, it is not known whether these medicines cause such tumors in people. Check the Foundayo label for its own warnings.
Who should not take these medicines
According to the prescribing information, these medicines should not be used by people who:
- Have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma
- Have Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2)
- Have had a serious allergic reaction to the medicine or its ingredients
The labels also advise against use during pregnancy, and give guidance for people planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding.
This is one reason the health screen and the in-person visit matter. Dr. Conkright reviews your history before prescribing anything.
Other things to tell Dr. Conkright
Tell him about:
- Every medicine and supplement you take, including birth control pills.
- Any history of pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, kidney disease or diabetic eye disease.
- Any planned surgery or procedure that involves anesthesia or sedation.
- Whether you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
When to seek care
The Medication Guides for Wegovy and Zepbound tell you to contact your provider about these symptoms.
- Severe stomach pain that does not go away, with or without vomiting, which can be a sign of pancreatitis.
- Pain in the upper right belly, fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or clay-colored stools, which can be signs of gallbladder problems.
- A lump or swelling in the neck, trouble swallowing, hoarseness or shortness of breath.
- Signs of a serious allergic reaction, such as swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, or trouble breathing or swallowing.
- Vomiting, nausea or diarrhea that does not go away, which can lead to fluid loss.
If you have a life-threatening emergency, call 911. For anything else about your medicine, call our office at (812) 842-0240. Andi answers 24/7 and makes sure Dr. Conkright's team gets your message.
How we watch for problems
Dr. Conkright sees every patient himself, and his staff supports you between visits. Your follow-up is planned at your first visit. If something does not feel right, tell us. Dr. Conkright decides any change to your medicine.
Questions
What are the most common side effects?
According to the prescribing information, digestive effects such as nausea, diarrhea, vomiting and constipation.
Do the side effects go away?
Per the labels, they are often most noticeable when starting or increasing the dose. Tell us if they continue. Dr. Conkright may adjust your plan.
What is the thyroid warning?
The semaglutide and tirzepatide labels carry a boxed warning about a possible risk of thyroid C-cell tumors seen in rodent studies. People with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or MEN 2 should not use them.
Can I take these medicines if I am pregnant?
The labels advise against use in pregnancy. Tell Dr. Conkright if you are pregnant or planning to be.
I have surgery coming up. Does it matter?
Yes. The labels advise telling any doctor planning anesthesia or sedation that you take one of these medicines.
Who decides if I can take one?
Dr. Conkright, at your in-person visit, after your health screen.