Zepbound making me ITCH!

M

MacroGuy

Member
Hey all, I've been on Zepbound since Feb '24 and hit my goal! Doc lowered me back to 10mg. I've had the usual side effects, but also CRAZY itching all over. Ended up in the ER and they had no clue why I was so itchy, swore it wasn't the Zepbound. Allergist says I'm def allergic, but can stay on it if I take Zyrtec, Montelukast, and Pepcid AC. It helps, but the itching is worse the first day or two after injection.

Anyone else have this problem?
 
If the itching is from blood sugar issues or neuropathy, maybe ARA-290 could help? Otherwise, yeah, switching might be good. I hear you can get Semaglutide pretty darn cheap.
 
There's clinical data suggesting some people experience allergic reactions to tirzepatide. I don't think it was anaphylaxis-level, but enough for some to stop using it. Oddly, it's not a major warning. Maybe try different antihistamines? If not, semaglutide might be the way to go.
 
Not medical advice, talk to your doc!

I had a rash and researched skin reactions to GLP-1s. Many rare reactions exist, some serious. Since you've had it a while, it's unlikely to worsen or disappear. But, systemic allergic reactions increase future anaphylaxis risk. Taking extra meds to counter adverse effects suggests switching to something you aren't allergic to. Surprised your doctor didn't suggest this. Most clinicians would be uneasy with someone using a med they're allergic to, unless there were absolutely no other options.

Cross-reactions to other GLP-1s are rare, so it's unlikely with a different one. Semaglutide or retatrutide could work. Retatrutide might be better for maintaining major weight loss. Semaglutide is cost-effective if you get it internationally.
 
I wouldn't keep using it. The immune system can become overly sensitive and react to MORE things. I ended up in the ER a few times from a fish allergy, then got hives from a supplement. It was one thing after another. Had to carry an EpiPen. Plus, some allergy meds aren't good for your brain.
 
Google 'ketosis rash'! I just read about it. I had itchy, hive-like bumps on my torso around week 4 of Tirz. The dermatologist wasn't sure, but gave me prednisone for 2 weeks. The rash vanished, and my joints felt amazing! But I didn't taper off the prednisone properly. I would recommend talking to your doctor about this because it isn't fun.
 
Wow, thanks for all the input, guys! I didn't realize that allergic reactions could get worse over time. Sounds like I really need to push my doctor for a different med. I appreciate the reality check!
 
Fit_Mom said:
Google 'ketosis rash'! I just read about it. I had itchy, hive-like bumps on my torso around week 4 of Tirz.
Click to expand...

Oh man, that sounds awful! Glad you figured it out, though. I'll keep an eye out for that kind of thing.
 
Has anyone else had extreme fatigue with these meds? I'm on week two and I'm constantly wiped out. It's way worse than any nausea or anything like that.
 
I've definitely had fatigue! Especially right after the shot. Makes me want to just lay around all day. Are you eating enough, Bobby45? Maybe your body is just adjusting to fewer calories.
 
To piggyback on CompoundRoad's comment – sudden changes in blood sugar can also cause fatigue. If you're diabetic, what feels 'normal' now might actually be low. Definitely discuss with your physician.
 
Track calories carefully for a few weeks using Lose It, My Fitness Pal, or My Net Diary. If nothing moves, lower and try again. A year with no loss? It's worth tracking. I'm your height, doing well on Mounjaro + walking + calorie counting for 14+ months.
 
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