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Not for everyone
Some medical histories rule out particular GLP-1 medicines; others require additional evaluation. This guide separates labeled contraindications from precautions so you can prepare accurate questions for a licensed prescriber.
Ruled out
The prescribing information for Wegovy, Zepbound and Foundayo lists a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC), or a diagnosis of multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), as contraindications. These are specific diagnoses. An underactive thyroid or a relative with a different thyroid cancer does not establish the same exclusion, although the exact history still needs review.
A previous serious allergic reaction to the medicine or its ingredients also prevents use of that product. This differs from nausea after an injection. Severe gastroparesis, a condition in which the stomach empties abnormally slowly, is another important distinction: these three products are not recommended for people with it. Changing to one of the oral GLP-1 tablets does not remove its labeled warnings.
GLP-1 treatment for weight loss should not continue during pregnancy. Contact the prescriber promptly if pregnancy occurs; Wegovy, Zepbound and Foundayo labeling directs discontinuation for weight reduction. A planned pregnancy needs an advance medication plan. Decisions about treatment for another medical condition require the treating clinician. The guide to weight loss for women covers reproductive considerations alongside ongoing care.
The screening
Thyroid cancer and endocrine syndromes in particular. If you are unsure, it is worth asking relatives before the appointment rather than guessing.
Pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, severe gastrointestinal conditions and any previous reaction to a GLP-1.
Especially diabetes treatment, thyroid medication and anything with strict absorption timing.
Whether pregnancy is possible now or planned, and what contraception is in place.
Care, not exclusion
A previous episode of pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, kidney problems or diabetic eye disease needs a specific conversation about the proposed medicine. These histories do not all carry the same label restriction, and an online checklist cannot determine your individual risk. Bring records of the diagnosis, treatment and any ongoing symptoms. Persistent vomiting or diarrhea can cause dehydration and kidney injury; severe, persistent abdominal pain needs prompt evaluation. The serious side effects guide describes warning symptoms. A physician-supervised program should address how new symptoms will be assessed, including when another specialist needs to be involved.
A complete medication list can change the decision even when your weight and health conditions suggest treatment may help. Insulin and sulfonylureas can increase low blood sugar risk with these medicines; some oral medicines need extra monitoring because absorption may change. Include supplements, other weight loss products and the date of any recent GLP-1 dose. The drug interactions page explains why these details matter. Tell the team about planned anesthesia or deep sedation, too. Neither a favorable GLP-1 eligibility result nor previous tolerance replaces a current product-specific review.
Safety
Side effects, interactions and what to do about each.
Common questions
Thyroid diagnoses, uncertain family history, breastfeeding and past reactions need different answers.
Family thyroid history meant no. Disappointing, but they explained it properly and did not try to talk around it.
Slower titration because of an old gallbladder issue. Took longer and I never had a problem.
Reacted badly elsewhere. They worked out it was the speed rather than the drug and restarted properly.
Asked about pregnancy plans before anything else. Timing changed and that was the right call.
From the blog
Next step
The questions take a few minutes and they are the difference between safe treatment and a prescription from someone who never looked.
Licensed clinicians · Eligibility reviewed before any prescription · Virtual appointments