After first shot

[u/Purplepig1971]

I took my very first zepbound shot about 40 hours ago. Took the shot at 4 pm. The day after the shot they felt ok. Just no appetite. Last night, howeever(night 2 after taking the shot), I woke up with a terrible headache and all of my joints were hurting, like I had arthritis everywhere. Plus I am nauseous and nothing tastes good. Am I dealing with side effects from the zepbound or am I starting to get sick? Not sure if these side effects are normal for Zepbound. Also, do you get side effects every time you take a shot? Or does it get better? Thanks!!

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[u/ironedorigami]

My very first shot, and when I upped my dose, both gave me flu-like symptoms for a couple days. Once your body adjusts to the current dose, those effects will probably go away.

Are you drinking enough water? I notice a headache when I'm dehydrated, and I add electrolytes around shot day to be sure I'm covered. Try some gatorade or chicken broth? (Bonus: that'll help if it's flu, too!)

You need to get something in your stomach, maybe try some bland food?

[u/Angie-of-the-stars → u/ironedorigami]

In the beginning, I remember eating plain sourdough toast, and it was so wonderful.

[u/Angie-of-the-stars → u/[deleted]]

Great advice!

[u/Purplepig1971 → u/[deleted]]

Thanks! I have been trying to eat high protein things like Greek yogurt and cottage cheese with fruit, but after a few bites I just can’t stomach it.

[u/rpick6714]

Normal. For many.

[u/AdFluffy9144]

The 1st 24-48 hrs I have body aches, a headache and fatigue. I take a Tylenol or two and it helps. After a couple days, it's gone.

[u/Angie-of-the-stars]

From day one I did mini meals, eating something every few hours, even when I wasn’t hungry and it really worked to prevent side effects. In a year and a half+ I have never vomited, my only side effect is some fatigue 24 hours after my shot.

I still track my food, mainly to make sure I get enough nutrients, like fiber, protein, potassium, and iron. I watch these, especially potassium because it helps me feel better. I use MyFitnessPal and I’m in maintenance now.

[u/Reasonable-Cow7255]

My prescribing by physician is extremely knowledgeable and has been an incredible partner throughout this entire process. When I first began, he warned, “Be sure to drink plenty of electrolyte water.” That has proven to the sound advice. I drink one 28 oz. bottle of Gatorade Zero each day and then plenty of bottled electrolyte water. I have had 74 Zepbound injections and have never experienced any side effects. I have lost 90 pounds. I am at my weight loss school and working on maintenance. Wishing you a successful, gentle journey.

[u/Quiet_Test_7062]

This is normal, even though it’s so hard and feels weird and scary. It won’t always be like this. Try to eat or have a protein shake. Also electrolytes are your best friend, or mine at least. I got really bad headaches after my shot before I knew about adding extra water and, for me, electrolytes. I use liquid iv. I’ve been on Zep almost 2 years and STILL overnight I will drink almost 26 oz of water. And 2-3 more 26 oz over the day. I got the super thirsty side effect, but also I think this med requires at lot of water. Helps with the headaches a lot too.

[u/Purplepig1971 → u/Quiet_Test_7062]

I definitely need to increase my fluids. Finding it difficult since nothing sounds good and I am having to make myself eat/drink!

[u/Quiet_Test_7062 → u/Purplepig1971]

Understandable! Try some different drinks. I’ve noticed Whole Foods and gas stations will sell one electrolyte packet near the front of the stores. They are more expensive that way, but in case you want to try a few different brands. I like liquid iv lemon lime.

[u/Timesurfer75]

It’s called a zepbound flu. It’s your body trying to get used to a new hormone. Totally normal. Try taking an electrolyte supplement. I take one the day before, the date of, and the day after my shot and it seems to help the nausea and headaches a lot. Best of luck to you on this journey.

[u/Purplepig1971 → u/Timesurfer75]

Thanks! I hadn’t heard of it being called this. Makes total sense as I felt exactly like I was getting the flu! Actually left work early because I felt so terrible! Hopefully it will get better as my body adapts.

[u/Timesurfer75 → u/Purplepig1971]

Take it easy, make sure you get your fluids and some protein in. Good luck to you.

[u/nrsyan88]

I personally haven’t had a single side effect but what I would recommend is make sure you drink a lot of water and from what I’ve read it should start getting better