Most people who take Foundayo (orforglipron) notice some side effects, usually in the stomach and bowel, usually in the first weeks and after a dose increase, and usually manageable. A smaller number need to be checked quickly. This is the pharmacist's guide to what to expect, what helps, and when to seek help.
What are the most common side effects of Foundayo?
The most common side effects of Foundayo are stomach and bowel symptoms. The UK product information lists these as very common, which means they may affect more than 1 in 10 people:
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Indigestion
- Stomach pain
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and constipation are common in the first few weeks and after each dose increase. Eat smaller meals, avoid very fatty food, and keep well hydrated.
In the trials these symptoms were mostly mild or moderate. Nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea were more frequent while the dose was being increased and became less frequent over time.
What other side effects are common?
Other side effects listed as common, which means they may affect up to 1 in 10 people, are:
- Dizziness and headache
- A fast heartbeat
- Low blood pressure, seen more often in people also taking blood pressure medicines
- Bloating, burping, wind, and reflux or heartburn
- Gallstones
- Hair loss
- Tiredness
Less often, up to 1 in 100 people notice a change in how food tastes or an unusual feeling when their skin is touched. If you have type 2 diabetes and use insulin or a sulfonylurea, Foundayo raises the chance of low blood sugar, and the dose of those medicines may need to be lowered.
How can you manage the stomach side effects?
- Eat smaller meals and avoid very fatty food.
- Drink enough fluids to avoid dehydration, especially if you are being sick or have diarrhoea.
- Do not rush the dose steps. If a step is hard, tell us before the next increase.
You will stay on each dose step for a minimum of 30 days, and we review you before every dose increase.
If stomach side effects are severe, the UK product information says a change of dose or stopping treatment should be considered, so tell us rather than pushing on. For the daily routine and the full dose ladder, see how to take Foundayo.
Which side effects of Foundayo are serious?
Serious side effects are less common, and the ones to know about are pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, dehydration affecting the kidneys, and sudden changes in your vision.
- Acute pancreatitis: severe stomach pain that does not go away and may spread to your back. It is uncommon, affecting up to 1 in 100 people. If pancreatitis is confirmed, Foundayo should not be restarted.
- Gallstones and gallbladder problems: gallstones are common, and gallbladder problems are linked to losing weight.
- Dehydration and the kidneys: vomiting or diarrhoea can lead to dehydration, which can affect how well your kidneys work.
- Changes in vision: any sudden change in your vision needs to be checked the same day.
- Bowel blockage and severe constipation: severe stomach pain with a swollen tummy and vomiting needs urgent help.
- Serious allergic reactions: swelling of the face or lips, difficulty breathing or a widespread rash.
What to do about each of these is in the safety box at the end of this guide. If you are due to have an operation or a procedure under sedation, tell the team you take Foundayo, as it slows how quickly your stomach empties.
Who should not take Foundayo?
The UK SmPC lists hypersensitivity to orforglipron or any of the excipients as the contraindication. Other situations, including severe liver impairment, a history of pancreatitis, pregnancy, planning pregnancy and breastfeeding, are warnings, cautions or cases where use is not recommended and must be assessed individually. Tell your pharmacist about every medicine you take, as some change the highest dose you can take.
How do you report a side effect?
This medicine carries the black triangle (▼) for additional monitoring. Report any suspected side effects via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.
You can report through the MHRA Yellow Card scheme, and please tell us too, so your pharmacist can review your treatment. For how Foundayo compares with the other once daily weight loss tablet, read Foundayo vs Wegovy tablets.