Tanzeum Side Effects: What’s Normal & When to Call a Doctor

Tanzeum (albiglutide) was a once-weekly injectable diabetes medication with notable side effects. Common reactions included nausea (11.1%), diarrhea (13.1%), and injection site issues (18%). More serious risks involved thyroid tumors and potential pancreatitis.

The medication required careful reconstitution and proper injection technique, with consistent weekly timing. While discontinued now, understanding its effects remains relevant for patients exploring similar treatment options in the GLP-1 receptor agonist class.

Key Takeaways

Common side effects include nausea (11.1%), diarrhea (13.1%), and injection site reactions like redness and rash (18% of users).
Tanzeum requires weekly subcutaneous injection of 30mg, which can be increased to 50mg if needed.
The medication is contraindicated for patients with medullary thyroid carcinoma or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2.
Acute pancreatitis is a serious risk, with warning signs including persistent severe abdominal pain radiating to the back.
The drug interacts with over 274 medications and may require dose adjustments when taken with insulin or sulfonylureas.

Common Tanzeum Side Effects: Nausea, Diarrhea & Injection Reactions

When patients begin treatment with Tanzeum, they may experience several common side effects that typically manifest such as gastrointestinal issues or reactions at the injection site. Injection site reactions occur in 18% of users, presenting as erythema, rash, pruritus, or hypersensitivity reactions. While most reactions are mild, about 27% can be moderate to severe, with 2% of patients discontinuing treatment due to the result.

Gastrointestinal effects include nausea, affecting 11.1% of patients, and diarrhea, occurring in 13.1% of users. These symptoms are generally mild to moderate and may diminish over time as the body adjusts to the medication. While discontinuation rates due to GI issues remain low at around 2%, patients experiencing persistent or worsening symptoms should consult their healthcare provider. Treatment or interventions may be necessary for those experiencing significant injection site reactions, with 36% of Tanzeum users requiring some form of management.

Serious Risks to Know: Thyroid Tumors and Pancreatitis Concerns

While Tanzeum helps many patients manage their diabetes effectively, healthcare providers must carefully weigh two serious potential risks: thyroid tumors and pancreatitis.

Tanzeum is contraindicated for patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2. Although animal studies showed thyroid tumors in rodents, the human risk remains unclear. Patients should watch for symptoms such as neck masses, difficulty swallowing, or persistent hoarseness.

The medication also carries a risk of acute pancreatitis, which can be severe or fatal. Warning signs include persistent severe abdominal pain radiating to the back, often with nausea and vomiting. If pancreatitis develops, treatment should be discontinued immediately. Healthcare providers typically avoid restarting Tanzeum after a pancreatitis episode due to recurrence risks. Regular monitoring and prompt reporting of symptoms are essential for patient safety.

How to Use Tanzeum Safely: Reconstitution, Timing & Site Rotation

Because proper administration of Tanzeum requires careful attention to detail, patients must follow specific guidelines for reconstitution, timing, and injection site management. The medication comes in the form of a lyophilized powder that needs reconstitution with the provided diluent, resulting in a clear, colorless to slightly yellow solution. Any cloudiness or particles indicate the solution should not be used.

Tanzeum is administered once weekly via subcutaneous injection, with a standard 30 mg dose that may increase to 50 mg if needed. Patients should maintain consistent weekly timing, though injections can occur at any time of day. If a dose is missed, it can be taken within three days; otherwise, wait for the next scheduled dose.

Proper injection site rotation between the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm is essential for best absorption and minimizing irritation. Sites should be clean, free of bruising or scarring, and systematically rotated to guarantee even usage over time.

Balancing Benefits and Risks: Who Should Avoid Tanzeum?

Determining who should avoid Tanzeum requires careful evaluation of individual patient factors and medical history. The medication's safety profile necessitates excluding certain individuals to prevent serious complications and adverse effects.

Patient safety with Tanzeum depends on thorough screening, as certain medical conditions and risk factors may rule out its use.

Patients with personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) must not use Tanzeum due to potential thyroid tumor risks

Individuals with known hypersensitivity to albiglutide or any components should avoid the medication, since serious allergic reactions and angioedema have been reported

Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not use Tanzeum, with contraception recommended during treatment and for one month after discontinuation

Those with active diabetic ketoacidosis require insulin therapy instead of Tanzeum

Patients with pre-existing pancreatitis, severe hepatic or renal impairment, and those under 18 years old should also carefully consider alternative treatments under medical supervision.

Hypoglycemia & Interactions: Managing Tanzeum with Other Diabetes Meds

Since Tanzeum interacts with numerous diabetes medications and other drugs, managing its use requires careful consideration of potential hypoglycemia risks and drug interactions. The medication can interact with over 274 drugs, including common medications such as amlodipine, aspirin, and metformin, making detailed medication review essential.

When combining Tanzeum with insulin or sulfonylureas, healthcare providers often need to adjust dosages to prevent dangerous blood sugar drops. The drug's effect on gastric emptying can also impact the absorption of other oral medications, potentially altering their effectiveness. This is particularly important for medications that require specific timing or have narrow therapeutic windows.

For ideal safety, patients should undergo thorough medication screening before starting Tanzeum and receive ongoing monitoring during treatment. Regular blood glucose checks and careful timing of medication doses help minimize risks while maintaining effective diabetes management.

Why Was Tanzeum Discontinued? Alternatives for Ongoing Care

In 2017, GlaxoSmithKline made the strategic decision to discontinue Tanzeum, their GLP-1 receptor agonist medication for type 2 diabetes. The discontinuation, driven by limited prescribing and declining sales rather than safety concerns, led to the medication's complete market withdrawal by May 2018.

For patients affected by this change, healthcare providers developed replacement plans to alternative treatments, particularly other GLP-1 receptor agonists. Several established options remain available in the market:

Trulicity (dulaglutide), known for its once-weekly dosing schedule
Victoza (liraglutide), featuring strong clinical evidence and market presence
Other GLP-1 receptor agonists with varying dosing schedules and benefits
Alternative medication classes based on individual patient needs

The replacement process requires careful monitoring of blood glucose levels, patient education on new injection techniques, and coordination between healthcare providers to guarantee uninterrupted diabetes management. Treatment selection depends on factors including tolerability, cost, and insurance coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can Tanzeum Affect My Ability to Drive or Operate Machinery?

Tanzeum does not directly impair driving or machinery operation. However, hypoglycemia, particularly when combined with other diabetes medications, can affect alertness and coordination.

How Long Does It Take for Tanzeum to Show Blood Sugar Improvements?

Blood sugar improvements:

Initial effects: 2-4 weeks
Significant changes: 12-16 weeks
Maximum benefit (0.7-0.9% HbA1c reduction): 52 weeks

Does Tanzeum Cause Weight Loss, and if So, How Much?

Tanzeum induces weight loss of 0.4-1.1 kg (0.9-2.4 pounds) over one year through appetite reduction and slower stomach emptying.

Will Insurance Cover Tanzeum Treatment, and What's the Typical Cost?

Insurance coverage depends on individual plans. Monthly cost: $554 for four doses without insurance. With patient assistance programs like Prescription Hope: $60 monthly.