Anyone else worried about the dysesthesia reports from retatrutide trials?
So I’ve been reading through the Phase 2 trial data for retatrutide and I keep coming back to the dysesthesia side effects. For those who haven’t seen it, about 6-7% of participants in the higher dose groups reported abnormal sensations like tingling, numbness, or that pins-and-needles feeling. Most cases were mild and temporary, but a few lasted longer than expected.
I’m currently on tirz 10mg and my doc mentioned retatrutide as a possible next step since I’ve plateaued a bit. The triple agonist mechanism sounds amazing in theory and the weight loss numbers are honestly incredible, but I’m really hesitant about neurological side effects. I already deal with occasional neuropathy in my feet from years of being overweight and prediabetic, so the thought of making that worse freaks me out.
Has anyone here actually experienced this on reta? I know it’s still pretty limited access but I’m seeing more people getting it through clinics. My doctor kind of brushed it off saying the percentages were low, but 6-7% doesn’t feel THAT low to me when we’re talking about nerve sensations. Would love to hear if anyone has firsthand experience or if I’m overthinking this whole thing.
I’m on reta now, been about 9 weeks total and currently at 8mg. Honestly haven’t experienced any tingling or numbness at all. The only side effects I’ve had are the typical GI stuff in the first few days after increasing dose, but even that’s been way milder than when I was on sema. I think your concern is valid though especially since you already have some neuropathy issues. Maybe ask your doctor about starting at a really low dose and titrating super slowly? That way if you do notice anything off you can stop before it gets worse. Just my two cents but def trust your gut on this one.
I actually DID get the dysesthesia and it sucked tbh. Started around week 4 on 4mg dose, mostly in my hands and feet. Felt like static electricity under my skin sometimes. It wasn’t constant but would come in waves, especially at night. I stuck it out for another 3 weeks hoping it would resolve but it didn’t really improve so I discontinued. My provider said she’d seen it in maybe 2 other patients out of about 50 on reta. The weight loss was great while I was on it (down 18lbs in those 7 weeks) but the sensation thing was too weird for me to continue. Switched back to tirz and the dysesthesia gradually went away over 2-3 weeks.
peptide_curious_77 thanks for sharing that, really helpful to hear from someone who actually dealt with it. I think the fact that it resolved after stopping is somewhat reassuring? The trial docs showed most cases were reversible but reading data is different from hearing a real person’s experience. To the OP, given that you already have some baseline neuropathy I’d probably get a neuro consult before starting reta just to document where you’re at now. That way if things change you have a clear before and after picture. The weight loss results are tempting for sure but protecting your nerves long term is probably more important.