The Risk of Vestibular Disorders with Semaglutide and Tirzepatide: Findings from a Large Real-World Cohort.
Biomedicines · 2025
Last updated 2026-05-28A large study of 419,497 semaglutide users and 77,259 tirzepatide users found both drugs were linked to a higher chance of developing vestibular disorders compared to non-users. The risk increased over time, with semaglutide users showing a 0.12% chance at 6 months and 0.41% at 3 years, while tirzepatide users had slightly lower rates of 0.10% at 6 months and 0.19% at 3 years.
AI summary of the abstract below.
| Journal | Biomedicines, 2025 |
|---|---|
| Citations | 1 |
| Molecules | semaglutide, tirzepatide |
Abstract
: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) have revolutionized the treatment of type 2 diabetes and obesity. While their metabolic benefits are well-established, their potential effects on vestibular function remain unexplored. This study investigated the association between GLP-1RA use and the risk of vestibular disorders. : Using the TriNetX research network (accessed 3 November 2024), we conducted a retrospective cohort study of adults prescribed semaglutide ( = 419,497) or tirzepatide ( = 77,259) between January 2018 and October 2024. Cases were matched 1:1 with controls using propensity scores based on demographics and comorbidities. The primary outcome was new-onset vestibular disorders, analyzed at 6 months, 1 year, and 3 years after treatment initiation. : Both medications were associated with an increased risk of vestibular disorders. Semaglutide users showed a higher cumulative incidence (0.12% at 6 months to 0.41% at 3 years) compared to controls (0.03% to 0.16%, < 0.001), with hazard ratios ranging from 4.02 (95% CI: 3.33-4.86) at 6 months to 4.95 (95% CI: 4.51-5.43) at 3 years. Tirzepatide users demonstrated similar patterns but lower absolute rates (0.10% at 6 months to 0.19% at 3 years vs. controls 0.04% to 0.15%), with hazard ratios from 3.19 (95% CI: 2.11-4.81) to 4.55 (95% CI: 3.43-6.03). The direct comparison showed a higher risk with semaglutide versus tirzepatide (RR 1.53-2.04, < 0.001). : GLP-1RA therapy is associated with an increased risk of vestibular disorders, with a higher risk observed with semaglutide compared to tirzepatide. These findings suggest the need for vestibular symptom monitoring in patients receiving these medications and warrant further investigation into underlying mechanisms.
Verbatim abstract via PubMed 40426877 ↗
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