Albiglutide (Tanzeum): Side Effects
Known side effects, contraindications, and interactions
📌TL;DR
- •5 known side effects documented
- •4 mild, 1 moderate, 0 severe
- •3 contraindications listed
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Side Effects Severity Chart
Reported in approximately 10-12% of albiglutide-treated patients in the HARMONY trials. This was notably lower than rates seen with other GLP-1 agonists such as liraglutide (20-39%) and semaglutide (15-44%).
Reported in approximately 13% of patients. Generally mild and self-limiting, consistent with the GLP-1 receptor agonist class.
Local reactions including nodules, erythema, and pruritus at the injection site. Potentially related to the lyophilized powder formulation requiring reconstitution.
Reported in approximately 14% of patients across the HARMONY trials. Not clearly drug-related but reported at higher rates than placebo.
Reported in approximately 4-6% of patients. Lower than rates seen with many other GLP-1 agonists, reflecting the gentler GI profile associated with the albumin fusion approach.
⛔Contraindications
- •Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2) (FDA boxed warning)
- •Known hypersensitivity to albiglutide or any component of the formulation
- •Product is no longer available; contraindication information is historical
⚠️Drug Interactions
- •Insulin and sulfonylureas: Increased hypoglycemia risk when combined (GLP-1 agonist class effect)
- •Oral medications: Delayed gastric emptying may affect absorption of co-administered oral drugs (though less than shorter-acting GLP-1 agonists)
- •Warfarin: No clinically significant interaction observed in clinical studies
Community-Reported Side Effects
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Based on 5+ community reports
View community protocolsSafety Overview#
Albiglutide's safety profile was characterized by a notably lower rate of gastrointestinal adverse events compared to other GLP-1 receptor agonists. Data from the HARMONY clinical trial program (over 5,000 patients in phase 3 trials plus 9,463 in HARMONY Outcomes) provided a robust safety database.
Gastrointestinal Side Effects#
The most distinctive aspect of albiglutide's safety profile was its relatively mild GI adverse event rate. This was likely attributable to the albumin fusion approach, which produced a more gradual pharmacokinetic profile with lower peak concentrations at the GLP-1 receptor compared to smaller acylated GLP-1 agonists.
| GI Adverse Event | Albiglutide | Liraglutide | Semaglutide (SC) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nausea | 10-12% | 20-39% | 15-44% |
| Vomiting | 4-6% | 10-15% | 5-24% |
| Diarrhea | ~13% | 10-15% | 8-17% |
While the lower GI rate was an advantage, it was offset by lower glycemic efficacy and weight loss, suggesting that the milder GI profile reflected reduced overall pharmacological activity rather than a pure tolerability advantage.
Injection-Site Reactions#
Injection-site reactions were reported at moderate frequency with albiglutide. These included nodule formation, erythema, and pruritus. The lyophilized powder formulation requiring reconstitution may have contributed to higher local reaction rates compared to pre-filled liquid formulations of other GLP-1 agonists.
Cardiovascular Safety#
The HARMONY Outcomes trial demonstrated cardiovascular safety and benefit. No increase in heart rate was observed. The 22% MACE reduction provided reassurance about cardiovascular safety that was published after market withdrawal.
Thyroid Safety#
Albiglutide carried the GLP-1 agonist class-wide FDA boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumors based on rodent data. However, no cases of medullary thyroid carcinoma were attributed to albiglutide in clinical trials.
Comparison with Approved GLP-1 Agonists#
| Safety Parameter | Albiglutide | Semaglutide | Liraglutide |
|---|---|---|---|
| Overall GI rate | Low | Moderate-High | Moderate |
| Injection-site reactions | Moderate | Low | Low |
| Anti-drug antibodies | <5% | <1% | <1% |
| Cardiovascular safety | Positive (HR 0.78) | Positive (SUSTAIN-6, SELECT) | Positive (LEADER) |
| Hypoglycemia (monotherapy) | Low | Low | Low |
Safety Profile Context#
Albiglutide (Tanzeum) belongs to the Metabolic category of research peptides. Understanding the side effect profile of Albiglutide (Tanzeum) is essential for researchers designing clinical protocols and for healthcare providers advising patients. The side effects documented here are based on available clinical trial data and may not represent the complete safety profile.
Reported Side Effects#
The following side effects have been documented in clinical studies of Albiglutide (Tanzeum). Side effect severity and frequency are based on available clinical data.
Nausea#
Severity: mild | Frequency: common
Reported in approximately 10-12% of albiglutide-treated patients in the HARMONY trials. This was notably lower than rates seen with other GLP-1 agonists such as liraglutide (20-39%) and semaglutide (15-44%).
Diarrhea#
Severity: mild | Frequency: common
Reported in approximately 13% of patients. Generally mild and self-limiting, consistent with the GLP-1 receptor agonist class.
Injection-Site Reactions#
Severity: moderate | Frequency: common
Local reactions including nodules, erythema, and pruritus at the injection site. Potentially related to the lyophilized powder formulation requiring reconstitution.
Upper Respiratory Tract Infection#
Severity: mild | Frequency: common
Reported in approximately 14% of patients across the HARMONY trials. Not clearly drug-related but reported at higher rates than placebo.
Vomiting#
Severity: mild | Frequency: common
Reported in approximately 4-6% of patients. Lower than rates seen with many other GLP-1 agonists, reflecting the gentler GI profile associated with the albumin fusion approach.
Contraindications#
The following contraindications have been identified for Albiglutide (Tanzeum) based on available research and pharmacological considerations:
- Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2) (FDA boxed warning)
- Known hypersensitivity to albiglutide or any component of the formulation
- Product is no longer available; contraindication information is historical
Individuals with any of these conditions should not use Albiglutide (Tanzeum) without consulting a qualified healthcare provider.
Drug Interactions#
The following potential drug interactions have been identified for Albiglutide (Tanzeum):
- Insulin and sulfonylureas: Increased hypoglycemia risk when combined (GLP-1 agonist class effect)
- Oral medications: Delayed gastric emptying may affect absorption of co-administered oral drugs (though less than shorter-acting GLP-1 agonists)
- Warfarin: No clinically significant interaction observed in clinical studies
Drug interaction studies for Albiglutide (Tanzeum) remain limited. Researchers should exercise caution when combining Albiglutide (Tanzeum) with other compounds and consult relevant pharmacological references.
Related Reading#
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This website is for educational and informational purposes only. The information provided is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before using any peptide or supplement.