Definition: Dehydration happens when the body does not have as much water and fluid as it needs. MedlinePlus says it can be mild, moderate or severe, depending on how much fluid is lost or not replaced, and that severe dehydration is a life-threatening emergency. Vomiting, diarrhea, heavy sweating, fever and not drinking enough are common causes.
| Mild to moderate | Severe |
|---|---|
| Thirst, dry or sticky mouth | Not urinating, or very dark urine |
| Not urinating much, darker yellow urine | Dizziness, confusion or irritability |
| Dry, cool skin, headache, muscle cramps | Rapid heartbeat and breathing, sunken eyes |
MedlinePlus notes that older adults and people with diabetes are at higher risk, and that feeling sick or nauseated makes it harder to drink enough.
GLP-1 labels link it to the stomach side effects. Mounjaro and Zepbound tell people to report nausea, vomiting or diarrhea that does not go away, because dehydration can lead to kidney problems. Victoza says acute kidney injury, sometimes needing dialysis, was reported mostly in people who became dehydrated this way. SGLT2 inhibitors such as Jardiance and Farxiga lower blood volume by design, and their labels flag eating or drinking less, vomiting, diarrhea and heat as times to call a provider.
Stomach side effects are most common after a dose increase. A note of vomiting or diarrhea days next to dose dates shows a provider how long it lasted.
Read more on Dose Track: Kidney problems on GLP-1 medicines · Mounjaro side effects · Zepbound side effects · Jardiance side effects