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Why am I getting weird tingling or burning skin on retatrutide?

Updated 2026-05-02

That symptom is called dysesthesia - an abnormal or unpleasant sense of touch, like pins-and-needles, prickling, or burning, usually in hands, feet, or face. In the Phase 3 TRIUMPH-4 trial, dysesthesia showed up in 20.9% of people on the 12 mg dose and 8.8% on the 9 mg dose, vs 0.7% on placebo. Most cases were mild, and only about 2% of participants stopped the drug because of it. The likely cause is glucagon receptor activity affecting peripheral nerves.

IfIf you have mild tingling that started during dose escalation
Thenthen this is likely dysesthesia - note when it started, where, and how bad, and tell your prescriber
IfIf tingling is severe, spreading, or you also have weakness or coordination problems
Thenthen call your prescriber right away - other neurological causes must be ruled out
IfIf you already have diabetes-related nerve symptoms
Thenthen monitor closely - it will be harder to tell them apart
Key facts
  • TRIUMPH-4 Phase 3 (Eli Lilly, December 2025): dysesthesia at 9 mg 8.8%; at 12 mg 20.9%; placebo 0.7%
  • Most cases mild; about 2% discontinued specifically for dysesthesia
  • Typical onset: dose escalation (weeks 4 to 16), some cases later
  • Some resolved by week 40 to 50; long-term resolution data still limited
  • Phase 2 TRIUMPH: dysesthesia was NOT reported - this signal emerged with longer Phase 3 follow-up
  • Presentation: tingling, burning, prickling; hands, feet, or face most commonly; altered temperature sensation in some cases
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