Tirzepatide linked to unprovoked deep vein thrombosis in case report with negative hypercoagulability workup | Research

The takeaway

A woman developed unprovoked DVT within months of starting tirzepatide, with a completely negative hypercoagulability workup, resolving after anticoagulation and drug discontinuation.

Unprovoked DVT on tirzepatide
Negative hypercoagulability workup suggests tirzepatide as potential contributor to an unprovoked deep vein thrombosis

What the researchers found

Unprovoked DVT after tirzepatide initiation. Negative hypercoagulability workup. Resolved with anticoagulation + drug discontinuation.

Why it matters

Thromboembolic events have not been commonly reported with GLP-1/GIP drugs. This case raises awareness of a potential rare but serious side effect requiring vigilance.

How the study worked

Single case report.

What this study cannot tell us

Single case. Cannot establish causation. DVT may be coincidental. Very rare event.

How to read the evidence

Single case report. Lowest evidence level but important for safety monitoring.

When this study was published

Published in 2025.

The bigger picture

As GLP-1/GIP drugs are used by millions, rare adverse events will increasingly surface. Post-marketing surveillance for thromboembolic events is important.

Questions still open

Is there a biological mechanism for GLP-1/GIP-induced thrombosis?
Should VTE risk factors be assessed before starting tirzepatide?
Have population-level studies detected a DVT signal?

Common questions

Can tirzepatide cause blood clots?

This case report describes one patient who developed a blood clot while taking tirzepatide, with no other identified cause. However, this is an extremely rare event and does not prove the drug causes blood clots. Millions take tirzepatide safely. Report unusual leg swelling or pain to your doctor.

Should I be worried about this side effect?

The risk appears very rare. This is one of the first such reports. However, if you experience unexplained leg swelling, pain, or shortness of breath while on tirzepatide, seek medical attention promptly, as these could be signs of a blood clot.

Read the original research

Acute Deep Vein Thrombosis in the Setting of Tirzepatide Use: A Case Highlighting Emerging Concerns.

JCEM case reports, 3(12), luaf248

View on PubMed ↗Publisher’s paper ↗

Citation

Sonavane, Kunal; Agrawal, Gautam; Agarwal, Bhawna; Parsi, Saketh; Ponnam, Hari Krishna Choudary; Shirsat, Pallavi. (2025). Acute Deep Vein Thrombosis in the Setting of Tirzepatide Use: A Case Highlighting Emerging Concerns.. JCEM case reports, 3(12), luaf248. https://doi.org/10.1210/jcemcr/luaf248