GLP-1 Information

How They Work

• Increasing insulin production from the pancreas.
• Decreasing glucagon release after a meal. Glucagon triggers your liver to store fat.
• Slows gastric emptying, which will make you feel 'full'.

Benefits

GLP-1's have been shown to help with weight reduction when combined with lifestyle medications such as exercise and reduction of caloric intake.

Risks

Medicines in the GLP family have caused thyroid tumors in lab mice. It is not yet known if they will cause thyroid tumors or medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in people. No studies have confirmed a linkage between GLP-1's and thyroid tumors in humans.

Common Side Effects

Nausea, constipation, gastroesophageal reflux, diarrhea, fatigue

Rare Side Effects

Depression, hair loss, or Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION)

You Should Not Use a GLP-1 If You Have Any of the Following

• Eating Disorder
• Gallbladder Disease (does not include gallbladder removal/cholecystectomy)
• Severe GI disease (eg: gastroparesis, Crohns, ulcerative colitis)
• Drug Abuse
• Alcohol Abuse
• Recent Bariatric Surgery
• Chronic pancreatitis, or pancreatitis while taking a GLP-1
• Personal or family history of medullary Thyroid Cancer
• Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 syndrome (MEN-2)
• Currently Pregnant (or planning to become pregnant)
• Currently Breastfeeding
• Retinopathy

You Should Stop Using a GLP-1 If You Have Any of the Following

Sudden vision changes (medications that alter blood sugar can have various effects on vision and should be evaluated promptly by an eye doctor)