“Most individuals will expertise some extent of gastrointestinal points with GLP-1, particularly as they begin taking the remedy and improve the dose,” says Ciara Ortiz-Pujols, MD, MPH, a weight administration doctor at Northwell Well being Doctor Companions Surgical procedure in Staten Island, New York.
Most of the unwanted effects listed under can occur to anybody, however some individuals, resembling these with underlying situations resembling gastric motility issues or gastroparesis, could also be at greater danger than others, says Kristin Criner, MD, an endocrinologist and affiliate professor of medical drugs at Temple College’s Lewis Katz College of Medication in Philadelphia.
When beginning GLP-1, this is the right way to acknowledge (and hopefully decrease) the most typical unwanted effects.
nausea and vomiting
Based on Dr. Ortiz-Pujols, nausea often happens inside 24 to 48 hours. Though often gentle, extreme nausea and vomiting can result in dehydration and, in uncommon circumstances, acute kidney harm or gastrointestinal obstruction, Dr. Criner says.
You might also discover that sure meals usually tend to trigger nausea than others. Frequent culprits embody greasy, high-fat, processed and spicy meals, in addition to alcohol and soda, Ortiz-Pujols mentioned. In that case, it might be a good suggestion to restrict them in your food plan. A nutritionist will help you identify which meals to keep away from.
constipation and diarrhea
Ortiz-Pujols mentioned sluggish bowel actions and the necessity to go away the home urgently are each frequent unwanted effects. “At first, you might really feel like you will have fewer bowel actions, and it typically turns into extra noticeable because the dose will increase,” she says.
In some circumstances, constipation can progress to emergency diarrhea, Ortiz-Pujols says. You probably have diarrhea, strive limiting your consumption of fatty and processed meals, she says. Additionally, you’ll want to drink loads of fluids to forestall each diarrhea and constipation.
dehydration
Dehydration might be brought on by diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, however it will probably additionally occur merely since you do not feel like you have to drink as a lot fluid as standard. “These medicine not solely cut back urge for food for meals, however in some individuals, urge for food for hydration as properly,” Ortiz-Pujols says.
facial growing older
Fats within the face may lower quickly, and a few individuals who take GLP-1 say their facial construction appears to be like totally different, Kriner says. Assume blemishes in your cheeks and temples, sagging pores and skin in your jaw and neck, luggage or darkish circles underneath your eyes, and worsening wrinkles.
To keep away from this aspect impact, Kriner recommends aiming for extra gradual weight reduction, consuming a protein-rich food plan, and staying hydrated. When you nonetheless need assistance minimizing these facial results, “beauty procedures resembling facial fillers, pores and skin tightening remedies, and surgical interventions can restore facial quantity and handle extra pores and skin,” she says.
fatigue and weak point
These emotions are frequent within the first or second day after taking the drug, however some medicine contribute greater than others, Ortiz-Pujols mentioned. When you discover debilitating fatigue or weak point, discuss to your physician about switching to a brand new remedy. This will cut back unwanted effects.
hypoglycemia
Some individuals with sort 2 diabetes might develop hypoglycemia (often outlined as lower than 55 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL) or 3.1 millimoles per liter (mmol/L)) whereas taking GLP-1. That is very true if you happen to additionally take different drugs, resembling insulin, that may decrease your blood sugar ranges.
dental issues
Whilst you’re taking GLP-1, you are prone to eat much less and probably drink much less, so your mouth produces much less saliva than regular, Oritz-Pujols says. The ensuing dry surroundings can result in tooth decay and gum illness.
