MHRA: GLP-1 receptor agonists: reminder of the potential side effects and to be aware of the potential for misuse (24 October 2024)

Summary

Healthcare professionals are reminded to inform patients about the common and serious side effects associated with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs).

Content

Advice for healthcare professionals:

• Inform patients upon initial prescription and when increasing the dose about the common risk of gastrointestinal side effects which may affect more than 1 in 10 patients. These are usually non-serious, however can sometimes lead to more serious complications such as severe dehydration, resulting in hospitalisation.
• Be aware that hypoglycaemia can occur in non-diabetic patients using some GLP-1RAs for weight management; ensure patients are aware of the symptoms and signs of hypoglycaemia and know to urgently seek medical advice should they occur.
• Patients should also be warned of the risk of falsified GLP-1RA medicines for weight loss if not prescribed by a registered healthcare professional, and be aware that some falsified medicines have been found to contain insulin.
• Be aware there have been reports of potential misuse of GLP-1RAs for unauthorised indications such as aesthetic weight loss
• report suspected adverse drug reactions to the Yellow Card scheme.