“Most individuals will expertise a point of gastrointestinal points with GLP-1, particularly as they begin taking the remedy and enhance 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 side effects listed under can occur to anybody, however some individuals, akin to these with underlying circumstances akin to gastric motility issues or gastroparesis, could also be at increased threat than others, says Kristin Criner, MD, an endocrinologist and affiliate professor of scientific drugs at Temple College’s Lewis Katz Faculty of Medication in Philadelphia.
When beginning GLP-1, this is tips on how to acknowledge (and hopefully reduce) the most typical unwanted side effects.
nausea and vomiting
Based on Dr. Ortiz-Pujols, nausea often happens inside 24 to 48 hours. Though often delicate, extreme nausea and vomiting can result in dehydration and, in uncommon instances, acute kidney damage or gastrointestinal obstruction, Dr. Criner says.
You may additionally discover that sure meals usually tend to trigger nausea than others. Widespread culprits embrace greasy, high-fat, processed and spicy meals, in addition to alcohol and soda, Ortiz-Pujols stated. In that case, it could be a good suggestion to restrict them in your weight-reduction plan. A nutritionist may help you establish which meals to keep away from.
constipation and diarrhea
Ortiz-Pujols stated sluggish bowel actions and the necessity to depart the home urgently are each widespread unwanted side effects. “At first, you could really feel like you will have fewer bowel actions, and it usually turns into extra noticeable because the dose will increase,” she says.
In some instances, constipation can progress to emergency diarrhea, Ortiz-Pujols says. When you have diarrhea, attempt limiting your consumption of fatty and processed meals, she says. Additionally, you should definitely drink loads of fluids to stop each diarrhea and constipation.
dehydration
Dehydration could be brought on by diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting, however it will possibly additionally occur merely since you do not feel like it’s essential 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 getting older
Fats within the face can also lower quickly, and a few individuals who take GLP-1 say their facial construction seems to be totally different, Kriner says. Assume blemishes in your cheeks and temples, sagging pores and skin in your jaw and neck, luggage or darkish circles beneath your eyes, and worsening wrinkles.
To keep away from this facet impact, Kriner recommends aiming for extra gradual weight reduction, consuming a protein-rich weight-reduction plan, and staying hydrated. For those who nonetheless need assistance minimizing these facial results, “beauty procedures akin to 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 spot
These emotions are widespread within the first or second day after taking the drug, however some medicine contribute greater than others, Ortiz-Pujols stated. For those who discover debilitating fatigue or weak spot, discuss to your physician about switching to a brand new remedy. This will likely cut back unwanted side effects.
hypoglycemia
Some individuals with kind 2 diabetes could 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 should you additionally take different medicines, akin to insulin, that may decrease your blood sugar ranges.
dental issues
When 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 setting can result in tooth decay and gum illness.
