Key takeaways

  • GLP-1 drugs are a class of medication used to treat type 2 diabetes, obesity, and more.
  • While they are generally safe to use, they can cause side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
  • Starting on a lower dose and increasing it gradually can help manage side effects.

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are medications that mimic the natural hormone GLP-1 in the body. They help regulate blood sugar and can reduce appetite by increasing feelings of fullness, which is why the medication is used to treat both type 2 diabetes and obesity.

GLP-1 medications can cause various side effects, with the most common being gastrointestinal (GI) ones, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation.

The severity and duration of these side effects can often be influenced by the dosage of the medication. Higher doses can lead to more severe symptoms, which is why it is recommended to begin with a lower dose and gradually increase it, to give your body time to adjust.

  • Tip: It can be helpful to keep a log of any side effects you are experiencing when taking your GLP-1 medication. This can help you and a doctor identify any patterns and suitable management options.

Learn more about the most common side effects from GLP-1 medications, how you can manage them, and when you should speak with a doctor.

Nausea and vomiting are common side effects of GLP-1 medications.

This can occur because the drug affects a certain nausea and vomiting control center in the brain, triggering these effects.

If you experience nausea or vomiting while taking GLP-1 medications, the following options may help:

  • drinking ginger or peppermint tea
  • eating small, frequent meals
  • sipping water throughout the day
  • keeping the windows open or going outside to get fresh air

It can also be helpful to avoid eating too quickly or lying down immediately after a meal.

If you find that your nausea or vomiting worsens or is not going away, consider speaking with a doctor. They may be able to suggest another medication or change your dose.

It can be common to experience a mild and temporary reaction at the injection site when taking GLP-1 medications. which can result in the following symptoms:

To help manage any discomfort, you can try applying a cool compress or ice pack to the area to help reduce swelling.

It can also be helpful to switch injection sites regularly, to give the area time to heal and avoid further irritation.

You should seek immediate medical support if the reaction is spreading or if you are experiencing any signs of a severe allergic reaction, also known as anaphylaxis.

Diarrhea can be a common side effect when you first begin to take GLP-1 medications. It will typically go away by itself after your body has had time to adjust to the drug.

When experiencing diarrhea, it’s important to get plenty of rest and stay hydrated. It can also be helpful to eat bland foods until your symptoms improve, such as:

  • mashed potato
  • banana
  • toast
  • applesauce

If your diarrhea does not get better after, it’s important to speak with your healthcare professional. They can suggest other options to help you manage this side effect or look for other potential causes.

GLP-1s work by slowing down the rate at which your food is digested. This can cause food and waste to remain in your digestive tract for longer periods of time, which can result in constipation.

While constipation can be uncomfortable, there are several things you can do to find relief, such as:

  • eating more high fiber foods, such as berries, oats, and nuts
  • staying hydrated
  • getting regular physical exercise, such as taking a walk outside
When to speak with a doctor

Most side effects from GLP-1 medications typically go away by themselves over time. However, if you find that your symptoms are severe, not getting any better, or are worsening, it’s important to speak with a doctor.

They can work with you to put together a treatment plan to help you manage side effects, or suggest alternative dosages or medications.

GLP-1 drugs are generally safe to use, but they can cause side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation.

Higher doses can often lead to more severe symptoms, which is why it is recommended to begin with a lower dose and gradually increase it, which gives your body time to adjust.

If your symptoms are worsening or not going away, consider speaking with a doctor. They may be able to suggest other medications or lower your dose it to give your body time to adjust.