From the Guidelines
Body aches in patients on GLP-1 receptor agonists can be managed by ensuring adequate hydration and considering dose titration to minimize adverse effects, as recommended in the 2022 clinical practice guideline on pharmacological interventions for adults with obesity 1. To manage body aches, consider the following strategies:
- Ensure adequate hydration by drinking plenty of water, as dehydration can exacerbate muscle pain
- For GLP-1 receptor agonists like liraglutide, gradual dose titration is recommended, starting with 0.6 mg daily for the first 7 days, followed by doses of 1.2 mg, 1.8 mg, and 2.4 mg daily every 7 days at each dose until the maintenance dose of 3.0 mg is reached after 4 weeks, to minimize the risk of gastrointestinal adverse effects 1
- If body aches persist or worsen, clinical judgment is recommended for adjusting the titration schedule as needed for an individual patient’s response, tolerance, and adverse effects, and restarting the titration schedule should be considered if 3 or more consecutive doses are missed 1
- Regular light exercise and applying warm compresses to affected areas may also provide relief
- It is essential to consult with a healthcare provider before making any adjustments to medication, as they can help determine the best course of action for managing body aches and other potential side effects.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Managing Body Aches in Patients on GLP-1 Receptor Agonists
- Body aches are not a commonly reported side effect of GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as liraglutide (Victoza) or dulaglutide (Trulicity) 2, 3.
- However, gastrointestinal adverse events (GI AEs) like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation are common side effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists 4.
- To manage GI AEs, healthcare providers and patients can follow specific guidelines, such as dose escalation and symptom management strategies 4.
- There is no direct evidence on managing body aches specifically in patients on GLP-1 receptor agonists, but it is essential to monitor and address any adverse effects that may impact patient adherence to treatment 5, 6.
GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Adverse Effects
- GLP-1 receptor agonists have been shown to have a low risk of hypoglycemia and are generally well-tolerated 2, 3.
- However, individual agents within the GLP-1 receptor agonist class may have unique advantages and disadvantages, including differences in dosing frequency, administration requirements, and cost 6.
- Head-to-head clinical studies have demonstrated that all GLP-1 receptor agonist agents are effective therapeutic options for reducing A1C, but differences exist in terms of magnitude of effect on A1C and weight, as well as frequency of adverse effects 6.
Clinical Recommendations
- Healthcare providers should be aware of the potential adverse effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists and provide guidance on managing symptoms to minimize their severity and duration 4.
- Patients should be educated on the importance of adhering to treatment and reporting any adverse effects to their healthcare provider 5, 4.
- Individualized treatment plans should be developed to address the unique needs and circumstances of each patient 5, 6.