From the Guidelines
Body aches in patients taking GLP-1 receptor agonists can be effectively managed by gradual dose titration, as recommended for semaglutide and liraglutide, to minimize the risk of adverse effects, including gastrointestinal issues and body aches. This approach is supported by the 2022 clinical practice guideline on pharmacological interventions for adults with obesity, which suggests starting semaglutide at 0.25 mg weekly for the first 4 weeks, followed by gradual increases, and liraglutide at 0.6 mg daily for the first 7 days, with subsequent increases 1. Additionally, gentle physical activity, over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen at standard doses, staying well-hydrated, and applying warm compresses can help alleviate discomfort.
- Key considerations include:
- Gradual dose titration for GLP-1 receptor agonists to minimize adverse effects
- Monitoring for and managing potential electrolyte imbalances and fluid status changes
- Ensuring adequate nutrition, particularly protein intake, despite reduced appetite
- Recognizing that muscle aches often diminish after 2-4 weeks as the body adjusts to the medication
- Considering dosage adjustment if pain is severe or persistent, under the guidance of a healthcare provider 1. It is crucial to note that body aches can be a result of the medication's effects on multiple body systems, and while management strategies can help, severe or persistent pain warrants medical attention to rule out more serious reactions.
From the Research
Managing Body Aches in Patients Taking GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Medications
- Body aches are not commonly reported as a side effect of GLP-1 receptor agonist medications, but gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are frequent adverse effects 2, 3, 4, 5
- The most common symptoms associated with the use of GLP-1 receptor agonists are gastrointestinal symptoms, mainly nausea, and other common adverse effects include injection site reactions, headache, and nasopharyngitis 4
- GLP-1 receptor agonists have no negative effects on the cardiovascular risk of patients with type 2 diabetes, but ongoing trials will further assess their cardiovascular effects 4
- To manage gastrointestinal side effects, practitioners can guide patients through managing these side effects with a view to optimizing therapeutic outcomes with GLP-1RAs 3
Reducing Discontinuation Rates
- High discontinuation rates of GLP-1RAs (20%-50%) within the first year are often due to gastrointestinal disturbances and high costs of the medications 2
- Real-world studies demonstrate that the use of much lower doses than those evaluated in clinical trials can lead to suboptimal outcomes 2
- Improved understanding of the exact drivers of early discontinuation and suboptimal dosing is needed to optimize the use of GLP-1RAs 2
Monitoring and Follow-up
- Patients taking GLP-1 receptor agonist medications should be monitored for potential adverse events, including gastrointestinal symptoms, pancreatitis, and biliary disease 5
- Emergency clinicians should be aware of the potential complications associated with GLP-1 agonist therapy, including hypersensitivity reactions, renal adverse events, and hypoglycemia 5