What should you know about GLP-1 receptor agonist medicines?

These medicines copy the action of a naturally occurring gut hormone. They can help the body release insulin when blood glucose is elevated, reduce appetite, and slow digestion. Depending on the product, a clinician may prescribe one for type 2 diabetes or for weight management alongside a broader care plan.

The digestive effects explain why nausea, fullness, reflux, constipation, or diarrhoea can appear. Appetite may fall enough to make balanced meals and adequate fluids harder, particularly after starting treatment or increasing the dose.

Take the medicine exactly as directed and keep follow-up appointments so your response, blood glucose, hydration, and dose can be reviewed. Eat slowly, consider smaller portions, and drink regularly if your clinician has not restricted fluids.

Tell your healthcare team about all medicines, pregnancy plans, allergies, kidney disease, gallbladder or pancreas problems, and any severe digestive condition. Do not share devices, double a missed dose, or stop another diabetes medicine on your own.

Seek urgent care for severe abdominal pain, repeated vomiting, breathing difficulty, facial or throat swelling, fainting, or confusion. Ask for prompt medical advice if you cannot keep fluids down, have ongoing diarrhoea, notice yellowing of the skin or eyes, experience repeated low blood glucose symptoms, or develop a significant vision change.

Ask what benefit is expected, when it should be reviewed, how to manage digestive effects, which symptoms are urgent, and how this medicine fits with your existing treatment plan.