GLP-1 medications can cause side effects and are not appropriate for every patient. Patients should disclose their medical history and current medications during intake and contact their GobyMeds provider if they experience concerning symptoms.
Patients should store medication in accordance with the guidance of the dispensing pharmacy.
Who may not be a good candidate for GLP-1 medications
GLP-1 medications may not be appropriate for patients with certain health conditions or risk factors.
Patients should tell their provider if they have:
A personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma / MTC.
Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 / MEN 2.
A history of pancreatitis.
Severe gastrointestinal disease or gastroparesis.
Type 1 diabetes.
Severe kidney disease or significant kidney impairment.
Significant liver disease.
A known allergy to GLP-1 medications or any medication component.
Pregnancy, planned pregnancy, or breastfeeding.
Eligibility is determined through provider review. Patients who are unsure whether GLP-1 medication is safe for them should use the Medical Chat in their Patient Portal or complete the intake/provider review process.
Common side effects
Common GLP-1 side effects may include:
Nausea.
Vomiting.
Diarrhea.
Constipation.
Reduced appetite.
Heartburn or indigestion.
Fatigue.
Mild injection-site soreness, redness, itching, swelling, warmth, or a small knot under the skin.
Many mild side effects improve as the body adjusts, but patients should contact GobyMeds if symptoms are severe, persistent, worsening, or interfering with normal hydration or eating. For any and all medical emergencies, patients should seek urgent medical care and/or dial 9-1-1.
When to seek emergency care
Patients should seek emergency medical care if they experience signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as:
Swelling of the lips, tongue, throat, or face
Trouble breathing.
Wheezing.
Severe dizziness.
Fainting.
When to contact GobyMeds
Patients should contact GobyMeds through Medical Chat if they experience:
Severe or persistent nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation.
Symptoms of dehydration.
Severe abdominal pain.
Fever.
Blistering at the injection site.
Injection-site pain that gets worse instead of better.
Rash away from the injection site.
Severe itching or hives.
Questions about side effects, dose changes, medication switches, or restarting treatment.
Managing mild side effects
General tips that may help with mild symptoms:
Eat smaller meals.
Avoid greasy, heavy, spicy, or rich foods if nauseated.
Eat slowly and stop when comfortably full.
Stay hydrated.
Increase fiber gradually if constipated.
Keep regular meal timing when possible.
Stay gently active, such as walking.
Rotate injection sites.
Patients should not change dose, skip doses, or restart at a different dose unless that instruction comes from the prescriber.
Injection site reactions
Mild injection-site reactions can happen with subcutaneous injections. Common symptoms include:
Tenderness.
Mild redness.
Itching.
Mild swelling.
A small knot under the skin.
Temporary warmth at the injection site.
General management:
Rotate injection sites.
Use a cold compress for mild swelling or itching.
Avoid injecting into irritated, bruised, scarred, or infected skin.
Contact GobyMeds if symptoms worsen or do not improve.
Medication interactions
Patients should tell their provider about all prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, supplements, and vitamins they take.
Medication categories that may require provider review include:
Insulin or other diabetes medications.
Blood thinners.
Thyroid medications.
Oral contraceptives.
Diuretics or blood pressure medications.
Medications that may be affected by slowed stomach emptying.
Medications that may worsen nausea, dehydration, or gastrointestinal irritation.
Patients should send medication-specific interaction questions through Medical Chat.
Storage and handling
Patients should store medication in accordance with the guidance of the dispensing pharmacy.
General storage guidance:
Follow the pharmacy label and included pharmacy instructions first.
Do not use medication that appears discolored, cloudy when it should be clear, contaminated, or visibly changed unless the pharmacy confirms it is safe.
Do not use medication that has been frozen unless the pharmacy specifically confirms it is acceptable.
Keep medication out of reach of children and pets.
Contact GobyMeds if medication was exposed to unusual temperatures, damaged in transit, or left out longer than expected.