Categories: Health & Fitness

Glucagon-like peptide-1

GLP-1 agonists, also known as incretin mimetic, are a class of drugs used to treat type 2 diabetes mellitus in adults
It used as second line after Metaformin
Additionally, it’s now being used to treat obesity because they effectively aid people in losing weight

GLP-1 agonists

Mechanism of action

In diabetes type 2, the incretin effect’s ability to stimulate insulin production after an oral glucose load might become reduced or completely nonexistent. However, using GLP-1 agonists can normalize insulin excretion

Additionally, it prevents pancreatic alpha cells from producing glucagon and delays stomach emptying

Example of drugs in this class

Lixisenatide (SOLIQUA)

used once daily

Liraglutide (XULTOPHY, SAXENDA, VICTOZA)

used once daily

Exenatide (BYETTA)

used Twice or once weekly

Semaglutide (Ozempic)

used once weekly

Dulaglutide (TRULICITY)

used once weekly

Adverse effect

Erythema and pruritus at the injection site

Nausea & vomiting

Diarrhea

Mild tachycardia

Increases satiety so recently it is being used in weight loss

Glp-1 and weight loss

Recently liraglutide & semaglutide have been approved for the treatment of obesity.
They work by reducing the appetite & hunger, slowing the release of food from the stomach, and increasing feelings of satiety after eating.
They are also well tolerated, helpful in preventing weight regain, and may be a good option for long-term weight control and reducing the chances of serious health problems for patients.

They are also well tolerated, helpful in preventing weight regain, and may be a good option for long-term weight control and reducing the chances of serious health problems for patients.

Additionally, it prevents pancreatic alpha cells from producing glucagon and delays stomach emptying

Contraindications

Pregnancy “category B”
Animal studies have found evidence of an increase in fetal abnormalities and embryofetal death. But there’re no controlled studies in human pregnancy.
• Severe gastrointestinal diseases
• Family history with thyroid cancer

Drug-drug interactions

By delaying stomach emptying, GLP-1 agonists may interfere with the absorption of some drugs, such as Acetaminophen, Digoxin, Warfarin, oral contraceptives, Metformin, Statins, ACE Inhibitors, and Griseofulvin, but they do not significantly change their pharmacokinetics, therefore dosage modifications are not necessary

And the delay in the absorption could be avoided by taking them an hour before to the administration of GLP-1 agonists

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