Important Safety Information for GLP-1 Medications

At Profile Health, your safety comes first. Before starting any GLP-1 medication, it is essential that you share your complete medical history with your provider. Please inform your Profile Health provider if you currently have or have ever had a history of:

  • Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes
  • Thyroid cancer or a family history of thyroid cancer
  • Pancreatitis
  • Kidney disease
  • Diabetic retinopathy
  • Depression
  • Suicidal thoughts or behavior
  • Ileus or severe gastrointestinal conditions

Please also tell your provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Pregnancy & Reproductive Considerations

  • If you are pregnant: GLP-1 medications should not be used during pregnancy. Weight loss offers no benefit during pregnancy and may pose risks to an unborn baby. Animal studies have shown potential fetal harm with GLP-1 exposure.
  • If you are of reproductive potential: GLP-1 medications should be discontinued at least 2 months prior to a planned pregnancy, as these medications may remain in the body for an extended period.
  • If you are breastfeeding: GLP-1 medications have been found in the milk of lactating animals. Inform your Profile Health provider if you are breastfeeding before starting treatment.

Providing incomplete or inaccurate medical information to obtain treatment may result in serious harm, including life-threatening complications.

Serious Side Effects to Monitor

If you experience a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention.

The following serious side effects have been reported with GLP-1 medications. You or a caregiver should monitor closely, especially when starting treatment or during dose adjustments:

Thyroid C-Cell Tumors

In animal studies, GLP-1 medications caused thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). It is unknown whether this risk applies to humans. GLP-1 medications should not be used if you or a family member has a history of MTC or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
Contact your provider immediately if you notice:

  • A lump or swelling in the neck
  • Hoarseness
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Shortness of breath

Inflammation of the Pancreas (Acute Pancreatitis)

Seek medical attention for severe or persistent abdominal pain that may radiate to the back, with or without vomiting.

Gallbladder Disease

GLP-1 medications may increase the risk of gallstones or gallbladder inflammation. Notify your provider if you experience:

  • Upper abdominal pain
  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
  • Fever
  • Clay-colored stools

Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)

GLP-1 medications lower blood glucose and may cause hypoglycemia, especially in patients with Type 2 diabetes who are taking additional glucose-lowering medications. Symptoms may include:

  • Dizziness
  • Blurred vision
  • Sweating
  • Mood changes
  • Rapid heartbeat

Acute Kidney Injury

Severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea may lead to dehydration, which can worsen kidney function. Staying well-hydrated is important throughout treatment.

Serious Allergic Reactions

Stop using the medication and seek immediate care if you experience:

  • Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Severe rash or itching
  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing
  • Fainting or severe dizziness

Diabetic Retinopathy Complications

Patients with Type 2 diabetes should report any changes in vision promptly.

Increased Heart Rate

Notify your provider if you experience a rapid or irregular heartbeat while at rest.

Suicidal Thoughts or Behavior

Monitor for new or worsening mental health symptoms. Contact your provider immediately if you notice changes in mood, behavior, thoughts, or feelings.

Injection Safety

Never share needles or syringes. Sharing injection supplies increases the risk of infection.

Common Side Effects

The most commonly reported side effects of GLP-1 medications include:

  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Abdominal pain or bloating
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Indigestion (dyspepsia)
  • Dizziness
  • Burping (eructation)
  • Gas (flatulence)
  • Gastroenteritis
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)
  • Hypoglycemia in patients with Type 2 diabetes

Reporting Side Effects

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription medications to the FDA:

FDA MedWatch
📞 1-800-FDA-1088
🌐 www.fda.gov/medwatch

This information is not comprehensive. Please review the full Consumer Medical Information and discuss all questions or concerns with your Profile Health provider before starting any GLP-1 medication.