GLP-1 Receptor Agonists - Pharmacology Summary

Mechanisms of Action: Stimulate glucose-dependent insulin release from the pancreas (GLP-1 = Glucagon-like peptide 1; normally produced by the gut)

Examples:

 • Exenatide (Byetta) - Twice/day or weekly injection (ER version)

 • Liraglutide (Saxenda, Victoza) - Daily injection

 • Dulaglutide (Trulicity) - Weekly injection

 • Semaglutide - Weekly injection (Ozempic), or daily tablet (Rybelsus)

Major Advantages:

 • Weight loss (~1.5-2.5kg)

 • Liraglutide, dulaglutide, and semaglutide variety of adverse CV outcomes in high risk patients with T2D + atherosclerotic heart disease

Contraindications:

 • Personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer

 • Personal history of pancreatitis

Common Side Effects and Toxicities:

 • Gl side effects (e.g. diarrhea, nausea, worsen preexisting gastroparesis?)

 • Association with pancreatitis (though not definitively cause/effect)

 • May ↑ risk of medullary thyroid cancer



- Dr. Eric Strong @DrEricStrong - Strong Medicine https://www.youtube.com/c/EricsMedicalLectures/featured



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