While many patients experience benefits from taking GLP-1s, there are some fairly significant side effects associated with these medications
doi: 10.1007/s40261-021-01038-1 10 SuwannasomNKaoIPruAGeorgievaRBumlerH
While patches appear cheaper upfront ($15-89/month), prescription GLP-1 medications deliver far superior results and may be covered by insurance, making them more cost-effective for actual weight management
Alternative medication classes should be considered if GLP-1 therapy proves intolerable: SGLT2 inhibitors (such as dapagliflozin, empagliflozin) for type 2 diabetes, which work via a completely different mechanism and rarely cause gastrointestinal side effects DPP-4 inhibitors (such as sitagliptin, linagliptin), which enhance endogenous GLP-1 activity more gently Metformin remains first-line for type 2 diabetes, though it can also cause gastrointestinal side effects Orlistat for weight management, though this also has gastrointestinal side effects of a different nature For weight management specifically, NICE recommends a comprehensive approach including dietary modification, increased physical activity, and behavioural interventions, with or without pharmacotherapy
L., Davies, M., et al
Its a synthetic form found in supplements and some prescription medicines
