A Pharmacist’s Perspective on How Patients Favor GLP-1s
Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP, BC-ADM, CDCES, joined Drug Topics to discuss which indications patients typically gravitate toward for the use of GLP-1 medications.
Despite existing on the pharmaceutical supply chain for about 20 years now, glucagon-like peptide-1s (GLP-1s) have recently reached significant notability in the public eye. Mainly due to their capabilities in facilitating weight loss and improving diabetes outcomes, GLP-1s have become commonplace in general conversations about prescription drugs.
“There are some new indications, for example, semaglutide now has the cardiovascular outcome data for obesity in people that have established cardiovascular disease. That's the first time we've ever seen a drug for weight management show positive cardiovascular outcomes. In fact, in the past, there were several drugs that were taken off the market because they had negative cardiovascular outcomes,” said Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP, BC-ADM, CDCES, Endocrine Clinical Pharmacy Specialist with Cleveland Clinic Endocrinology & Metabolism Institute.
While GLP-1s have existed for quite some time, it’s their specific indications that are more novel, changing the outcomes of patients with various comorbidities and complications. As researchers find more ways to identify benefits from GLP-1s, and as providers continue to counsel their patients on increasing indications, the opportunities for these drugs to have a macro-level impact are increasing.
However, according to Isaacs, insurance coverage and patients’ ability to pay for these medications could present an issue. With the popularity of GLP-1s growing and recent trends like an increase in advertising, patients not yet reliant on these medications may be unaware of the challenges in GLP-1 access.
For more insights into GLP-1 use, counseling, and the nuances that surround these medications, stay tuned for more from our conversation with Isaacs. Also, be on the lookout for our full-length conversation with Isaacs on the Over the Counter podcast this Thursday afternoon.
READ MORE: Counseling Patients on CGM, Smartphone Compatibility Usage
Don’t get left behind: Sign up today for our free Drug Topics newsletter and get the latest drug information, industry trends, and patient care tips delivered straight to your inbox.
