GLP-1 Use Requires Specific Counseling Among Each Indication

Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) medications have seen a notable rise in demand and popularity in recent years. With increasing indications for growingly prevalent disease states, these medications require proper counseling before starting, when taking, and after stopping, in order for patients to reap the true benefits of GLP-1s.

“I still remember back in 2005 when the first [GLP-1] was approved,” said Diana Isaacs, PharmD, BCPS, BCACP, BC-ADM, CDCES, Endocrine Clinical Pharmacy Specialist with Cleveland Clinic Endocrinology & Metabolism Institute. “At the time, that was just for type 2 diabetes. It’s been so exciting to see it evolve. Through all of these years—it’s been 20 years—we’ve seen how this medication class now has all of these other indications.”

In a conversation with Drug Topics, Isaacs discussed her experience as a clinical pharmacist managing patients’ GLP-1 regimens. From the highs of patient success with these drugs to the lows of difficult-to-manage side effects, she detailed everything she needs to know about her patients before managing their GLP-1 prescription.

While this class of medications may be relatively new to non-medical experts, pharmacists like Isaacs have known about the potential effects and impacts GLP-1s could have on large patient populations. As further research is conducted and more indications are approved, she will continue to coach her patients through their GLP-1 prescriptions, whether they are meant for obesity, diabetes, or another indication.

Stay tuned for more content from our interview with Isaacs as she discusses further her experience managing GLP-1 medications.

READ MORE: Obesity Management Resource Center

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