How To Manage Gastrointestinal Side Effects of GLP-1 Agonists

Vomiting

• Stay hydrated and eat smaller meals more frequently.
• If vomiting persists, contact your doctor to discuss anti-vomiting medications like Zofran.

Diarrhea

• Drink plenty of water and avoid dairy products and high-fiber foods until symptoms go away.
• You can add water-soluble fiber like Metamucil to regulate your bowels.

Constipation

• Get enough fiber in your diet and drink plenty of water.
• Consider an over-the-counter laxative.
• You can add water-soluble fiber like Metamucil to regulate your bowels. Make sure you drink plenty of water.

Other Ways to Manage Side Effects of GLP-1 Drugs

• Starting treatment at a low dose and gradually increasing it
• Taking the medication with food
• Eating smaller, more frequent, high-fiber meals
• Rotating injection sites and using proper injection techniques
• Using cold compresses to reduce pain
• Regularly monitoring symptoms and following the prescribed regimen
• Cold compresses on the wrists help stimulate the nausea/vomiting center in the brain

Mild-to-moderate gastrointestinal symptoms are not usually a sign that your treatment is not working. Most people who experience side effects say that they go away within a few weeks.

This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a medical professional.

Managing Side Effects of GLP-1 Agonists

Preventing Nausea

1. Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of water and/or sugar-free beverages throughout the day, as dehydration can worsen your nausea.
2. Eat slowly and stop when satisfied. Chew your food thoroughly to ease the digestive workload on your stomach.
3. Eat smaller meals more frequently to stabilize blood sugar levels and alleviate nausea.
4. Avoid high-fat foods, as they take longer to digest and can cause discomfort and nausea.
5. Avoid spicy foods, which can irritate the stomach lining.
6. Limit or avoid alcohol, as it can irritate the stomach lining and affect fluid and electrolyte balance.
7. Avoid eating too close to bedtime (wait at least 2-3 hours after a meal).
8. Avoid vigorous activity after meals; opt for light activities like walking.
9. Practice relaxation techniques such as guided imagery to control nausea.

Tips for Managing Nausea

• Don’t eat and drink simultaneously; separate fluids 30-60 minutes before and after meals.
• Choose mild-smelling foods and opt for chilled or room-temperature options.
• Drink ginger or peppermint tea to alleviate symptoms.
• Don’t skip meals; consume light options like protein shakes, meal replacements, bone broth, or soup with protein and soft vegetables.

Tips for Managing Constipation

• Drink plenty of water or sugar-free beverages.
• Increase fiber intake by consuming:
  • Whole grain products like barley, oats, brown or wild rice, and quinoa.
  • Foods with 100% whole wheat, rye, oats, or bran as the first ingredient.
  • Fresh fruits and vegetables with skins on.
  • Beans.
• Exercise to stimulate gastric motility.
• Consider fiber supplements, but consult your doctor or dietitian first.
• If symptoms persist, talk to your clinician about advanced treatments.

Tips for Managing Diarrhea

• Sip fluids like water, broth, and low-sugar electrolyte beverages throughout the day.
• Eat small, frequent meals.
• Avoid lactose, caffeine, alcohol, sugary drinks, and sugar alcohols (e.g., sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol).
• Eat foods that are low in fat and fiber, such as:
  • Soft fruits like applesauce or a ripe banana
  • Turkey and cheese sandwich
  • Broth-based soups like chicken and rice soup
  • Well-cooked vegetables without seeds or skin, such as carrots or green beans
• Avoid spicy foods if they worsen your symptoms.

This is for informational purposes only. For medical advice or diagnosis, consult a medical professional.