Maintain adequate hydration to prevent volume depletion due to GI side effects
Less common but more serious risks include: Pancreatitis, which can cause severe abdominal pain and may require stopping the medication Gallbladder problems, such as gallstones or inflammation, especially with higher doses or longer use Allergic reactions, including swelling or difficulty breathing, which need immediate medical attention Injection site reactions, such as redness or itching, with injectable forms Rare vision changes or worsening diabetic eye disease, especially when blood sugar improves rapidly Anyone with intense abdominal pain, signs of dehydration (such as dizziness or reduced urination), or unexpected vision changes should seek medical advice promptly
Some patients and providers use the FDA-approved starting dose as a long-term maintenance dose to support gastrointestinal tolerability, to help keep weight off after a loss, and for lower-dose support of appetite regulation and metabolic biomarkers at a lower monthly price
This is a significant phenotype, as a similar reduction in circulating triglycerides was not observed with a liver-specific loss of critical lipogenic enzymes, such as fatty acid synthase (FASN) 81
patients with existing retinopathy should have regular eye examinations and report any visual changes promptly