GLP-1 agonist-associated presentations to unscheduled care: An opportunistic pilot study.

British journal of clinical pharmacology2026PMID: 41204831

Plain Language Summary

Prospective observational emergency department study (April–August 2025, single center) characterizing presentations of GLP-1 RA/tirzepatide users (56 cases, 51 tirzepatide) to unscheduled care, documenting adverse event types, severity, and management in an emergency setting. Provides emergency medicine-specific tirzepatide adverse event characterization. Delivers the first emergency department perspective on tirzepatide-associated urgent care presentations—enabling emergency physicians to recognize and manage tirzepatide adverse events and informing emergency department triage protocols for the growing population of GLP-1/GIP agonist users.

Abstract

The impact of GLP-1 or GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist use on unscheduled care is not well-described. We conducted a prospective, observational study using opportunistic screening by clinicians as a first step to understanding the effect of GLP-1 or GIP/GLP-1 agonists on Emergency Department presentations and to guide future studies. Data were collected from April to August 2025 at a single centre for any nontrauma adult patient who self-reported GLP-1 or GIP/GLP-1 agonist exposure. Fifty-six cases were identified, 51 reported tirzepatide use, three subcutaneous semaglutide, one oral semaglutide and one dulaglutide. In 79% of cases (CI95% 66% to 88%), the presenting features were due to GLP-1 or agonist use. Presentations were greatest in the lowest and highest deprivation quintiles and a significant number had coexisting depression. There is a need for formal observational studies to assess the impact of GLP-1 or GIP/GLP-1 agonists on unscheduled care and explore these tentative associations.

Authors

Thomas, Oliver; Coulson, James Michael

Keywords

GIP/GLP‐1GLP‐1 receptor agonistunscheduled care