====== GLP-1 Receptor Agonists ====== Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are a class of drugs used in the management of: * Type 2 diabetes mellitus * Obesity and overweight * Cardiovascular risk reduction They mimic the action of the GLP-1 hormone, enhancing glucose-dependent insulin secretion and reducing appetite. ===== 🧬 Mechanism of Action ===== * Stimulates **insulin secretion** (glucose-dependent) * Inhibits **glucagon release** * **Slows gastric emptying** * Promotes **satiety** via CNS pathways ===== 💊 Examples of GLP-1 RAs ===== ^ Generic Name ^ Brand Name(s) ^ Dosing Frequency ^ | Exenatide | Byetta / Bydureon | BID / Weekly | | Liraglutide | Victoza / Saxenda | Daily | | Dulaglutide | Trulicity | Weekly | | Semaglutide | Ozempic / Wegovy | Weekly | | Tirzepatide * | Mounjaro | Weekly | *Tirzepatide is a dual GLP-1/GIP receptor agonist. ===== 📈 Clinical Indications ===== * Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) * Reduces HbA1c with low hypoglycemia risk * Obesity and overweight (with or without T2DM) * Significant weight loss, especially with semaglutide and tirzepatide * Cardiovascular risk reduction * CV benefit shown with liraglutide, dulaglutide, and semaglutide in high-risk patients ===== ⚠️ Common Side Effects ===== * Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation * Gallbladder disease * Pancreatitis (rare but serious) * Injection site reactions ===== ❌ Contraindications ===== * Personal/family history of **medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC)** * **MEN type 2** syndrome * History of **pancreatitis** (use with caution) ===== 🔬 Ongoing Research ===== * Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) * Cognitive and neurodegenerative disease modulation * Multi-agonist therapies (dual/triple incretin agonists) ===== GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension ===== [[GLP-1 Receptor Agonists in Idiopathic Intracranial Hypertension]].