8 Reasons Why:

If you’re taking GLP-1 medications like semaglutide (Ozempic/Wegovy) or tirzepatide (Mounjaro/Zepbound) to help manage your weight, you must let your clinical team know. Here’s why it’s crucial to keep them in the loop:

1. Avoiding Medication Mix-Ups: These meds can interact with other drugs you might be taking. If your healthcare team doesn’t know you’re on a GLP-1, they might prescribe something that doesn’t play nicely with it. That puts you at risk!
2. Keeping an Eye on Side Effects: GLP-1s can come with side effects like nausea or, in rare cases, more serious issues like pancreatitis. There was just a study released showing an increased risk of vision loss.  Your team needs to know what you’re taking so they can watch for these and jump in if things go south.
3. Fine-Tuning Your Treatment Plan: We’ve seen a big uptick in people presenting to the emergency department with low blood pressure after taking GLP-1 medications for some time.  While improving high blood pressure is good in the long run, it can be dangerous and expensive in the short term.  Working with a trained healthcare team to get in front of this is key.
4. Managing Blood Sugar Levels: If you’re dealing with diabetes, these meds can really affect your blood sugar. Your healthcare providers need this info to adjust your insulin or other diabetes medications properly and keep your levels stable.
5. Watching Nutrient Absorption: GLP-1s can impact how your body absorbs nutrients. If your team doesn’t know you’re on them, they might miss signs of deficiencies that could mess with your health.
6. Prepping for Surgery: Got surgery or dental work coming up? Anesthesia and GLP-1s can be a tricky combo. Letting your team know ensures they can take the right precautions to keep you safe.
7. Emergency Situations: In an emergency, your healthcare providers need the full scoop on your meds to make the best decisions fast. Knowing you’re on a GLP-1 can be a game-changer.
8. Getting the Best Support: Your clinical team is there to back you up. By sharing what you’re taking, they can give you the best advice, support, and encouragement tailored just for you.

So, bottom line: keeping your clinical team informed about your GLP-1 medication use is a must. It’s not just about being polite—it’s about getting the safest, most effective, and personalized care. Always be open with your healthcare providers to make sure you’re on the best path to health.