Partnering in GLP-1 Patient Care

Gastrointestinal effects, including nausea and constipation, are common considerations with GLP-1 therapy. Explore clinical insights, practical strategies, and emerging data to help guide patient care.

Supporting Patients During GLP-1 Therapy

Clinical experience suggests that anticipatory counseling prior to initiation and during dose escalation may help set expectations regarding gastrointestinal effects.

Considerations in practice may include:

  • Gradual dose escalation strategies
  • Dietary modifications (smaller meals, reduced fat intake)
  • Hydration guidance
  • Ongoing symptom monitoring during titration

Regular follow-up may help identify patients who require additional supportive strategies.

New Clinical Data: 
Ginger Pilot Study

Nausea is a common management consideration in patients receiving GLP-1 therapy¹. Supportive, non-prescription options may be discussed within broader symptom management strategies where clinically appropriate.

Download Study Results

In a double-blind, placebo-controlled pilot study conducted by Prestige Consumer Healthcare, post-dose nausea severity declined 3.7 points in participants randomized to Ginger vs. 3.0 points in participants randomized to Placebo (Figure).

The table shows Ginger reduced nausea severity in 96.2% of events while Placebo reduced nausea severity in only 83.0% of events (p<0.001, Chi-square test).

Advanced herbals for GLP1 Nausea

ADVANCED HERBALS® GINGER CHEWS

Non-medicated soft chews that help relieve nausea caused by GLP-1 medications

Learn More

Gastrointestinal Side Effects Associated with GLP-1 Therapy: Focus on Nausea and Constipation

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s) are approved for use in the management of type 2 diabetes and obesity. As an increasing number of patients are prescribed GLP-1s, the gastrointestinal (GI) side effects associated with GLP-1 therapy are becoming an important consideration in patient management. 

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References

  1. Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, et al. Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity. N Engl J Med. 2021;384:989–1002.
  2. Pi-Sunyer X, Astrup A, Fujioka K, et al. A randomized, controlled trial of 3.0 mg of liraglutide in weight management. N Engl J Med. 2015;373:11–22.
  3. Blundell J, Finlayson G, Axelsen M, et al. Effects of once-weekly semaglutide on appetite, energy intake, control of eating, food preference and body weight in subjects with obesity. Diabetes Obes Metab. 2017;19(9):1242-1251.
  4. Husain M, Birkenfeld AL, Donsmark M, et al. GLP-1s and cardiovascular outcomes in patients with Type 2 diabetes. N Engl J Med. 2019;381:841-51.
  5. Product insert: OZEMPIC (semaglutide) injection, for subcutaneous use. Initial U.S. approval: 2017.
  6. Filippatos TD, Panagiotopoulou TV, Elisaf MS. Adverse effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists. Rev Diabet Stud. 2015;11(3):202–230.
  7. [SAMPLE] Additional reference.

Sources

  • Wegovy (semaglutide) injection [prescribing information]. Novo Nordisk Inc; 2024. Accessed June 2026. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov
  • Zepbound (tirzepatide) injection [prescribing information]. Eli Lilly and Company; 2024. Accessed June 2026. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov
  • American Diabetes Association. Standards of care in diabetes—2024. Diabetes Care. 2024;47(suppl 1).
  • Garvey WT, Mechanick JI, Brett EM, et al. AACE clinical practice guideline for the pharmacological management of obesity. Endocr Pract. 2022;28(9):923-1049.