Table 3.

General Guidance to Alleviate and Manage Side Effects Associated With GLP‐1 RA Therapy*

Potential common side effects	Clinical guidance to alleviate and manage side effects 79
Nausea	For gastrointestinal side effects: Avoid prescribing GLP‐1 RAs to patients with severe gastrointestinal disease (eg, gastroparesis) Manage underlying gastrointestinal disorders in patients before starting GLP‐1 RA therapy Control diarrhea with medication Increase dietary fiber/water for patients with constipation Initiate GLP‐1 RA regimen at a low dose Titrate GLP‐1 RA dose upward, gradually and slowly Advise the patient to: Reduce the size of their meals Avoid eating when not hungry Limit intake of alcohol and carbonated drinks
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Constipation
Dyspepsia
Decreased appetite
Gastroesophageal reflux
Gallbladder disorders	6Advise patients to avoid high‐fat foods
Increased heart rate or cardiac arrhythmias	7 It is unusual for heart rate to become a clinical concern, but it is wise to ask patients about any new or bothersome palpitations* If symptomatic, an extended cardiac monitor can be used to determine burden and frequency of tachycardia or arrhythmia* β‐blockers could be considered for symptomatic cases*

GLP‐1 RA indicates glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonist.

^*This commentary and advice are the opinions of the authors. Practical guidance is provided only on an advisory basis.