Praxis Medical Insights

Est. 2024 • Clinical Guidelines Distilled

Made possible by volunteer editors from the University of Calgary & University of Alberta

Last Updated: 9/6/2025

Concurrent Use of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists and Remicade

Pharmacological Considerations

  • The American College of Anaesthesiologists notes that Remicade is a TNF-alpha inhibitor used for autoimmune conditions, with no specific contraindications for concurrent use with GLP-1 receptor agonists 2
  • GLP-1 receptor agonists slow gastric emptying and reduce food intake via central appetite suppression, according to the European Association for the Study of Diabetes 3

Administration Guidance

  • The American Diabetes Association recommends that daily GLP-1 receptor agonists should be administered as prescribed, typically before meals, to enhance insulin secretion and inhibit glucagon secretion in a glucose-dependent manner 4
  • Once-weekly GLP-1 receptor agonists can be taken at any time during the day regardless of meal times, with no need to adjust timing relative to Remicade infusion, as stated by the American College of Anaesthesiologists 1

Important Considerations

  • The European Association for the Study of Diabetes reports that GLP-1 receptor agonists commonly cause gastrointestinal side effects, especially during initiation and titration, such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which typically diminish over time 3, 4
  • The American Diabetes Association notes that if you're also taking insulin or insulin secretagogues, be aware of potential hypoglycemia risk, due to the glucose-dependent mechanism of action of GLP-1 receptor agonists 4

Monitoring Recommendations

  • The American Diabetes Association recommends regular blood glucose monitoring, especially when starting either medication, to ensure comprehensive care and monitoring 5
  • The American College of Anaesthesiologists suggests monitoring for gastrointestinal side effects, which are typically transient, and following up with your healthcare provider if side effects do not resolve over time 4

REFERENCES

2

standards of medical care for type 2 diabetes in china 2019. [LINK]

Diabetes/Metabolism Research and Reviews, 2019