Relationship Between GLP-1 Medications and Adverse Effects

Known Adverse Effects of GLP-1 Receptor Agonists

The American College of Cardiology notes that GLP-1 receptor agonists have well-documented adverse effects, including gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dyspepsia, and gastroesophageal reflux, which are dose-dependent and more common with short-acting than long-acting GLP-1 receptor agonists 1, 2, 3
The American College of Cardiology also reports that other documented adverse effects of GLP-1 receptor agonists include acute pancreatitis (rare) 1, 2, gallbladder disorders 3, 4, and cardiac arrhythmia/tachycardia 3, 5
Delayed gastric emptying, which can increase the risk of regurgitation and aspiration during anesthesia, is also a known adverse effect of GLP-1 receptor agonists 1, 2, 6

The American College of Cardiology states that the contraindications and cautions for GLP-1 receptor agonists do not currently include vocal chord disorders or paralysis, but do include a history of serious hypersensitivity reaction to the drug, personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer, multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2), and severe renal impairment for certain GLP-1 RAs (exenatide, lixisenatide) 7
For patients experiencing voice changes while on GLP-1 receptor agonists, the American College of Cardiology recommends monitoring symptoms and considering dose adjustment or medication change if symptoms persist, as dysphonia (voice disorder) has been reported with liraglutide, though vocal chord paralysis specifically has not been established 4