Characterization of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonist exposures reported to a single United States poison center.

Introduction: Glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists have gained attention in recent years due to their efficacy in managing type II diabetes mellitus and their emerging role in weight management. The purpose of this study was to characterize glucagon-like peptide-1 agonist exposures reported to a single United States regional poison center over nine years, including causes of exposure, associated clinical effects, and potential areas for improving patient education and safety.

Methods: This retrospective cohort study analyzed all poison center calls involving glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists submitted to a single United States regional poison center from 14 January 2014 to 1 May 2023. Data were abstracted from the electronic medical record of the poison center, including demographics, call volume, drug involved, type of exposure, frequency of hypoglycemia, and other side effects.

Results: Two hundred and thirty-seven cases involving glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists were reported to the poison center. The annual number of cases increased sharply over this period. Most patients (n = 166, 70.0%) were females. Most calls (n = 164, 69.2%) were due to unintentional therapeutic errors. Semaglutide was the most frequently involved medication (n = 72, 36.0%). Hypoglycemia was identified in eight patients (3.4%). The lowest mean (±SD) blood glucose concentration in these hypoglycemic patients was 49.6 ± 23.7 mg/dL (2.76 ± 1.3 mmol/L).

Discussion: Unintentional therapeutic errors were involved in 164 (69.2%) cases. Despite the generally mild clinical effects observed in this study, the occurrence of hypoglycemia in a subset of patients, often requiring hospitalization, is of concern. With reports of the acquisition of these medications through online platforms and poorly regulated compounding sources, this trend may pose public health risks.

Conclusions: This study demonstrates the increasing incidence of glucagon-like peptide-1 agonist exposures reported to a United States regional poison center, predominantly due to unintentional overdoses, which highlights the need for ongoing patient education.