Diabetes and thyroid
GLP-1 agonists
Used for
Type 2 diabetes; some for weight loss
How it works
Copy a gut hormone that boosts insulin after meals, slows the stomach and lowers appetite. Most are injections.
Watch for
Nausea at first. Pens have in-use limits once opened.
- Name clue
- -glutide
- Examples
- semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus)
- liraglutide (Victoza)
- dulaglutide (Trulicity)
More in diabetes and thyroid
- BiguanidesType 2 diabetes (usually the first drug)
- SulfonylureasType 2 diabetes
- DPP-4 inhibitorsType 2 diabetes
- SGLT2 inhibitorsType 2 diabetes; also heart failure and kidney disease
- Thiazolidinediones (TZDs)Type 2 diabetes
- InsulinType 1 and type 2 diabetes
- GlucagonRescue for severe low blood sugar
- Thyroid hormonesLow thyroid (hypothyroidism)
A study and reference aid. Follow the product labeling and your pharmacist for anything about a patient's medicine.
Studying for the PTCE?
Drug classes are a big part of the Medications domain. Gutta's lessons and practice questions cover them, with an explanation for every answer.
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