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image of A Descriptive Analysis from VigiAccess on Drug-related ProblemsAssociated with the Glucagon-like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists

Abstract

Introduction

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are widely accepted for managing Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus. However, numerous drug-related problems (DRPs) have recently been reported about GLP-1 RAs. The present descriptive study aims to compile and report the DRPs of various GLP-1 RAs.

Methods

The DRPs reported for all the GLP-1 RAs, including exenatide, lixisenatide, liraglutide, dulaglutide, semaglutide, and trazeptide, were extracted from the category of injury, poisoning, and procedural complications of VigiAccess. The Pharmaceutical Care Network Europe Association (PCNE) classification for drug-related problems (version 9.1) was used to categorize the DRPs into patient-related, healthcare practice-related, and patient- or healthcare practice-related.

Results

Overall, 315952 potential side effects (PSEs) were reported regarding GLP-1 RAs in VigiAccess under injury, poisoning, and procedural complications. Out of 315952 PSE reports, 84187 were DRPs of GLP-1 RAs. Among the patient-related DRPs, the administered incorrect dose (17797; 48.37%) was predominant, and most of the reports were documented for tirzepatide (9993; 23.82%). Off-label use (13600; 48.37%) was a predominant healthcare practice-related DRP, most of which were from Tirzepatide (4945; 17.59%).

Discussion

The alarming DRP reports in this descriptive analysis regarding the dosing and off-label use of GLP-1 Ras need further investigation to establish the contribution of underlying factors.

Conclusion

Qualified healthcare practitioners must educate the patients administering the GLP-1 RAs to minimize preventable DRPs. Also, careful and frequent monitoring of GLP-1 RAs improves therapeutic outcomes by ruling out DRPs. Healthcare practitioners should comply with approved therapeutic guidelines to enhance the treatment quality of GLP-1 RAs.

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2025-05-07
2025-09-16
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