Important Disclaimer

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medication regimen.

How GLP-1 Agonists Work

GLP-1 (Glucagon-like peptide-1) agonists work by mimicking the natural GLP-1 hormone in your body. They:

  • Stimulate insulin secretion when blood sugar is high
  • Reduce glucagon secretion
  • Slow gastric emptying
  • Increase satiety signals to the brain
  • Promote weight loss through multiple mechanisms

Common GLP-1 Medications and Their Characteristics

Semaglutide

  • Ozempic (injection)
  • Wegovy (injection)
  • Rybelsus (oral)
  • Half-life: ~7 days
  • Dosing: Weekly

Tirzepatide

  • Mounjaro (injection)
  • Zepbound (injection)
  • Dual GLP-1/GIP agonist
  • Half-life: ~5 days
  • Dosing: Weekly

Liraglutide

  • Victoza (injection)
  • Saxenda (injection)
  • Half-life: ~13 hours
  • Dosing: Daily

Other GLP-1 Agonists

  • Trulicity (dulaglutide)
  • Byetta (exenatide)
  • Bydureon (exenatide extended-release)
  • Adlyxin (lixisenatide)

Common Side Effects by Medication

Semaglutide

  • Nausea (most common)
  • Diarrhea
  • Constipation
  • Fatigue
  • Headache

Tirzepatide

  • Nausea (more common)
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Abdominal pain

Liraglutide

  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Fatigue

Reasons for Switching Medications

Effectiveness

  • Inadequate weight loss
  • Plateau in results
  • Blood sugar control issues
  • Need for stronger medication

Side Effects

  • Intolerable nausea
  • Severe gastrointestinal issues
  • Persistent fatigue
  • Allergic reactions

Practical Considerations

  • Insurance coverage changes
  • Cost considerations
  • Dosing frequency preference
  • Availability issues

Switching Protocol

General Guidelines

  • Always consult your healthcare provider
  • Consider half-life of current medication
  • Start new medication at lowest dose
  • Monitor for side effects
  • Keep track of blood sugar levels

Common Switching Scenarios

  • Semaglutide to Tirzepatide: Wait 1 week after last dose
  • Tirzepatide to Semaglutide: Wait 1 week after last dose
  • Liraglutide to Semaglutide: Can start same day
  • Semaglutide to Liraglutide: Start next day

What to Expect During Transition

  • Possible return of appetite
  • New or different side effects
  • Adjustment period of 2-4 weeks
  • Need for dose titration
  • Potential weight fluctuations

When to Seek Medical Attention

Contact your healthcare provider if you experience:

  • Severe or persistent side effects
  • Significant blood sugar changes
  • Allergic reactions
  • Severe gastrointestinal symptoms
  • Unusual symptoms or concerns

Dose Conversion Tools

Our GLP-1 dose conversion calculator is an essential tool when switching between different GLP-1 medications. It provides accurate dose conversions while considering the unique receptor profiles and clinical effects of each medication.

Using the Dose Conversion Calculator

When considering a switch between GLP-1 medications, our dose conversion calculator can help you:

  • Calculate equivalent doses between medications
  • Compare side effect profiles
  • Understand receptor activity differences
  • Make informed decisions about medication switches

The calculator provides a visual comparison of doses and detailed information about how switching might affect your side effect profile. This can help you and your healthcare provider make the best decision for your treatment plan.

Conclusion

Switching between GLP-1 medications can be an effective strategy when managed properly. Understanding the mechanisms, side effects, and proper switching protocols can help ensure a smooth transition. Always work closely with your healthcare provider to determine the best approach for your individual needs.