{"id":632095,"date":"2025-05-08T09:30:26","date_gmt":"2025-05-08T13:30:26","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=632095"},"modified":"2025-04-29T12:19:12","modified_gmt":"2025-04-29T16:19:12","slug":"pharmacists-glp-1-adherence","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/pharmacists-glp-1-adherence\/","title":{"rendered":"How pharmacists can boost GLP-1 adherence"},"content":{"rendered":"

GLP-1 receptor agonists\u2014such as <\/span>Ozempic<\/span><\/a> and <\/span>Wegovy<\/span><\/a>\u2014have become extremely popular over the last few years. Initially approved by the FDA for Type 2 diabetes, GLP-1s have shown efficacy and soared to popularity for their weight loss benefits. In a KFF poll, one in eight adults reported ever taking a GLP-1 agonist.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

While GLP-1s are effective at lowering weight, hemoglobin A1C levels, and cardiovascular risk, their effects are only sustained if taken continuously. According to a 2025 study published in <\/span>JAMA Network<\/span><\/i>, more than half of patients who are overweight or have obesity discontinued GLP-1 therapy within one year, and almost three-fourths of patients discontinued therapy by two years. Knowing how important medication adherence is, here are four ways pharmacists can help boost adherence with GLP-1s.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

How to support patient adherence to GLP-1s<\/span><\/h2>\n

There are several ways pharmacists can help patients improve their adherence to GLP-1s.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Discuss potential adverse effects<\/span><\/h3>\n

Tolerability can affect medication adherence. In fact, <\/span>a recent study<\/span><\/a> found adverse effects were one of the most frequent reasons for discontinuation of GLP-1s.<\/span><\/p>\n

GLP-1s commonly cause mild to moderate <\/span>gastrointestinal side effects<\/span><\/a>, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. These side effects are most common when patients first start the medication or increase the dosage.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pharmacists can discuss potential side effects with patients before they start treatment and provide ways to manage them. This can help patients be more prepared to manage side effects should any develop during treatment. For example, you can suggest that they avoid trigger foods\u2014such as spicy or greasy foods, alcohol, and carbonated drinks\u2014until they know how their medication affects their bowel movements. You may also recommend staying hydrated if they experience diarrhea.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

It\u2019s also important to discuss serious side effects, such as pancreatitis and gallstones, their associated symptoms, and when side effects warrant a trip to a healthcare provider.\u00a0\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Provide ways to lower medication costs<\/span><\/h3>\n

Many patients have to take GLP-1s long-term, especially if they want sustained effects. High treatment costs are often <\/span>a barrier<\/span><\/a> to medication adherence, and according to a study published in <\/span>JAMA Network<\/span><\/i>, cost is one of the most frequent reasons for discontinuation of GLP-1s.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Pharmacists can recommend ways to lower the cost of GLP-1s to boost adherence. Cost-saving strategies can include:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n