Important Safety Information for GLP-1 Medications

At Aesthetics by AM, your safety and long-term health are our priority. Before starting any GLP-1 medication, it is essential that you provide your provider with a complete and accurate medical history.

Please inform your Aesthetics by AM provider if you currently have, or have ever had, any of the following:

  • Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes

  • Thyroid cancer or a family history of thyroid cancer

  • Pancreatitis

  • Kidney disease

  • Diabetic retinopathy

  • Depression

  • Suicidal thoughts or behaviors

  • Ileus or severe gastrointestinal disorders

You must also inform your provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Providing incomplete or inaccurate medical information to obtain treatment may result in serious harm, including life-threatening complications.

Pregnancy & Reproductive Considerations

Pregnancy
GLP-1 medications should not be used during pregnancy. Weight loss provides no benefit during pregnancy and may pose risks to an unborn baby. Animal studies have shown potential fetal harm with GLP-1 exposure.

Planning Pregnancy
If you are of reproductive potential, GLP-1 medications should be discontinued at least 2 months prior to a planned pregnancy, as these medications may remain in the body for an extended period.

Breastfeeding
GLP-1 medications have been detected in the milk of lactating animals. Inform your Aesthetics by AM provider if you are breastfeeding before starting treatment.

Serious Side Effects — Seek Immediate Care if Needed

If you experience a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention.

The following serious side effects have been reported with GLP-1 medications. Monitoring is especially important when starting treatment or during dose adjustments.

Thyroid C-Cell Tumors

In animal studies, GLP-1 medications caused thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). It is unknown whether this risk applies to humans.

Do not use GLP-1 medications if you or a family member has a history of MTC or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).

Contact your provider immediately if you notice:

  • A lump or swelling in the neck

  • Hoarseness

  • Difficulty swallowing

  • Shortness of breath

Pancreatitis

Seek medical attention for severe or persistent abdominal pain that may radiate to the back, with or without vomiting.

Gallbladder Disease

GLP-1 medications may increase the risk of gallstones or gallbladder inflammation. Notify your provider if you experience:

  • Upper abdominal pain

  • Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)

  • Fever

  • Clay-colored stools

Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)

GLP-1 medications lower blood glucose and may cause hypoglycemia, particularly in patients with Type 2 diabetes who are using additional glucose-lowering medications.

Symptoms may include:

  • Dizziness

  • Blurred vision

  • Sweating

  • Mood changes

  • Rapid heartbeat

Acute Kidney Injury

Severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which may worsen kidney function. Adequate hydration is important throughout treatment.

Serious Allergic Reactions

Stop the medication and seek immediate medical care if you experience:

  • Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat

  • Severe rash or itching

  • Difficulty breathing or swallowing

  • Fainting or severe dizziness

Diabetic Retinopathy Complications

Patients with Type 2 diabetes should report any new or worsening vision changes promptly.

Increased Heart Rate

Notify your provider if you experience a rapid or irregular heartbeat while at rest.

Suicidal Thoughts or Behavior

Monitor for new or worsening mental health symptoms. Contact your provider immediately if you notice changes in mood, thoughts, or behavior.

Injection Safety

  • Never share needles or syringes

  • Sharing injection supplies increases the risk of infection

Common Side Effects

The most commonly reported side effects of GLP-1 medications include:

  • Nausea

  • Diarrhea

  • Vomiting

  • Constipation

  • Abdominal pain or bloating

  • Headache

  • Fatigue

  • Indigestion (dyspepsia)

  • Dizziness

  • Burping (eructation)

  • Gas (flatulence)

  • Gastroenteritis

  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)

  • Hypoglycemia in patients with Type 2 diabetes

Reporting Side Effects

You are encouraged to report adverse effects of prescription medications to the FDA:

FDA MedWatch
📞 1-800-FDA-1088
🌐 www.fda.gov/medwatch

This information is not comprehensive and does not replace individualized medical advice. Please review all medication information and discuss any questions or concerns with your Aesthetics by AM provider before starting GLP-1 therapy.