ACCP Position Statement: "Ensuring the Appropriate Use of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists"
ASHBURN, Va., Feb. 5, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The American College of Clinical Pharmacology® (ACCP) published a recent Position Paper entitled "Ensuring the Appropriate Use of Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists". Obesity is a multifaceted disease with increasing prevalence and profound implications for both the individual and society. The significance of obesity as a disease is linked to a myriad of associated health disorders, which include metabolic complications, cardiovascular diseases and certain cancers, resulting in higher rates of morbidity and mortality. Recent research into newer treatments for type 2 diabetes recognized the role that incretin hormones play in both diabetes and obesity. The two main incretins involved in this process are glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP). Currently, there are two approved GLP-1 and one combined GIP/ GLP-1 receptor agonists indicated for chronic weight management. The advent of these treatments not only provide a vital tool in the physician's armamentarium for obesity but requires a well-needed public attention to this disease state. While there is currently a lot of excitement over these compounds, this fervor should be tempered and properly balanced with an understanding of our still limited scientific and medical knowledge with this class of therapies. Short- and long-term side effects should be considered, clinically monitored and the potential for weight rebound and loss of beneficial cardiovascular effects when stopping these medications should be discussed with the patients. Additionally, our healthcare society needs to consider the potential for significant abuse and misuse as the demand for these compounds grows and must take steps to ensure that patients are appropriately informed regarding the medical risks and proper usage of these compounds. Thus, the ACCP strongly encourages healthcare professionals who provide chronic weight management therapy and are considering the use of these therapies, ensure they are appropriately prescribed, supplied and filled per the approved labels. Healthcare professionals should also ensure that patients are clinically monitored and that these agents are utilized as part of a well-balanced treatment plan which includes a comprehensive, multi-method approach emphasizing coaching for positive lifestyle changes and enhancing health literacy to maximize benefits and mitigate risks for patients. Additionally, the ACCP encourages regulatory agencies to utilize all available means to prevent the manufacturing and importation of unapproved GLP-1 receptor agonists and to stop dangerous prescribing behaviors of these products.
About ACCP
ACCP is a non-profit association providing accredited Continuing Education, publications and career-enhancing opportunities to clinical pharmacology healthcare professionals.
View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/accp-position-statement-ensuring-the-appropriate-use-of-glucagon-like-peptide-1-receptor-agonists-302368954.html
SOURCE American College of Clinical Pharmacology