When to Call Your Doctor on GLP-1s: Emergency Warning Signs

While most GLP-1 side effects are manageable at home, certain symptoms require immediate medical attention. Knowing the difference between normal side effects and emergency warning signs can prevent serious complications and save lives.

🚨 Call 911 Immediately For:

Severe Allergic Reactions (Anaphylaxis)

Symptoms appearing within minutes to hours after injection:

• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Throat tightness or swelling
• Rapid heart rate with dizziness
• Widespread hives or rash
• Swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Feeling of impending doom

Action: Use EpiPen if available and call 911. Do not wait to see if symptoms improve.

Pancreatitis Warning Signs

Severe, persistent abdominal pain that:

• Radiates to your back (band-like pattern)
• Worsens after eating
• Accompanied by fever over 100.4°F
• Causes uncontrollable vomiting
• Makes you unable to keep down liquids
• Tender to touch in upper abdomen

Risk level: Acute pancreatitis is a medical emergency requiring immediate hospitalization.

Severe Dehydration/Kidney Issues

• No urination for 12+ hours
• Dark brown or tea-colored urine
• Extreme confusion or disorientation
• Rapid heartbeat with very dry mouth
• Sunken eyes or extreme weakness
• Severe dizziness preventing standing

📞 Contact Doctor Within 24 Hours For:

Gallbladder Attack Symptoms

• Sudden, intense pain in upper right abdomen
• Pain lasting more than 5 hours
• Pain radiating to right shoulder or back
• Nausea/vomiting with abdominal pain
• Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice)
• Clay-colored stools or dark urine

Persistent Vomiting or Diarrhea

Call if experiencing:

• Vomiting 4+ times in 24 hours
• Unable to keep down liquids for 24 hours
• Diarrhea lasting more than 48 hours
• Blood in vomit or stool
• Signs of dehydration (decreased urination, extreme thirst)

Vision Changes

• Sudden blurred vision not corrected by blinking
• New floaters or flashing lights
• Partial vision loss or blind spots
• Eye pain with vision changes

Note: Particularly important for diabetic patients at risk for diabetic retinopathy.

Thyroid-Related Symptoms

• New lump or swelling in neck
• Hoarseness lasting more than 2 weeks
• Difficulty swallowing
• Persistent cough without infection
• Rapid heartbeat with anxiety (thyroid storm)

Mental Health Changes

• New or worsening depression
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
• Severe anxiety or panic attacks
• Unusual mood swings or behavior changes

📅 Schedule Appointment Within Week For:

Injection Site Problems

• Increasing redness spreading from injection site
• Warmth and swelling persisting 48+ hours
• Pus or drainage from injection site
• Red streaks extending from injection area
• Fever with injection site inflammation

Digestive Issues Not Improving

• Constipation lasting more than 5 days
• Severe bloating interfering with daily activities
• Unintentional weight loss exceeding 2-3 lbs/week
• Persistent heartburn despite medication
• New abdominal pain (mild but consistent)

Side Effects Interfering with Life

• Nausea preventing adequate nutrition for 1+ weeks
• Fatigue not improving after 4 weeks on medication
• Hair loss becoming noticeable
• Muscle weakness or cramping
• Persistent headaches (more than 3/week)

✅ Normal Side Effects (Usually Manageable at Home)

Expected Initial Side Effects

• Mild to moderate nausea (first 2-4 weeks)
• Reduced appetite
• Occasional constipation or loose stools
• Mild fatigue
• Minor injection site redness (resolves in 24 hours)
• Burping or gas
• Mild heartburn

These should improve with time and home management strategies.

Pre-Existing Conditions Requiring Extra Vigilance

History of Pancreatitis

Report ANY new abdominal pain immediately. Your threshold for concern should be lower.

Kidney Disease

Monitor hydration closely and report decreased urination or swelling in legs/feet.

Diabetic Retinopathy

Schedule regular eye exams and report any vision changes immediately.

History of Gallstones

Be alert for sudden severe abdominal pain, especially after meals high in fat.

Questions to Ask During Your Call

When contacting your provider, be prepared with:

• Current dose and how long you've been on it
• When did symptoms start and how have they progressed?
• Severity on scale of 1-10
• What makes symptoms better or worse?
• Any recent medication or diet changes?
• Temperature if experiencing fever

Building Your Safety Plan

• Keep your provider's emergency number easily accessible
• Know which hospital your doctor prefers for emergencies
• Inform family members about warning signs
• Keep a symptom journal to track patterns
• Have a list of all current medications handy
• Know your medication dose and injection schedule

When in Doubt, Reach Out

Healthcare providers would rather assess a benign symptom than miss a serious complication. Never hesitate to call if you're concerned about your symptoms. Trust your instincts—you know your body best.

Conclusion

GLP-1 medications are generally safe when used appropriately, but vigilance is key. By knowing which symptoms require immediate attention versus routine follow-up, you can use these medications safely while maximizing their benefits. Always err on the side of caution—early intervention prevents serious complications.