TITLE:
Saudi Consensus for GLP-1 RAs Switching Guidance: Consensus Report
AUTHORS:
Saud Alsifri, Hussein Elbadawi, Fahad Alsabaan, Abdulraouf Almahfouz, Khalid Alyahya, Eman Shesha, Laila Abu Esba, Meshal Alnais, Raed Aldahash, Turky Alharbi, Saleh Aljaser, Emad R. Issak
KEYWORDS:
Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonists, Switching, Type 2 DM, Glycemic Control
JOURNAL NAME:
International Journal of Clinical Medicine,
Vol.13 No.1,
January
14,
2022
ABSTRACT: Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) provide adequate glycemic control, weight reduction, low risk of hypoglycemia, and CV risk reduction. Their usage for type 2 DM (T2DM) is recommended mainly when hypoglycemia or weight gain should be considered, also, whenever initial therapy is failed. There are many recent updates in the treatment paradigm of T2DM. There are many types of GLP-1RAs, with a knowledge gap regarding switching between the different types. A Saudi task force gathered to develop an explicit, evidence-based consensus for switching between GLP-1RAs, when, why, and how? This article contains the expert panel’s recommendations as a contribution to complement the knowledge gap in this area from the national perspective. As an alternative to intensifying therapy, switching from one GLP-1RA to another has various advantages. Improvements in glycemic control, weight loss, adherence, and medications with established cardiovascular benefits are among them. Also, switching needs to be individualized upon many discussed factors like the dose of the previous GLP1-RA and gastrointestinal adverse effects. Discussion with patients about the why and how to switch is critical.