My husband has a new diagnosis (2 wks, with nephritis stage 5). He is on ozempic and his rheumatologist didn't take him off it.
He's currently on MMF, HCQ, Bactrim DS, Prednisone, Famotidine and about to start Voclosporin.
May 12
Are weight loss shots (GLP-1 medications like Ozempic/Wegovy) safe for people with lupus?
The short answer is: it's complicated. Research on GLP-1 drugs specifically for people with lupus is still very limited, so there's no clear "yes" or "no" just yet. Here's what is known so far:
- Potential benefits — GLP-1 drugs may help Show Full Answer
Are weight loss shots (GLP-1 medications like Ozempic/Wegovy) safe for people with lupus?
The short answer is: it's complicated. Research on GLP-1 drugs specifically for people with lupus is still very limited, so there's no clear "yes" or "no" just yet. Here's what is known so far:
- Potential benefits — GLP-1 drugs may help with weight loss and blood sugar control, both of which can be concerns for people with lupus, especially those on long-term steroids
- Safety concerns — There are specific risks to consider, including possible interactions with lupus medications
- Limited research — Most studies on these drugs focus on weight loss generally, not on people with autoimmune conditions like lupus
- Over-the-counter options — These can interfere with lupus treatment and should be avoided without medical guidance
The most important step is to have an open conversation with your rheumatologist or healthcare team before trying any weight loss medication. They can weigh the potential benefits against the risks based on your specific situation and current treatment plan.
May 12
Join
Your Privacy Choices
