GLP-1 Red Flags & Emergency Symptoms

When to seek urgent or in-person medical care

Most side effects from GLP-1 medications are mild, expected, and manageable. However, there are specific symptoms that should never be ignored. Knowing when to escalate care protects your safety and prevents serious complications.

This guide clearly outlines:

• What is normal

• What requires prompt messaging

• What requires urgent or emergency evaluation

First: Trust Severity Over Convenience

If symptoms feel severe, sudden, or alarming, do not wait for a portal response.

➡️ Seek urgent or emergency care first, then notify your care team afterward.

Telehealth is appropriate for guidance and medication management — not emergencies.

🚨 Seek Emergency or Urgent Care Immediately If You Have:

Severe or Persistent Vomiting

• Vomiting that continues despite dietary changes

• Vomiting that prevents you from keeping fluids down

• Repeated vomiting over 24 hours

Risk: dehydration, electrolyte imbalance, kidney injury

👉 Related education: GLP-1 nausea & early fullness guide

Severe Abdominal Pain

• Intense or worsening abdominal pain

• Pain that does not improve with rest or time

• Pain associated with vomiting or fever

⚠️ Do not assume this is “normal GLP-1 discomfort.”

Signs of Severe Dehydration

• Very dark urine or minimal/no urine output

• Dizziness or lightheadedness

• Weakness, confusion, or feeling faint

• Dry mouth with inability to drink

Dehydration can escalate quickly on GLP-1 therapy.

👉 Review prevention strategies: Hydration & electrolyte tips for GLP-1 patients

Chest Pain, Shortness of Breath, or Fainting

• Chest pressure or pain

• Difficulty breathing

• Passing out or near-fainting episodes

These symptoms are not typical GLP-1 side effects and require immediate medical evaluation.

⚠️ Contact Us Promptly (Non-Emergent but Important)

Message your care team as soon as possible if you experience:

• Persistent nausea limiting eating or drinking

• Ongoing reflux or bloating despite adjustments

• Constipation lasting several days despite treatment

• Inability to meet protein or hydration goals

• Side effects that worsen instead of improve

Early communication allows for dose adjustments and supportive care before symptoms escalate.

👉 Related guides:

• Managing reflux and bloating on GLP-1s

• GLP-1 constipation prevention guide

What Is Usually Normal (and Can Be Managed)

These symptoms are common early in treatment or after dose increases and are usually manageable with guidance:

• Mild nausea

• Early fullness

• Temporary appetite reduction

• Mild constipation or bloating

If symptoms improve with dietary changes and time, urgent care is not needed.

👉 See: GLP-1 side effects timeline

Do Not Stop Medication Without Guidance

Stopping GLP-1 medication suddenly is usually unnecessary and may interrupt progress.

If symptoms are concerning:

1. Seek urgent care if severe

2. Message your care team as soon as possible

3. Allow us to guide dose timing, reductions, or brief pauses

Most side effects improve with adjustments, not discontinuation.

👉 If treatment was paused: Stopping and restarting GLP-1 therapy

If You Seek In-Person Care

If you are evaluated in urgent care or the emergency department:

• Follow their recommendations first

• Notify your OVH care team afterward

• Share any diagnoses, imaging, or lab results if available

This helps us safely guide next steps and medication decisions.

Key Takeaways

• Severe symptoms should never be managed through portal messaging alone

• Vomiting, severe abdominal pain, dehydration, chest pain, or fainting require urgent evaluation

• Mild GI symptoms are common and usually manageable

• Early communication prevents escalation

• Safety always comes first

Your health matters more than staying “on schedule.”

— Optima Vida Healthcare