Course Summary

Expiration Date: 03/04/2028

GLP-1 RAs and tirzepatide can produce significant and long-lasting weight loss combined with lifestyle interventions. Although GLP-1 RAs can produce weight loss, some people do not respond to treatment and don’t lose weight. Cost, convenience, tolerability, and comorbidities are primary factors that should drive the decision about which medication to use. Comorbidities are also an especially important consideration. New studies suggest that GLP-RAs might help treat alcohol use disorder, Parkinson’s disease, sleep apnea, and other diseases. The potential for adverse effects of the GLP-1 RAs are typically mild and transitory, although serious adverse effects have rarely been reported. An individualized assessment that focuses on patient comorbidities and prudent monitoring is essential. Treatment will need to be chronic. Lifestyle interventions must be considered when prescribing semaglutide, liraglutide, and tirzepatide. Diet, exercise, and behavioral interventions have been highlighted.

Course Format

Homestudy

Course Syllabus

  • Introduction
  • Semaglutide, Iiraglutide, and Tirzepatide
    • Mechanism of Action
    • Effectiveness of GLP-1 and GIP/GLP-1 RAs for Weight Loss
    • Comparison of Drug Effectiveness
    • Causes of GLP-1 AND GLP/GIP Receptor Failure
    • Common and Mild Adverse Effects
    • Significant Adverse Effects
  • Clinical Considerations for Obesity Treatment
  • Benefits and Risks
  • Choosing the Correct Treatment
  • Lifestyle Changes
  • Duration of Therapy
  • Adverse Effect Monitoring
  • Patient Education
  • Case Study: GLP-1 With Insulin Treatment for Diabetes
  • Summary

Author

Dana Bartlett, RN, BSN, MSN, MA, CSPI

Dana Bartlett is a professional nurse and author. His clinical experience includes 16 years of ICU and ER experience and over 27 years as a poison control center information specialist. Dana has published numerous CE and journal articles, written NCLEX material, textbook chapters, and more than 100 online CE articles, and done editing and reviewing for publishers such as Elsevier, Lippincott, and Thieme. He has written widely on the subject of toxicology and was a contributing editor, toxicology section, for Critical Care Nurse journal. He is currently employed at the Connecticut Poison Control Center. He lives in Wappingers Falls, NY.