GLP‐1 agonist‐associated presentations to unscheduled care: An opportunistic pilot study

The impact of GLP-1 or GIP/GLP-1 receptor agonist use on unscheduled care is not well-described. We conducted a prospective, observational study using opportunistic screening by clinicians as a first step to understanding the effect of GLP-1 or GIP/GLP-1 agonists on Emergency Department presentations and to guide future studies. Data were collected from April to August 2025 at a single centre for any nontrauma adult patient who self-reported GLP-1 or GIP/GLP-1 agonist exposure. Fifty-six cases were identified, 51 reported tirzepatide use, three subcutaneous semaglutide, one oral semaglutide and one dulaglutide. In 79% of cases (CI95% 66% to 88%), the presenting features were due to GLP-1 or agonist use. Presentations were greatest in the lowest and highest deprivation quintiles and a significant number had coexisting depression. There is a need for formal observational studies to assess the impact of GLP-1 or GIP/GLP-1 agonists on unscheduled care and explore these tentative associations.