GLP-1 receptor agonists: product warnings

The TGA has updated product warnings for glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RA) and dual glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP)/GLP-1 RAs for two separate safety issues. The warnings across the GLP-1 RA class of medicines have been aligned to ensure consistent information on the potential risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviours, reflecting a class-level awareness rather than implying a causal association. The product warnings for tirzepatide, a dual GIP/GLP-1 RA, have been updated to include further advice for patients taking oral contraceptives to switch to a nonoral contraceptive or add a barrier method for four weeks after first taking the medicine and for four weeks after each dose increase. No GLP-1 RA should be taken during pregnancy. The GLP-1 RAs currently marketed in Australia are semaglutide, liraglutide, dulaglutide and tirzepatide.