SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Losing Fat or Muscle? A Case of Rhabdomyolysis Following Initiation of Semaglutide (Wegovy)

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A 56-year-old woman with systemic lupus erythematosus, autoimmune hepatitis, asthma, and fibromyalgia developed 10 days of muscle pain, low energy, anorexia, and weakness after starting semaglutide (Wegovy). On exam, she had bilateral calf tenderness, hip flexor weakness, tachycardia, and symptoms consistent with myalgias and fatigue. Deep vein thrombosis was ruled out. Labs showed a markedly elevated creatine kinase and concern for rhabdomyolysis, with creatinine changes monitored during hospitalization.<br /><br />The case highlights a potential rare adverse effect of semaglutide. GLP-1 agonists such as semaglutide are increasingly used for weight loss and for cardiometabolic benefits, but their full side-effect profile is still being defined. Common adverse effects include headache, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and injection-site reactions; rhabdomyolysis has been reported only rarely.<br /><br />Management included stopping the offending agent, aggressive fluid resuscitation with normal saline, close monitoring of creatine kinase, creatinine, potassium, and urine output, and consideration of additional measures such as alkaline diuresis or loop diuretics if needed. The patient required admission and specialist follow-up.<br /><br />The report emphasizes the importance of recognizing unusual medication-related muscle injury in patients who present with myalgias and weakness after starting Wegovy, especially because early identification and treatment can prevent serious complications.

Asset Subtitle

Alejandro A. De La Cova

Meta Tag

Author List Alejandro A. De La Cova, Ashley A. Seymour, Joshua Robert Ye, Vijay Duggirala

Category Clinical Vignettes

Concept Rhabdomyolysis

Concept Semaglutide

Concept Creatine Kinase

Concept GLP-1 Agonist

Concept Weight Loss

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization The Ohio State University College of Medicine

Presenting Author Alejandro A. De La Cova

Track Adult

Keywords

semaglutide

Wegovy

rhabdomyolysis

myalgia

muscle weakness

creatine kinase

GLP-1 agonist

autoimmune disease

adverse drug reaction

fluid resuscitation

Rhabdomyolysis

Semaglutide

Creatine Kinase

GLP-1 Agonist

Weight Loss