SHM Converge Scientific Abstract ePoster Gallery-Semaglutide; A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Severe Adverse Effects

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This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated severe adverse effects (SAEs) associated with semaglutide, a GLP-1 receptor agonist known for cardiovascular benefits and weight loss. The authors searched PubMed using “Semaglutide and adverse effects or side effects,” initially identifying 41 studies. After excluding studies involving children, multiple antihyperglycemic agents, or lacking a placebo group, they analyzed trials where adverse effect data were clearly reported. Statistical analysis was performed using RevMan 5.0.<br /><br />The pooled analysis included trials with an average duration of 388 days. Overall, semaglutide was not associated with a statistically significant increase in SAEs compared with placebo (odds ratio [OR] 1.27, p=0.26), though heterogeneity was moderate (I²=63%). However, sensitivity analysis excluding the study by Wharton et al. suggested a possible increased risk of SAEs (OR 1.68, 95% CI 1.0–2.8; p=0.05; I²=56%).<br /><br />A notable finding was that 129 participants (10.3%) in the semaglutide group discontinued treatment due to adverse effects, compared with 16 participants (3.1%) in the placebo group. These discontinuations were excluded from the main SAE analysis.<br /><br />The authors conclude that semaglutide may increase the risk of severe adverse effects, and that some adverse events may be serious enough to lead to treatment discontinuation. They emphasize the need for further research to better characterize both short- and long-term severe adverse effects.

Asset Subtitle

Venkata Buddhavarapu

Meta Tag

Author List Gagandeep Dhillon, Harpreet Grewal, Pranjal Sharma, Rahul Kashyap, Ram K. Verma, Ramprakash Devadoss, Ripudaman Munjal, Venkata Buddhavarapu

Category Research

Concept Semaglutide

Concept Severe adverse effect

Concept Weight Loss

Concept Systematic Review

Concept Meta-Analysis

Distinguished Non-Finalist

Presenter Organization Banner Health

Presenting Author Venkata Buddhavarapu

Track Patient Safety

Keywords

semaglutide

severe adverse effects

systematic review

meta-analysis

GLP-1 receptor agonist

placebo

odds ratio

treatment discontinuation

cardiovascular benefits

weight loss

Semaglutide

Severe adverse effect

Weight Loss

Systematic Review

Meta-Analysis