Taking a GLP-1 Like Ozempic? These Health Risks Are Higher in the Heat

• GLP-1 medications may increase heat-related risks by suppressing thirst and reducing fluid intake.
• Thirst reduction may lead to severe dehydration and even kidney damage. 
• GLP-1 drugs may also lower blood pressure in some people, potentially leading to other heat-related issues in people with low blood pressure. 
• People using GLP-1s also need to properly store their medications, as heat can damage them. 

Heat waves during the summer months are increasingly common. What does this mean for people using GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic, Wegovy, or Mounjaro? 

GLP-1 medications may increase the risk of dehydration, particularly in hotter weather.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warns that severe dehydration from GLP-1 drugs may raise the risk of kidney injury and damage. 

Proper storage of these drugs is also important, as heat can damage the medication and render it ineffective.

Clare Thompson, general practitioner and lead of the weight management services at Cadogan Clinic in the United Kingdom, advised extra precautions during hot weather for those taking GLP-1 drugs.

Healthline spoke with Thompson about how taking GLP-1s may lead to dehydration and other heat-related illnesses, and how to properly store the medication during hot weather. 

This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity. 

Why do GLP-1s raise the risk of heat-related illness?

Thompson:GLP-1 medications suppress your natural thirst cues, which means you naturally drink less fluid. 

They can also delay stomach emptying and cause nausea, which may result in drinking less fluid

GLP-1 medications seem to lower blood pressure in some patients, which can also make patients susceptible to dizzy spells and fainting. 

This is further compounded by the heat, which can cause you to sweat more and lose further fluids. 

This slight lowering of blood pressure can sometimes be beneficial in people with hypertension. 

However, in patients with pre-existing normal to low blood pressure, special consideration must be taken to ensure their pressure doesn’t drop to dangerously low levels. 

Signs of dehydration

Signs you may be dehydrated include: 

• altered mental status or poor concentration
• fatigue
• low urine output
• darker-colored urine
• dry skin and cracked lips
• decreased skin elasticity
• headaches
• dizziness or lightheadedness
• heart palpitations
• low blood pressure

How can people taking GLP-1 drugs stay hydrated?

Thompson: There are simple steps patients can take to mitigate dehydration while taking GLP-1 medications during a heatwave.

Drink electrolytes instead of plain water to replenish the sugar and salts needed to maintain hydration and bodily functions. 

Aim for 1.5–2 L of fluids per day and set a reminder on their phone to prompt them to drink.

The heat itself also suppresses appetite, so having smaller, protein-rich foods can help stabilize blood sugar and prevent the effects of low blood glucose and feeling faint.

Cutting back on alcohol and caffeinated drinks, which are diuretics and cause further fluid loss, can also help prevent dehydration.  

Signs of heat-related illness

Signs of heat exhaustion can include: 

• drop in blood pressure when exerting yourself
• dizziness
• nausea
• feeling faint
• sweating profusely
• moist, cool, or cold skin
• weak and rapid pulse
• headache
• muscle cramps

The more severe condition, heatstroke, is a medical emergency. Signs include: 

• running a high fever, skin hot to the touch
• excessive sweating or dry skin that doesn’t sweat
• muscle cramps
• rapid pulse or heart rate
• low blood pressure
• disorientation
• irrational or erratic behavior
• dizziness
• headache
• nausea or vomiting
• dry mouth and intense thirst
• physical collapse
• coma

How should GLP-1 medications be stored during hot weather? 

Thompson:Extreme heat can also damage the medication and alter the properties of the proteins. 

To protect the medication, store it away from direct sunlight. Ideally, it should be in the fridge at 2–5°C (35.6F–41F) before opening, or at room temperature once used. 

GLP-1 medications should not go above 30°C (86F). 

Use an insulating pouch or cool bag when traveling with the pen to prevent extreme temperature changes that could damage the medication.