Injection‐site and dermatologic reactions associated with glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists: Insights from meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials and real‐world evidence
Pooled result · Injection-site reactionsResult — go to the resultRelative risk 3.55 95% CI 2.35–5.36Authors' conclusion
GLP-1 RAs are consistently linked to higher ISR risk, especially with exenatide and dulaglutide, while generalised dermatologic events are rare. Clinicians should counsel patients about ISR risk to support adherence and optimise outcomes.
Study context
- Population
- Randomised controlled trials (RCTs) reporting injection-site reaction (ISR) or dermatologic outcomes for GLP-1 RAs (PubMed, Embase, Web of Science through December 2024); FAERS reports for all approved GLP-1 RAs
- Participants
- 4,861 participants14 RCTs
- Comparison
- GLP-1 RA vs comparators
- Outcome
- Injection-site reactions
Methodological detailsrandom-effects meta-analysis, retrospective disproportionality analysis of FAERS
- Random-effects meta-analysis
- Retrospective disproportionality analysis of FAERS
Pooled result
As reported in the abstract
Relative risk
3.55
95% CI 2.35–5.36
GLP-1 RAsvs Comparators
RR 3.55 (95% CI 2.35–5.36)
- ISR events
- 396
Further pooled results
| Outcome | Exenatide | Dulaglutide |
|---|---|---|
| FAERS injection-site haemorrhage signals | ||
| PRR | 27.6 | 11.5 |
| LB ROR | 29.4 | 11.5 |
| IC025 | 4.6 | 3.4 |
FAERS injection-site haemorrhage signals
- Potential ISR signals for exenatide and dulaglutide
Safety
- Dermatologic events were infrequent and not significantly elevated
Original publication
Injection‐site and dermatologic reactions associated with glucagon‐like peptide‐1 receptor agonists: Insights from meta‐analysis of randomised controlled trials and real‐world evidence. Diabetes Obes Metab. Published 15 December 2025. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →