Decreased Immunity / Poor Wound Healing
Based on the provided Reddit data, there are limited direct reports from users experiencing generalized decreased immunity (such as catching common illnesses more frequently) or poor wound healing specifically attributed to GLP-1 medications.
Experiences Related to Severe Infections:
One account details a patient who, after their first GLP-1 dose, experienced microaspiration (linked to delayed gastric emptying and severe OSA) leading to pneumonia (PNA), sepsis, and an ICU stay. The user stated, "1st dose GLP-1 --> guy eats large dinners regularly and refuses to wear CPAP for his severe OSA --> delayed gastric emptying + snoring = microaspiration --> PNA --> sepsis --> ICU + almost ended up intubated, 5 day total hospital stay. "[1]
Another user mentioned a similar case: "Adult patient... Patient aspirated, went into shock, significant ICU admission. "[2]
A user with Lupus taking Saphnelo (an immunosuppressant) reported becoming septic quickly after developing appendicitis while also on semaglutide. They noted, "Appendicitis is possible with semaglutide, but the Saphnelo lowering the immune system made me septic much quicker than would be normal. "[3] This highlights a complex interaction where an existing immunosuppressant might exacerbate infection severity.
The risk of pulmonary aspiration itself is mentioned as a concern with GLP-1 agonists, which can subsequently lead to infections. [4]
Poor Wound Healing:
Contrast with Anti-inflammatory Effects in Autoimmune Conditions:
Remedies and Preventions:
Remedies for Decreased Immunity or Poor Wound Healing:
As generalized decreased immunity or poor wound healing are not prominently reported as direct side effects of GLP-1s in this dataset, there are no specific remedies or preventions discussed by users for these particular issues.
Experiences Related to Severe Infections:
- Some users and healthcare professionals describe instances of severe infections, including pneumonia and sepsis.
Poor Wound Healing:
- The provided data does not contain user reports specifically mentioning poor wound healing as a side effect of GLP-1 medications.
Contrast with Anti-inflammatory Effects in Autoimmune Conditions:
- Conversely, many users with autoimmune diseases report that GLP-1 medications have an anti-inflammatory effect, improving their symptoms.
Remedies and Preventions:
- Prevention of Aspiration-Related Infections:
- To mitigate the risk of aspiration during medical procedures (which can lead to infection), one user mentioned a preventative measure: "We have pts hold the GLP1s for a week pre-op to try to mitigate this.