If you’ve been hearing a lot about Ozempic and similar medications, you’re not alone. These drugs, known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists or GLP-1 medications, have gained attention for their role in helping people manage type 2 diabetes, and more recently, for their weight loss benefits. But what if you also have food allergies? If you’re managing both weight loss or diabetes and food allergies, you might wonder: Is it safe to take GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic alongside food allergy medications?

In this article, we’ll break down everything you need to know about GLP-1 drugs, how they work, and whether they interact with food allergy treatments like antihistamines or emergency medications like epinephrine.

What Are GLP-1 Drugs?

GLP-1 receptor agonists are a class of medications commonly prescribed to people with type 2 diabetes. They help lower blood sugar by increasing insulin production and slowing the pace of food leaving the stomach. This can help stabilize blood sugar levels and may cause weight loss.

Some of the most common GLP-1 drugs include dulaglutide (Trulicity), which is injected weekly, and semaglutide, which comes in three formulas. The three types of semaglutide currently available are:

• Ozempic — A once-weekly injection to manage blood sugar and promote weight loss
• Wegovy — A semaglutide injection specifically approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for weight loss
• Rybelsus — An oral version of semaglutide, taken daily

These medications are considered effective for controlling blood sugar in people with type 2 diabetes, and they’ve become increasingly popular for their weight loss effects.

How Do GLP-1 Drugs Work?

GLP-1 drugs mimic a natural hormone in your body that helps regulate blood sugar. They stimulate insulin release from the pancreas and slow digestion, which can make you feel fuller for longer. These effects can lead to better blood sugar control and weight loss. However, because GLP-1 drugs slow digestion, they may affect how quickly your body absorbs other medications, including those you might take for food allergies.

Understanding Food Allergies and Their Treatments

If you have food allergies, you probably know how important it is to be prepared. For mild allergic reactions, you might take an over-the-counter antihistamine like diphenhydramine. In more serious situations, an emergency injection of epinephrine can be lifesaving.

These treatments are designed to stop or slow an allergic reaction, whether it’s itching and swelling or something more serious like anaphylaxis. But how do these treatments interact with GLP-1 drugs? Let’s explore.

Can You Take GLP-1 Drugs and Antihistamines Together?

Most antihistamines, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl) and cetirizine (Zyrtec), are processed by your liver. GLP-1 drugs are not known to directly interfere with these liver enzymes, meaning there is little evidence suggesting a harmful interaction between GLP-1 medications and common antihistamines.

Since GLP-1 drugs slow down digestion, they could potentially affect how quickly your body absorbs an oral antihistamine. This means it might take longer for the antihistamine to work. For most people, this would likely be a minor issue, but it’s something to keep in mind if you need fast relief from an allergic reaction.

Is Epinephrine Safe With GLP-1 Drugs?

Epinephrine, the medication found in EpiPen and Auvi-Q, works differently than antihistamines. It’s injected during an emergency allergic reaction, and it works very quickly to open up airways and increase blood pressure. Given the lifesaving nature of epinephrine, any potential interaction with GLP-1 drugs is a serious concern.

Fortunately, there is no evidence to suggest that GLP-1 drugs interfere with the action of epinephrine. In fact, because epinephrine works so quickly and is metabolized differently, it’s highly unlikely that a GLP-1 drug would reduce its effectiveness during an allergic reaction.

In other words, if you need to use epinephrine, you should do so without hesitation, even if you are on a GLP-1 drug.

Are There Any Side Effects To Watch For?

While there isn't strong evidence to suggest dangerous interactions between GLP-1 drugs and allergy medications, people with allergies should be aware of some side effects of GLP-1 drugs.

Gastrointestinal Issues

One of the most common side effects of GLP-1 drugs is gastrointestinal discomfort, including nausea, vomiting, and constipation. For people with food allergies, nausea could be confusing, as it might be hard to tell if it’s a side effect of GLP-1 medication or the early signs of an allergic reaction.

Injection Site Reactions

GLP-1 drugs, especially injectable versions, can sometimes cause local irritation at the injection site, such as skin discoloration or swelling. This is generally mild and goes away on its own, but it's worth noting if you have sensitive skin or a history of allergic reactions to other injections.

Drug Interactions

While GLP-1 drugs are generally safe when taken with most antihistamines and epinephrine, they can interact with other medications. If you take steroids for severe allergic reactions or any other medications, be sure to discuss this with your doctor. Steroids, like prednisone, could potentially interact with GLP-1 drugs and affect your blood sugar levels.

What Should You Do?

If you're considering or taking a GLP-1 drug and you also have food allergies, it's essential to have a conversation with your health care provider. While GLP-1 drugs are generally considered safe to take alongside most food allergy medications, everyone’s health situation is unique. Your doctor can help ensure that you're taking both your GLP-1 drug and your allergy medication safely and effectively.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when managing both GLP-1 drugs and food allergies:

Consider the Timing of Your Medications

Since GLP-1 drugs can slow your digestion, it might be worth considering the timing of when you take both your GLP-1 drug and your antihistamines. If you take them at the same time, your body may absorb the antihistamine more slowly, which could delay its effects. Spacing them out by a few hours could help both medications work effectively. Ask your doctor about the timing of your medications.

Monitor Side Effects

If you experience any gastrointestinal issues or injection site reactions while taking a GLP-1 drug, be sure to pay close attention. For someone with food allergies, nausea or abdominal discomfort can be confusing, as these symptoms can also signal an allergic reaction. If you feel unsure whether you’re feeling a side effect from the GLP-1 drug or an allergic reaction, it’s always best to err on the side of caution and seek medical help.

Prepare for Emergencies

Always keep your epinephrine auto-injector nearby if you have severe food allergies. Use it without hesitation in an emergency, even if you’re taking a GLP-1 drug.

Discuss Drug Interactions With Your Doctor

If you take other medications for allergies, such as corticosteroids (like prednisone) or other prescription drugs or supplements, it’s important to talk to your doctor about how these medications might interact with GLP-1 drugs.

Allergic Reactions to Ingredients in GLP-1 Drugs

While food allergies are your primary concern, it’s also possible to have an allergic reaction to one of the ingredients in a GLP-1 drug. Though rare, some people may be allergic to inactive ingredients, such as preservatives or stabilizers, in the medication. If you notice any signs of an allergic reaction, such as swelling, itching, or difficulty breathing after taking your GLP-1 drug, contact your health care provider immediately.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyFoodAllergyTeam is the social network for people with food allergies and their loved ones. On MyFoodAllergyTeam, more than 41,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with food allergies.

Are you thinking of taking a GLP-1 medication while managing food allergies? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.