Can weight loss injections like Wegovy cause a cough?

Yes, a recent study suggests that weight loss injections, known as GLP-1 RAs, may be associated with the development of a chronic cough.

What is the risk of developing a cough from GLP-1 RA drugs?

Individuals using GLP-1 RA medications were found to be up to 36% more likely to develop a chronic cough compared to those not taking them.

Why might GLP-1 RA drugs cause a cough?

Scientists theorize that the jabs may trigger coughs through acid reflux or by affecting nerve signals in the airways.

Home / Health / Weight Loss Jabs Linked to Chronic Cough

Weight Loss Jabs Linked to Chronic Cough

26 Nov

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Summary

Weight loss injections may cause chronic coughs.
Users are 36% more likely to develop coughs.
Acid reflux or nerve signals may be triggers.

Weight Loss Jabs Linked to Chronic Cough

Popular weight loss injections, including Wegovy and Mounjaro, may be associated with an unexpected side effect: a chronic cough. A comprehensive study analyzing the medical records of over two million individuals revealed that users of these GLP-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) medications were significantly more likely, up to 36 percent, to develop a persistent cough lasting eight weeks or more.

Scientists hypothesize that the jabs could trigger this condition through mechanisms such as acid reflux or by activating rogue nerve signals. The study noted that individuals with type 2 diabetes prescribed GLP-1 RAs faced a higher risk of being diagnosed with chronic cough or gastroesophageal reflux disease compared to those on different medications. Further research is needed to confirm this association and elucidate the exact biological pathways involved.

While some reports indicate that fat jabs can cause acid reflux, a known symptom of which is coughing, the GLP-1 receptors are also present in the airways. In the UK, where an estimated 2.5 million people use these injections, lung-related side effects are reported infrequently. Most users obtain the medications privately, and common side effects reported to regulators include nausea and digestive issues rather than respiratory problems.