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Real members of myRAteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Has anyone had a decrease in pain and inflammation with being on a GLP -1 medication some studies suggest that it has made a difference.

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭

I have read that a few studies show that the GLP-1 medication has proven effective for inflammation leading to a decrease pain levels. If you have experienced this. Please share your experience as this can be a game changer for many people.

Thank you!

April 2
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A myRAteam Member

I started taking oral GLP-1 last week. I usually give a med about 2 months to see if I feel any changes. So I will give an update when and if it helps.
Also I went to the rheumatologist last week. The insurance person is going to try to get the infusions approved somehow. I had already tried once before. Maybe they know something that I don’t.

April 2
A myRAteam Member

@A myRAteam Member in answer to your question.

Yes, I do take a GLP-1 called Mounjaro. It is a weekly injection. I take it for Type 2 Diabetes.

I take Celecoxib for inflammation. It is a pill.

And I take Enbrel for RA. It is a weekly injection.

Possibly the combination of these 3 are keeping my pain level very very low. Most days I would say I might be a 1 or 2 on a pain level scale.

Some days I take OTC Extra Strength Tylenol and occasionally I do not take any.

I believe there is a correlation but not sure if it is 100% from the Mounjaro or if it just adds to it.

I hope this answered your question.

April 7
myRAteam

Have you experienced decreased pain and inflammation while taking GLP-1 medications?

Recent research does show promising results for people with RA who take GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) or tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound). In studies, people with RA and a higher BMI who took these medications experienced:

Show Full Answer

Have you experienced decreased pain and inflammation while taking GLP-1 medications?

Recent research does show promising results for people with RA who take GLP-1 drugs like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy) or tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound). In studies, people with RA and a higher BMI who took these medications experienced:

- Greater reductions in RA disease activity
- Less joint pain
- Significant drops in inflammatory markers (C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate)
- More weight loss
- Improved cholesterol and blood sugar levels

What's particularly interesting is that the improvements in pain and inflammation weren't strongly tied to weight loss alone. This suggests GLP-1 drugs may reduce inflammation through other pathways beyond just helping with weight management.

Currently, GLP-1 drugs aren't approved specifically for treating RA. They're prescribed for type 2 diabetes, weight loss, and cardiovascular risk reduction. However, if you're already taking one for those conditions, you might experience added benefits for your RA symptoms.

About one-third of people stopped the medication due to gastrointestinal side effects like nausea or stomach upset, or because of insurance and cost barriers.

If you're curious about whether a GLP-1 drug might help your RA, talk with your rheumatologist or primary care provider about your full health picture.

April 2

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