Insight in the safety profile of antidiabetic agents glucagon-like peptide-1 agonists and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitors in daily practice from the patient perspective.

PURPOSE The primary aim of this study was to gain insight in the safety profile of the new antidiabetic agents glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors in daily practice. The secondary aim was to compare reported adverse drug reactions (ADRs) with information described in the Summary of Product Characteristics (SPC) and to generate knowledge about characteristics, like time to onset and outcome of ADRs. This knowledge is important for drug regulators and clinical practice to understand and manage ADRs better. METHODS A prospective, observational web-based cohort event monitoring study among first-time users of GLP-1 agonists and DPP-4 inhibitors. Patients were recruited through community pharmacies from 2008 to 2016. Participants were invited to complete six web-based questionnaires over a 1-year periods after start of the antidiabetic agent. Questions were posed about patient characteristics, drug use, and ADRs. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS Then, 743 patients were included. Also 62% of all GLP-1 agonist users (total n = 119) and 33% of DPP-4 inhibitor users (total n = 624) experienced an ADR. Of the 10 most reported ADRs, for GLP-1 agonist all, and for DPP-4 inhibitors 8 were described in the drug's SPC. For 45 (91%) ADRs, the patients recovered without discontinuation of the GLP-1 agonist and 79 (73%) ADRs without discontinuation of the DPP-4 inhibitor therapy. CONCLUSIONS This study gives insight in the safety profile and ADR characteristics of the new antidiabetic agents. This study provides important knowledge for healthcare professionals in managing ADRs and can be directly applied in consultations in daily practice.