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Study · Case report or series · n = 1 · 2026

9 results

Novel cutaneous adverse effects of the increasingly prevalent glucagon-like peptide 1 agonists.

Carson L, Eisner M, Launay C, Leech S, Weatherhead S

Skin health and disease6 Jul 2026

Summary

Prescribing of the glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RA) is rapidly increasing as their efficacy for multiple indications becomes apparent. A better understanding of their cutaneous adverse effect profile is crucial, particularly as they are suggested for use in inflammatory dermatoses. We describe two patients who developed novel cutaneous reactions associated with initiation of a GLP-1RA. Patient 1 developed multiple tender subcutaneous nodules on the trunk and limbs 4 weeks after the initiation of semaglutide. Histology demonstrated a noncaseating granulomatous dermatitis, and serum -angiotensin-converting enzyme was elevated. A diagnosis of cutaneous (and likely drug-induced) sarcoidosis was made once systemic involvement had been excluded. On cessation of semaglutide, all lesions resolved without additional treatment. The Naranjo score indicated a probable drug reaction. Patient 2 presented with a recurrence of solar urticaria, confirmed on phototesting, 5 days after commencement of liraglutide, having previously been in remission for over 20 years. Her course was recalcitrant, despite cessation of liraglutide and a broad range of therapies. The Naranjo score suggested a probable association. These cases represent the first descriptions of cutaneous sarcoidosis and solar urticaria associated with GLP-1RA -therapy. While further work is required to define possible underlying mechanisms, we report these cases due to the convincing temporal relationship, high Naranjo scores and the large patient population now currently exposed to this drug class. Dermatologists should be aware of the possible cutaneous adverse or exacerbatory effects, as well as the potential significant benefits, of these increasingly commonly used medications.
CC BYText from Europe PMC. Highlighted sentences are the source of results.

Results from this study9

8 results from studies that gave the peptide. 8 results from people.

  1. 01HumanCase report or seriesSafety outcome

    In one patient, tender subcutaneous nodules developed four weeks after semaglutide initiation.

    In plain wordsIn one patient, tender lumps under the skin developed after starting semaglutide.

    Outcome
    Not applicableTender subcutaneous nodules
    Study

    n = 1

    Outcome group
    Skin and hair · Skin and wound
    Studied dose
    Dose not stated

    Source sentences

    Summary
    Patient 1 developed multiple tender subcutaneous nodules on the trunk and limbs 4 weeks after the initiation of semaglutide.
    1 context sentence
    Summary · context
    We describe two patients who developed novel cutaneous reactions associated with initiation of a GLP-1RA.
  2. 02HumanCase report or seriesSafety outcome

    In one patient after semaglutide initiation, histology showed noncaseating granulomatous dermatitis.

    In plain wordsIn one patient after starting semaglutide, skin testing showed granulomatous dermatitis.

    Outcome
    Not applicableGranulomatous dermatitis
    Study

    n = 1

    Outcome group
    Skin and hair · Skin and wound
    Studied dose
    Dose not stated

    Source sentences

    Summary
    Histology demonstrated a noncaseating granulomatous dermatitis, and serum -angiotensin-converting enzyme was elevated.
    2 context sentences
    Summary · context
    Patient 1 developed multiple tender subcutaneous nodules on the trunk and limbs 4 weeks after the initiation of semaglutide.
    Summary · context
    We describe two patients who developed novel cutaneous reactions associated with initiation of a GLP-1RA.
  3. 03HumanCase report or seriesSafety outcome

    In one patient after semaglutide initiation, cutaneous sarcoidosis was diagnosed after systemic involvement was excluded.

    In plain wordsIn one patient after starting semaglutide, doctors diagnosed skin sarcoidosis.

    Outcome
    Not applicableCutaneous sarcoidosis
    Study

    n = 1

    Outcome group
    Skin and hair · Skin and wound
    Studied dose
    Dose not stated

    Source sentences

    Summary
    A diagnosis of cutaneous (and likely drug-induced) sarcoidosis was made once systemic involvement had been excluded.
    2 context sentences
    Summary · context
    Patient 1 developed multiple tender subcutaneous nodules on the trunk and limbs 4 weeks after the initiation of semaglutide.
    Summary · context
    We describe two patients who developed novel cutaneous reactions associated with initiation of a GLP-1RA.
  4. 04HumanCase report or seriesSafety outcome

    In one patient, all cutaneous lesions resolved after semaglutide cessation without additional treatment.

    In plain wordsIn one patient, all skin lesions resolved after semaglutide was stopped.

    Outcome
    DecreaseCutaneous lesions
    Study

    n = 1

    Outcome group
    Skin and hair · Skin and wound
    Studied dose
    Dose not stated

    Source sentences

    Summary
    On cessation of semaglutide, all lesions resolved without additional treatment.
    2 context sentences
    Summary · context
    Patient 1 developed multiple tender subcutaneous nodules on the trunk and limbs 4 weeks after the initiation of semaglutide.
    Summary · context
    We describe two patients who developed novel cutaneous reactions associated with initiation of a GLP-1RA.
  5. 05HumanCase report or seriesSafety outcome

    In one patient, solar urticaria recurred five days after liraglutide commencement.

    In plain wordsIn one patient, solar urticaria returned five days after starting liraglutide.

    Outcome
    Not applicableSolar urticaria recurrence
    Study

    n = 1

    Outcome group
    Skin and hair · Skin and wound
    Studied dose
    Dose not stated

    Source sentences

    Summary
    Patient 2 presented with a recurrence of solar urticaria, confirmed on phototesting, 5 days after commencement of liraglutide, having previously been in remission for over 20 years.
    1 context sentence
    Summary · context
    We describe two patients who developed novel cutaneous reactions associated with initiation of a GLP-1RA.
  6. 06HumanCase report or seriesSafety outcome

    For the semaglutide skin-reaction case, the Naranjo score indicated a probable drug reaction.

    In plain wordsFor the semaglutide skin-reaction case, the adverse-reaction score indicated a probable drug reaction.

    Outcome
    Not applicableNaranjo adverse drug reaction assessment
    Study

    n = 1

    Outcome group
    Adverse events · Whole body
    Studied dose
    Dose not stated

    Source sentences

    Summary
    The Naranjo score indicated a probable drug reaction.
    2 context sentences
    Summary · context
    Patient 1 developed multiple tender subcutaneous nodules on the trunk and limbs 4 weeks after the initiation of semaglutide.
    Summary · context
    We describe two patients who developed novel cutaneous reactions associated with initiation of a GLP-1RA.
  7. 07HumanCase report or seriesSafety outcome

    For the liraglutide solar-urticaria case, the Naranjo score suggested a probable association.

    In plain wordsFor the liraglutide skin-reaction case, the adverse-reaction score suggested a probable association.

    Outcome
    Not applicableNaranjo adverse drug reaction assessment
    Study

    n = 1

    Outcome group
    Adverse events · Whole body
    Studied dose
    Dose not stated

    Source sentences

    Summary
    The Naranjo score suggested a probable association.
    2 context sentences
    Summary · context
    Patient 2 presented with a recurrence of solar urticaria, confirmed on phototesting, 5 days after commencement of liraglutide, having previously been in remission for over 20 years.
    Summary · context
    We describe two patients who developed novel cutaneous reactions associated with initiation of a GLP-1RA.
  8. 08HumanCase report or seriesSafety outcome

    In the patient with skin reactions after semaglutide initiation, serum angiotensin-converting enzyme was elevated; no baseline value was reported.

    In plain wordsIn one patient with skin reactions after starting semaglutide, serum angiotensin-converting enzyme was elevated.

    Outcome
    IncreaseSerum angiotensin-converting enzyme
    Study

    n = 1

    Outcome group
    Adverse events · Whole body
    Studied dose
    Dose not stated

    Source sentences

    Summary
    Histology demonstrated a noncaseating granulomatous dermatitis, and serum -angiotensin-converting enzyme was elevated.
    2 context sentences
    Summary · context
    Patient 1 developed multiple tender subcutaneous nodules on the trunk and limbs 4 weeks after the initiation of semaglutide.
    Summary · context
    We describe two patients who developed novel cutaneous reactions associated with initiation of a GLP-1RA.

Studies that did not test the peptide alone1

In this study, Liraglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. These results are not evidence about taking Liraglutide.

  1. 09HumanNot a test of Liraglutide aloneCase report or seriesSafety outcome

    In one patient, solar urticaria remained recalcitrant despite liraglutide cessation and a broad range of therapies.

    In plain wordsIn one patient, solar urticaria persisted despite stopping liraglutide and trying many treatments.

    Outcome
    Not applicableSolar urticaria
    Study

    n = 1

    Outcome group
    Skin and hair · Skin and wound

    Source sentences

    Summary
    Her course was recalcitrant, despite cessation of liraglutide and a broad range of therapies.
    2 context sentences
    Summary · context
    Patient 2 presented with a recurrence of solar urticaria, confirmed on phototesting, 5 days after commencement of liraglutide, having previously been in remission for over 20 years.
    Summary · context
    We describe two patients who developed novel cutaneous reactions associated with initiation of a GLP-1RA.

    In this study, Liraglutide was a lab tool or a carrier, part of a mix, or the subject of a lab method. This result is not evidence about taking Liraglutide.

AI wrote and checked these results. AI can make mistakes, so check important results against the source.

Version history

PepBank keeps every version of the data on this study. Status changes from Retraction Watch, Europe PMC and Crossref are listed with their source.

  1. Version 3Current

    12 Oct 2026, 11:11 UTC

    Study results updated

  2. Version 2

    9 Oct 2026, 03:06 UTC

    Study data updated · source update from Europe PMC

  3. Version 1

    9 Oct 2026, 03:04 UTC

    First added · source update from Europe PMC

Subjects

Terms as the source lists them.

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