GLP-1 RAs Associated with a Higher Risk of Alopecia in T2D

Several postmarketing reports have suggested a possible association between glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) and alopecia. Weight loss and nutritional changes associated with GLP-1 RA therapy are known risk factors for telogen effluvium. To further evaluate this association, a large-scale study assessed the risk of alopecia following initiation of GLP-1 RAs in 12,004 adults with type 2 diabetes and compared the findings with those in users of sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitors (n=15,221) and dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitors (n=11,964).

GLP-1 RA use was associated with a 37% increased risk of alopecia compared with SGLT-2 inhibitor use and a 68% increased risk compared with DPP-4 inhibitor use. The association was specific to non-scarring alopecia , with a 53% and 72% higher risk compared with SGLT-2 and DPP-4 inhibitors, respectively.…