Complications of implantable devices for chronic pain arising from rapid weight loss in the setting of GLP-1 receptor agonist use

Michelle Copley MD, Tristan Pham DO, Josiah Perez MD

Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists are a class of medications used in the treatment of diabetes mellitus that have recently become incredibly popular for their weight loss effects. For patients with implanted devices, rapid weight loss can have unforeseen consequences. We are presenting the cases of two chronic pain patients with implantable devices who experienced adverse events due to their profound weight loss after the initiation of GLP-1 agonist therapy.