Potential oral and maxillofacial adverse events associated with glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist administration: a narrative review.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this article is to review the general adverse events from the administration of glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) and emphasize the oral and maxillofacial sequelae.

METHOD AND MATERIALS: A search of the literature was performed on the general and oral and maxillofacial adverse events of GLP-1 RAs from the electronic databases of PubMed and Google Scholar from January 2021 through May 2026, along with articles cited within these culled references. Sought publications included review articles, controlled clinical investigations, case series, and case reports. The online Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System was also examined for GLP-1-related adverse events.

RESULTS

The most common adverse events attributed to GLP-1 RAs were gastrointestinal symptoms, predominately nausea, emesis, and diarrhea. Relevant articles also identified a multitude of adverse events that occurred within the oral and maxillofacial region, related to gastroesophageal reflux disease, nasopharyngitis, taste disturbances, xerostomia, and promotion of a gaunt-like facial expression.

CONCLUSIONS

Adverse events, secondary to intake of GLP-1 RAs, may overlap with various disorders and promote challenges to establish etiology. Thus, clinicians should consider GLP-1 RAs in the differential diagnosis of various pathoses affecting oral and maxillofacial structures. Timely recognition of gastroesophageal reflux disease and other oral and maxillofacial adverse events potentially implicated with intake of these agents may improve patient outcomes.