Management Considerations for Complications of Weight-Loss Medications in Urgent Care (Pharmacology CME)

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Delivery Method:	Online
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Publication Date: April 2026 (Volume 5, Number 4)

CME Credits: 4 AMA PRA Category 1 Credits™, 4 ACEP Category I credits, 4 AAFP Prescribed credits, and 4 AOA Category 2-B CME credits. CME expires 04/01/2029.

Specialty CME Credits: Included as part of the 4 credits, this CME activity is eligible for 2 Pharmacology CME credits, subject to your state and institutional approval.

Authors

Peer Reviewer

Abstract

Given the rising prevalence of obesity and the expanding use of weight-loss treatments, urgent care clinicians must be prepared to recognize and manage potential adverse effects. The most common complaints include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal discomfort, though each medication class carries specific risks and complications. Management strategies vary depending on the medication used and the severity of symptoms. In some cases, discontinuation or dose adjustment may be necessary, while severe complications such as dehydration or pancreatitis may require emergency evaluation. This review provides an overview of the most prescribed weight-loss medications, highlights their potential side effects and complications, and offers evidence-based recommendations for patient management and disposition.

Case Presentations

A 45-year-old man presents to urgent care with fatigue, muscle cramps, and light-headedness for the past 2 days...

• The patient has a history of hypertension and obesity.
• His vital signs include: temperature 98.2˚F; heart rate, 92 beats/minute; blood pressure, 108/66 mm Hg; respiratory rate, 16 breaths/minute; oxygen saturation, 99% on room air.
• He denies chest pain, palpitations, shortness of breath, nausea and vomiting, or diarrhea.
• He notes that he is on lisinopril and started semaglutide 3 months ago for weight loss.
• Based on his medication list, you consider what diagnoses are more likely…

A 38-year-old man presents to urgent care for nausea and vomiting and epigastric discomfort…

• He has a history of type 2 diabetes mellitus and is currently on semaglutide.
• His vital signs are: temperature, 98.9˚F; heart rate, 105 beats/minute; blood pressure, 118/72 mm Hg; respiratory rate, 16 breaths/minute; oxygen saturation, 96% on room air.
• On examination, he has tenderness to palpation of the epigastric area, without rebound tenderness or guarding.
• While attempting to get his symptoms under control with fluids and antiemetics, you consider what workup should be obtained…

A 29-year-old woman presents to urgent care with headache, flushing, and palpitations...

• She has a history of obesity and anxiety but no history of hypertension. She denies chest pain, shortness of breath, blurry vision, or neurologic deficits.
• She reports starting phentermine 2 weeks ago for weight loss.
• Vital signs reveal: temperature, 97.9˚F; heart rate, 112 beats/minute; blood pressure, 172/98 mm Hg; respiratory rate, 18 breaths/minute; oxygen saturation, 98% on room air.
• On examination, her heart and lungs are normal, and she has no focal neurologic deficits.
• While attempting to get her symptoms under control with fluids and analgesics, you consider what the cause of her newly elevated blood pressure is...

Accreditation:

EB Medicine is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME) to provide continuing medical education for physicians.