Early discontinuation of glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) analogue therapy remains common in routine clinical practice. A retrospective analysis published in Diabetes, Obesity and Metabolism evaluated 180-day discontinuation rates, documented reasons for discontinuation, and patient characteristics associated with stopping therapy.

The study included adult patients who had an initial GLP-1 analogue (semaglutide or liraglutide) dispensed between January 1, 2018 and June 30, 2023. The primary outcome was 180-day GLP-1 discontinuation. Among those who discontinued therapy, documented reasons were identified. Secondary analyses evaluated patient characteristics associated with discontinuation.

Among 1,374 patients, 436 (31.7%) discontinued GLP-1 therapy within 180 days. Among those who discontinued, 26.8% had a documented adverse drug reaction, 14.4% had a cost concern, and 11.2% had non-adherence recorded. The Asian, Native American, and Pacific Islander race was associated with higher odds of discontinuation compared with White race (AOR 2.51; 95% CI 1.07-5.91). An overweight or obesity indication alone was also associated with higher discontinuation compared with diabetes plus overweight or obesity (AOR 2.46; 95% CI 1.17-5.17).

These findings indicate that 180-day GLP-1 discontinuation was prevalent in this real-world cohort. Adverse drug reactions and cost concerns were commonly documented reasons, and differences by race and treatment indication were observed.