GLP-1 receptor agonists: prescribing in CKD and supporting patient access
The UK Renal Pharmacy Group has issued guidance recommending timely access to GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) for people with chronic kidney disease (CKD), including those with kidney transplants.
Evidence shows that reduced kidney function does not affect the safety or tolerability of GLP-1 RAs. These medicines can be prescribed safely for weight loss, cardiovascular risk reduction and/or type 2 diabetes in patients with CKD, including those on dialysis and post-transplant, as they are not metabolised by the kidney. Standard dosing and titration schedules can generally be followed.
GLP-1 RAs—such as semaglutide and tirzepatide—have demonstrated kidney and cardiovascular protective effects in large clinical trials, leading to their prioritisation in the KDIGO Clinical Practice Guideline for Diabetes Management in CKD. The UK Renal Pharmacy Group highlights that kidney patients should be considered a priority group for GLP-1 RA treatment, given the potential to slow CKD progression, reduce morbidity and improve outcomes.
This latest document also provides practical advice on safety, monitoring, and counselling for patients, including side-effect management and key considerations for those accessing GLP-1 RAs via private weight-loss clinics.