Year: 2026
Type: article
Study design: Case Report
Abstract: INTRODUCTION: Semaglutide, a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, has gained increasing popularity for managing both type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity. However, as its use increases, new adverse events are emerging. This case report presents a 70-year-old patient who developed pleural and pericardial effusions likely related to semaglutide use. CASE REPORT: Four weeks after being prescribed semaglutide, a 70-year-old woman presented to the emergency department (ED) with shortness of breath. Diagnostic testing in the ED and hospital revealed that she had both pericardial and exudative pleural effusions, along with a positive anti-nuclear antibody and elevated inflammatory markers. Her signs and symptoms improved with steroid administration, and no other etiology was identified. CONCLUSION: The patient was diagnosed with drug-induced lupus, likely triggered by semaglutide. This case underscores the importance of recognizing and investigating uncommon drug-related complications. With the growing use of semaglutide, clinicians must remain vigilant for rare adverse effects such as pleural effusions to ensure prompt diagnosis and treatment.
DOI: 10.5811/cpcem.48864
Authors: Maggie Stark, Nicholas Valentini
Institution: Brown University
Language: English
Subfield: Rheumatology
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $500
OpenAlex ID: W7125416062