GLP-1 Receptor Agonists: What the GLP-1 Receptor Does and Every Drug in the Class
GLP-1 receptor agonists explained: what the GLP-1 receptor does, a list of GLP-1 RA drugs (semaglutide, liraglutide, dulaglutide, exenatide, tirzepatide), class side effects and warnings.
Anonymous user report. Not medical advice. Peptides discussed are not FDA-approved for the uses described. Editorial process →
Short answer
The GLP-1 receptor sits on cells in the pancreas, brain, stomach, heart and kidneys. When GLP-1 binds it, insulin rises when blood sugar is high, glucagon falls, the stomach empties more slowly and appetite drops. GLP-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs) are drugs that activate this receptor for much longer than the body's own GLP-1, which lasts only minutes. Peptide Confessions does not publish dosing, timing, injection or sourcing guidance.
List of GLP-1 receptor agonists
US approval years. Last reviewed October 15, 2026.
| Drug | Brands | How often | First approved |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exenatide | Byetta, Bydureon | Twice daily or weekly | 2005 |
| Liraglutide | Victoza, Saxenda | Daily | 2010 |
| Lixisenatide | Adlyxin (US, discontinued); Lyxumia | Daily | 2016 |
| Dulaglutide | Trulicity | Weekly | 2014 |
| Semaglutide | Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus, Wegovy pill | Weekly or daily tablet | 2017 |
| Tirzepatide (GIP + GLP-1) | Mounjaro, Zepbound | Weekly | 2022 |
| Orforglipron (small molecule) | Foundayo | Daily tablet | 2026 |
Class side effects and warnings
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and constipation are the most common, especially when starting or increasing. Labels warn about pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, low blood sugar with insulin or sulfonylureas, kidney injury from dehydration, aspiration risk during anaesthesia, and thyroid C-cell tumours in rodents (not used with a history of medullary thyroid cancer or MEN 2). Several have shown fewer heart attacks and strokes in people with heart disease. See GLP-1 side effects.
Related topics
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Community Q&A
- What is a GLP-1 receptor agonist?
- A drug that activates the GLP-1 receptor to raise insulin when blood sugar is high, lower glucagon, slow stomach emptying and reduce appetite.
- Is tirzepatide a GLP-1 receptor agonist?
- Yes, it activates both the GIP and GLP-1 receptors.
- What does GLP-1 RA stand for?
- Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist.
- Are GLP-1 RAs peptides?
- Most are peptides and are injected; oral semaglutide is a peptide tablet, and orforglipron is a non-peptide small molecule.
Sources
Anonymous first-hand reports plus sourced context — educational only, not medical advice. Editorial policy & corrections.