GLP-1 agonists (Ozempic, etc.) to treat long-COVID?

@lpow276 - As mentioned, there are anecdotal results reported by individual participants. The study goes through next March or April, I think.

@vostie what sorts of positive results have participants noticed? I read, for example, that some who micro-dosed tirzepatide lost or reduced their food sensitivities.

Fatigue, brain fog, temperature fluctuations, pain, perm, shortness of breath, exercise intolerance, sleep, heart rate and mood have been mentioned.

@vostie sorry not perm, PEM

I have Long Covid and started a GLP-1 in early July (8 weeks ago) and the results have been overwhelmingly great. The theory is Covid caused me to develop MCAS (saw 9 doctors in 4 years and my RD who I worked with for 2 years was the one to suggest what I had might be MCAS). My symptoms where not typical MCAS, I would get terrible pelvic and lower back pain, red eyes, burning pain while urinating, and debilitating fatigue. I also had gas and bloating that was off the charts. My weight went up and I simply could not do anything to bring it down.. my son-in-law who is a veterinarian suggested I take claritin, pepsid, and ask my dr for a GLP-1. I did all 3 and feel better than I have felt since 2022 (when I got Covid). For the first time in years I don't feel like I have an alien in my body. The meds come with side effects BUT if you are careful about what you eat, they are truly not bad.

@jgk177 I have abdominal distention, weight gain and tendon problems, cough. What is rationale behind GLP-1 drugs?
Richard

Results seem to vary. I took it for two months (at $200 a month because my insurance won't kick in) for Long Covid fatigue. No improvement. Others report substantial gains. There have been two big articles in the NY Times about GLP1. Worth checking out.

@wheezerplzr Hey Richard- I was told to ask for it because of its widespread anti-inflammatory power. My abdomen was also distended (for almost 4 years) and I gained about 5 pounds a year for 4 years, after which I was able to get the GLP-1 because it put me into the over weight charts.. the situation with most physicians is if they aren't actively involved in a Long Covid study they don't have the time, resources or knowledge to even begin to help with all the patients suffering with it. I saw 10 doctors. 10, and not one of them ever even asked me about Covid, or my vaccination history. The specialists kept sending me back to whomever suggested I see that doctor and I went no where for 4 years. My son in law finally chimed in and suggested I at least ASK about a GLP-1 and in the meantime try the Claritin and Pepsid. Literally the first time I took those 2 OTC meds, rings that I had not been able to put on in 4 years, fit, and I felt mildly "normal". i asked a temporary physician in a local clinic I had been trying to establish a relationship with for 2 years if she thought I could try a GLP-1 for the weight gain and inflammation. She was on board right away. I'll say this: I avoided all medications for as long as I could.. I took supplements for the first time in my life for over a year, nothing helped. I changed my diet 5 times, logged all my food, tried a low FODMAP diet., low carb, low fiber.. it wasn't until I started paying attention to histamines that I got any results at all. I had to figure it out myself that this was not IBS but rather MCAS and then found out there are loads of other people who have the same situation.. and several studies have been done on it. There are tough days with the GLP meds because fatigue is a common side effect. but over all, I feel better than I have in 4 years, and I'm on the second level dose (.5) and going to ask my doctor NOT to up the dose or the next round because I feel that what I am taking now is really helping and I don't want to take a higher dose than I need. In short, GLP-1's have an overall antiinflammatory effect and that has helped me significantly. If you are over weight on a BMI chart, you should be able to get a GLP and be covered by insurance. Definitely at least speak to your health care provider. Good luck!

@jgk177
I have been on Zepbound for two years and no help. I did lose 30 pounds but now I can’t get off it because I will gain the weight back. It did not help with my Long Covid, and neither did low dose naltrexone or amantadine. Still have fatigue, brain fog, tremor, dizziness.

Linda

@floridalinda I'm so sorry to hear that. The truth is nothing works for everyone which is why it is so hard for any of us to find something that does. Do you notice any patterns around your brain fog and fatigue. It took me 4 years to notice that both those things happened after I ate.. sometimes they would linger into the next day (waking up tired). I spoke to an RD weekly for over 2 years and she is the one that brought up MCAS, which led me to the studies and groups of people who have been getting this post Covid diagnosis. Traditionally MCAS would mean sneezing, skin rashes, mouth sores, etc.. but my symptoms are different, yet related to an inflammatory response to foods. Things I ate my entire life (avocados, plumbs, vinegar, mushrooms) all lead to an inflammatory response now which leaves me feeling like I got hit by truck. It's like a full time job just trying to suss these things out.. so I give myself breaks, but I never stopped seeing the RD and from the idea that she planted, I have been able to move at least a few steps forward.. now I feel lousy 1/4 of the time vs 75% of the time. It's progress! I hope you find some relief soon!! Truly.