Can GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic be used when taking hormone treatment?

@ozelli, that's a good question. Have you asked your oncologist about it? Like you, I suspect there is lack of evidence to know if there are possible drug interactions. I'd be interested to know what you learn from your oncologist.

I’m sure any data is sparse but if I need ADT down the I’ll continue my Rybelsus(oral form of Olzempic) to control diabetes and weight. Would do this unless clear evidence against safety exists by then. Of course I am already taking this for an approved indication. Pretty sure taking it to prevent weight gain would not be approved and drug costs are huge. As above, ask your doctor.

I was surprised by the lack of answers to my question to be honest but i guess most people think it to be primarily a vanity drug. It isn't .

Many members of my family (myself included) have dealt with issues of addiction and ozempic has a bit of potential on this point as well. I may have broached this subject too early.

Back in a year!

My AI cautions that loss of muscle mass under GLP-1's in tandem with loss of muscle mass from ADT has to be managed carefully. Access, even for OSA (my problem) through the FDA/insurance/Medicare labyrinth is tight
or not there yet.

I completed my radiation therapy sessions 3 weeks ago. I also received a total of 7 months of coverage with Lupron (ADT). I had been on GLP-1 injections for about 15 years for Type II diabetes mellitus. I started with Byetta and now currently on Ozempic. At this point, I do not lose weight anymore with Ozempic but I did gain weight (abdominal) with Lupron: about 5 pounds. I have not lost muscle mass from the ADT but I also continued my daily karate training (54 years ongoing now at 71 years old). I made sure to have my MD check my Vitamin D3 levels and took supplements accordingly. My oncologist did not stop my Ozempic because Lupron can also exacerbate diabetes. My A1c went up from the usual 6.4 to a current 6.7 with no change in diet and exercise. My cholesterol went up to slightly abnormal for the first time in many years. I'm hoping that some months from now, the Lupron effects will go away. Just sharing my experience with ADT and GLP-1.

Rob Newton has been researching exercise to understand its effect on patients with prostate cancer since 2004. His work and that of other exercise oncologists has shown that muscles are part of the immune system. Exercise oncologists and increasingly all oncologists are recognizing that patients who maintain or increase their muscle mass during treatment for cancer tend to do better. There is very solid evidence for prostate cancer: patients who manage to maintain their muscle mass have less side effects from ADT and a better overall survival. Newton has put out a statement on weight loss drugs and prostate cancer:

"My biggest concern in the oncology setting is that all weight loss drugs (e.g. Ozempic, Wegovy, Tirzepatide) result in one third of weight loss being muscle mass. It has also been reported from high quality clinical trials that most patients regain the weight after ceasing the drug therapy, but through increased fat mass rather than muscle. The result is worse body composition, metabolic health, and more cancer promoting systemic environment.

It has been established in number of cancer types (e.g. breast, prostate) that low muscle mass is a strong prognostic indicator for overall and cancer specific mortality through mechanisms mediated by skeletal muscle signaling. Patients with cancer also experience worse side effects of chemotherapy and dose reduction if they have low muscle mass. For a person with cancer, the evidence is that low muscle mass is more of a concern for health and survival than high fat mass. Hence it is critical that any drug, surgical or diet therapy for fat loss in a person with cancer must be accompanied by a sophisticated exercise medicine prescription to drive muscle growth and ameliorate this devastating side effect"
https://oncodaily.com/blog/165859