Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia have used AI to analyze more than 400,000 Reddit posts and identify potential GLP-1 side effects not fully captured in clinical trials.
The analysis included posts from nearly 70,000 users discussing drugs such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, according to an April 10 study published in Nature Health. About 44% of users reported at least one side effect, most commonly gastrointestinal issues.
Researchers also identified less-documented symptoms, including reproductive issues such as irregular menstrual cycles and temperature-related complaints like chills and hot flashes. Nearly 4% of users reporting side effects also described menstrual irregularities, a prevalence that might warrant further study, though the findings do not establish causation, researchers said.
The study highlights how AI-driven analysis of social media could complement traditional pharmacovigilance efforts by surfacing patient-reported symptoms earlier in the drug lifecycle, the researchers said.
