GLP-1s linked to a gross side effect in nails: study

Key Points:

• A new study presented at the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology found that people taking GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic and Mounjaro are nearly 25% more likely to experience nail disorders, with nail detachment occurring in 39% of users versus 9% of non-users.
• Nail detachment, where the nail separates from the nail bed and cannot be reattached, can take several months to over a year to regrow, and nail discoloration was also reported 2.7 times more frequently in GLP-1 users.
• Researchers are uncertain whether the nail problems are directly caused by the drugs or secondary effects such as weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, and dehydration, but even after adjusting for these factors, nail issues remained significantly more common in GLP-1 users.
• A related study found that hair loss, including noticeable shedding and scalp inflammation, was significantly higher in GLP-1 users, with symptoms often accompanied by itching and redness, suggesting an inflammatory component that may be treatable with topical medications.
• Experts emphasize that hair and nail changes are usually temporary and aesthetic, advising patients to consult their doctors rather than discontinue GLP-1 therapy, as the drugs’ benefits for weight loss and health outweigh these side effects.