Pharmacists play a vital role in countering GLP-1 misinformation.
In an interview with Pharmacy Times, Ferrin Williams, PharmD, MBA, chief pharmacy officer at Scripta Insights, discussed the growing challenge of misinformation surrounding glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) therapies and outlined how pharmacists can serve as trusted, nonjudgmental educators for patients navigating online claims—particularly as interest grows around newer formulations such as oral semaglutide (Wegovy pill; Novo Nordisk).
“Pharmacists can be the myth filter—without shaming patients for what they’ve heard online.” - Ferrin Williams, PharmD, MBA
Williams emphasized that pharmacists are uniquely positioned to act as a “myth filter” without dismissing or shaming patients for what they encounter on social media. She recommended starting conversations by asking patients what they have heard and what concerns them most, which encourages honesty and allows pharmacists to address specific misconceptions. To support this approach, Williams introduced a simple framework—SEC—to help assess credibility: evaluating the source of information, the evidence cited, and the claims being made. Absolute claims such as “no side effects” or “melts fat” should raise immediate red flags, prompting pharmacists to reframe expectations using evidence-based counseling.
Williams noted that while GLP-1 medications can be highly effective for many patients, they are not “magic,” and outcomes vary. Pharmacists play a critical role in reinforcing realistic expectations, including the likelihood of gastrointestinal adverse effects, the need for long-term therapy in many patients, and the importance of nutrition, protein intake, physical activity, and follow-up care.
She also highlighted the importance of directing patients to credible, accessible educational resources. FDA medication guides and prescribing information remain essential for safety counseling, but Williams encouraged pharmacists to apply clinical judgment to fill in gaps—particularly when newer products rely on extrapolated data from injectable formulations. Professional society resources, such as those from the American Diabetes Association, along with CDC, NIH, and reputable health systems, can support foundational education.
Finally, Williams stressed that while one-page handouts and printed materials are valuable, face-to-face counseling remains essential, as patients may overlook written materials without direct pharmacist engagement.
Previous coverage from Williams can be found
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