If you’ve been dealing with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS), you know how frustrating this skin disease can be. Painful bumps, inflammation, abscesses, and flare-ups can make everyday life challenging. If you have diabetes or a high body weight, managing your health can feel especially overwhelming.

Recently, a class of drugs collectively known as glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists (commonly used for diabetes and weight loss) has been getting attention in the dermatology world for its potential effects on inflammatory conditions like HS. But can these medications help or harm people with HS?

Let’s break it down to understand what GLP-1 drugs are, how they work, and whether they might be a good option for someone with HS.

What Are GLP-1 Drugs?

GLP-1 receptor agonists are a class of medication used primarily to treat type 2 diabetes. These drugs help control blood sugar levels by mimicking a natural hormone called glucagon-like peptide 1. GLP-1 helps your body produce insulin after eating and reduces the amount of blood glucose (sugar) your liver releases. It also slows down how quickly food leaves your stomach, and this helps you feel fuller longer, which may lead to weight loss.

Semaglutide is one of the primary GLP-1 drugs on the market. It’s sold under a few different brand names including Ozempic, Wegovy (specifically approved for weight loss), and Rybelsus (an oral formulation of semaglutide). Other examples of GLP-1 drugs on the market are dulaglutide (Trulicity) and liraglutide (Saxenda).

While these medications are mainly prescribed for managing blood sugar, semaglutide, in particular, has gained attention for its role in weight loss, which is why it’s often prescribed to people with higher body weights who are looking for help with weight management.

Why Might Someone With HS Consider GLP-1 Drugs?

Many people with HS also have other health conditions, such as type 2 diabetes or obesity. In fact, research suggests a link between HS and metabolic conditions like insulin resistance and higher body weight. Because of this, some doctors might consider GLP-1 drugs for individuals with both HS and these co-occurring conditions. Following are some reasons why.

Blood Sugar Control

If you have diabetes and HS, managing blood sugar levels is important for your overall health. Since GLP-1 drugs help control blood sugar, they could be beneficial if you’re struggling with diabetes and HS symptoms.

Weight Loss

GLP-1 drugs, particularly semaglutide, have been shown to help people lose weight. Obesity is common in people with HS, and some studies suggest that losing weight might improve HS symptoms. Reducing body weight could lower inflammation, which is key to managing HS. Additionally, health care providers often recommend weight loss as part a broader HS treatment plan, even though it is not a cure for the condition.

HS can worsen with obesity because HS symptoms typically appears in areas prone to friction such as the underarms, groin, and under the breasts. Losing weight may reduce that friction, potentially leading to fewer flare-ups.

However, it’s important to weigh the benefits against the risks. Could these drugs affect your HS in other ways? Let’s take a closer look at potential concerns.

Are GLP-1 Drugs Safe for People With HS?

There isn’t much research yet on how GLP-1 drugs directly affect people with HS. Most studies focus on diabetes or weight loss, so it’s unclear if these drugs could trigger or worsen HS symptoms. However, some factors are worth considering.

Inflammation and Immune System Effects

HS is an inflammatory condition, and some HS treatments aim to reduce inflammation in the body. While GLP-1 drugs are not designed to target inflammation directly, they may have some anti-inflammatory effects, which could be beneficial.

On the flip side, any drug that influences the immune system could, in theory, affect HS. The exact impact on inflammation in people with HS remains uncertain.

Drug Interactions

If you’re already taking medications for HS, such as biologics, you should talk to your doctor about whether adding a GLP-1 drug is safe. Biologics for HS work by suppressing parts of the immune system to reduce inflammation, and while there is not strong evidence that GLP-1 drugs interfere with these treatments, it’s crucial to have a health care professional evaluate potential interactions.

Side Effects

GLP-1 drugs can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and, less commonly, pancreatitis (a serious inflammation of the pancreas). For people with HS, who might already be dealing with discomfort and stress from their skin condition, managing additional side effects can be challenging. Always weigh the potential benefits with the possibility of adverse effects.

Another consideration is that people with HS may take multiple medications to manage their symptoms, including antibiotics, over-the-counter and prescription pain relievers, and topical treatments. Adding a new medication, especially one like a GLP-1 drug, can complicate things, so it’s important to keep your health care provider in the loop.

Possible Benefits for People With HS

While the direct effects of GLP-1 drugs on HS aren’t well studied, there are some potential benefits for those with coexisting conditions like diabetes or obesity.

Improved Blood Sugar Control

For individuals with both diabetes and HS, better blood sugar control could lead to overall health improvements. Some evidence suggests that poor blood sugar control might worsen inflammatory conditions, so stabilizing blood sugar could indirectly help with HS symptoms. Diabetes management is critical to overall skin health, as high blood sugar levels can cause wounds to heal more slowly. This is a concern for people with HS who already experience frequent skin lesions.

Weight Loss

Higher weights are linked to more severe HS symptoms, and doctors often recommend weight loss to help people manage HS more effectively. If a GLP-1 drug helps you lose weight, it could potentially reduce inflammation and lead to fewer HS flare-ups. Some people with HS report that losing weight has helped improve their condition, although weight loss alone is not a cure for HS.

Potential Anti-Inflammatory Effects

Although it is not their primary function, GLP-1 drugs have shown some ability to reduce inflammation in other parts of the body besides the skin. For example, there’s emerging evidence that these medications may help with conditions like inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. Although we can’t say for sure how this applies to HS, these drugs’ anti-inflammatory benefits are worth considering.

Possible Risks and Concerns

While there are potential benefits, it’s important to consider the risks if you’re thinking about a GLP-1 drug, especially if you have HS.

Unknown Impact on HS

As mentioned above, health experts don’t yet know how GLP-1 drugs might directly affect HS. Some people worry that these medications could trigger flare-ups or make HS worse, although there’s no evidence that suggests this. Until more research is available, this question remains open.

Drug Interactions

If you’re on other HS treatments, like biologics or antibiotics, it’s crucial to talk to your doctor about potential interactions. There’s no strong evidence that GLP-1 drugs interfere with HS medications, but you should always be cautious when adding new drugs to your regimen. Some drugs used for HS also suppress the immune system, and combining these with other treatments could potentially alter their effectiveness.

Talk to Your Doctor

If you’re thinking about starting a GLP-1 drug and have HS, the most important step is to talk to your doctor. They can help you weigh the potential benefits and risks, consider your overall health, and make sure any new treatment won’t interfere with your current HS medications. Every situation is different, so it’s essential to have a personalized plan.

Above all, be patient with yourself. Managing a condition like HS alongside other health issues is no easy task. With the right support and guidance from your healthcare team, you can make the best choices for your health and well-being.

Talk With Others Who Understand

MyHSteam is the social network for people with HS and their loved ones. On MyHSteam, more than 44,000 members come together to ask questions, give advice, and share their stories with others who understand life with HS.

Are you living with HS and thinking about trying a GLP-1 medication? Share your experience in the comments below, or start a conversation by posting on your Activities page.