Teduglutide
GLP-2 analogues
GLP-2 analogues
A GLP-2 analogue injected under the skin that helps the remaining bowel absorb more in short bowel syndrome, reducing intravenous nutrition.
Quick facts
- Group
- GLP-2 analogues
- Target
- Glucagon-like peptide-2 receptor (GLP-2R)
- Used for
- Short bowel syndrome
- Key effects
- Abdominal pain and swelling · Injection-site reactions
- Monitor
- Colonoscopy before starting · Fluid balance
- ATC
- A16AX08
No doses: the clinician sets them by the current guideline.
Mechanism of action
The figure shows natural human GLP-2 bound to its receptor; teduglutide is a modified, longer-lasting version of GLP-2.
GLP-2 is a gut hormone released by L cells of the ileum and colon that makes the intestinal lining grow. Teduglutide is a longer-acting GLP-2 analogue. It activates GLP-2 receptors, enlarging the villi and crypts of the remaining bowel, so more fluid and nutrients are absorbed.
- Short bowel absorbs too little
- Teduglutide activates GLP-2 receptors
- The intestinal lining grows
- More fluid and nutrients are absorbed
Indications
- Short bowel syndrome in people who depend on intravenous (parenteral) nutrition or fluids Short bowel syndrome →
Adverse effects
Common
- Abdominal pain and swelling
- Injection-site reactions
- Nausea and headache
- Cold- or flu-like symptoms
- Swelling or changes of a stoma
Contraindications
- Active cancer, especially of the gut (not recommended)
Key interactions
- Other medicines taken by mouth
- As absorption improves, their doses may need review
What is monitored
- Colonoscopy before starting, after about one year and then at regular intervals
- Fluid balance, weight and parenteral nutrition needs
- Signs of bowel obstruction, gallbladder or pancreatic disease
Administration and safety
- Powder is mixed with its diluent; the solution must be clear before use
- Injected subcutaneously into the abdomen, thigh or upper arm, rotating sites
- Never given into a vein or muscle
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Information on use in pregnancy is limited; patients are asked to tell their doctor if they become pregnant.
Nursing care
- Teach and check the injection technique and site rotation
- Record weight, intake, output and stoma output
- Report abdominal pain, vomiting, stoma swelling or rapid weight gain
- Review parenteral nutrition needs with the team as absorption improves
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption
- Injected under the skin, rotating sites
Test yourself
Think of the answer, then tap the question to see it.
Which hormone does teduglutide mimic?
Glucagon-like peptide-2 (GLP-2), the gut hormone that makes the intestinal lining grow.
What is the goal of teduglutide in short bowel syndrome?
To improve absorption by the remaining bowel and reduce the need for intravenous nutrition or fluids.
Why is colonoscopy needed during teduglutide treatment?
Because it can cause colon polyps and may speed the growth of bowel cancer.
Connections
← Back to the class: GLP-2 analogues
Educational content on how drugs work; not a prescribing guide and no substitute for a health professional's advice. No doses are given.
Sources: Teduglutide Injection: MedlinePlus Drug Information (MedlinePlus (U.S. National Library of Medicine), 2026); ATCDDD - ATC/DDD Index (WHO Collaborating Centre for Drug Statistics Methodology, 2026); Cryo-EM structure of the human glucagon-like peptide-2 receptor-Gs protein complex (RCSB Protein Data Bank, 2026).
Spotted a mistake?We are always improving for the community. Tell us what is wrong and our team will review it.Report a mistake
Representative model, for educational purposes only.