Serious side effects, including allergic reactions, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), diabetic retinopathy (damage to blood vessels in the eye), kidney failure and other kidney problems, increased thyroid cancer risk, gallstones, and swelling of the pancreas.
Other serious side effects of Ozempic include thyroid tumors, pancreatitis, changes in vision, hypoglycemia, gallbladder issues, kidney failure and cancer. The most severe complications Shah sees in her patients are pancreatitis and gallbladder issues — either can lead to hospitalization.
“The most common side effects are gastrointestinal in nature: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation.” While the majority of people who take Ozempic will most likely experience these symptoms at some point during their treatment, they should subside over time, continues Dr. McGowan.
Patients speak out over side effect claim that Ozempic poses risk of "stomach paralysis", and investigations into the prescription drug are showing possible signs of suicidal thoughts in users.
Ozempic is a type 2 diabetes medication which is prescribed to manage blood glucose levels. It is not a medication for people who do not have diabetes or are at risk of type 2 diabetes.
The most common side effect with Ozempic is nausea and occurs in about 15% to 20% of people. Others include vomiting (5% to 9%), diarrhea (8%), stomach-area pain (6% to 7%), and constipation (3% to 7%).
A person can stay on Ozempic® so long as they are tolerating the medication and it is deemed appropriate by their treating provider. There is no specific time frame when someone should stop taking Ozempic as it is a medication that is intended for chronic (long-term) use.
One of the most common side effects of Ozempic is gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea and constipation. The reason behind these unpleasant symptoms is that Ozempic slows down the movement of food through your stomach and intestines.
The active ingredient in Ozempic is semaglutide, which works by inducing satiety. This feeling of being satisfied or “full”, suppresses appetite. This is why it works for weight loss. Semaglutide also helps the pancreas produce insulin, which is how it helps manage type 2 diabetes.
You start feeling those usual hunger pangs again, and consequently, you may start eating more to satisfy that hunger. An increase in your consumption can lead to the regaining of weight that was lost. A 2022 study found that most individuals gain weight back a year after stopping the medication.
You should not use Ozempic if you or an immediate family member has had thyroid cancer in the past, or if you have a rare form of cancer called multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2. If you're taking Ozempic and have symptoms of a thyroid tumor, contact your doctor right away.
Ozempic is also used off-label for weight loss. In particular, it can help reduce the amount of belly fat. This is because Ozempic works by making you feel fuller for longer, which can help you resist overeating by controlling cravings and hunger.
Ozempic is approved for diabetes management, but some doctors prescribe it to be used off-label (which is when a medication is used to treat a condition other than its FDA-approved criteria) for weight loss, too. “Typically, I prescribe Ozempic for diabetes and have more often prescribed Wegovy for weight loss,” Dr.
But the popularity of Ozempic, or semaglutide, isn't because of rising rates of diabetes. Instead, it's because of its weight loss benefits, doctors say. At a higher dose, semaglutide is used for weight loss. Ozempic manufacturer Novo Nordisk sells that higher dose under a different brand name: Wegovy.
Pancreatitis
It is a rare, but serious, side effect of Ozempic. If you experience severe, persistent stomach pain, stop using Ozempic and call your healthcare provider immediately. The pain may radiate to your back, and you may or may not experience vomiting as well.
Semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy, Rybelsus) can cause side effects that some people are unable to tolerate. Following dosing guidelines can help manage these side effects. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are the most common semaglutide side effects. But they usually subside after a few weeks of using the medication.
If you stop taking Ozempic, the weight you lost will likely return, fast. People who ceased use of semaglutide gained back, on average, a full two-thirds of the weight they had lost on the drug within one year, according to an August 2022 study, the Wall Street Journal reports.
What's the Best Body Area to Inject Ozempic? But if someone stops for a period of time and then starts up their medication again, they're at risk of those initial side effects coming back, Buse said. This is particularly true for people who had severe side effects when they first started on the medication.
The most common side effects when using Ozempic® are diarrhoea and nausea. These side effects are usually mild and normally decrease with continued use. Speak to your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects and they worry you.
It's been hailed as a “miracle” weight loss drug for people living with obesity. But, as with many medications, it only works for as long as it's used. As soon as someone stops their regular course of semaglutide, their weight is likely to come right back.
To limit Ozempic-related nausea, avoid foods that can worsen Ozempic side effects like foods that are high in fat or sugar. It also helps to increase Ozempic doses slowly. For people with severe nausea, prescription medications can also relieve nausea.
Ozempic can cause nausea and vomiting if taken after eating foods high in fat or sugar. It is recommended that you take Ozempic before meals, rather than after, to minimise any potential side effects from eating high-fat or high-sugar foods.
Some key points for using Ozempic for to lose weight:
Higher doses do not provide additional body weight reduction benefits but may increase side effects. It can take 3-4 months to achieve the maximum weight loss at a stable dose. Weight loss may continue for up to 2 years on Ozempic based on studies.