7 Ozempic Aspect Results to Know, Based on a Physician

Ozempic unwanted effects are getting virtually as a lot consideration because the drug itself (perhaps you’ve heard of “Ozempic face.”) Supposed for these with type 2 diabetesOzempic (which lists semaglutide as its foremost energetic ingredient) is an injectable drug that helps handle blood sugar. The treatment, which is a part of a drug class glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), can scale back the danger of a stroke, coronary heart assault, or loss of life in adults who’ve kind 2 diabetes, together with coronary heart and blood vessel illness.

Some sufferers on the treatment expertise unwanted effects when taking the drug. Probably the most frequent unwanted effects of Ozempic is weight reduction, although it isn’t meant for weight reduction, per its producer, Novo Nordisk. Ozempic’s unwanted effects could make it troublesome for sufferers to remain on their therapy routine. “About 20% of my sufferers will discontinue use as they’ve issue tolerating Ozempic as a consequence of these unwanted effects,” says Florence Comite, M.D.founding father of the Comite Middle for Precision Drugs & Well being.

However, for the opposite 80% of Dr. Comite’s sufferers, the drug’s unwanted effects are far more gentle. Forward, discover the whole lot you’ll want to find out about Ozempic unwanted effects.

Widespread Ozempic unwanted effects

“The commonest unwanted effects of Ozempic derive from slowing peristalsis (rippling GI waves that push contents via the intestine),” explains Dr. Comite.

She says frequent Ozempic unwanted effects embrace:

• Gastrointestinal upset (upset abdomen)
• Nausea
• Reflux
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Abdomen ache

“These signs will happen initially in most individuals, then resolve. Nevertheless, signs could persist in a major variety of people,” she says, even proper after taking the primary dose. “Others will see an uptick with any enhance in dose, which ought to subside after taking the treatment for 2 to a few weeks.”

Dr. Comite says one other aspect impact of Ozempic is the lack of muscle mass, which might have unfavourable well being implications. “A number of elements contribute to sarcopenia (lowered muscle), together with weight reduction, insufficient dietary protein, lack of need to eat, minimal or no resistance train, or lower than optimum hormones, particularly testosterone,” she says. “Muscle is the fountain of youth as a result of it’s critical to your metabolic well being, your power, and prevents getting older problems, corresponding to (kind 2 diabetes), coronary heart illness, stroke, osteopenia, reminiscence and cognitive decline as you age.” She says that when taking Ozempic, sufferers lose fats and muscle until they take motion to protect muscle mass by power coaching, consuming sufficient protein, and making certain they’re producing sufficient testosterone. “Enough testosterone, a necessary hormone which begins to say no by 1-3% in our 30’s, is vital to muscle,” she says.

One other aspect impact that’s acquired loads of consideration currently is “Ozempic face,” a sagging of the pores and skin that happens due to weight reduction that impacts the face. This isn’t particular to Ozempic, as a consequence of any weight reduction that may influence facial pores and skin.

Unusual Ozempic unwanted effects

Whereas typical unwanted effects skew on the milder aspect, Novo Nordisk lists a variety of Ozempic unwanted effects, together with attainable thyroid tumors, thyroid most cancers, and imaginative and prescient adjustments.

Dr. Comite additionally notes: “Much less frequent unwanted effects embrace extra air or gasoline within the abdomen, burping, heartburn, indigestion, quick heartbeat, low blood sugar, low power, fatigue, and gallstones.”

Unusual but extreme unwanted effects additionally embrace:

• Pancreatitis
• Appendicitis
• Thyroid most cancers
• Decreased kidney operate
• Allergic reactions
• Anaphylaxis
• Angioedema

“Should you expertise any extreme or surprising signs, seek the advice of the clinician who prescribed the treatment,” Dr. Comite says.

Medicine to keep away from when taking Ozempic

When unsure, it’s all the time greatest to seek the advice of your physician. However, there are some medicines that don’t go effectively with Ozempic. “Medicine to keep away from embrace insulin and sulfonylurea medicines as they will decrease blood sugar ranges. Discover along with your practitioner if you’re on these medicine, as they could be adjusted if Ozempic is an choice for you. Cautious monitoring is necessary,” Dr. Comite says.

Are there any meals to keep away from when taking Ozempic?

In brief, no. However, there are meals you possibly can forego to keep away from exacerbating Ozempic unwanted effects. “No meals are ‘off-limits’ per se when taking Ozempic, however there are meals to keep away from, which might compound abdomen upset and make it troublesome to handle (blood) sugar ranges, together with fried or greasy meals, sugary meals and drinks, extremely processed meals and refined carbs,” explains Dr. Comite. “Restrict excessive sugar content material consumption of fruits and veggies and reduce alcohol use. It’s greatest to take care of a diversified weight loss program that’s excessive in protein and unprocessed meals, with out additional sugars.”

Can these pregnant or breastfeeding take Ozempic?

Ozempic is just not beneficial whereas pregnant or breastfeeding, as it may probably influence fetal development and growth, Dr. Comite says. “Usually, we advise our sufferers to cease Ozempic at the least two months previous to making an attempt to conceive. If you’re diabetic, there are different medicines which might be protected to take whereas pregnant or breastfeeding.”

Suggestions for managing Ozempic unwanted effects

Attempting crackers or pita chips to settle your abdomen is an effective solution to handle an upset abdomen, Dr. Comite says. “Make sure you drink loads of water, eat your meals slowly, and use over-the-counter medicines like Tums or Gas-X to ease any nausea or gasoline pains. Consuming small quantities of meals, even when not hungry, could make a distinction,” she says.

As for muscle loss, Dr. Comite says it’s all about strength-training workouts and weight loss program. “To keep away from muscle loss, begin each meal with lean protein, corresponding to hen, fish, lean beef, tofu, beans, and nuts (walnuts, almonds, cashews, macadamia, Brazilian, however not peanuts that are legumes). Protein, the important constructing block of muscle, has a extra favorable influence in your metabolism,” she says.

Emily Goldman is the senior editor at Prevention. She’s spent the previous couple of years modifying and writing well being, wellness, magnificence, meals, and extra for Marthastewart.com and Bridalguide.com. She’s beloved all issues well being and wellness since beginning her bi-weekly podcast Pancreas Pals—a sequence all concerning the highs and lows of dwelling life with Sort 1 diabetes. When not podcasting, she spends most of her time curled up with e book or watching a interval piece on BBC.