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Ozempic has captured widespread attention as a potent weight-loss injection on the market. However, it is equally crucial to know the Ozempic weight loss side effects. This knowledge is essential in determining whether this option aligns with your goals and readiness for a weight loss solution.
In this article, we will only focus on the side effects of Ozempic since you may already be aware of other generic details of injections like Ozempic or Wegovy.
In short, Ozempic and Wegovy are the two brand names that Novo Nordisk uses to market injectable semaglutide. Ozempic is administered for Type 2 diabetes where are Wegovy is approved for chronic weight loss management. Essentially, both are same composition – semaglutide – only separated by brand names.
The side effects of this injection range in severity from common to severe. Therefore, we will classify them accordingly. But to understand the side effects, you must understand the mechanism of this injection inside the human body.
Two Major Mechanisms: How it Works in the Body
Ozempic, also known as semaglutide, belongs to a class of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists. It works by mimicking the action of a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) in the body.
When taken, Ozempic stimulates the GLP-1 receptors in the pancreas, leading to increased insulin secretion in response to elevated blood sugar levels. This helps to regulate blood sugar levels in individuals with diabetes.
Additionally, Ozempic slows down the emptying of the stomach, which can help reduce appetite and promote weight loss.
It also has other effects, such as decreasing glucagon secretion (a hormone that increases blood sugar levels) and reducing food intake by promoting feelings of fullness.
Overall, the mechanism of Ozempic helps to improve blood sugar control and may aid in weight loss for individuals with type 2 diabetes.
Common Side Effects
Most individuals experience common side effects of Ozempic to varying degrees. As a result, the dosage of this injection is gradually increased over 16 to 20 weeks. This gradual titration period allows the body to adapt slowly to these common side effects.
The most common side effects of Ozempic® may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach (abdominal) pain, and constipation.
Wegovy and Ozempic users report the two most common problems in the initial weeks – because fundamentally, Ozempic messes with the food absorption.
Ozempic constipation
Constipation ranks among the most prevalent side effects of Ozempic. Especially if you have constipation issues in general, this will aggravate considerably in the initial weeks.
People using it for a long time also experience this issue.
i have been on ozempic for nearly nine months now, and for the majority of the time i have been dealing with constipation.
Ozempic User on Reddit
So you may have to treat constipation while taking Ozempic. Here are some working constipation treatments that might help you with a severe condition.
- Taking psyllium daily
- Take magnesium citrate
- Take Enema
- Probiotic gummies, etc
Ozempic Diarrhea
For some, the experience is the opposite of constipation, as they take Ozempic. As people go with higher dose of 1 mg or 2 mg, some are likely to experience diarrhea.
What you eat, also determines if you are going to face this issue. Processed food and fats tend to increase the chances of diarrhea. Non-processed, low-GI foods and fruits and veg should help avoid the runs.
One of the difficult tasks is to diagnose the issue if it persists. To rule out other causes of diarrhea, sometimes doctors have to test you for every bug, parasite, growth etc.
Don't make extreme dietary changes during your shots.
Serious Side Effects
These are a few of the serious side effects experienced by some of the clinical trial users of Ozempic.
Inflammation of your pancreas (pancreatitis). Stop using Ozempic® and call your health care provider right away if you have severe pain in your stomach area (abdomen) that will not go away, with or without vomiting. You may feel the pain from your abdomen to your back.
Changes in vision. Tell your health care provider if you have changes in vision during treatment with Ozempic®.
Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Your risk for getting low blood sugar may be higher if you use Ozempic® with another medicine that can cause low blood sugar, such as a sulfonylurea or insulin. Signs and symptoms of low blood sugar may include: dizziness or lightheadedness, blurred vision, anxiety, irritability or mood changes, sweating, slurred speech, hunger, confusion or drowsiness, shakiness, weakness, headache, fast heartbeat, and feeling jittery.
Kidney problems (kidney failure): In people who have kidney problems, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting may cause a loss of fluids (dehydration), which may cause kidney problems to get worse. It is important for you to drink fluids to help reduce your chance of dehydration.
Serious allergic reactions: Stop using Ozempic® and get medical help right away if you have any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat; problems breathing or swallowing; severe rash or itching; fainting or feeling dizzy; or very rapid heartbeat.
Gallbladder problems: Gallbladder problems have happened in some people who take Ozempic. Tell your health care provider right away if you get symptoms which may include: pain in your upper stomach (abdomen), fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice), or clay-colored stools.
Ozempic Face: Though this was not reported in the clinical trials, the users on social media have started reporting facial aging with sagging and wrinkled skin as one of the side effects. This is now popularly known as the Ozempic face.
Ozempic Butt: Just like Ozempic faces, the unusual volume loss in the butt region makes the skin sagging and flat. This is termed Ozempic butt by social media users.
Potential Dangers of Ozempic
Now comes the most dangerous aspect of this weight-loss injection: Ozempic and Wegovy.
As per the official manufacturer of Ozempic, one of the dangers of using Ozempic is
Thyroid Tumors: Cancer
Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you notice any swelling or lump in your neck, experience hoarseness, difficulty swallowing, or shortness of breath. These symptoms could indicate thyroid cancer. Studies involving rodents have shown that Ozempic® and medications similar to Ozempic® have been associated with thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer. However, it is uncertain whether Ozempic® poses a risk for thyroid tumors or a specific type of thyroid cancer known as medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in humans
Avoid if a Family History of MTC Cancer
Do not use Ozempic® if you or any of your family members have ever had MTC, or if you have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
Is Ozempic Right for Me?
After learning through all the common, serious, and potentially dangerous side effects of Ozempic, you can certainly make an informed decision if Ozempic weight loss is the right choice of procedure for you.
The risk is worth it if you are already suffering from one or more serious weight-related ailments. Otherwise, you have better alternatives that have the same mechanism as Ozempic but with natural ingredients.
Natural Ozempic Alternative
Is there a natural Ozempic that acts as an alternative? Yes, there is a solution by Dr. Robert Posner which is also seen in prestigious media outlets like NBC, CBS and FOX.
Do check this out – Better than Ozempic?
With 24,000 user trials and an average weight loss of 35 pounds in just 12 weeks makes this natural Ozempic alternative is worth checking out. Especially when the neurochemical compound is research-backed to slash your carb cravings by more than 50%.
Check out this Ozempic alternative.
Frequently Asked Question
How long do the ozempic side effects last?
The side effects of Ozempic are typically mild and may last for a few days or weeks. Most mild side effects will go away in a few days or weeks and won’t require medical attention.
However, individual experiences vary, and some people experience constipation even after 1 year of use. If some of the serious side effects persist for a long time, then it is time to get it checked by your healthcare expert.
Do Ozempic side effects include hair loss?
Participants in the clinical trial conducted by the manufacturer of Ozempic did not report hair loss as a side effect.
However, individual experiences may differ. Some individuals who have used Ozempic have reported significant hair loss, which ceased upon discontinuation of the weight loss injections. Therefore, while hair loss is not a commonly reported side effect, it is still a possibility for some individuals.
Does ozempic cause burping?
Yes, Ozempic can cause burping, and in some cases, the burps may have a sulfur-like smell. This is due to the medication's impact on gastric motility, which can lead to a slowdown in digestion and the release of hydrogen sulfide gas, resulting in sulfur burps.
The side effect of burping, including sulfur burps, is more common in people receiving a 0.5-mg dose of Ozempic than in those receiving a 1-mg dose. While this side effect is usually mild and may go away with time as the body adjusts to the medication, individuals experiencing bothersome burping are advised to consult their doctor or pharmacist.
What are the long-term side effects of ozempic?
Ozempic has been associated with rare but serious long-term side effects, including pancreatitis, allergic reactions, kidney issues, thyroid tumors, gallbladder problems, and gastrointestinal issues such as stomach paralysis, gastroparesis, and intestinal blockages.
It's important to discuss any concerns about the short-term or long-term side effects of Ozempic with a healthcare professional.
How long does nausea typically last with Ozempic?
Nausea is a common side effect of Ozempic, affecting around 15.8% to 20.3% of individuals in clinical trials. The duration of nausea while taking Ozempic can vary from person to person.
For most people, the nausea typically starts when they have been taking Ozempic for 8 to 12 weeks. It is often more noticeable when first starting Ozempic or when the dose is increased. However, for most individuals, the nausea is mild and temporary, and it usually goes away within a few days or weeks as the body adjusts to the medication.
What is the recommended treatment for constipation caused by Ozempic?
The recommended treatments for constipation caused by Ozempic include various strategies to alleviate the symptoms. These strategies are aimed at managing constipation and promoting regular bowel movements. Some of the recommended treatments and preventive measures for Ozempic-induced constipation are as follows:
Stay Hydrated: Drinking plenty of fluids, particularly water, can help soften stools and promote regular bowel movements.
High-Fiber Diet: Consuming a diet rich in fiber from sources such as legumes, whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and nuts can add bulk to the stool and encourage bowel movements.
Gradual Dose Increase: Starting Ozempic with a lower dose and gradually increasing it over time allows the body to adjust, potentially preventing or reducing the severity of constipation.
Fiber Supplements: If dietary fiber is insufficient, doctors may recommend fiber supplements to help manage constipation.
Lifestyle Changes: Engaging in regular physical activity and exercise can also help alleviate constipation.
Prune Juice: Drinking a glass of prune juice daily, known for its natural laxative properties, can help soften stools and encourage bowel movements.
Prescription Laxatives: In some cases, a doctor may prescribe a stronger laxative to provide short-term relief from constipation.
Does ozempic cause tiredness?
According to experts, this side effect is uncommon, affecting only about 0.4% of individuals taking the medication. The fatigue associated with Ozempic may be due to factors such as caloric deficit or low blood sugar.
It is important to note that this side effect tends to resolve as the body adjusts to the medication. If individuals experience fatigue while taking Ozempic, they are advised to discuss this with their healthcare provider, who may recommend changes to dosage, diet, or sleep to help reduce tiredness.
What are the ozempic 1mg side effects?
The most common side effects of Ozempic 1mg include:
Nausea
Diarrhea
Stomach (abdominal) pain
Vomiting
Constipation
These side effects are usually mild and may last for a few days or weeks.
Additionally, serious side effects of Ozempic can include diabetic retinopathy, gallbladder disease, kidney problems, pancreatitis, increased risk of thyroid cancer, allergic reactions, hypoglycemia, fatigue, indigestion, acid reflux, and injection-site reactions.
It's essential to discuss any concerns about the side effects of Ozempic 1mg with a healthcare professional.
What are the ozempic sexual side effects?
Ozempic may cause sexual side effects, including an increase or decrease in sexual desire, difficulties with arousal or orgasm, and changes in libido. However, it's important to note that not everyone will experience these side effects, and the severity can vary from person to person.
The exact mechanisms behind the potential impact of Ozempic on sex drive are not fully understood. However, some theories suggest that the medication's effect on blood sugar levels and hormonal balance may contribute to alterations in sex drive.
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