Semaglutide is a drug for diabetes and weight loss that is administered under the skin once a week. An example of a glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist is Ozempic and Wegovy, which belongs to the same class.
Semaglutide can cause side effects, just like other medicines. Most side effects happen in the first few weeks of treatment or after the dose is increased.
Symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation are possible. The most common side effects usually go away on their own over time. Find out about the side effects of semaglutide, how to deal with them, and other important safety facts.
What is Ozempic and Wegovy?
An FDA-approved drug called Ozempic (semaglutide) is used to treat type 2 diabetes in adults. Over time, Ozempic has been demonstrated to lower reduce hemoglobin A1C , a blood glucose indicator, and assist individuals with type 2 diabetes control their blood sugar levels. Additionally, it lowers the risk of cardiovascular events, such as heart attacks and strokes, in those with documented heart disease and type 2 diabetes.
Studies have indicated that Ozempic users may lose a substantial amount of weight while using the prescription, even though it is not categorized as a weight loss medication. Under the trade name Wegovy, the FDA has authorized greater dosages of semaglutide, the active component in Ozempic, for the treatment of obesity and other weight-related illnesses.
Every week, injections of Ozempic and Wegovy (semaglutide) are administered into the stomach, thigh, or arm.
Because it regulates insulin and lowers blood sugar, semaglutide is crucial for people with type 2 diabetes. Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is a hormone that is found naturally generated in the intestines that controls hunger by telling the body it is full and slowing down the emptying of the stomach. Ozempic and Wegovy mimics this process and therefore encourages weight reduction.
After taking Ozempic or Wegovy, many report that their distracting thoughts about food, or “food noise,” disappear. When on medication, foods that used to stimulate them no longer do so.
Common Side Effects of Ozempic and Wegovy
Some people may experience adverse effects from Ozempic, just as with other medicines. Talking to your healthcare practitioner is crucial if any of these side effects worsen, last longer, or disturb you. They can help you manage side effects, change your dose, or suggest other treatments. The following are typical Ozempic side effects along with basic advice on how to handle them:
1. Abdominal Pain
Some people experience mild to moderate stomach pain, discomfort, or edema when using Ozempic or Wegovy. Stomach pain can result from a number of semaglutide side effects, including cramps, constipation, bloating, and even diarrhea. In a short period of time, stomach discomfort may go away on its own.
What to do:
Discomfort can be reduced by eating smaller, more frequent meals and drinking lots of water. It is advised to consult a healthcare professional for additional assessment and treatment if the discomfort continues or worsens.
2. Constipation
Up to 5% of people who use Ozempic or Wegovy may have constipation as a side effect. Constipation is less frequent than other gastrointestinal side effects, however it may last longer. In one trial, those who took a lot of semaglutide to lose weight only suffered diarrhea, vomiting, or nausea for a few days, whereas others had constipation for over a month.
What to do:
To alleviate constipation brought on by semaglutide, include items high in fiber in your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Drink lots of water and continue to be physically active on a daily basis to ensure that you are well hydrated. If dietary changes are insufficient to alleviate constipation, speak with your provider for more advice.
3. Diarrhea
Between 8% and 9% of patients using Ozempic for type 2 diabetes and 31% of people receiving the higher dose of 2.4 mg of Wegovy for weight reduction have diarrhea. Increased semaglutide dosage frequently causes diarrhea, which typically goes away as your body adjusts to the drug.
What to do:
Make sure you stay hydrated by consuming lots of fluids, including water or electrolyte solutions, if you get diarrhea while taking semaglutide. Eat only meals that are simple to digest, such as bread, rice, and bananas, to help reduce discomfort. For more assessment and advice, talk to your provider if your diarrhea worsens or becomes persistent.
4. Nausea
Ozempic and Wegovy frequently causes nausea as a side effect, particularly in the early phases of treatment or if your doctor raises your dosage. Within a few days or weeks, this adverse effect can disappear. The most frequent adverse effect that Ozempic and Wegovy users reported in a clinical trial was nausea. It was moderate and transient for many.
What to do:
Taking semaglutide with meals or right before bed may help reduce nausea if you get it while taking it. Another way to control nausea sensations is to eat smaller, more frequent meals rather than larger ones.
For individualized guidance, speak with your healthcare practitioner if your nausea worsens or continues. Your provider could limit foods that can make you feel queasy or prescribe drugs to cure it.
5. Vomiting
Although vomiting is less often than nausea, depending on the dosage, it can happen to 5% to 9% of patients using Ozempic or Wegovy for type 2 diabetes.
Similar to nausea, vomiting is more likely to happen when you first start taking Ozempic and Wegovy or when you increase the dose. Higher dosages of semaglutide for weight reduction can increase the likelihood of vomiting, which can lead to dehydration.
What to do:
Drink plenty of water or other clear liquids to keep hydrated if you feel like throwing up after taking semaglutide. To avoid aggravating the stomach further, refrain from eating solid meals until the vomiting stops.
Contact your healthcare provider if the vomiting doesn’t stop or if it’s followed by other worrisome symptoms like dehydration or intense stomach pain. They could suggest over-the-counter drugs to lessen the symptoms.
6. Acid Reflux, Burping, and Gas
Acid reflux, gas, and burping are all brought on by microscopic air buildup in the digestive system. It’s typical for your body to accumulate air during digestion.
Gas passage or burping are two ways our bodies release air. Because Ozempic and Wegovy slows down the pace at which your stomach breaks down food, it may cause a slight increase in gas.
What to do:
As your body becomes used to the drug, they often only cause mild side effects. Your provider can suggest over-the-counter drugs like antacids and anti-flatulants to assist manage the symptoms if they are unpleasant.
Allergic Reactions
Some patients may experience allergic responses to Ozempic or Wegovy, just like they would with other medications. Although they are uncommon, severe allergic reactions to these medications can include skin rashes, hives, itching, flushing, and swelling under the skin, frequently in the hands, feet, or lips, as well as swelling of the mouth, throat, or tongue that can make breathing difficult.
What to do:
If you see any indications of a moderate allergic response, contact your provider immediately.
Your healthcare provider could give you advice on whether to keep taking the medication or other ideas for symptom relief.
Call 911 or your local emergency number immediately if your symptoms are severe and you think you may be having a medical emergency.
Serious Side Effects of Ozempic and Wegovy?
Although they are rare, significant adverse effects are possible with Ozempic and Wegovy. Discuss with your provider the potential for serious side effects from this medicine before starting treatment. See your healthcare provider right away if you encounter any serious side effects.
1. Acute Gallbladder Disease
An uncommon but possibly dangerous adverse effect of using Ozempic and Wegovy is gallbladder disease, especially gallstones. Gallbladder problems affect fewer than 3% of semaglutide users. Sharp, ongoing stomach discomfort along with nausea, vomiting, or perspiration are signs of gallbladder disease.
While gallstones can often be asymptomatic and not require medical treatment, more serious problems may necessitate surgery to remove the gallbladder. Gallstones can be avoided by weight loss, exercise, and a low-fat diet. Before using these medications, let your provider know if you have ever had gallbladder issues.
2. Acute Kidney Injury
Ozempic and Wegovy increases the risk of renal disease, including kidney failure, in certain individuals. Dehydration brought on by other Ozempic and Wegovy side effects, such as vomiting or diarrhea, might result in renal issues.
Before starting these medications, discuss any renal problems you may have experienced with your healthcare practitioner. Over the course of your medication therapy, your provider may closely monitor your kidneys. Additionally, they could halt your therapy if you experience worsening or new renal problems.
3. Diabetic Retinopathy
Damage to eyesight that might arise as a consequence of type 2 diabetes is known as diabetic retinopathy. According to clinical trials, those on Ozempic and Wegovy were more likely to experience problems associated with diabetic retinopathy, particularly if they had a history of the condition.
Researchers don’t know why taking these medications can temporarily worsen diabetic retinopathy while lowering blood glucose levels. Blurred vision, black or empty regions in your vision, floaters (tiny dark spots or lines that float across your vision), trouble seeing colors, and vision loss (in extreme cases) are all signs of diabetes retinopathy.
If you have a history of diabetic retinopathy, let your provider know before using Ozempic or Wegovy. Contact your doctor right away if your eyesight changes while taking semaglutide.
4. Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, may result from Ozempic and Wegovy. If you use Ozempic or Wegovy with insulin or other diabetic treatments, you have a higher risk of developing this adverse effect. Alterations in lifestyle, such as fasting or a sudden change in nutrition, can also cause low blood sugar.
Seizures, blurred vision, shakiness, sweating, disorientation, and lightheadedness are just a few of the symptoms and other health problems that can result from extremely low blood sugar.
Before beginning these medications, discuss with your provider any additional diabetic drugs you may be taking, such as insulin or sulfonylureas. To lower the risk of hypoglycemia, they could change your doses. They could also design a customized diabetes care strategy.
If you alter your diet or level of physical activity, let your provider know. These elements may also cause your blood sugar levels to drop. Before, during, and after exercise, keep an eye on your levels. Eat a little snack before working out if your blood sugar is low.
Blood sugar levels can be stabilized and decreases can be avoided by eating regular meals and snacks throughout the day. Select protein, healthy fats, and complex carbs for long-lasting energy. Fruit juice, hard candies, and glucose pills are examples of fast-acting glucose sources that you can try.
5. Increased Risk of Thyroid Tumors
Thyroid cancer is a boxed warning for Ozempic and Wegovy. The Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) most serious warning to date.
It has been demonstrated that Ozempic and Wegovy raises the risk of thyroid cancers in animals. Animal research findings, however, are not necessarily generalizable to people. Human thyroid tumors may or may not be brought on by Ozempic or Wegovy.
If you or a member of your immediate family has multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 or medullary thyroid cancer, do not use these medications.
If you have any signs of a thyroid tumor, such as a lump in your neck, hoarseness, or difficulty swallowing, get in touch with your provider.
6. Pancreatitis
Although it is uncommon, Ozempic and Wegovy may raise your risk of pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas. Severe stomach discomfort that might spread to the back, nausea, and vomiting are possible symptoms.
Get medical help right away if you encounter these symptoms. In addition to treating the discomfort, your provider could suggest that you stop taking Ozempic or Wegovy and use a different diabetic medicine or weight-loss drug instead.
How Long Do Side Effects of Ozempic and Wegovy Last?
Common Ozempic and Wegovy side effects disappear in a few days or weeks. However, contact your healthcare provider if they cause discomfort or last for several months.
After discontinuing Ozempic or Wegovy, adverse effects may linger and it may take a few weeks for the medication to leave your system, particularly if you were taking the maximum dosage.
Despite being uncommon, Ozempic and Wegovy may contribute to certain adverse uncontrollable conditions. Diabetic retinopathy and thyroid carcinoma are among them.
Before beginning therapy with semaglutide medications, ask your provider or pharmacist about any potential side effects and how long they could last.
FAQs About the Side Effects of Ozempic and Wegovy
What are “Ozempic face” and “Ozempic neck,” and how are they treated?
The phrases “Ozempic face” and “Ozempic neck” are used on social media to describe skin changes that may happen to the face and neck during the use of semaglutide medications.
Ozempic did not cause any adverse effects on the skin of the face or neck in clinical testing. However, the skin on the face, neck, and other body areas may alter as a result of rapid weight reduction. Sagging, wrinkles, and the appearance of lines might be signs of this.
In the event that you have painful skin changes during therapy, your provider could suggest lowering your semaglutide dose. They may also suggest that you try a different diabetic medication. Some cosmetic
treatments, including dermal fillers, may be potential options to restore some face fullness.
What foods should you avoid while using Ozempic and Wegovy?
When undergoing semaglutide therapy, there are no specific foods to avoid. Additionally, the drug can be injected with or without meals. While using semaglutide, you should adhere to your doctor’s dietary recommendations.
To lessen the medications nauseating side effects, you could also consider cutting back on your intake of alcoholic beverages, carbonated drinks, high-fat meals, and spicy foods.
Does Ozempic and Wegovy cause hair loss?
Hair loss is not included as a recognized adverse effect of Ozempic and Wegovy in clinical studies. Nonetheless, hair thinning and loss are possible in diabetics with chronically elevated blood sugar levels.
How A-OK Vitality & Wellness Can Help Relieve Ozempic and Wegovy Side Effects
For those using weight reduction drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy, A-OK Vitality & Wellness is a comprehensive weight loss clinic that offers individualized care and efficient treatments. We are aware that although these drugs might help you lose weight, they may also have negative side effects that lower your quality of life.
Our medical experts provide knowledgeable advice on how to treat semaglutide’s adverse effects, including constipation, diarrhea, and nausea. To lessen side effects, we offer tailored guidance on how to modify your prescription or make dietary adjustments.
We could recommend other drugs like Mounjaro (tirzepatide) if Wegovy (semaglutide) isn’t working for you or if you have serious adverse effects.
As a dual agonist of the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) and glucose-dependent insulinotropic polypeptide (GIP) receptors, Mounjaro offers an additional choice for managing diabetes and weight reduction.
Get in touch with A-OK Vitality & Wellness right now if Ozempic or Wegovy isn’t working for you or if you’re having negative side effects. Our staff is here to assist you in safely and efficiently managing the adverse effects, controlling your diabetes, and reaching your weight reduction objectives. To go forward on your path to improved health and wellbeing, schedule an appointment with us.