In June of 2020, Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science looked at the results of the Ozempic clinical trial and found of more than 2,100 adverse events with with the drug. One hundred forty dealt with vision changes, including diabetic retinopathy, macular complications, and blurred vision.
The diabetes drug semaglutide is back in the spotlight, thanks to its FDA approval this summer as a weight loss aid. As many ophthalmologists know, the drug has been associated with early worsening of diabetic retinopathy (DR).
“Ozempic face” is a term for common side effects of the type 2 diabetes medication semaglutide (Ozempic). It can cause sagging and aging of facial skin. A doctor may recommend lifestyle modifications or facial fillers to treat these effects.
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.
Yes, blurred vision is a potential side effect of Ozempic. If you experience this symptom, speak with your healthcare provider to determine if Ozempic is the right medication for you.
Common Side Effects of Ozempic
“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.
In June of 2020, Investigative Ophthalmology & Visual Science looked at the results of the Ozempic clinical trial and found of more than 2,100 adverse events with with the drug. One hundred forty dealt with vision changes, including diabetic retinopathy, macular complications, and blurred vision.
Some individuals may actually gain more weight after stopping an obesity drug than they initially lost, Conde-Knape added. Studies have similarly shown weight rebound in people who stop taking Ozempic.
How Long Can You Stay on Ozempic (semaglutide)? 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.
Many have reported losing substantial weight after taking the trendy drug semaglutide, which has the brand name Ozempic or Wegovy. But plastic surgeons say they're seeing a rise in patients coming in with saggy, loose skin that appears after dramatic weight loss — a phenomenon known as "Ozempic face" or "Ozempic body."
High fat foods or sugary foods
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.
The starting Ozempic dosage is usually 0.25 mg once weekly. This dose isn't intended to have an effect on your blood glucose. Instead, it's meant to help your body start adjusting to digestion-related side effects.
Other medicines—Do not take other medicines during the time you are using semaglutide unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This especially includes nonprescription medicines such as aspirin, and medicines for appetite control, asthma, colds, cough, hay fever, or sinus problems.
You've hit a plateau
It's normal to eventually hit a point where your weight loss slows down, especially if you're not working on keeping or building up your muscle mass. Losing muscle along with fat slows your metabolism and can slow down your weight loss.
The viral diabetic drug and its active ingredient, semaglutide, have recently soared in popularity over their weight loss properties. That said, dietitians warn the drug's effects are far from permanent.
Teresa Shepherd said she lost 90 pounds while taking an off-brand version of the drug Ozempic for around eight months. Shepherd, who lives in Florida, told " Good Morning America" she has been able to maintain her weight loss two months after stopping the medication.
Besides weight loss, semaglutide can cause side effects like nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and headaches. Both Ozempic and Wegovy have been on the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) drug shortage list for months.
This medicine may cause diabetic retinopathy. Check with your doctor if you have blurred vision or any other changes in vision.
According to the FDA, they've received reports that patients taking the compounded version of Ozempic have had “adverse effects.” They also noted people could be using doses of semaglutide that are derived from a salt — which haven't been tested — rather than its pure form.
In rare cases, the use of Ozempic may cause anxiety and mood swings, irritability, shakiness, and confusion. However, when you take other medications along with Ozempic, it may escalate anxiety or mood change. Hence, discuss these potential issues with your physician beforehand to avoid any side effects.
Experts said they consider Ozempic and Wegovy to be lifelong medications.
If you don't have diabetes, taking Ozempic for weight loss is considered an off-label use. Wegovy, a higher-dose version of Ozempic, is approved to help people manage their weight. This includes adults and adolescents ages 12 and older who meet certain body mass index (BMI) criteria.