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.
This drug has a boxed warning about possible risk of thyroid cancer. This is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). A boxed warning alerts doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous. In animals, Ozempic can increase the risk of thyroid tumors.
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.
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.
Every day staples like whole milk, heavy cream, full-fat cheese, butter, ice cream and most red meats may cause additional gastrointestinal distress for someone on Ozempic.
Still, Ozempic and other GLP-1 medications will be most effective for weight loss and blood sugar control when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Generally, eating healthy foods and avoiding foods high in sugar, calories, and unhealthy fats while taking Ozempic helps.
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.
It can also help you lose weight, but is not approved by the FDA for this use. The most common side effects with Ozempic include stomach problems like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain and constipation. These tend to be mild-to-moderate and usually clear up in a few weeks in most people.
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.
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.
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.
The drugs may also affect your sleep, which can tank your energy levels. And adverse GI events — the most commonly listed side effect of the drugs — can easily cut into your sleep, making you feel tired.
Ultra-processed carbohydrates, or refined carbohydrates, lack fiber and most vitamins. But they still raise your blood sugar, which can make it harder for Ozempic to do its job. Try to limit refined carbohydrates, like: White bread.
Lean protein sources from eggs, low-fat cheese, Greek yogurt, chicken, turkey, fish, nuts, tofu, and beans are all excellent ways to bulk up on protein while eating healthy if you take Ozempic. Lean proteins usually require little to no insulin (if you're on insulin), and are a great building block of a healthy meal.
Can I enjoy a drink while on Ozempic medication? The short answer is yes: You can drink alcohol while taking Ozempic.
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. Once your body adjusts, your weight loss journey should pick up again.
Even in non-diabetics, Ozempic can increase the risk of low blood sugar due its effects on insulin secretion and glucagon inhibition. Symptoms like confusion, rapid heartbeat, sweating and hunger may occur in severe cases.
On average, a user can lose about 3 to 5% of their body weight after using Ozempic for a month regularly. This equates to about 4 to 6 pounds on average. Using a higher potency of the drug may result in more weight loss, but it isn't recommended that you start taking it right away.
Ozempic is used off-label for weight loss and belly fat reduction, as it helps make you feel fuller for longer and can lead to a reduction in calories consumed. Studies have shown that this medication can lead to an average weight loss of 7.5% and a decrease in waist circumference by 5.09 cm.
But these symptoms do not occur due to increased skin aging caused by Ozempic, rather as a result of fat loss in the face. Think of losing facial volume as going from a grape to a raisin: With less volume to “fill out” your face, you may be left with wrinkles and drooping skin.