- Drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy made headlines as people used them to lose weight.
- While weight loss may be a side effect of this diabetes drug, there are a few other effects people experience — and some bring them to the emergency department.
- The most common side effects of Ozempic include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and in some situations constipation.
If you’ve recently been trying to lose weight and have thought about drugs, such as Ozempic and Wegovy, this has probably crossed your mind.
However, while weight loss may be a side effect of this diabetes drug, there are a few other effects people experience – and some bring them to the emergency department.
Recently, some media outlets ran securities with reports claiming these drugs are sending people to hospital. A local news exit in Ohio discovered that the Cleveland clinic had a few patients needing admission due to persistent vomiting on Ozempic and Wegovy.
However, the American College of Emergency Physicians said it currently does not track any number of emergency room visits directly related to these drugs.
What is clear is that these drugs are now very popular as a way to lose weight, but they can have serious side effects.
The most common side effects of this medication include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and in some situations, constipation.
Ozempic and Wegovy are both brand names for the drug semaglutide. These are GLP-1 agonist drugs, meaning they mimic the hormone glucagon-like peptide 1, which can regulate hunger.
Ozempic was indicated to treat diabetes, while Wegovy is approved as a weight loss treatment in addition to a diabetes treatment by the FDA.
According to official Ozempic disclosuresthe drug can cause inflammation of the pancreas or pancreatitis, changes in vision, low blood sugar, kidney failure, allergic reactions, and even gallbladder problems.
There was even reports the possibility that this drug may be linked to thyroid tumors and cancer, particularly medullary thyroid carcinoma.
“Some people may experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain, especially when first starting the drug or if the dosage is increased,” says Dr. Sahar Takkouchesenior expert in bariatric and obesity medicine and assistant professor in the division of diabetes, endocrinology and metabolism at Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Tennessee.
Although not everyone experiences side effects, to help reduce the risk of getting them, Takkouche recommends taking the medication slowly.
“To avoid side effects from GLP1, it’s important to start slowly and let your body adjust to the new drug and take it with a small amount of food if it upsets your stomach,” he said. she stated.
Although this medication is recommended for people with certain conditions, those who use this medication outside of the recommended indications are more likely to experience the side effects.
“If you continue to experience such bothersome gastrointestinal side effects with these medications and cannot eat or drink, it’s time to go to the emergency department to prevent dehydration and adverse effects on your kidney function. ” Dr. Robert Glatter, assistant professor of emergency medicine at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York and editor of Medscape Emergency Medicine tells Healthline.
Likewise, using too much medicine to get a stronger effect or using the medicine without the active care of a doctor can make side effects worse.
“Some people, such as those with stomach or kidney problems, or the elderly, may be more susceptible to these side effects,” Takkouche told Healthline.
“It’s worth remembering that while GLP-1s can help manage diabetes and promote weight loss, they work best when combined with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and ongoing blood pressure monitoring. blood sugar,” Takkouche says.
Although there are side effects, Takkouche reminds the public that these drugs are considered safe.
“It is important to understand that, overall, GLP-1 receptor agonists are considered safe and effective for their approved uses, when taken under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Regular check-ups and discussions with a healthcare provider can ensure that any side effects are detected early and managed appropriately.
Dr. Rajiv Bahl, MBA, MS, is an emergency physician, board member of the Florida College of Emergency Physicians, and health writer. You can find it on RajivBahlMD.