What are the Side Effects of Ozempic?

Ozempic, a brand name for the medication semaglutide, is used to treat type 2 diabetes by regulating blood sugar levels. While Ozempic can be beneficial for many individuals, it is important to be informed of the potential negative effects of its use. Understanding these side effects is critical for both patients and healthcare providers to make educated treatment decisions.

In this article, we will look at the typical and rare side effects of Ozempic, providing individuals with vital information to help them navigate their diabetes management path more efficiently.

Table of Contents

Ozempic is a drug that is well-regarded in the field of diabetes care due to its ability to effectively control blood sugar levels. On the other hand, it carries the same risk of adverse effects as any medicinal intervention. Some people may experience mild side effects while they undergo treatment. For a well-rounded approach to managing diabetes, it is essential that both patients and healthcare practitioners are aware of these minor adverse effects.

Mild Side Effects of Ozempic

Ozempic is usually well-tolerated, however some people may experience moderate side effects when using it. These symptoms are usually temporary and go away on their own.

Constipation

Yes, Ozempic may cause constipation. And it’s fairly common.

Constipation was one of the most frequently reported side effects in clinical trials. Approximately 3% to 5% of patients in clinical studies reported constipation when taking Ozempic. According to recent studies, 4% to 12% of individuals develop constipation while taking Ozempic. There is an indication that these rates may be significantly higher among those who use Ozempic for non-approved purposes.

To aid with constipation, remain hydrated, eat fiber-rich meals, and exercise on a regular basis. In most situations, constipation caused by Ozempic is transitory and resolves on its own as the body adjusts to the drug. However, if constipation persists or worsens, you should see a doctor for help.

How long does ozempic-induced constipation last?

One study found that ozempic-related constipation might linger up to 6 weeks (47 days). This study found that constipation went on its own when the body adapted to Ozempic. But keep in mind that there hasn’t been much research on this topic yet. As a result, some people may recover faster than others.

Higher doses of Ozempic have been linked to increased constipation. Constipation may return if you are administered a greater dose of Ozempic.

Why does Ozempic cause constipation?

It is not entirely apparent why Ozempic induces constipation. However, research indicates that the issue is related to Ozempic’s digestive effects.

Ozempic slows stomach emptying rate. This makes people feel satiated for longer, so they eat less. However, this implies kids may drink less fluid during the day. Constipation can be caused by a lack of fluid, which makes stool harder to pass.

People using Ozempic may also consume less fiber during the day because they are already full. Furthermore, fiber might exacerbate other Ozempic-related adverse effects such as nausea, gassiness, and bloating, therefore patients may avoid it even more. Insufficient fiber intake is a primary cause of constipation. Fiber increases the volume of stool, making it easier to pass. Without it, stool stiffens and is less likely to go out.

Ozempic causes the body to produce more insulin. This is excellent for regulating blood sugar levels. Insulin inhibits intestinal movement, resulting in less frequent bowel movements.

When these factors combine, people may experience hard, infrequent, and painful bowel movements.

How can you treat Ozempic-induced constipation?

If you are suffering from Ozempic-induced constipation, there are certain things you can take to relieve it.

Adjust Your Everyday Routine

Making minor changes to your daily routine can help alleviate constipation. These products can also help you avoid constipation while using Ozempic. Here are some things you can try:

Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, every day. For most people, this ranges from 91 to 125 ounces.
Try to get 10 to 20 minutes of physical activity every day, such as walking or your favorite workout. Activity gets your tummy moving.
Consume more fiber-rich foods including fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Begin by adding two servings every day.
Try to use the restroom at the same time every day. This can help your gut settle into a comfortable rhythm. Take poop breaks 20-30 minutes after eating when your gut is most active.
Use a toilet stool for your feet (also known as a squatty potty) to make bowel movements more comfortable.

Take An Over-The-Counter Laxative Or Stool Softener

OTC drugs such as laxatives and stool softeners can aid in bowel movements. They are available at your pharmacy without a prescription. Popular choices include:

Bisacodyl (Dulcolax)
Sennoside (Senna)
Polyethylene Glycol (Miralax)
Docusate Sodium (Colace)

When using these medications, be sure to follow all of the instructions on the package. Certain drugs should not be used for more than a few days. Others may interact with your meds. If you’re unsure if you can take a laxative or stool softener, check with your doctor or a pharmacist at your local pharmacy.

If your symptoms worsen after starting these medications, seek medical attention immediately, especially if you are vomiting or experiencing severe stomach pain.

Speak With Your Healthcare Practitioner

If you are having constipation while using Ozempic, you should consult your healthcare professional. Your healthcare practitioner may be able to alter your dosage so you don’t have trouble going to the restroom.

Your other drugs may potentially be contributing to constipation. Your doctor may change or replace these medications with something else. Simply ensure that you do not discontinue any of your prescriptions without first consulting with your healthcare provider.

Diarrhea

In clinical studies, diarrhea was the third most commonly reported side effect, following nausea and vomiting. Approximately 8% of Ozempic users reported diarrhea. So most people did not have diarrhea.

According to one study, approximately 4% of Ozempic users have gut-related side effects and discontinue use. This study indicates that, while symptoms are annoying, they are not disabling.

You may be asking why there is so much online discussion regarding semaglutide and diarrhea when the rates are so low. The answer relates to the form of semaglutide.

Wegovy users frequently experience diarrhea as a negative effect. Wegovy is an FDA-approved version of semaglutide used to treat overweight and obesity. In clinical trials, around one-third of patients had diarrhea when using Wegovy. This is likely owing to the fact that this group was receiving greater doses of semaglutide.

So, if you’ve been prescribed Ozempic, don’t allow the stories you hear to put you off. Diarrhea can occur, but it is less common than you might expect.

While not everyone who takes Ozempic may experience diarrhea, it’s important to be aware of the possibilities. In many situations, diarrhea caused by Ozempic is transient and resolves as the body adjusts to the medication. However, if diarrhea persists or worsens, you should see a doctor for further evaluation and treatment. Additionally, staying hydrated and eating bland, easy-to-digest foods may help relieve diarrhea symptoms.

How long does Ozempic diarrhea last?

It’s unclear. In one trial, diarrhea persisted an average of three days. In studies, most Ozempic-related adverse effects resolved after a few weeks. This shows that diarrhea could be one of the shortest-lasting side effects.

Keep in mind that diarrhea bouts generally worsen when people increase their dose. If you have a new wave of diarrhea after increasing your dose, let your body a few days to adjust to the new dose.

Why does Ozempic cause diarrhea?

The answer to this question is still unclear. According to research, people get diarrhea as a result of Ozempic’s effects on the gut.

Ozempic alters the way the body absorbs certain nutrients, which can cause diarrhea. Ozempic also influences how fast the intestines move. Ozempic delays how quickly the stomach empties. It may also slow down the remainder of the gut. However, in certain people, this might also activate the stooling reflex, resulting in diarrhea.

Ozempic may also induce constipation. When people become constipated, old, hard stool can accumulate inside the colon, preventing the colon from working. The obstructed colon is unable to absorb the water from the newly formed feces.

So the new feces remains liquid and oozes around the older, firmer stool. This is known as overflow diarrhea, and it is particularly frequent in patients with persistent constipation. Some specialists believe that overflow diarrhea is the real reason why so many people have diarrhea when taking various types of semaglutide.

What is the treatment for Ozempic-induced diarrhea?

There are treatments available to alleviate Ozempic-related diarrhea. These precautions can also help you avoid future bouts of diarrhea when your dosage changes.

Avoid Certain Foods and Beverages

Certain meals and beverages can worsen diarrhea, regardless of the underlying cause.

Try reducing or eliminating these foods from your diet until your diarrhea stops:

Caffeinated beverages
Alcohol
Sugary drinks
Milk

Consuming high-fat foods can aggravate Ozempic diarrhea. Full-fat dairy products, for example, should be avoided.

Milk
Cheese
Yogurt
Ice cream

Fried or fatty foods may also exacerbate symptoms. Avoid foods such as:

French fries
Pizza
Hamburgers
Fried Chicken

Instead, attempt to boil, grill, or bake your food whenever feasible. You can also replace full-fat dairy products with nonfat or low-fat alternatives. As your body adjusts to Ozempic, you may be able to gradually introduce some of these foods back into your diet.

Drink More Water

When you have diarrhea, you should increase your fluid intake to replenish what you’re losing. Choose water, clear drinks with electrolytes, or broth. Most people require between 91 and 125 ounces of hydration per day.

Staying hydrated during the Olympics might prevent constipation and diarrhea.

Speak With Your Healthcare Practitioner

If you are experiencing diarrhea while taking Ozempic, you should consult your healthcare professional. To prevent diarrhea, your healthcare professional may slow the rate at which you increase your dose.

Your other medications may potentially be contributing to the diarrhea. For example, many Ozempic users also take metformin. Metformin is a first-line treatment for diabetes, however it can induce diarrhea. Your healthcare practitioner may change or replace your other drugs. Just make sure you don’t stop taking any of your prescriptions.

Nausea

Nausea is one of the most common Ozempic side effects. During clinical studies, around one in every five participants reported feeling sick when taking Ozempic. People commonly experience nausea 8 to 12 weeks after starting Ozempic.

If you are experiencing nausea while taking Ozempic, do not discontinue the drug just yet. There are methods for managing and even avoiding Ozempic-related nausea. Here are some tips that can provide you with long-term relief.

Why is Ozempic causing nausea?

It’s unclear, however, it could be due to Ozempic’s effect on the gut.

In clinical trials, nausea was the most often reported side effect of Ozempic. Approximately 20% of individuals (or one in every five people) complained of nausea. The next most prevalent adverse effects were nausea, diarrhea, and stomach pain. However, only about 5% to 10% of patients reported experiencing these negative effects. Constipation and gassiness were the second most commonly reported adverse effects.

What do all of these items have in common? There are various sorts of stomach or gut distress. Remember, Ozempic slows the stomach’s emptying rate. Slowing down the gut so that food stays in the stomach for extended periods of time may cause increased pressure inside the abdomen and stretching of the nerves surrounding the gut.

This can result in unpleasant side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal troubles. However, because these side effects can take 8 to 12 weeks to manifest, it’s unclear if this fully explains them. As time passes, studies will likely reveal why Ozempic produces nausea.

The good news is that, while nausea is the most prevalent Ozempic side effect, it is typically minor and resolves on its own.

How long does Ozempic-related nausea typically last?

Nausea, which is one of the common side effects of Ozempic normally lasts a few weeks. Most people experience nausea after taking Ozempic, but it gradually subsides.

However, studies indicate that nausea may recur as Ozempic doses grow. So, if your dose is increased, nausea may return even after you begin to feel better.

How can you get relief from Ozempic-induced nausea?

If you’re feeling nausea after taking Ozempic, there are some things you can do to stay comfortable while you wait for the side effects to subside. There are additional strategies to reduce your chances of experiencing nausea in the future.

1. Use the lowest dose of Ozempic

Higher doses of Ozempic are associated with increased nausea, according to studies. If you take a lesser dose, you are less likely to feel nauseated. Some persons may require greater doses of Ozempic to maintain blood sugar control.

However, if your blood sugar is reacting well to your current dose, discuss with your healthcare practitioner if you may maintain your current dose without increasing it. This will also help you prevent the nausea associated with dose increases.

2. Gradually increase your Ozempic dose

If you require a higher dose of Ozempic, increase it gradually. Ozempic’s typical beginning dose is 0.25 mg once weekly. Ozempic has a maximum dose of 2 mg once every week. This means that your dose could increase by up to eight times. Initially, you may need to raise your dose weekly.

Increasing your dose gradually may reduce your risk of experiencing Ozempic-related nausea and other side effects. It is currently unclear how slowly you should raise your dose to avoid side effects. More information is anticipated to become accessible over time.

3. Avoid meals that exacerbate Ozempic-related adverse effects

Certain meals may exacerbate Ozempic-related adverse effects, such as nausea. Limiting or avoiding certain meals can help alleviate your nausea or prevent it altogether. Foods and beverages to avoid are:

Greasy, high-fat foods
Food and beverages high in sugar
Ultra-processed foods
Refined carbs
Alcohol

4. Listen to your body

Ozempic helps people feel satiated faster and can alter their appetites. These two concepts are essential to how humans interact with food. This new normal requires you to retrain your eating habits. It may take some time to figure out how much food you can consume before feeling full. However, identifying this new threshold prevents you from overeating and avoids adverse effects such as sickness.

Start by lowering the size of your meals. For example, prepare your dish like you would for any meal. Then, pull half of it off. Eat gently and check to see if you’re full afterward. If you’re still hungry, you can gradually consume more of the remaining half amount. Take note of when you no longer feel hungry. This will help you determine the size of your meals in the future. Remember that this may alter as you adjust your Ozempic dosage.

5. Try a home remedy or medication to relieve nausea

While the previous suggestions can help you cure nausea in the long run, they are ineffective in the time.

Home treatments, such as ginger, might provide immediate nausea relief. You can try sipping ginger tea. Alternatively, you can take ginger pills or chew on a piece of pure ginger. Just remember to avoid ginger ale, which is heavy in sugar and can exacerbate nausea.

Prescription drugs can help with nausea. You can speak with your doctor about prescription medications such as ondansetron (Zofran) and metoclopramide (Reglan). It’s unclear if prescription drugs for motion sickness nausea can alleviate symptoms.

Abdominal Pain

Abdominal pain is a commonly reported mild side effect of Ozempic usage. It can appear in a variety of ways, ranging from minor discomfort to overwhelming sensations.

Typically, this discomfort appears immediately after delivering the drug and subsides on its own without creating major consequences. However, if the abdominal pain persists or worsens over time, it is critical to seek medical attention right away for a full evaluation and suitable treatment.

Why does Ozempic cause abdominal pain?

The delayed emptying of the stomach, which is the defining characteristic of gastroparesis, is a known result of Ozempic and other medicines that are related to it.

This delayed emptying has both positive and negative impacts, with the former helping to diminish appetite and the latter causing weight loss. The latter, on the other hand, contributes to discomfort in the gastrointestinal tract.

How long does ozempic induced abdominal pain normally last?

The most visible negative effects of Ozempic occur when you begin treatment or after increasing the dose.

GI side effects are most common during the first four weeks of treatment and gradually diminish over time.

How can you get relief from Ozempic-induced abdominal pain?

Several measures can be used to reduce the slight stomach discomfort caused by Ozempic. This includes:

Hydration: Drinking plenty of water might help calm the stomach and relieve discomfort.
Dietary Changes: Avoiding spicy, oily, or acidic meals that may aggravate stomach pain will help.
Over-the-counter drugs, such as antacids or acid reducers, may help relieve mild pain.
Rest and Relaxation: Deep breathing exercises and meditation might help relieve stomach discomfort.

Vomiting

Nausea is the feeling you have in your stomach before vomiting. Vomiting occurs when you puke up stomach contents through your mouth. You can experience nausea and vomiting simultaneously or separately.

How long does ozempic-induced vomiting usually last?

Nausea, vomiting, and other stomach trouble are common side effects of the first few weeks of treatment or when your dose is increased.

How to manage ozempic-indused vomiting?

If you’re vomiting, you should stay hydrated by drinking numerous sips of water throughout the day. It is generally beneficial to eat bland, low-fat foods like toast or rice, as well as foods high in water content like soups. Avoiding greasy meals and sugary snacks will also help.

Speak with your doctor if the symptoms annoy you or if you just want to reduce their influence. Over-the-counter drugs are also accessible in most pharmacies.

Serious Side Effects

Even though they are uncommon, Ozempic has the potential to induce major adverse effects. If you suffer any of the following symptoms, you should seek medical assistance as soon as possible:

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis, a potential side effect of Ozempic, is a serious condition characterized by inflammation of the pancreas, often resulting from the digestive enzymes attacking the organ itself. This condition can manifest as intense abdominal pain that may radiate to the back, leading to considerable discomfort and distress. In addition to severe abdominal pain, individuals with pancreatitis may experience symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, fever, and an elevated heart rate.

It’s essential to recognize the signs of pancreatitis and seek immediate medical attention if you suspect you are experiencing this complication while taking Ozempic. Early intervention is crucial in managing pancreatitis effectively and preventing further complications. Always consult your healthcare provider if you have concerns about potential side effects or adverse reactions to medication.

Kidney Failure

Kidney failure is an extreme risk connected with the usage of Ozempic’s active component, semaglutide. Studies have revealed that semaglutide may lead to renal damage in some people.

Furthermore, Ozempic’s dehydrating side effects, such as diarrhea and vomiting, may heighten this risk by impairing renal function. In more severe circumstances, people with pre-existing kidney problems who received Ozempic experienced kidney failure.

Individuals using Ozempic must therefore be attentive for indicators of kidney malfunction, such as changes in urine patterns or swelling in the limbs, and seek medical assistance as soon as any problematic symptoms appear.

Gallbladder Disease

Gallbladder disease is among the potential side effects associated with the use of Ozempic. Individuals may experience severe stomach pain, which can radiate to the back, along with other symptoms such as yellowing of the eyes or skin, fever, and the passing of “clay-colored stools.” In reality, less than 2% of clinical study participants reported gallbladder illness or gallstones.

These symptoms may indicate a problem with the gallbladder, such as inflammation or blockage of the bile ducts. It is important for individuals using Ozempic to be aware of these potential symptoms and to seek prompt medical attention if they occur.

Thyroid C-Cell Tumors

Ozempic side effects also include thyroid C-cell tumors. While it is unknown whether semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, promotes these potentially malignant tumors in people, rodent studies have revealed a link.

This raises concerns and calls for additional inquiry into the potential dangers of using Ozempic in humans. Individuals who use Ozempic should be informed of the potential risks and address any concerns with their healthcare professional.

Disclaimer: Please note that Discoverybody has taken great care to ensure that all information provided is comprehensive and up to date. However, you should not use this article as a substitute for the expertise that a licensed healthcare professional can offer. It’s always a good idea to talk to your doctor before taking any medication.

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