WebMDOzempic Side Effects

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Ozempic (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity. While effective in lowering blood sugar and promoting weight loss, it can cause various side effects, ranging from mild gastrointestinal issues to rare but serious complications. Understanding these potential side effects is crucial for both physicians and patients to manage treatment expectations and ensure patient safety.

Key Points for Discussing Ozempic Side Effects with Patients:

1. Common Gastrointestinal Side Effects:

• Nausea (affects about 1 in 5 patients)
• Vomiting (affects about 1 in 10 patients)
• Diarrhea (affects about 1 in 12 patients)
• Constipation (affects about 1 in 20 patients)
• Abdominal pain and bloating

2. Management of GI Side Effects:

• Take Ozempic with food to reduce nausea
• Stay hydrated and eat small, frequent meals
• Avoid high-fat, greasy, and sugary foods
• Consider over-the-counter remedies for specific symptoms

3. Other Mild Side Effects:

• Headache
• Fatigue
• Hair loss
• Injection site reactions (rare, less than 1% of patients)

4. Serious Side Effects (rare but important to monitor):

• Gastroparesis (stomach paralysis)
• Pancreatitis
• Thyroid tumors (observed in animal studies)
• Angioedema (severe allergic reaction)
• Hypoglycemia (when used with insulin)
• Vision changes
• Bowel obstruction
• Gallbladder issues

5. Ozempic and Weight Loss:

• Rapid weight loss may cause skin sagging (“Ozempic face” and “Ozempic butt”)
• Postmenopausal women may experience different weight loss results

6. Pregnancy and Fertility:

• Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding
• May increase fertility in some women with obesity or diabetes
• Potential interaction with birth control effectiveness

Additional Points:

• No clear connection between Ozempic and suicidal thoughts
• Long-term side effects are still being studied
• Dose adjustments may help manage persistent side effects
• Patients should report severe or prolonged side effects to their doctor

HCN Healer Handbook
“Ozempic can be an effective treatment for managing your blood sugar and potentially aiding in weight loss. However, it’s important to be aware of possible side effects. Many patients experience mild stomach issues like nausea or diarrhea, which often improve over time. We can work together to manage these symptoms through dietary changes or medication adjustments if needed. ALthough rare, there are some more serious side effects we need to watch for, such as severe abdominal pain or signs of an allergic reaction. If you’re planning to become pregnant, we should discuss alternative treatments, as Ozempic isn’t recommended during pregnancy. Remember, everyone responds differently to medication, so it’s crucial to keep me updated on any changes you experience. Let’s schedule regular check-ins to monitor your progress and address any concerns.”

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