If you’re considering Ozempic for weight loss after hearing about it, you should know its side effects because it can cause mild to severe side effects that need immediate medical attention. Learn about Ozempic’s side effects and whether you should consider this medication for your weight loss (or not) in this article. Log on to https://doralhw.org/specialties/bariatric/ know more about weight loss.
Side effects
Ozempic side effects can vary from mild to severe in some people, including:
Mild side effects
- Abdominal pain
- Burping
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Gas
- Acid reflux
- Fatigue
- Taste changes
- Constipation
- Minor increase in heart rate
- Injection site reactions, such as skin color changes, discoloration, or discomfort
- Nausea and vomiting
These symptoms are temporary and can be easily managed. However, if these symptoms bother you, you should talk with a doctor or pharmacist. Don’t stop the medications until your doctor recommends it.
Severe side effects
- Vision changes:
When blood sugar changes, it affects the shape of the eye lens, which leads to blurry vision. It only lasts for a few months. Older people who use this drug are at higher risk of this side effect.
- Stomach paralysis:
It is not clear how, but Ozempic causes a condition called gastroparesis, which paralyzes the stomach. It can make the contraction muscle of the stomach so weak that it struggles to digest food and pushes it directly into the intestines. As a result, food sits in the stomach for too long. And when undigested food goes into the intestines, it causes pain and difficulty passing a bowel movement. You may experience signs of stomach paralysis, including:
- Indigestion
- Nausea and vomiting
- Bloating
- Feeling full quickly or for a long time after eating
- Appetite loss
- Acid reflux and heartburn
- Constipation
- Blood sugar fluctuations
- Throwing up whole pieces of undigested food
- Upper belly pain
If you leave it untreated, it can lead to malnutrition, dehydration, and a blockage in the bowels. So, make sure you talk with your doctor if you have signs of this condition.
- Kidney problems:
It is known how Ozempic and kidney disease are connected. Generally, it looks like Ozempic causes kidney injury and poor kidney function as a side effect. But more recent research found that drug slashes can put you at risk of kidney failure and death if you have type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease. Still, research is needed to understand how it impacts your kidneys. Make sure you discuss the complications with your doctor.
- Severe allergic reactions:
In some cases, people develop a severe allergic reaction called angioedema with Ozempic. It can cause swelling anywhere in the body, although it typically affects the face, hands, feet, genitals, or lips. This occurs within minutes or hours after the first dose. Doctors may recommend not using this medicine if you have a history of angioedema.
- Hypoglycemia:
In rare cases, it can severely lower your blood sugar level in people who take it with insulin to manage their diabetes. Make sure you consult with your doctor on how to use insulin with Ozempic.
- Gallbladder disease:
Some people who take Ozempic may develop gallstones or gallbladder inflammation called cholecystitis. You should avoid this medicine if you have a history of gallbladder disease.
- Pancreatitis:
Inflammation of the pancreas can occur suddenly and clear up on its own or become a serious problem. Only some people experience this side effect when taking Ozempic, and they were those who had a history of the condition. If you suddenly have belly pain that doesn’t improve, tell your doctor. If the pain is so bad that you can’t even sit, then go to the emergency room immediately.
- High risk of thyroid cancer:
In some tests of Ozempic in mice, it was found that some mice developed both cancerous and noncancerous thyroid tumors. It is still unknown whether the drug raises the risk of these types of tumors in people. If you have a family history of thyroid cancer, you should talk with your doctor before starting the medicine. If you’re taking Ozempic and experience the following symptoms, talk with your doctor:
- A lump or swelling in your neck
- Hoarseness of voice
- Trouble swallowing
- Shortness of breath
Some people also experience long-term side effects, unlike other side effects that go away; these symptoms can last for a long time. It can include:
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Gallbladder disease, including gallstones or cholecystitis
- Thyroid cancer
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
If you’re concerned about these long-term or severe side effects, make sure you talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
If Ozempic makes you lose weight fast all over the body, you may develop loose skin in some areas where fat holds your skin up. Because fast, drastic weight loss can make your skin hang and sag in places that you may not have noticed before. It may even make you look older, too. That’s called the Ozempic face and Ozempic butt. But these changes can also be experienced with weight loss through diet and exercise.
If you need help with weight loss, visit our bariatric specialist in the Brooklyn clinic to get professional medical help. Call us to book your appointment now!!!! If you are looking for a weight loss surgery center near you, contact us on 1 718 367 2555 for a consultation with our bariatric doctors. Want to learn more about types of bariatric surgery like Gastric sleeve surgery, Laparoscopic surgery, Gastric bypass surgery, Sleeve gastrectomy, or LAP band surgery? Doral Health and Wellness has one of the best bariatric doctors and surgeons to treat obesity and weight problems. Book your appointment and walk in at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11212.
