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By Ross Wollen
Medically Reviewed by Sean Hashmi, MD
Ozempic and different medicine within the GLP-1 receptor agonist household have quickly develop into well-known for dramatic weight reduction, however each few weeks it additionally appears we hear that social media customers are shining a lightweight on one other new Ozempic facet impact. These reactions embody hair loss, fierce gastrointestinal misery, uncommon (however extreme) abdomen paralysis, and a few distinctive Ozempic uncomfortable side effects in females. A few of these secondary results have been scientifically verified, whereas others are nonetheless simply anecdotal.
GLP-1 drugs may cause all or any of those signs.
On a regular basis Well being
A short notice: This text makes use of the model title Ozempic to discuss with semaglutide, the drug’s energetic ingredient. Semaglutide can also be marketed below two different names, Wegovy (when offered for weight reduction) and Rybelsus (within the type of a capsule relatively than an injection). Different associated medicine, similar to liraglutide (Victoza) and tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound) might trigger a few of the identical uncomfortable side effects.
Abdomen Issues: Nausea, Diarrhea, Vomiting, Stomach Ache, and Constipation
These uncomfortable gastrointestinal troubles make up Ozempic’s most typical and most mentioned uncomfortable side effects by far.
Whereas a majority of customers don’t understand these pains, a really substantial minority do. In accordance with the U.S. Meals and Drug Administration (FDA), placebo-controlled trials of Ozempic discovered the next charges of uncomfortable side effects from the 1 milligram (mg) dose:[1]
Gastrointestinal Aspect Results of Ozempic (1mg)
| SIDE EFFECT | HOW COMMON? |
|---|---|
| Nausea | 20.3 p.c |
| Vomiting | 9.2 p.c |
| Diarrhea | 8.8 p.c |
| Stomach ache | 5.7 p.c |
| Constipation | 3.1 p.c |
All advised, 30.8 p.c of adults reported a gastrointestinal symptom.[1] However that was solely the 1 mg dose, half of the utmost. The numbers had been a lot increased in a trial of semaglutide (Wegovy) at 2.4 mg in individuals with out diabetes:
Gastrointestinal Aspect Results of Wegovy (2.4mg)
| Aspect Impact | How Widespread? |
|---|---|
| Nausea | 44.2 p.c |
| Vomiting | 24.8 p.c |
| Diarrhea | 31.5 p.c |
| Stomach ache | 10.0 p.c |
| Constipation | 23.4 p.c |
At this, the best dosage of semaglutide obtainable, an unimaginable 74 p.c of individuals skilled at the least one gastrointestinal dysfunction, although it’s price noting that just about 50 p.c of those that took a placebo additionally had some tummy troubles.[2]
For some, the gastrointestinal misery is simply an excessive amount of to deal with, and they should cease taking Ozempic completely. As a blogger for New York journal’s The Reduce put it, “You may undergo hell in your post-Ozempic physique.” The writer spoke to a 42-year-old girl with diabetes who endured “fixed nausea” and “power-puking” for weeks, earlier than lastly weaning herself off the drug.[3] In a pivotal trial, 4.5 p.c of Wegovy sufferers stopped taking the remedy as a direct results of gastrointestinal problems — practically 1 in each 20.
What’s the easiest way to take care of these nasty issues? On a regular basis Well being’s community website Diabetes Day by day has a complete article on the topic.
Stories from the Diabetes Day by day discussion board recommend that these unlucky results are strongest within the days instantly after injecting the once-weekly remedy. Sufferers are additionally most certainly to expertise issues after they begin on the drug or after they step as much as the next dosage; the uncomfortable side effects generally fade away because the physique will get used to the drugs.
Ozempic Burps
A foul-smelling burp isn’t precisely essentially the most debilitating of uncomfortable side effects, however it may be relatively disagreeable. As reported in The Atlantic, and mentioned in lots of YouTube and TikTok movies, some individuals taking Ozempic discover themselves emitting nasty sulfurous smells after they belch.[4] There may be broad settlement that the burps scent like rotten eggs.
Solely a minority of semaglutide trials have recognized burping, or “eructation,” as a facet impact. Anecdotal stories recommend that the burps, like different gastrointestinal points, are worse when sufferers start taking their medicine or step as much as increased dosages.
Bloating and Farting
These uncomfortable uncomfortable side effects had been reported in medical trials as “belly distension” and “flatulence.” Bloating and farting complaints are much less widespread than the gastrointestinal results mentioned above, and so they have but to catch on as sizzling matters on social media, nevertheless it’s good to know that Ozempic and associated medicine might enhance their probability.
Abdomen Paralysis (Gastroparesis)
Weight reduction medicine similar to Ozempic have been tied to a uncommon however elevated threat of extreme abdomen issues. In July 2023, CNN reported that some semaglutide customers had skilled gastroparesis, or abdomen paralysis, which in some instances didn’t get higher even months after discontinuing the drugs.[5] Dozens of lawsuits have been filed in opposition to the producers of GLP-1 drugs, in response to Reuters, alleging that the makers didn’t sufficiently warn customers concerning the threat of extreme uncomfortable side effects similar to gastroparesis.[6]
Gastroparesis is a situation by which the abdomen empties too slowly or stops; it causes a wide range of gastrointestinal signs together with bloating, belly ache, nausea, and vomiting.[7]
Within the worst instances, gastroparesis could make it very tough to eat or drink something in any respect, resulting in a threat of dehydration or malnutrition.
Delayed abdomen emptying, the defining characteristic of gastroparesis, is a recognized consequence of Ozempic and associated medicine. This delayed emptying partially accounts for a few of Ozempic’s constructive results, serving to to scale back starvation and provoke weight reduction. It is usually accountable for much less extreme uncomfortable side effects, similar to gastrointestinal discomfort.
Fortunately, extreme and protracted gastroparesis seems to be very uncommon. The symptom was not recognized in any of the drug’s part 3 trials, which enrolled 1000’s of individuals to guage semaglutide’s security.
Non permanent Intestinal Paralysis (Ileus)
Abdomen paralysis isn’t the one extreme gastrointestinal facet impact that customers have reported.
In late September 2023, the FDA up to date the official Ozempic label to warn customers of a possible threat of ileus, a sort of intestinal blockage.[8] In accordance with the Cleveland Clinic, ileus happens when “the muscle contractions that transfer meals by way of your intestines are quickly paralyzed,” trapping meals throughout the intestine. The signs resemble these of a bodily bowel obstruction, together with bloating and constipation, and the situation can result in dehydration.[9]
Ileus is probably going a uncommon facet impact — it wasn’t recognized in earlier medical trials, which evaluated semaglutide in 1000’s of individuals. In its up to date steering, the FDA famous, “As a result of these reactions are reported voluntarily from a inhabitants of unsure measurement, it’s not at all times attainable to reliably estimate their frequency or set up a causal relationship to drug publicity.”
Ozempic Face and Ozempic Butt
“Ozempic face” might have been the primary Ozempic facet impact to go viral. Quickly after, the sample repeated itself when claims of “Ozempic butt” hit headlines. In every case, customers complained that the drug had given some a part of their our bodies a shocking and unlucky flabby look.
There’s nothing to fret about. There is no such thing as a proof that Ozempic or another comparable drug straight impacts your look. Specialists appear to agree that Ozempic face and Ozempic butt are purely attributable to weight reduction. The identical flabby outcomes can and can happen while you drop some weight the old school method, or by way of different medical strategies similar to bariatric surgical procedure.
It seems that not all weight reduction enhances your look. If you lose lots of weight, you may also lose some healthy-looking fats that you simply’d want to maintain in locations like your face or butt. Fast weight reduction can even result in saggy pores and skin: The pores and skin is an adaptable and elastic organ, nevertheless it can’t snap immediately again right into a taut form. Profitable dieters have struggled with these points since lengthy earlier than Ozempic got here on the scene.
Ozempic Breath and Dry Mouth
Dangerous breath is usually a matter of oral hygiene.[10] Meals particles and micro organism within the mouth can create foul odors. Although in some instances unhealthy breath (halitosis) can sign a extra substantial medical situation, consultants appear unworried that Ozempic breath is a critical signal.
How does Ozempic trigger unhealthy breath? One attainable rationalization is Ozempic’s tendency to trigger dry mouth (xerostomia). Saliva helps to cleanse the mouth, and a scarcity of saliva can enable micro organism to fester, develop, and get smelly. Although dry mouth was not initially reported amongst semaglutide’s recognized uncomfortable side effects, it has been broadly mentioned in social media and clinicians have revealed stories of maximum instances.[11]
“Keto breath” may additionally clarify some instances of Ozempic breath. This facet impact is widespread when individuals change to a keto weight-reduction plan, which strictly limits the variety of carbohydrates you’re allowed to eat. Keto breath, which tends to have a fruity aroma, is attributable to acetone, a by-product of ketosis. It’s possible that some Ozempic customers have unintentionally adopted a ketogenic consuming sample on account of their diminished appetites — consuming 50 grams or much less of carbohydrates per day can set off ketosis.
Hair Loss
Ozempic may cause hair loss. Whereas it isn’t listed as a facet impact on Ozempic’s FDA label, hair loss is listed on the FDA’s label for Wegovy, primarily the identical remedy. Three p.c of individuals within the drug’s pivotal trial reported hair loss (3 instances as many as those that used a placebo).[2]
Like Ozempic face and Ozempic butt, nevertheless, that is merely a standard consequence of speedy weight reduction. Dramatic weight reduction, regardless of the way it’s brought about, usually causes hair loss. This science is well-established. For instance, a examine of crash dieters revealed in 1974 discovered a number of instances of “profuse hair loss.”[12] And greater than half of people that obtain bariatric surgical procedure expertise hair loss, too.[13]
The excellent news: One examine discovered that “hair loss stopped and new hair progressively grew out in all sufferers.”[14]
Hopefully, the minority of Ozempic customers who lose some hair on the drug could have the identical good luck.
Ozempic Aspect Results in Females
So far as analysis goes, most of semaglutide’s uncomfortable side effects are widespread to each men and women, and there’s no particular interplay between GLP-1 medicine and feminine hormones. However there are particular Ozempic uncomfortable side effects that particularly have an effect on girls.
Ozempic Infants
We could also be experiencing an Ozempic child growth. Throughout social media, girls are crediting shock pregnancies to their GLP-1 remedy.
Although there’s no stable knowledge on the phenomenon, consultants agree that Ozempic has numerous totally different options that would account for elevated fertility. Weight problems itself has lengthy been recognized to trigger subfertility and infertility, so the dramatic weight reduction related to Ozempic may simply enhance a girl’s probabilities of conceiving.[15] The impact could also be even stronger when weight reduction and metabolic enhancements assist enhance or alleviate a situation like polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
There may be additionally an opportunity, nevertheless, that Ozempic may intrude with the contraception capsule. Right now, there isn’t a scientific proof that this occurs, however a associated drug within the class, tirzepatide (Mounjaro, Zepbound), carries warnings on its FDA labels that it “might scale back the efficacy of oral hormonal contraceptives as a result of delayed gastric emptying.” Sufferers are suggested to change to a non-oral type of contraception or so as to add a barrier technique, similar to condoms.[16]
Ozempic Breasts
First, there was Ozempic face, then, there was Ozempic butt. Lastly, complaints of “Ozempic breasts” hit headlines within the spring of 2024.
Ladies who’ve misplaced weight with Ozempic and different GLP-1 drugs are complaining that their breasts have a saggy or deflated look. However there isn’t a proof that Ozempic has a specific impact on breast tissue. Reasonably, any change in breast form is sort of actually as a result of speedy and substantial weight reduction that these medicine so ceaselessly trigger. Ladies who’ve misplaced weight with different strategies have observed the identical situation.
Tiredness and Fatigue
There are stories that Ozempic may cause fatigue — mainly, tiredness or exhaustion that isn’t improved by sleep. The FDA label for semaglutide (Wegovy) stories that 11 p.c of trial individuals skilled fatigue, just a little bit greater than twice as usually as those that used a placebo.
It’s unclear why Ozempic would trigger fatigue, though one very believable rationalization is the truth that it causes individuals to eat a lot much less meals. Ozempic causes excessive weight reduction by encouraging customers to eat at an excessive calorie deficit. You’re placing much less gas into your physique, primarily crash weight-reduction plan. Is it any marvel that Ozempic may sap your power?
Dizziness
Dizziness has additionally been reported in a slim minority of Ozempic customers. It’s attainable that Ozempic dizziness stems from the glucose-lowering results of the drug — dizziness is a standard symptom of hypoglycemia. Even sufferers who are usually not susceptible to extreme hypoglycemia (usually those that don’t use insulin or sulfonylureas) might really feel dizzy whereas experiencing transient low blood sugar episodes.
Extreme Muscle Loss
It’s inevitable that weight reduction will contain some muscle loss. That is thought of wholesome and pure.
Some consultants, nevertheless, consider that Ozempic and associated medicine are inflicting a shocking and worrying quantity of muscle loss.
We solely have a modicum of excellent knowledge on this query. Physique composition analyses of volunteers in two trials discovered that semaglutide customers misplaced about 40 p.c lean mass and 60 p.c fats.[17] That is extra muscle loss than researchers count on to see. A assessment revealed in 2017 said that individuals utilizing different strategies to drop some weight are inclined to lose solely 20 to 30 p.c lean mass.[18]
In February 2024, The New York Instances reported that the producers of GLP-1 medicine are taking the issue severely, and have begun to develop mixture drug remedies that would assist customers of Ozempic and associated medicine protect lean mass.[19]
Within the meantime, consultants agree that it will be smart for customers to interact in strength-building workout routines to assist protect muscle mass throughout weight reduction. Consuming sufficient protein may additionally assist.
This potential facet impact may additionally be reminder that Ozempic is inappropriate for individuals who would not have medical purpose to drop some weight.
Aid From Meals Noise, Need to Drink, and Addictive Behaviors
Many Ozempic customers are amazed to seek out that they’re partaking in much less addictive and compulsive habits. Someway the drug seems to scale back our damaging tendency to overindulge in actions like consuming, buying, playing, and even biting our nails.
The science right here remains to be in its infancy, however it seems that one of many causes Ozempic is ready to stem starvation cues is by performing straight within the mind.[20] We all know that Ozempic doesn’t simply allow you to really feel full sooner, it truly lowers your longing for meals, switching off the meals noise that compels some individuals to perpetually fixate on their subsequent snack or meal. And it appears as if the drug reduces your longing for different issues, too.
Specialists have recognized for years that GLP-1 receptor agonists may need these behavioral results. In a examine of exenatide (Byetta), mind scans confirmed that the drug lowered exercise in “essential mind areas for drug reward and habit.”[21] It additionally calmed down the mind’s dopamine circuitry. A number of medical trials at the moment are underway to discover the potential of GLP-1 medicine as anti-addiction remedy.
We’re years away from the day that Ozempic or any associated drug could possibly be prescribed as a remedy for addictive or compulsive habits. However within the meantime, it may assist customers with extra than simply compulsive consuming.
Suicidal Ideas
Authorities well being authorities in the USA, and European Union initially signaled concern that semaglutide and different GLP-1 medicine had been inflicting ideas of suicide and self-harm.
An intensive assessment of the proof, nevertheless, seems to have set these issues to relaxation. In January 2024, the FDA introduced that it couldn’t determine a “causal hyperlink” between GLP1 medicine and suicidal ideas or actions.[22] In April, EU regulators made an identical announcement.[23]
Right now, the official FDA labels for Wegovy and Zepbound proceed to warn that there’s a threat of suicidal ideation, however the company clarified in its announcement that the warning relies on proof from “older medicines used or examined for weight reduction.”
Elevated Coronary heart Charge
There’s been comparatively little on-line chatter about this facet impact, which is famous on Ozempic’s FDA label. In medical trials, decrease doses of Ozempic “resulted in a imply enhance in coronary heart fee of two to three beats per minute.” Some sufferers have discovered the expertise uncomfortable.
The FDA advises sufferers to “inform their healthcare suppliers of palpitations or emotions of a racing heartbeat whereas at relaxation.” Those that expertise “sustained” will increase in resting coronary heart fee ought to discontinue the remedy.
Whereas this facet impact appears disconcerting, it’s price remembering that semaglutide and tirzepatide have overwhelmingly constructive results on coronary heart well being. Semaglutide was lately accepted as a therapy for the prevention of coronary heart assaults, and preliminary research recommend that tirzepatide additionally imparts broad cardiovascular advantages.[24]
Diabetic Retinopathy
Folks with diabetes ought to know that there’s some proof that Ozempic might enhance the incidence of diabetic retinopathy, a type of eye illness that may result in imaginative and prescient loss. In accordance with Pharmacy Instances, certainly one of a number of pivotal research of semaglutide discovered an elevated threat of diabetic retinopathy,[25] and the FDA has reported {that a} considerably increased proportion of Ozempic customers have DR as compared with customers of comparable medicine like dulaglutide (Trulicity) and liraglutide (Victoza).[26] The connection is disputed, nevertheless, as one other giant examine of semaglutide discovered no such threat.[27]
If the connection is actual, it appears attainable that Ozempic’s unimaginable effectiveness explains its unfavourable impact on the eyes. Opposite to all expectations, speedy enchancment in glucose management can truly worsen diabetic retinopathy. That is known as “early worsening,” as a result of the eyes will worsen earlier than the most important long-term advantages of higher blood sugar management develop into evident.
A latest dialogue of the problem by consultants from the American Academy of Ophthalmology steered that “early worsening” from Ozempic is each momentary and manageable, though it does name for elevated scrutiny from eye medical doctors.[28]
There is no such thing as a proof that individuals with out diabetes have any purpose to fret about their eyesight on Ozempic.
Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia)
Whereas Ozempic most likely doesn’t itself trigger hypoglycemia, its glucose-lowering impact can sharply enhance the chances that different medicine, principally insulin or sulfonylureas, trigger hypoglycemia. If Ozempic lowers your baseline blood sugar stage, your previous dosage of glucose-lowering remedy might now be greater than you want.
In case you have diabetes and also you’re beginning a brand new GLP-1, chances are you’ll want to alter the dosages of the opposite diabetes medicine that you simply use. Your physician may additionally ask you to be additional vigilant about checking your blood sugar. For those who’re not snug altering your insulin-dosing practices by your self, try to be able to contact your physician between visits to get steering on making changes.
Erectile Dysfunction
A examine revealed in February 2024 revealed that males with out diabetes who use semaglutide could possibly be 10 instances extra prone to expertise erectile dysfunction, (1.4 p.c whole, vs solely 0.14 p.c in a management group). The chance of hypogonadism (low testosterone) additionally sharply elevated.[29] The report confirmed anecdotal proof on social media, the place some males have complained that the drug has lowered their intercourse drive or made it harder to take care of an erection.
This consequence shocked the examine’s authors as a result of weight reduction often improves erectile dysfunction.[30] The science remains to be unclear, nevertheless, as different research have discovered that GLP-1 drugs can truly enhance testosterone ranges and enhance erectile dysfunction.[31][32]
There are various remedies for erectile dysfunction, each pharmaceutical and pure.
Uncommon, Critical Aspect Results
Semaglutide additionally results in a small variety of uncommon however doubtlessly critical uncomfortable side effects:
- Pancreatitis This situation, by which the digestive enzymes assault the pancreas, might really feel like intense abdomen ache that radiates to your again.
- Kidney Failure Analysis signifies that some instances of semaglutide contribute to kidney illness.[33] Dehydrating uncomfortable side effects, significantly diarrhea and vomiting, might improve this threat. However, for most individuals the drug seems to have a constructive impact on kidney well being.
- Gallbladder Illness This may occasionally trigger extreme abdomen ache, yellowing of the eyes or pores and skin, fever, and “clay-colored stools.”
- Thyroid C-Cell Tumors Semaglutide’s FDA labels warn of the chance of creating thyroid most cancers, which has been noticed in research of rodents. A European well being authority, nevertheless, has introduced that it couldn’t discover any hyperlink in people.[34]
There have additionally been some stories of allergic reactions to GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Ozempic is highly effective stuff: For those who’re experiencing a response you can’t clarify, please attain out to your healthcare supplier.
Sources We Belief
