It seems like an easy way to lose weight: just take a drug! No discipline needed to eat well, or even exercise. What’s not to love?
Side effects! Or, as they call them these days: contraindications. Why that long word? Because most people don’t know what it means! If they did, they’d take far fewer drugs. Which is nearly always the smart move.
History is full of drugs which came out, then were later found to produce horrible side effects. e.g. Thalidomide, which often caused awful bird defects.
Nearly 500 drugs have been withdrawn over the years. And these were nearly always drugs that passed strict tests before they were approved.
Do you really want to take that risk? Especially as there are many safe ways to lose weight, and get healthy and fit? Why take the risk? How would you feel if those side effects ruined your health?
That old expression was right – drugs: just say no. Legal drugs!
Just don’t – it’s really not worth the risk.
In case you’re wondering, here’s a list of side effects for Ozempic, taken from the following article. You might notice that this list is rather long. Do you really want to play Russian Roulette, when you don’t need to? Why take the risk?
https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-174491/ozempic-subcutaneous/details
The most common side effects of Ozempic are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Constipation
There may be other side effects of Ozempic that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.
While less common, the most serious side effects of Ozempic are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Ozempic may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Ozempic and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.
- Breathing problems or wheezing
- Racing heart
- Fever or general ill feeling
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
- Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
- Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Pancreatitis. Ozempic may cause inflammation of the pancreas, which is called pancreatitis. Stop using Ozempic and call your healthcare provider right away if you have symptoms of pancreatitis including vomiting or severe pain in the upper part of your belly that travels to your back.
Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia). Ozempic may cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), usually when used with a sulfonylurea (glimepiride, glyburide, glipizide) or insulin, which can be serious and may lead to death. You may need to check your blood sugar more often if you have changes to your diet, exercise regimen, or medicines for diabetes. Stop using Ozempic and call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of hypoglycemia.
- Headache
- Crankiness or anxiety
- Hunger
- Dizziness, or confusion, or drowsiness
- Blurry vision
- Slurred speech
- Sweating
- Feeling jittery or shakiness
- Fast heartbeat
- Weakness
Thyroid Tumors. Ozempic may cause thyroid tumors, including a type of cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). Stop using Ozempic and call your healthcare provider right away if you have symptoms of medullary thyroid carcinoma including swelling or a lump in the neck, trouble swallowing, shortness of breath, or hoarseness.
Vision Changes. Ozempic may cause your vision to worsen when you start using the medicine or start a higher dose. Tell your healthcare provider if you develop new vision problems. If you have a condition called diabetic retinopathy, your vision may temporarily worsen when you start Ozempic or a higher dose. Make sure that you keep all appointments to have your vision checked.
Kidney Damage. Kidney damage can happen when using Ozempic, especially if you have nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, which can cause dehydration. Try to drink water to avoid dehydration. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of kidney damage.
- Reduced need to pee
- Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
- Weakness or unusual tiredness
- Difficulty catching your breath or chest pain/pressure
- Confusion
- Nausea
- Seizures
Severe Stomach Problems. Ozempic may cause severe stomach problems. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms that are severe or will not go away.
- Nausea, vomiting, or constipation
- Feeling bloated or full sooner than usual when eating
- Stomach pain or cramps
Gallbladder Problems. Using Ozempic can cause gallbladder problems, including cholecystitis and cholelithiasis, which is also known as gallstones. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.
- Fever
- Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)
- Pain in your upper stomach area
- Stool (poop) that is clay-colored