Ozempic is a new type of medication designed to help people lose weight. It works by slowing your stomach’s ability to empty.
While it is effective at lowering blood sugar, there are some potential side effects to be aware of before taking it, including nausea and constipation. This is why it’s important to speak with your doctor about any concerns you may have before starting treatment.
How does Ozempic work?
Ozempic, also known as semaglutide, works by mimicking a natural hormone in your body called GLP-1. This hormone works on your brain and gastrointestinal system to regulate how full you feel after eating and helps to slow down the rate of food leaving your stomach.
This can help to decrease your appetite and make it easier to lose weight. However, it is important to note that this drug does not work for everyone and can result in side effects.
To reduce these side effects, your doctor may advise you to change the way you eat. This includes cutting down on fatty foods and consuming smaller portions.
The drug is not safe for pregnancy and should be stopped at least two months before you conceive. It is possible to continue using it for weight loss while you’re pregnant, but you must discuss this with your health care provider.
How long does it take to work?
Despite all the hype around Ozempic, many women experience side effects, from nausea to headaches and gas build-up. If you experience these, your doctor may suggest over-the-counter medicines to address them.
Fatigue is a common side effect that can make you feel tired or weak. Taking a balanced, healthy diet and getting adequate rest are important to combat this.
Headaches can also be a problem, especially when you first start using Ozempic. These tend to come and go as the drug becomes accustomed to your body.
If you have severe pain in your upper abdomen that’s accompanied by nausea or vomiting, ring your doctor. This could be a sign of pancreatitis, which is a serious complication that can occur when you take Ozempic.
Currently, Ozempic is not recommended for use during pregnancy. However, if you are planning to get pregnant and are on this medication, talk to your doctor about using effective contraception. This is because there are fetal health and safety concerns regarding this medication.
What are the side effects of Ozempic?
Ozempic is a drug that mimics a hormone called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1). It can help people with diabetes control their blood sugar, and it has become popular in Hollywood as a weight loss drug.
However, there are some risks associated with taking Ozempic during pregnancy, including an increased risk of miscarriage and birth defects. This is why OB-GYNs don’t recommend using the medication during pregnancy.
One of the main risks is that the drug slows the rate at which the stomach emptying. This can make it harder to get rid of the gastric contents, resulting in a potential complication called aspiration.
Another problem is that the drug can change menstrual cycles, which could affect fertility. This is because menstrual cycles are regulated by hormones that affect the pituitary gland, which releases the hormones required to ovulate.
The FDA notes that semaglutide and other GLP-1 agonists should not be used during pregnancy, as they haven’t been studied in pregnant women for long enough to know how the drugs affect them.
Can I take Ozempic during pregnancy?
Ozempic isn’t specifically approved for pregnancy, but doctors and OB-GYNs don’t recommend taking it during this time. And if you’re thinking about trying to conceive, it’s best to stop taking it at least two months before you try.
This is because it hasn’t been studied in pregnant humans for long enough. So even though it’s been around for years, we don’t know exactly what to expect.
Your doctor may suggest a different drug for you. Be sure to tell your doctor about all the medications you take (including prescription and over-the-counter types), vitamins, herbs, and supplements.
Using certain medications together with semaglutide can raise or lower your risk of serious side effects. If you’re taking another medication, talk with your doctor before you start taking semaglutide.