Why Do I Feel So Sick on Ozempic?

Semaglutide acts similarly to glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone produced in the intestine by increasing the insulin level produced by the pancreas in response to food intake. This helps regulate blood glucose levels.

Ozempic is either used alone or combined with other diabetes medications, such as:

• Glimepiride
• Dapagliflozin
• Canagliflozin
• Metformin
• Glipizide
• Glyburide
• Insulin
• Pioglitazone

4 facts about Ozempic

1. Active ingredients: Semaglutide
2. Drug class: Ozempic is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1RA)
3. Drug form: Liquid solution for subcutaneous injection
4. FDA approval: 2017

Ozempic is either used alone or combined with other medication for diabetes. It is particularly used to treat type II diabetes.

A few studies have reported that Ozempic helps reduce blood sugar levels and aid in weight loss.

Ozempic is available as a pen injector for subcutaneous (under the skin) injections.

The subcutaneous Ozempic is used for:

• Type II diabetes: Ozempic treats type II diabetes by regulating blood sugar levels. Ozempic is recommended for adults with type II diabetes and cardiovascular diseases because it lowers the risk of heart attack, stroke, and death in such people. 
• Weight loss: This subcutaneous drug decreases the appetite, and many people with type II diabetes who take this drug lose weight. Ozempic is not FDA approved for weight management. However, some doctors prescribe it off-label for weight management.

The side effects of Ozempic could be temporary and last only a few weeks. If symptoms do not fade away after a few weeks and bother you, immediately consult your doctor.

Here are the common side effects of Ozempic.

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Constipation

Mild side effects of Ozempic

This list may not include all the possible side effects.

• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Fatigue
• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Gas and burping
• Altered taste

Serious side effects of Ozempic

• Hypoglycemia along with
  • Confusion
  • Drowsiness
  • Headache
  • Irritability
  • weakness
• Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), which presents with
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Back pain
  • Abdominal pain
  • Fever
• Diabetic retinopathy (eye damage caused by diabetes)
  • Poor night vision
  • Vision loss
  • Blurred vision
  • Seeing dark spots
• Kidney failure, presenting symptoms, such as
  • Confusion
  • Fatigue
  • frequent urination
  • Swelling in legs and ankles
  • Nausea
• Thyroid cancer
• Allergies

Ozempic solution is available as pen injectors.

• A weekly injection is administered subcutaneously on the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm.
• Initially, the dose is 0.25 mg one time a week. After four weeks, the dose may be increased based on the glycemic targets.
• The dose is generally not increased beyond 2 mg per week.
• Carefully follow the medical treatment, diet, and exercise plan as instructed by your physician.

Consider the following before using Ozempic:

• Allergy to semaglutide or any other medication in the same drug group as Ozempic
• Any history of medullary thyroid cancer in the family
• Have type I diabetes
• Call a doctor if there are any changes in your vision after using Ozempic
• Have pancreatitis
• Tell your doctor if you have preexisting kidney, liver, or gall bladder disease before using Ozempic
• Identify any serious side effects of Ozempic
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to be pregnant before taking Ozempic
• Do not use different brands of semaglutide at the same time
• Use medication regularly, every seven days, to get the possible benefits
• Never share an injection pen with others