Is Ozempic Safe?

Ozempic… Information about this so-called “wonder” medication is everywhere. From those who advocate that taking it is the best thing that’s ever happened to them to the doomsayers who spout tales of woe, it can be hard to get your hands on unbiased information. 

Well… Look no further. Below is a straightforward look at the safety surrounding Ozempic. But before we do that, let’s quickly talk about exactly what the medication is and why it’s being prescribed to so many people.

Ozempic 101: the what’s, whys, and wherefores of this “miracle” weight loss drug

• What is Ozempic?
• Is Ozempic safe?
• In summary: Is Ozempic safe for everyone—including non-diabetics?

What is Ozempic?

Ozempic is generally given to type 2 diabetics who are failing to control their blood sugar. This might be because they can’t tolerate drugs, such as Metformin, the condition is worsening, or they’re unable or unwilling to give up foods that are adding to already unstable blood sugars.

Ozempic is a semaglutide that mimics the effects of a naturally produced hormone, known as GL-P-1. It slows digestion, helping you to stay fuller for longer. The drug is taken weekly via a self-administered injection, usually into the stomach, thigh, or upper arm.

Is Ozempic safe?

OK… The first thing to understand is that every single medication on the planet comes with a degree of risk. Yep, even commonplace drugs, such as Tylenol or Ibuprofen, have a (albeit small) level of risk.

Ozempic is no different. Therefore, it’s important to understand the potential risks. The most common are minor and include:

• Gastrointestinal upset: Such as diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, constipation, excessive gas, and stomach pain.
• Fatigue.
• Dizziness.
• Changes in your sense of taste.

More severe (and it must be stressed, very rare) side effects include:

• Low blood sugar: Known as hypoglycemia, this is in response to the drug promoting insulin release that naturally lowers the levels of sugar in the blood.
• Diabetic eye disease: Namely, diabetic retinopathy. This is where the tiny blood vessels in the eye begin to leak fluid into the eye tissues. This can cause vision problems that could be permanent.
• Pancreatitis: Because Ozempic stimulates insulin production from the pancreas, there’s a small risk that the organ can become inflamed.
• Severe allergic reaction: Anaphylaxis has occurred in a very small number of people taking Ozempic.
• Kidney failure: Those who have known kidney issues or a family history should take the drug with caution. Staying hydrated is especially important in such cases. The same applies to anyone who has a history of gallbladder issues.

There has also been a new warning of potential intestinal blockage added to the FDA advice about the drug. Again, this is a very rare occurrence.

In summary: Is Ozempic safe for everyone, including non-diabetics?

When Ozempic is prescribed by a medical doctor—generally for diabetes—then the risk of serious side effects is minimal. Out of the above-mentioned gastrointestinal problems, nausea is by far the most common. This, and other stomach issues, can usually be managed through diet choices and adopting healthy lifestyle choices.

The drug’s success in aiding weight loss has seen off-license prescriptions for weight loss increase dramatically. However, it’s important to stress that the drug doesn’t have FDA approval for weight loss. Another, very similar drug called Wegovy, is approved for this use.

However, the same risks apply with both forms of the medication. It’s also worth noting that, while Ozempic can help very overweight individuals ditch excess pounds, unless this is combined with better food choices, an increase in exercise, and other beneficial life changes, stopping the drug often leads to rebound weight gain.

Ozempic or Not… If you’ve Lost a Lot of Weight, then Bayou City Treatment can be the Icing on the Cake

Whether you’ve used Ozempic to get incredible results or you’ve dropped excess pounds through diet and exercise, you may well have some body areas that could do with an expert touch. Maybe you’ve got a few stubborn areas of fat that aren’t responding—upper arms, thighs, the dreaded love handles… These can all be targeted with non-invasive treatments that complement your efforts.

At Bayou City Dermatology, our clinical team works with you to administer treatments that are bespoke to your needs. We wholly believe that the ultimate way to the best version of you is through a tailored approach—and we have thousands of satisfied clients and patients who prove that the Bayou City method works…

Head to https://www.bayoucitydermatology.com/services to discover more.