Ozempic Side Effects: What You Need To Know

Are you thinking about starting a weight loss treatment like Ozempic? Although it’s been safety tested and widely used across the world, it's important to be aware of Ozempic side effects and the possible long-term outcomes. Learning about these can help you make smart choices about your health.

We asked our dedicated health coaches what to expect when starting an injectable weight loss treatment like Ozempic, and how to manage the effects of the drug in the long term.

What are the common side effects of Ozempic?

Ozempic works by copying a hormone called GLP-1, which helps control sugar and appetite. This can lead to eating less and dropping weight. But, losing weight isn’t always smooth sailing. Some common side effects include:

Nausea and/or Vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are common side effects, affecting around 1 in 10 users and often occur when doses are increased. To help manage these symptoms, you can:

• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of clear fluids, such as water or herbal teas. Avoid sugary drinks if you have diabetes.
• Eat small, frequent meals. Opt for smaller portions.
• Try herbal teas. Ginger, peppermint, or fennel teas can help soothe symptoms of nausea and vomiting.
• Avoid strong-smelling foods. This can aggravate nausea and make you feel worse. 
• Purchase anti-sickness medication.
• Get fresh air. Going outside for a walk helps distract you from your symptoms and the air can help alleviate nausea.

Vomiting more than three times a day or violent vomiting accompanied by additional symptoms like abdominal pain may indicate that Mounjaro or Wegovy aren't suitable for you, so please monitor your symptoms. 

If your urine becomes dark in colour, you’re passing less urine than usual for you or feeling light headed, you could be showing signs of dehydration, and should drink more fluids and seek help. Also if you cannot keep fluids down or if you start feeling worse, please contact your doctor for urgent advice.

Constipation

Constipation is a very common side effect of Mounjaro and Wegovy, affecting more than 1 in 10 users. To manage this, you can:

• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of clear fluids such as water and herbal tea. 
• Include high-fibre foods such as prunes, figs, and oats in your diet.
• Take regular walks. Exercise can stimulate bowel movements.
• Try mild laxatives — these medications may help with constipation.

Headaches

Headaches are a very common side effect, affecting more than 1 in 10 users of GLP-1 treatments. They usually subside within a few days, but may last a few weeks. To manage headaches, you can:

• Stay hydrated. Drink plenty of clear fluids.
• Resting in a quiet, dimly-lit place can alleviate symptoms.
• Use pain relievers. Medications like acetaminophen or paracetamol can help as your body adjusts to Wegovy or Mounjaro. 
• Practice relaxation. Techniques like meditation or DIY scalp massages can be beneficial
• Adequate sleep. Ensure you are getting 7-9 hours of sleep per night 

If your headaches persist or worsen, please contact your general practitioner for advice.

Diarrhea

Diarrhea is a very common side effect, affecting more than 1 in 10 users of Mounjaro or Wegovy especially when you first start the injections. Diarrhea tends to be mostly mild and resolves after a few injections. The key to managing diarrhea is to stay well-hydrated. Ensure you are drinking plenty of clear fluids, such as water or squash. Avoid sugary drinks if you have diabetes. In addition: 

• Rest: Take it easy and allow your body to recover
• Consider oral rehydration salts. They help replace lost fluids and electrolytes, preventing dehydration during diarrhea. Speak with your local pharmacist about these
• Use simple pain relievers. Acetaminophen or paracetamol can help if you are in discomfort.

If diarrhea persists for more than a few days, if you cannot tolerate any oral fluids, if you are feeling drowsy, if you have blood in your stools, or if there's bleeding from your anus, you must contact a healthcare provider.

Heartburn

Heartburn is another very common side effect, often accompanied by nausea. To help manage heartburn, you can:

• Stay hydrated. Drink clear fluids like water or herbal teas.
• Eat small, frequent meals. Similar to managing nausea, eating small portions frequently can help.
• Avoid high-fat foods and sugars. These foods can make heartburn worse.
• Try simple oral medications for acid reflux.

Injection Site Reactions

Injection site reactions like redness, itching, or swelling can affect up to 1 in 10 users. These often resolve as your body adjusts. To manage this, you can:

• Use antihistamines. Non-drowsy antihistamines or local antihistamine creams can help.

In a few people, redness and itching remains while using Mounjaro or Wegovy. If your rash is getting worse, spreading, becoming more red or the pain is not tolerable please stop using Mounjaro or Wegovy and seek further help from your doctor or visit the ER.

If you’re a Levity customer, please also let us know this happened via your account.

Gallstones and Inflammation of the Gallbladder

Gallstones are common in the general population, and many people may not even know they have them. Up to 1 in 10 users of Wegovy develop gallstones, while up to 1 in 100 for Mounjaro users may experience this. Additionally, up to 1 in 100 users may develop inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis).

If you develop abdominal pain, particularly on the right side under your ribs, you must seek medical attention. If you experience severe pain, vomiting, blood in your urine, or a high temperature, go to your local ER.

To avoid rapid weight loss, continue eating small meals throughout the day and stay well hydrated.

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Potential Serious Side Effects

In rare instances, serious side effects may occur. It's important to be aware of these and to stop treatment while seeking medical attention immediately if they arise.

Pancreatitis

This is an uncommon but serious side effect. Most people experience significant discomfort with this condition and become very unwell. If you have severe abdominal pain that may radiate to your back, along with nausea or vomiting, go to your local ER.

Anaphylaxis

This is a rare but severe allergic reaction. If you experience difficulty breathing or notice swelling of your face, tongue, or throat, call 911 or go to the ER. 

Starting your weight loss journey

The good news is that, in clinical trials, only 3.8%[1] of people using Ozempic chose to stop taking it due to side effects. At Levity, we work closely with you, providing medical advice to help make your weight loss journey with Ozempic safer and more effective.

Want to start losing weight for good with Levity? Find out if you’re eligible for GLP-1 receptor agonists by starting a quick consultation with our healthcare professionals here.

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References

[1] https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/4-key-ozempic-side-effects-watch-3573389/#:~:text=More%20patients%20receiving%20Ozempic%200.5,interfere%20with%20long%2Dterm%20treatment.