Can Ozempic pose life-threatening risks? Hidden side effects uncovered

A lot has been discussed about Ozempic, the miracle weight-loss drug that could help shed pounds and reverse chronic diseases. But little is known about the darker side of the drug. Ozempic, hailed as a breakthrough for shedding pounds and managing diabetes, has become a household name, but as its popularity soars, the questions about its severe side effects must also be addressed.

Ozempic, originally a diabetes medication, has gained immense popularity for its weight-loss effects. Research has also found out its potential benefits in conditions like dementia and alcohol addiction. However, there have been some disturbing side effects of Ozempic that might have led you to wonder if it can actually kill you.

Stomach paralysis
While there haven't been any deaths related to Ozempic, its severe side effects like stomach paralysis, mental health complications, and gastrointestinal distress, are widely discussed. Novo Nordisk, the maker of Ozempic, is even facing lawsuits, including one from a woman alleging the drug caused gastroparesis, or stomach paralysis—a rare but debilitating condition.

Symptoms of Ozempic stomach paralysis may seem similar to those common GI side effects, but are more severe. The symptoms include throwing up, especially whole pieces of food that you ate hours or more before, nausea, heartburn or acid reflux, belly bloating and pain, feeling full for a long time after eating, loss of appetite, unusual changes in your blood sugar, constipation, and undigested food in your poop

The most common side effects of Ozempic include nausea, abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, and vomiting. Dr. Meera Shah, an endocrinologist at the Mayo Clinic, says that while these symptoms often improve over time, at least 10% of patients need to discontinue the medication because the side effects persist.

Kidney issues to thyroid tumours
In more extreme cases, Ozempic has been linked to pancreatitis, gallbladder issues, kidney problems, and even thyroid tumors. Gastrointestinal distress is especially concerning due to its connection with mental health; the “gut-brain connection” means chronic symptoms like nausea and pain can lead to anxiety, depression, and social isolation.

What happens when you overdose Ozempic

Taking extra doses of Ozempic could be dangerous. The FDA has issued warnings about these unregulated compounds, which can increase the risk of severe gastrointestinal symptoms. Anyone experiencing severe symptoms after overdosing must contact their doctor promptly.

Pulmonary aspiration
Ozempic can slow down digestion, but this can prove trouble in the event of a surgery. In a study led by UTHealth Houston, more than half of patients taking GLP-1s had "significant gastric contents" before going into surgery, even after following up all pre-op fasting protocols, according to a press release on the university’s website. This can lead to a potentially fatal condition called pulmonary aspiration, when food or liquid is inhaled into the lungs. This in turn can cause severe lung damage, infections or even death," Dr. Alfred Bonati, the founder of the Bonati Spine Institute in Florida had told foxnews.com.

While Ozempic can help control diabetes and prevent obesity and its many complications, it's not without its side effects, which must be discussed with your healthcare expert.

(Picture courtesy: iStock)
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