Diabetes is a common issue that affects a lot of people, irrespective of their age. Being such a serious issue that affects a lot of people, different kinds of treatment for it are available on the market.
Following a healthy diet and choosing the right food is one of the best ways to tackle the situation, but if things have gone a bit further, there are other methods available too. One such commonly used prescription drug to treat the issue of diabetes is ozempic.
This prescription drug is mainly used to treat the condition of type 2 diabetes, and through this article, we will be looking into the details of the drug and also the different side effects associated with it.
What Is Ozempic?
It is a common drug that is used to improve the level of blood sugar in adults who are suffering from type 2 diabetes. Along with taking care of the issues associated with blood sugar levels, the drug is also effective in reducing other risks associated with cardiovascular health, like stroke or heart attack.
According to available records, the drug functions by helping the pancreas secrete more insulin, acting on the liver, and helping to reduce the sugar secreted by the organ. Ozrempic falls under the class of medicines called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) agonists.
Can Ozempic Be Used For Managing Body Weight?
This is a common concern that people have regarding the drug. According to different reports, along with reducing the level of blood sugar in the body, the drug also reduces appetite in people, thereby gradually leading to weight loss.
However, this does not mean that the drug is fit to be used as a weight-loss drug. Keep in mind that, currently, Ozempic is not an FDA-approved weight-loss drug. Ozempic is usually used only once a week and there are specific instructions that state that the drug should not be used by combining it with any diet or exercise.
Side Effects Of Ozempic
Side effects are something that everyone should be concerned about before deciding to take a drug or supplement. Here too, different concerns are regarding the side effects of Ozempic, like whether it causes headaches, whether it causes weight loss, and so on. Here are some of the major side effects of using Ozempic:
First, take a look at some of the common side effects of the drug. These side effects are often not serious or affect the body in a concerning manner, but it is still important that you keep an eye out for these changes. The commonly reported side effects from ozempic include:
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Runny nose
- Loss of appetite
- Stomach pain
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
- Sore throat
- Stomach flu
While these are not so serious side effects and can be taken care of, there are a few side effects that you should not take lightly. Here are some of the serious side effects of using Ozempic that you should always keep an eye out for:
- Increased heartbeat
- Swelling of any body part like the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Itching
Things To Keep In Mind Before Taking Ozempic
Taking a new drug involves different procedures before finally deciding that your body is safe and strong enough to take it. Go through the things mentioned below, and if you have any of the conditions mentioned there, then it is better not to take Ozempic.
- If you or your family have a medical history of medullary thyroid carcinoma, which is a type of thyroid cancer, then it is better to avoid taking Ozempic.
- The condition of multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 denotes the presence of tumors in your glands.
Can Ozempic Be Used During The Time Of Pregnancy?
If you are someone who is orange or is planning to get pregnant soon, make sure that you convey it clearly to your healthcare professional, as Ozempic is not suitable for pregnant ladies. The drug is said to have an increased chance of hurting the unborn child. Also, if you are planning to get pregnant soon, then it is better to stop using the drug almost two months before your planned time.
At the same time, make sure that you talk with your doctor and devise a proper plan to keep your diabetes under control during pregnancy. Keeping your blood sugar level at the right level is crucial for both the health of the baby and the health of the mother.
Conclusion
Type II diabetes is a serious issue that affects a large population, and the current lifestyle and food habits are to blame mainly for this condition. The time constraints of modern life do not allow people to give the condition the proper attention it needs, and they slowly start to depend on drugs and supplements to take care of it.
Here we have gone through some of the major details and side effects of Ozempic, which is a common drug used to treat type II diabetes. While there are different opinions about the drug, it is always important to decide after consulting with your doctor about what is best for your body.
