Side effects of GLP-1 Drugs can include nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain. bymuratdeniz/Getty Images Medications like Ozempic and Wegovy have made headlines as people have used them to lose weight. While losing weight may be one side effect of this diabetes medication, there are a few other effects that people are experiencing ֠and some that are taking them to the emergency department. The most common side effects of Ozempic include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and in some situations, constipation. If youҶe recently been trying to lose weight and have thought about medications, such as Ozempic and Wegovy have likely crossed your mind. However, while losing weight may be one side effect of this diabetes medication, there are a few other effects that people are experiencing ֠and some that are taking them to the emergency department. Recently some news outlets have runheadlines with reports claiming that these drugs are sending people to the hospital. A local newsoutlet in Ohio found that the Cleveland Clinic had a few patients needing to be admitted due to persistent vomiting while onOzempic andWegovy. However, the American College of Emergency Physicians said they currently arenҴ tracking any numbers of emergency department visits directly related to these drugs. Side effects from semaglutide What is clear is that these drugs are now very popular as away to lose weight, but they can have serious side effects. The most common side effects of this medication include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and in some situations, constipation. Both Ozempic and Wegovy are brand names of the drug semaglutide. They areGLP-1 agonist drugs meaning they mimic the hormone glucagon-like peptide 1, which can regulate hunger. Ozempic was indicated to treat diabetes, while Wegovy is approved as a weight loss treatment in addition to a diabetes treatment by the FDA.༯p> According to official Ozempicdisclosures, the medication can cause inflammation ofthe pancreas orpancreatitis, change in vision,low blood sugar,kidney failure, allergic reactions, and evengallbladder issues. There have even beenreports of the possibility of this medication having a link with thyroid tumors and cancer ֠specifically, medullary thyroid carcinoma.༯p> ӓome people may experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain, particularly when they first start the medication or if the dosage is increased,ԠsaysDr. Sahar Takkouche, lead expert in Bariatric and Obesity Medicine and assistant professor in the division of Diabetes, Endocrinology, and Metabolism at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Tennessee. How to avoid side effects Although not everyone experiences side effects, to help reduce the chance of having them, Takkouche recommends taking the medication slowly. Ӕo avoid side effects from GLP1s, itҳ important to start slow and let your body adjust to the new medication and take it with a small amount of food if it upsets your stomach,Ԡshe said. When to seek medical help for side effects While this medication is recommended for people with certain conditions, those who use this medication outside of the recommended indications are more likely to experience the side effects. Ӊf you continue to experience such bothersome gastrointestinal side effects from these medications, and are unable to eat and drink, itҳ time for a visit to the emergency department to preventdehydration and adverse effects on your kidney function,ԠDr. Robert Glatter, assistant professor of Emergency Medicine at Lenox Hill Hospitalin New York City and Editor at Large for Medscape Emergency Medicine tells Healthline. Similarly, using too much medication to get a stronger effect or using the medication without a physicianҳ active care can make the side effects worse. Ӄertain individuals, such as those with existing stomach orkidney issues, or older adults, may be more susceptible to these side effects,ԠTakkouche tells Healthline. Ӊtҳ worth remembering that while GLP-1s can aid in managing diabetes and supporting weight loss, they work best when combined with a healthy diet, regular exercise, and ongoing monitoring ofblood sugar levels,Ԡsays Takkouche. Although there are side effects, Takkouche reminds the public that these medications are considered safe. Ӊtҳ important to understand that overall, GLP-1 receptor agonists are considered safe and effective for their approved uses, when taken under the supervision of a healthcare professional. Regular check-ups and discussions with a healthcare provider can ensure that any side effects are caught early and managed appropriately.Լ/p> Dr. Rajiv Bahl, MBA, MS, is an emergency medicine physician, board member of the Florida College of Emergency Physicians, and health writer. You can find him atRajivBahlMD.