Ozempic has been difficult to get in Australia the past several months. The update is that it should be available in pharmarcies again from February 27th.
Although be aware that there will be limited supplies so if you have a prescription you may still have difficulties getting it fulfilled.
In addition, if you haven’t been taking it for a while, now might be the time to reconsider whether it’s worth it.
Read on for a list of the side effects of Ozempic, some of which are not listed on consumer information brochures.
How does ozempic work?
Ozempic is a semaglutide.
Semaglutide’s mimic an incretin in the body called GLP-1 (Glucagon-Like-Peptide-1).
As Dr Zoe Harcombe states: “GLP-1 increases the release of insulin from the pancreas, slows absorption of glucose from the gut and reduces the amount of glucose being produced by the liver. All three actions are intended to reduce levels of glucose in the blood stream – hence their use for type 2 diabetes.”
Ozempic for weight loss
There have been studies that show ozempic can produce good weight loss results. However, there is a catch.
The drug needs to be taken forever in order to maintain those effects. As soon as the drug is stopped, the research shows the weight is quickly regained.
We all want a quick fix pill but the reality is, making permanent sustainable changes to your diet is far better for long term weight loss and maintenance than any drug.
Ozempic side effects
It is important to understand the side effects so you can decide whether it’s really worth the risk of taking Ozempic. And the thing is, there are side effects that are not listed in the consumer information brochure; and are only noted briefly at the bottom of the Australian product information brochure.
The Australian consumer information brochure lists the most common side effects as nausea and diarrhoea. Research indicates that approximately 74% of people have gastrointestinal issues with the drug.
Other general side effects listed include:
• decreased appetite
• headache
• vomiting (being sick)
• indigestion (dyspepsia)
• burping, wind (flatulence) or
constipation
• heartburn
• painful or swollen stomach
(abdomen)
• blocked or runny nose, sneezing,
cough and/or sore throat (upper respiratory tract infection)
• injection site reactions (such as
bruising, pain, irritation, itching
and rash)
• fast heart beat
• feeling tired
• feeling dizzy
• changes to your vision or eyesight
• unpleasant, abnormal or altered
taste sensation
• hypoglycaemia (low blood sugar)
• increase in pancreas blood test
results
Other effects include:
• gallstones
• inflamed gall bladder
• dehydration
Serious side effects
Serious side effects listed on the consumer information brochure include:
- Acute pancreatitis (inflamed pancreas) – a risk of 1 in 100 people
- Allergic reactions to the drug
Ozempic and thyroid cancer
What the consumer label DOESN’T list as a side effect (and it should) is thyroid cancer.
The US FDA noted this as a prominent feature in the Ozempic approval document.
It is also strange that thyroid cancer is NOT listed anywhere in the consumer information, as it’s also listed prominently on the Ozempic website.
NOTE: It is not known whether Ozempic will cause thyroid cancer in people, so again, this could be a potential serious risk – and it SHOULD be listed as a serious side effect on consumer and product information documents!
Diabetic retinopathy (eye issues)
As a person with type 2 diabetes, there is already risk of complications, and diabetic retinopathy is understated in the consumer information, as all that’s listed under ‘less serious side effects’ is the potential for ‘changes to your vision or eyesight.’
The research indicated people taking Ozempic had almost double the risk of getting diabetic retinopathy.
In another drug called Wogovy (semaglutide), which is the same drug as Ozempic (semaglutide), they list the risk of diabetic retinopathy as 1 in 10 people.
This indicates that diabetic retinopathy should be cautioned as a ‘serious side effect’ in the consumer information, like it is for Wogovy in the UK.
Wogovy has been approved for use in Australia but is not yet available. If you see Wogovy in future, this information on Ozempic is something to keep in mind.
Conclusion
Medication can be beneficial for type 2 diabetes treatment, but be aware of the risks to your health as well.
When it comes to any medication, speak to your doctor and ensure you ask the questions, especially about side effects. It’s always a good idea to do your own research as well, so you know you’re well informed.
Something else to note is if you are increasing medication to control blood sugar, your numbers may look better but this indicates your diabetes is getting worse, not better.
On the other hand, if you get proactive and reshape your nutrition plan, you can lower blood sugar and HbA1c, lose and maintain weight and reduce medication – we know this is possible, as we’ve supported thousands of people to do this.
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