Understanding Associated Health Risks Linked To Ozempic
- Singer Macy Gray, 57, revealed earlier this year on MTV’s “The Surreal Life: Villa of Secrets,” that she endured adverse side effects from taking Ozempic to lose weight—something a new study has found to be a common side effect for individuals taking semaglutide.
- According to a new study published in the International Journal of Obesity, blockbuster weight loss drugs, like semaglutide injections known by their brand names Ozempic or Wegovy, may lead to gastrointestinal side effects among those taking the medication.
- The meta-analysis also found that the drug but offers patients cardiovascular benefits.
- Ozempic, the brand name of Novo Nordisk’s semaglutide, a highly popular drug also known under the brand names Rybelsu and Wegovy, is an FDA-approved prescription medication for adults with type 2 diabetes. The drug, which is administered as a weekly injection, assists the body by helping the pancreas make more insulin, ultimately lowering blood sugar levels.
- Although Ozempic it has not been FDA-approved for weight loss, the drug has been prescribed by some doctors. If you’re considering taking a weight loss drug, talk with your care team about whether that’s a good option for you. And make sure you consider good diet and exercise practices as a part of your treatment plan.
The meta-analysis, which incorporated 38 studies including individuals who have and don’t have diabetes, as per Medical News Today, ultimately found that the anti-obesity drug to offer various cardiovascular benefits. However, gastrointestinal issues—something R&B singer Macy Gray experienced while taking Ozempic—were often reported.
Read MoreThe meta-analysis on semaglutide found that deaths related to cardiovascular disease were reduced by 17 percent when semaglutide was taken, as well as hospitalizations for patients with heart failure decreased by 76 percent, strokes in people with diabetes decreased by 35 percent, and deaths from any cause in patients with diabetes by 21 percent.
The findings also noted there was a 24 percent decreased in non-fatal myocardial infarction, also known as heart attacks and a 24 percent decreased for needed coronary revascularizations.
Medical News Today notes that the study authors found side effects including stomach pain, nausea, constipation, and diarrhea, were found among those taking the medication either by injection or in pill form.
Additionally, the authors found that patients taking the 2.4 milligram doses of semaglutide had the most gastrointestinal adverse effects, and those using the injections were had a higher chance of adverse reactions.
However, there was no difference found when comparing oral semaglutide or subcutaneous [injection] and side of constipation. The study also found that a 50 milligram dose was linked to a higher chance of negative side effects, not including constipation, when compared to the lower milligram doses.
Macy Gray’s Experience With Ozempic
Earlier this year, during an episode of MTV’s “The Surreal Life: Villa of Secrets,” which Macy Gray was featured on, the “I Try” singer revealed she endured adverse side effects from taking Ozempic to lose weight, according to People.
The 57-year-old, born Natalie Renée McIntyre, was ultimately hospitalized due to how the drug caused her to feel sick.
She explained on the show, “Oh, boy my stomach hurts. I took Ozempic. I can’t go to the bathroom, and I was up all night.”
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Speaking privately to cameras on the show, Gray explained, “Quietly, I’m kind of a vain person. I’ve gained a lot of weight over the past couple years, and this is right about the time when everybody starts talking about this Ozempic.
“So, I thought, okay, I’m not taking [the weight] off the right way, let me see if I can get one of these Ozempic. I was actually trying to take it off [the weight] before the show because I didn’t want to be super fat on TV, but here we are.”
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Health Risks Associated With Ozempic
Although many people have had success with weight loss thanks to Ozempic, healthcare company Lexicomp has reveals there are negative side effects of the medication, including an increased risk of cancer. It’s also important to note that any type of non-over-the-counter drug, like Ozempic, should only be taken if prescribed by a doctor.
Lexicomp explains Ozempic as “an injectable prescription medicine for adults with type 2 diabetes mellitus that: along with diet and exercise may improve blood sugar (glucose),” noting it’s not the first choice of medicine for treating diabetes.
As for the most important information people should know before taking the drug, Lexicomp says Ozempic may cause serious side effects. Some of the possible side effects include:
- inflammation of your pancreas (pancreatitis)
- changes in vision
- low blood sugar, kidney problems
- kidney failure
- serious allergic reactions.
“The most common side effects of OZEMPIC may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach (abdominal) pain and constipation. Talk to your healthcare provider about any side effect that bothers you or does not go away,” Lexicomp states.
“These are not all the possible side effects of OZEMPIC. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.”
The Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center also says, regarding Lexicomp’s warning, “This drug has been shown to cause thyroid cancer in some animals. It is not known if this happens in humans. If thyroid cancer happens, it may be deadly if not found and treated early. Call your doctor right away if you have a neck mass, trouble breathing, trouble swallowing, or have hoarseness that will not go away.
“Do not use this drug if you have a health problem called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), or if you or a family member have had thyroid cancer.”
The side effects that call for immediate medical attention, in regard to all uses of the drug, the MSKCC lists as:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Signs of kidney problems like unable to pass urine, change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine, or a big weight gain.
- Signs of gallbladder problems like pain in the upper right belly area, right shoulder area, or between the shoulder blades; change in stools; dark urine or yellow skin or eyes; or fever with chills.
- Severe dizziness or passing out.
- A fast heartbeat.
- Change in eyesight.
- Low blood sugar can happen. The chance may be raised when this drug is used with other drugs for diabetes. Signs may be dizziness, headache, feeling sleepy or weak, shaking, fast heartbeat, confusion, hunger, or sweating. Call your doctor right away if you have any of these signs. Follow what you have been told to do for low blood sugar. This may include taking glucose tablets, liquid glucose, or some fruit juices.
- Severe and sometimes deadly pancreas problems (pancreatitis) have happened with this drug. Call your doctor right away if you have severe stomach pain, severe back pain, or severe upset stomach or throwing up.
For anyone using the drug for weight loss, they should speak with their doctor if they notice “new or worse behavior or mood changes like depression or thoughts of suicide.”
How Does Semaglutide Work?
Integral to blood sugar control, GLP-1 is a hormone released by the gut in response to food. It causes the pancreas to release insulin. A rising blood insulin level causes all the body tissues to start absorbing glucose (blood sugar) from the bloodstream, thereby lowering blood glucose levels. GLP-1 also prevents the release of glucagon, which is a hormone that raises blood sugar levels by stimulating liver cells to release glucose and helps people feel full for longer. These effects can also cause people to lose weight.
Modern studies on GLP-1 have shown that it has a role beyond glucose control. It modulates the immune system cells, including NK cells, in a way necessary for weight loss.
Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, meaning that it mimics the effects of GLP-1 in the body. Given as weekly subcutaneous injections It is normally prescribed to manage blood glucose levels in diabetic patients. It also leads to a significant amount of weight loss in these patients.
FDA On Illegally Marketed Semaglutide & Counterfeit Ozempic
The FDA has warned that it’s found illegally marketed semaglutide online and counterfeit Ozempic in the U.S.
“FDA vigilantly monitors the internet for fraudulent or unapproved products and has issued warning letters to stop the distribution of illegally marketed semaglutide. These drugs may be counterfeit, which means they could contain the wrong ingredients, contain too little, too much or no active ingredient at all, or contain other harmful ingredients,” the FDA states on its website.
It adds, “FDA is aware and is investigating reports of counterfeit Ozempic being marketed in the U.S. The agency investigates any report of suspect counterfeit drugs to determine the public health risks and the appropriate regulatory response, and remains vigilant in protecting the U.S. drug supply from these threats.
“While we understand certain drugs are in short supply and patients are having difficulty obtaining their medication, FDA urges patients to obtain prescription drugs only from state-licensed pharmacies that are located in the U.S., where FDA and state authorities can assure the quality of drug manufacturing, packaging, distribution and labeling. FDA’s BeSafeRx campaign helps consumers learn about how to safely buy prescription medicines online. FDA recommends patients to talk to their doctor if they have questions about their medicines.”
Cancer Risk and Obesity
Bodyweight can be a sensitive subject for many people on any given day. However, among cancer patients whose treatment and diagnosis may influence their weight, the numbers on the scale fuel an already emotional journey.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says, “Being overweight or having obesity are linked with a higher risk of getting 13 types of cancer.”
Research published in the journal “Cancers” says that “Obesity also increases the risk of dying from cancer and may influence the treatment choices. About 4–8% of all cancers are attributed to obesity.”
Some of the cancers associated with being overweight or obese include:
- Colon
- Breast
- Ovarian
- Esophagus
- Pancreatic
- Multiple myeloma
- Endometrial
- Liver
WATCH: Living a healthy lifestyle.
According to the National Cancer Institute (NCI), fat tissue “produces excess amounts of estrogen,” which is associated with an increased risk of certain cancers, including breast, ovarian, and endometrial cancer. The NCI says a person who is severely obese is “7 times” more likely to be diagnosed with endometrial cancer.
Obesity is associated with high levels of insulin, which can lead to colon, kidney, prostate, and endometrial cancer. It can also affect cancer survivors in various ways, including the chance of cancer recurrence and overall quality of life.
To learn more about your ideal healthy weight, determine your body mass index (BMI).
Body weight that exceeds what the body mass index deems appropriate for your weight and height can help determine body fat content. Although your BMI can help you learn if you are at a healthy weight, underweight, overweight, or obese, other factors may contribute to your overall health.
The NCI analyzed several studies to observe physical activity’s impact on overall cancer risk. The NCI says that “higher levels of physical activity are linked to lower risk of several types of cancer.”
Regular exercise, a balanced diet, and managing stress are some ways people can practice leading a healthy life.
Contributing: SurvivorNet Staff
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