GLP-1 medication, used for kind 2 diabetes and weight reduction, have been touted for his or her many advantages, however it’s their uncomfortable side effects that always make headlines, particularly these with compelling monikers like “Ozempic tooth.”
Right here, we listing a number of the commonest — and mostly mentioned — uncomfortable side effects with GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide (Ozempic, Wegovy), starting from the run-of-the-mill gastrointestinal (GI) results to extra severe dangers like eye issues.
Nausea, Vomiting, Diarrhea
These three GI signs are a number of the most commonly reported adverse effects with GLP-1 medication, and that is no shock. These occasions have been evident since preliminary FDA approvals for kind 2 diabetes, exhibiting up constantly in scientific trials and systematic critiques alike.
Muscle Mass Loss
Endocrinologists have lengthy famous that sufferers taking GLP-1 medication stand to lose lean muscle mass alongside weight. Research have recommended that consuming extra protein might assist offset a few of that loss.
‘Ozempic Tooth’
Sufferers have reported various oral health issues whereas taking GLP-1 agonists, together with dry mouth, sensitivity, and gum irritation. Specialists advised MedPage Right this moment this tends to stem from dehydration points that the medication can deliver on.
‘Ozempic Persona’
Some sufferers taking these medication have reported a kind of emotional flattening that entails a “dulled response not simply to meals, however to different sources of pleasure akin to studying, listening to music, dancing, gardening — and even intercourse,” as one skilled famous.
Hair Loss
Early analysis and scientific trial information have recommended hair loss could also be a facet impact of those medication, although it could be extra of an issue for girls than males.
Blindness
Final yr, the European Medicines Company warned of a rare but potentially severe facet impact with semaglutide: non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION). It is brought on by a discount in blood move to the optic nerve head and may result in imaginative and prescient loss. The company decided NAION might have an effect on as much as 1 in 10,000 individuals taking the drug.
Different Eye Situations
Research have additionally proven potential relationships between these medication and a number of other ophthalmic situations, together with neovascular age-related macular degeneration, diabetic retinopathy, and others.
Gallbladder Points
GLP-1 agonists have been linked to some danger of gallbladder issues, together with gallstones and cholecystitis, although absolutely the danger is small.
Aspiration Throughout Surgical procedure
In 2024, the FDA added a warning about pulmonary aspiration throughout normal anesthesia or deep sedation to most GLP-1 medication. That adopted uncommon postmarketing reviews of the situation in sufferers who have been having surgical procedure. The difficulty has divided anesthesiologists, although; the American Society of Anesthesiologists initially known as for stopping the drugs earlier than surgical procedure, however now says most sufferers can continue taking them till the day of surgical procedure.
Thyroid Tumors
Thyroid C-cell tumors have lengthy had a identified affiliation with this drug class. Some latest work has recommended, nonetheless, that the increased risk of thyroid cancer seen with GLP-1 medication is tied to elevated surveillance. Most of those medication carry a boxed warning about these tumors.
Interfering With Medical Scans
One different potential complication with GLP-1 medication is that they could throw off some medical scans. Particularly, they could affect the interpretation of most cancers PET-CT scans, as they may increase uptake of the tracer.
