Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
GLP-1 drugs, like Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro, are medications used to manage diabetes and help with weight loss. While they can bring significant health benefits, they also come with side effects. Managing these side effects can help you get the most out of your treatment while minimizing discomfort. What do PatientsLikeMe members say about these medications? A number of side effects have been listed, and the severity of these range from none to severe. While the majority (45%) do not report any side effects, 30% have reported moderate side effects. Having tools in place to deal with these is an important part of treatment and overall health! Here, PatientsLikeMe will cover some common side effects of GLP-1 drugs and offer simple, practical steps to manage them.
What are GLP-1 Drugs?
GLP-1 drugs, also known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists1, work by mimicking a hormone in your body that helps control blood sugar and reduce hunger. They help people with type 2 diabetes by stimulating the pancreas to release insulin, which helps control blood sugar. These drugs also slow down digestion, making you feel full for longer, which aids in weight loss. These drugs are very effective, but they do come with some side effects. Below are the most common side effects and what you can do to manage them.
Common Side Effects
Nausea
One of the most common side effects of GLP-1 drugs is nausea2, especially when first starting the medication. Strong smells from food or perfumes can make nausea worse. Try to stay in well-ventilated areas and avoid cooking smells. Instead of three large meals, eat smaller meals throughout the day. This will prevent overwhelming your stomach. Ginger tea or mints can also help settle your stomach! Try sipping ginger tea 30 minutes after taking your medication. Drink plenty of water, but take small sips to avoid making nausea worse.
Vomiting
If you start vomiting, it’s important to stay hydrated (hydration will come up often) and take small steps to settle your stomach. If your vomiting continues, talk to your doctor about possibly adjusting your dose or prescribing an anti-nausea medication.
Diarrhea
GLP-1 medications can also cause diarrhea because they affect how quickly food moves through your digestive system. Diarrhea can cause dehydration, so drink water frequently. It may also be a good idea to avoid dairy3 and high-fiber foods. Both can make diarrhea worse. Stick to easy-to-digest foods like rice, bananas, and applesauce until your symptoms pass.
Constipation
Some people may get constipation instead of diarrhea. Again - drink plenty of water! Staying hydrated is essential for preventing constipation. Gradually increase your intake of fiber-rich foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. You can also take a fiber supplement if needed. Gentle exercise, such as walking, can also help stimulate your digestive system.
Practical Tips to Minimize Side Effects
- Eat slowly: Eating slowly can help reduce digestive issues like nausea, vomiting, and bloating.
- Avoid heavy activity after meals: Resting after eating can help prevent nausea or other digestive issues.
- Stay consistent: Take your medication at the same time each day or week, as prescribed by your doctor.
- Start slow: If you’re new to GLP-1 medications, your doctor may start you on a low dose and gradually increase it to help minimize side effects.
Managing Rapid Weight Loss
You may have heard of “Ozempic face4,” where people experience sagging or wrinkling skin after rapid weight loss, particularly in the face. This can happen with any GLP-1 medication or rapid weight loss. Rapid weight loss is more likely to cause sagging skin. Aim to lose weight slowly and steadily to give your skin time to adjust. Keeping your skin hydrated by drinking water and using a moisturizer can improve skin elasticity. Building muscle through strength training can help reduce the appearance of sagging by tightening your skin. If the skin changes bother you, a dermatologist can recommend treatments to improve skin tone or refer you to a cosmetic specialist.
More Serious Side Effects
While most side effects of GLP-1 drugs are manageable, some are more serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, you should seek medical attention right away:
- Pancreatitis: This is inflammation of the pancreas and can cause severe pain, vomiting, and nausea. If you have sudden, intense stomach pain, see a doctor.
- Gastroparesis: This is a condition where the stomach takes too long to empty its contents. Symptoms include severe nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain.
- Bowel obstruction: This happens when part of your intestine becomes blocked. Symptoms include severe bloating, inability to pass gas, and constipation.
Most side effects of GLP-1 drugs are not serious and improve over time. However, if you have severe symptoms like intense stomach pain, prolonged vomiting, or are having a hard time passing stool, get medical attention right away. It’s also a good idea to speak with your doctor if you feel that the side effects are impacting your quality of life. Adjusting the dosage or switching to another medication might help.
GLP-1 drugs are powerful tools for managing diabetes and promoting weight loss, but there are side effects. By making small adjustments to your diet, staying hydrated, and being mindful of your body’s response, you can manage these side effects and continue to benefit from the medication. Always talk to your doctor if you have concerns or need help managing any symptoms.
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- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551568/#:~:text=Glucagon%2Dlike%20peptide%2D1%20(,options%20for%20these%20endocrine%20diseases
- https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/00325481.2021.2002616#d1e292
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9821052/
- https://www.jprasurg.com/article/S1748-6815(24)00417-0/abstract