Perks vs Side-Effects Of Ozempic: What's The Real Story Behind This GLP-1 Drug?

Usually used to lower blood sugar levels in individuals with type-2 diabetes, Ozempic is back on the lips of medical experts after a recent study revealed the possibility of semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy, proving effective in reducing the risk of Alzheimer's in patients with Type 2 diabetes.

These recent revelations published in Alzheimer's & Dementia support the nuero-protective benefits linked with GLP-1 receptors agonists. Ozempic has also been utilised to combat cardiovascular issues such as stroke and heart attack in people suffering from type 2 diabetes.

Benefits of Ozempic

The presence of GLP-1 receptors in the brain suggests that activating these receptors may offer neuroprotective effects, potentially aiding in the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s. A study in Nature noted that GLP-1 agonists can decrease inflammation in brain tissue, which is crucial since chronic inflammation is linked to cognitive decline.

Stable blood sugar levels are vital for mental well-being. Fluctuations in blood glucose can lead to mood disturbances, fatigue, and irritability, increasing the risk of anxiety and depression. By mitigating these spikes, Ozempic may indirectly enhance mood and cognitive clarity.

FDA issued boxed-warning on Ozempic

However, the side-effects linked with usage of Ozempic dosage makes many medical professionals wary to prescribe this Glucagon-like peptide drug. It all starts right from FDA issued boxed warning. Ozempic has a boxed warning, which is the most serious type of warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), according to a Healthline report.

"Ozempic has been shown to cause thyroid tumors and thyroid cancer in animals. It isn’t known if Ozempic can cause thyroid tumors or medullary thyroid cancer in humans. If you have a family or personal history of medullary thyroid cancer or a rare endocrine condition called multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2, you should not take Ozempic," the report claimed.

Risks linked with Ozempic

Constipation

Diarrhea

Abdominal pain

Vomiting

Nausea

These side effects might go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. In case they transform into a constant pain point individuals affected should contact their doctor.

Highly concerning side-effects

These side-effects are rare, and therefore require your immediate attention. If you have serious side effects from Ozempic, call your doctor right away

Diabetic retinopathy: This damage to your eyes that’s caused by diabetes.

Hypoglycemia: In this state, people complain of low blood sugar levels.

Gallbladder disease: This includes gallstones and inflammation of your gallbladder.

Nausea: It's a discomforting sensation in the back of the throat, central chest area, or at top of your stomach, followed by the urge to vomit.

Pancreatitis: This causes inflammation of the pancreas, a long flat organ tucked behind your stomach. It is a medical condition that causes belly pain, vomiting, and sometimes even life-threatening symptoms.