Semaglutide Side Effects: It is well known that overweight and obesity have reached epidemic proportions in the whole world and especially disturbing is the fact that obesity increases the risk of diabetes type 2, atherosclerotic diseases, high blood pressure, fertility issues, etc. During the search for newer more effective medicines today semaglutide drugs are on the hype and the global market size in 2023 was 19.2 billion USD. Originally, GLP-1 receptor agonists were developed for the treatment of diabetes. They mimic the action of the hormone glucagon-like peptide 1, which stimulates insulin production and lowers blood sugar levels. Recently, the substances have also been shown to be effective for obesity – they slow down digestion, promote a longer-lasting feeling of satiety, and reduce the feeling of hunger.
What Does the Research Say?
In the 1970s, the scientists Jens Juul Holst and Joel Habener began research on the GLP-1 hormone. They were examining hormones secreted during eating which led to the discovery of GLP-1’s significant potency in 1988. Today Novo Nordisk Ozempic and Rybelsus, which are approved as antidiabetic medicines, and Wegovy as obesity treatment are the new blockbusters on the drug market. Ozempic and Rybelsus are often used off-label and even different influencers and popular celebrities promote their effects on body weight. Unfortunately, alongside the good effects these medicines have many other side effects, some of them pretty much controversial.
Common side effects of semaglutide include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Headaches
- Serious adverse effects include:
- Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
- Changes in vision
- Low blood sugar
- Kidney problems or kidney failure
- Serious allergic reactions
- Gallbladder problems
When to Reach Out to a Healthcare Provider? (Semaglutide Side Effects)
If you are taking semaglutide and experience any of the following symptoms, you should reach out to your healthcare provider immediately or seek emergency medical care:
- Ongoing pain starting in the upper left or middle of the abdomen that spreads to the back, with or without vomiting
- Rash, itchiness, swelling of the eyes, face, mouth, tongue, or throat, and difficulty breathing/swallowing
Decreased urine output or edema (swelling of legs, ankles or feet) - Changes in vision
- Dizziness and/or fainting
- Rapid heartbeat
- Upper abdominal pain, fever, jaundice, or clay-colored stool
When Can Semaglutide Be Used?
Semaglutide shouldn’t be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or if in the family’s health history, there is medullary thyroid cancer (MTC), a rare type of thyroid cancer, or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2), a rare endocrine condition. It should be carefully prescribed and used, if there is a history of pancreatitis or heavy alcohol consumption, as both can precipitate pancreatitis. As these medicines delay gastric emptying there have been rare post-marketing reports of pulmonary aspiration in patients receiving GLP-1 receptor agonists undergoing elective surgeries or procedures requiring general anesthesia or deep sedation, because they had residual gastric contents despite reported adherence to preoperative fasting recommendations.
Additionally, to all physical side effects the huge demand and insufficient supply of the medicines lead to long-term shortages and delays of the deliveries in the pharmacies. That results in significant health risks, because any anti-obesity medication needs to be used in the long term. People with diabetes even can’t buy it, because of the enormous scales of the off-label use. The scarce availability makes the drugs sold illegally on much higher prices without the conditions control the pharmacies have. There is a controversial practice in some pharmacies to attempt compounding the medications, but these are not officially approved by the health authorities. There are so many cases around the world with counterfeit injections causing serious health issues even deaths among the users.
Conclusion (Semaglutide Side Effects)
In conclusion, we can say that despite the fame semaglutide already has there are many side effects and risks that need to be taken in mind. On the other hand, some natural food supplements based on hesperidin can be used efficiently. It’s also called flavanone glycoside – a natural phenolic compound with a wide range of biological effects. Mounting evidence has demonstrated that hesperidin possesses an inhibitory effect against obesity diseases. Hesperidin actually regulates lipid metabolism and glucose metabolism, directly regulates antioxidant index and anti-apoptosis, and indirectly regulates inflammation to play a role in the treatment of obesity. The newest researches show how big the potential of this product is against the overweight and obesity globally.
Disclaimer:
As a service to our readers, MVS Pharma GmbH publishing provides access to our library of archived content — in our blog. Please note the date of the last review or update on all articles. No content on this site should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
MVS Pharma GmbH will soon be launching an omega-3 dietary supplement onto the European market that has been developed for the highest quality standards in terms of oxidation avoidance and therefore greatest bioavailability. In addition, in vitro studies are currently underway at the University of Ulm, in which Professor Dr. Rüdiger Groß tested a patented mouth and nose spray (Virudol) that can eliminate various flu viruses based on natural substances. In addition, MVS has a wholesale license and has specialized in sourcing much-needed medicines such as Amoxicillin, Salbutamol, etc. from India through its local branch with a focus on local quality and safety testing, compliance with international GMP regulations and the highest quality level of user security (examples of local language brochures, identical units of measurement, batch control and full tracking, etc.).
