Can anyone help with Ozempic, thinking about starting it but would love any feedback

[Praying2BHealthy]

17 yr in on Erleada and Eligard looking to start Ozempic looking for input to anyone that is taking this regiment or how Ozempic is affecting others. TIA

[mrscruffy]

Works good for me keeping my A1C down. Helped with weight loss as medication is giving me secondary Type 2 Diabetes. The gradual weight loss is nice but slow and steady as I have become insulin resistant. Makes me sick as a dog if I eat too much sugar or carbs which is helpful. I was starving myself and not losing weight of any kind. Overall it has been good for me

[Mascouche]

Personally, I would recommend something like Keto and or fasting, or if diet is out of the question, then trying milder things such as Berberine or Garcinia Cambogia.

But if the above is of no interest, at least go in with as much knowledge as possible about Ozempic. Here is what the Perplexity AI answered when I asked it if Ozempic was safe:

***

Based on the available clinical research and safety data, Ozempic (semaglutide) is generally considered safe when used as prescribed, but like all medications, it does come with potential risks and side effects. Here's a summary of the key safety information:

1) Common side effects:

The most frequently reported adverse reactions (occurring in ≥5% of patients) include:

Gastrointestinal symptoms: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and constipation

Fatigue

2) Tolerability:

Most gastrointestinal symptoms are mild to moderate and resolve over time for most people.

However, a small percentage of patients (2.9% in one US clinical trial) may need to discontinue the medication due to intolerance.

3) More serious potential risks:

Thyroid C-cell tumors (boxed warning)

Pancreatitis

Gallbladder-related disorders (e.g., gallstones)

Hypoglycemia (especially when used with insulin or sulfonylureas)

Acute kidney injury

Diabetic retinopathy complications

4) Mental health concerns:

There have been reports of psychiatric events, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal ideation.

However, the US FDA investigated and did not find evidence that these medications directly caused suicidal thoughts or actions.

5) Long-term safety:

Ongoing studies are assessing the long-term safety of Ozempic, particularly regarding risks of pancreatic cancer, thyroid cancer, and diabetic retinopathy.

6) Regulatory approval:

Ozempic is approved by regulatory bodies like the FDA and TGA as safe for treating type 2 diabetes when used as directed.

7) Contraindications:

Ozempic is contraindicated in patients with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2.

It's important to note that the safety profile can vary between individuals, and the benefits of using Ozempic should be weighed against the potential risks under the guidance of a healthcare provider. Patients should be monitored for side effects and the medication should be used in conjunction with lifestyle modifications for optimal results and safety.

***

Hope this helps!

[Huzzah1]

There are always side effects that effect some as Mascouche has pointed out. Only trying it and seeing if they apply to you will tell. As to the positive - in addition to weight loss, it thas been found to be very good for your heart and most recently preliminary studies show very effective combating Alzheimer's. In addition it has been found to curb other cravings such as for alcohol.

The biggest issue is the cost if you are not a Diabetic. It will not be covered by Medicare. In the USA, that means about $1200/month. You can order it from Canada for about $375 but will need a script.

[Don_1213 in reply to Huzzah1]

My Medicare part D plan brings the monthly cost down to $235 - just got a refill today. Worth checking, they will want a letter for pre-approval. BTW - not diabetic, but "Pre-Diabetic" also qualifies - and almost anyone of any age can be diagnosed as pre-diabetic. My GP prescribed it and his office sent the letter.

Side effects - perhaps some gastro upset (or it was bad fish..) but nothing long-term. No mental problems. I'm old enough to not worry about the other cancers it might cause. And I stopped craving alcohol a long time ago - except the once a month Guinness when we're dining fancy (and thats not for the alcohol - I love the thickness of the brew..)

[Rickmartin1948]

Hi P2BH

I have not tried OZEMPIC, but I diagnosed myself as insulin resistant and the Oncologist and Cardiologist concurred. I went for Metformin, I am up to 500mg twice a day total 1000mg and find that its a true and tried drug that has been known literally for ages and now does not have a license restriction and its cheap and tried and available.

I am taking ORGOVYX never get the name right and had swollen like a balloon mostly around and what is worse inside my belly, which created heart issues.

Started Metformin one month ago and the first effect was inflamation came down and I lost about 2 kgs first ten days.

Now I am slowly crawling down and feel much better best of all.

When asked about Metformin to the Onco, he said, its great for you and might even have some anticancer effect. (Why in the hell did you not recommend it 7 years ago!!)

I think part of the problem is its no longer licensed and Labs are not pushing it and doctors only prescribe it when the sugar goes out of whack, but good doctors will admit that its a fantastic medicine to counter insulin resistance, which does not show in your glucose readings.

Just a comment, but my youngest daughter took Ozempic and had some nasty side effects that went away when she stopped

Only thing to watch with Metformin is if you have problems with your kidneys and some people have diahrrea when they start on it.

Obviously the GP has to tell you if its ok for you, or maybe you already tried it and did not work, but just in case I mentioned it.

[BigJ32]

started about 2 months ago, type 2 now, Dr said it could be from the prednisone. When I first stated, felt kinda full, food cravings were way down, some constipation and fatigue. Note- not sure if the fatigue is additive, because I’ve always had some level of fatigue for other meds. Get a little sick if you eat like I used to, so it makes portion control very easy (and intermittent fasting, if that’s your thing) nothing too bad, as side effects are fading. Lost 11 lbs. in 6-weeks so for. Best of luck to you.

[MateoBeach]

Unless one has significant (high risk) ASCVD (heart disease) along with pre-diabetes (insulin resistance etc.), I would favor a GLP1- agonist (semaglutide or tiraglutide) over a SGT (sodium-glucose co-transporter) such as Ozembic. Many beneficial effects being reported now that so many are taking these.

[gfarns]

I’ve been taking semaglutide for 6 months, lost 30 lbs no side effects. I’m been in Orgovyx for six months as well.

[SteveTheJ]

I started taking Ozempic about 2 years ago. It screws with appetite and IMHO so does ADT but I'm doing fine. Don't worry about it, ask your doctor if there is a protocol with stopping Ozempic if you don't like it.