Sick from Ozempic

[CuriousCKD]

I started on Ozempic in May of 2023 with .25 for 1month. Then to .50 for a month, and finally to 1 mg against my better judgment for a month. Told my Endo that I wanted to go back to .50 dose per week. I gave myself one dose. Five days later, I started feeling sick to my stomach, and had a dull pain that did not quit. The next night I reached until I had a headache. I have been sick for close to six days. Went to Urgent Care, had bloodwork, and had normal liver, gall bladder, with no pancreatitis, but sodium is low at 132. Potassium and phosphorus are normal. However, the really good news is I have lost approximately 50 pounds, and my GFR went from 25 to 32. I had started walking at least 3 days a week, also.

At this moment in time, I am still sick, not eating well, and am a little concerned still. I am shaky and somewhat dizzy. Does anyone know if protein drinks with zero sugar OK to have on CKD? I can’t find a lot online. I am not getting protein. I’m existing on soda crackers, scrambled egg, a little toast and small amounts of white rice. I did drink one protein drink today with blueberries and a Tablespoon of Almond butter out of desperation.

Does anyone have any good advice for me?

[jodaer]

I'm sorry this is happening to you. Have you talked to your endo about this? Do you think it's from the Ozempic?

[Hidden]

Just be careful with anything labeled zero sugar in case it has sugar substitutes as all but stevia will damage kidneys. They are based on aspartame, stevia being a natural sweetener.

[OldTownhammock in reply to Hidden]

What about xylitol (birch sugar)?

[Hidden in reply to OldTownhammock]

Xylitol is not a natural sugar it is manufactured from xylose (birch sugar) and can have some devastating side effects to the intestines. Take it at your own risk or do your own research. Basically suck it and see.

[S_dillow]

im on munjaro 5 mcg i think its called and the only problem ive had when i started was constipation.i was told to make sure i ate before the shot and drank plenty of water so i guess im fortunate.ive heard a lot of stuff about ozempic but i cant say one way or the other

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

Curious why you think this was from the Ozempic. I would think a reaction would be sooner than six nights after the shot. And the fact that your liver labs came back and they said no pancreatitis would say it is not from the Ozempic. I too had a reaction when I went up to .5. But I did have pancreatitis and my labs indicated it. I went back down to .25 and have had no further issues. But my A1c was 5.3 last lab. You are lucky you lost weight. I initially did not lose any weight and actually gained weight for a while but that was due to BP meds. You do not say if you are diabetic. Did anyone check your blood sugar?

As far as protein, everything you mention you ate has some protein in it. You want to be careful to not put a heavy load on your kidneys. Protein drinks as such may not be a good choice since there is a lot of protein at once and of course, non-sugar additives and who knows what else. I would clear it with your doctor. The scrambled eggs are a good protein for the kidneys. The fact that you are still not feeling well, have you thought maybe you have a stomach bug?

[CuriousCKD in reply to Bassetmommer]

All the symptoms I have had correlate with Ozempic, although more severe. I am diabetic. My last A1C was 6.3, and this past week were running in the 140’s and one 150’s. At the Urgent Care clinic, it was 100. I have been worried about not getting protein, because I have barely eaten. That’s why I drank the protein drink. I took a long time to get it down, because. The sweetener in this one was monk fruit. I intend to ask my doctor about it. I don’t know what to eat at this point. I also had a little of an electrolyte drink that contained Erythritol. The PA I saw at UC suggested it. She had experience working in a dialysis center. I looked it up, and read that kidneys could process it.

I wondered if it were a stomach flu, but if it is, it’s totally different from anything I’ve ever had. Lots of burping, pain. I was thinking severe dyspepsia. I have had reflux in the past, but I haven’t had too much of a problem until I went on the Ozempic.

[Darlenia]

My hubby (a diabetic with a transplant) was never on Ozempic. We've noticed, however, that the symptoms you're experiencing are publicized as common side effects for Ozempic and then that's followed by by serious outcomes such as pancreatitis and vision disturbances. You asked about protein drinks and zero sugar. If the cause of your kidney disease is diabetes, staying away from carbs and sugar is exceptionally important - high glucose levels harm the kidneys. If you're a diabetic, the diabetic diet generally takes precedence over the renal diet when you're at a crossroads. In my opinion, your protein drink with blueberries and zero sugar is probably fine if you're a diabetic - it's likely low in sugars and carbs. But I'd like to add that I'm not a medical expert. As such, it's best if you ask your medical team for direction. Hope this helps!

[CuriousCKD in reply to Darlenia]

Diabetic diet over Renal diet? I like that! I am currently searching for a renal dietician. Thank you!

[MinnadeParis in reply to CuriousCKD]

Hi Curious CKD, if you find a good renal dietician plz lmk. I can do zoom if not in my area. I’m looking too, but I want one that menu driven and does not just give me….6oz of this and 8 oz of that. I need someone that will actually read my labs and go from there. I am not diabetic, and my potassium and phosphorus are fine, so I have more options.

Thnaks

[CuriousCKD in reply to MinnadeParis]

My husband has told me about someone online that gives online counseling. A man who is a PhD and works with another fellow. They both have type one diabetes and have extensively worked in this field. I’m not sure about renal diets. I will find out and let you know asap.

[MinnadeParis in reply to CuriousCKD]

🙏

[CuriousCKD in reply to MinnadeParis]

There is an organization called Nutritionaltherapy.com that I found online. They are located all over the U.S. Something for you to check out. ☺️

[CuriousCKD in reply to MinnadeParis]

Check this out on YouTube: HOW TO REVERSE KIDNEY DISEASE FROM DIABETES NATURALLY/MASTERING DIABETES

Even if you aren’t diabetic, there are some very good nutrition tips in the video for kidneys. Also , Mastering Diabetes has some other very good videos on nutrition as well. The main speaker’s name is Cyrus Khambatta. He’s very knowledgeable.

[Darlenia in reply to CuriousCKD]

There are some common foods that are okay in both - berries and cabbages for instance. Yet, when the only food choice is to go renal or go with the diabetic diet, the diabetic diet always takes precedence for us per my hubby's team. The white rice, white bread, noodles, etc. recommended in the renal diet further destroys the kidneys for diabetics with their net high carb numbers. So my hubby scrupulously avoids not only sugar, but also carbs - carbs turn into sugar down the road. Don't be surprised if the renal dietician you find doesn't know this...and promotes the renal diet exclusively. That's what happened to us so we returned to our doctors for clarification. It seems many renal dieticians aren't cross-educated on that specific problem, namely diabetes.

[CuriousCKD in reply to Darlenia]

Thank you for your input. This is good info for me and I appreciate it. I will definitely ask my neph or go online to find out more about it. ☺️

[userotc]

Whilst you may not wish to hear this, my personal advice would be to ditch the Ozempic! There's plenty scientific reports about side effects (some worse than the ones you've reported) plus other issues, as per my comments on it in previous posts.Re dietary protein, there's recent evidence that its less of an issue than previously reported, though that evidence largely refers to stage 3.

[CuriousCKD in reply to userotc]

I am inclined to agree, as I have been in a lot of discomfort. After a week of this and barely eating, I did not feel too badly today. Still burping a lot. It is hard to imagine going back on, at this point. My bloodwork the other day indicated my eGFR has gone up to 32. I hope I can keep it there for a long time. Interesting take on protein. I do feel better when I eat chicken or pork in small amounts. (I would like to eat more) I am not a fish eater, unfortunately. I have never liked it. Thank you for your input.

[userotc in reply to CuriousCKD]

No problem, glad you accepted my "advice" re Ozempic so well as I suspected you might not!

Re dietary protein, we will soon be gradually increasing my mum's to aid sarcopenia etc based on the recent scientific evidence I mentioned (can send link). But shes now CKD 3a.

Note she has been able to increase eGFR from 36 to ~60 in 6y via a Nutritional Therapy protocol. Hopefully at least still stable in imminent retest 🤞

[CuriousCKD in reply to userotc]

Wow! What an increase! That’s wonderful news. I hope she continues to improve with her Sarcopenia. I looked up the Nutritional Therapy site, but have no practitioners near where I live. I might check out and see if they do online counseling. I wish your Mom all the best. Thank you

[userotc in reply to CuriousCKD]

Many thanks. Id be shocked if most NTs dont consult online eg via Zoom. Good luck.

[CuriousCKD in reply to userotc]

Super! I will check it out. Thanks!