Ozempic (semaglutide) has been associated with stomach paralysis, often known as gastroparesis. Gastroparesis is a disorder in which the stomach muscles do not function properly, causing food to pass through the digestive tract too slowly. This can cause symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, bloating, and abdominal discomfort.
Food can back up into the esophagus in extreme cases of gastroparesis, causing heartburn and chest discomfort. This is due to the stomach muscles not functioning correctly, preventing food from moving through the digestive system regularly. Food can accumulate in the stomach and eventually back up into the esophagus as a result of this.
Symptoms
Gastroparesis is a chronic illness that can result in several symptoms, including:
Vomiting and nausea
Bloating and stomach discomfort
Feeling satisfied after consuming only a modest amount of food
Weight reduction
Chest discomfort and heartburn
Gastroparesis can potentially result in more significant consequences, including:
Dehydration
Malnutrition
Bezoar formation (the creation of a complex mass of food and other stuff in the stomach)
Obstruction of the bowel
If you have any of the symptoms of gastroparesis, you should consult a doctor immediately. Although there is no cure for gastroparesis, therapies are available to control symptoms and enhance quality of life.
Here are some recommendations for dealing with gastroparesis:
Throughout the day, eat modest, frequent meals.
Eat small, frequent meals that are heavy in fat or fiber.
Throughout the day, drink lots of water.
Eat slowly and thoroughly.
Avoid coffee and alcohol.
Risk Control
Take antiemetics, prokinetics, and painkillers to help you control your symptoms.
Surgery may be required in rare circumstances to treat gastroparesis. Surgery can be used to expand the path between the stomach and the small intestine, or it can be used to implant a pacemaker in the stomach muscles to assist them to function correctly.
Most persons with gastroparesis may live entire and active lives with adequate treatment. Malnutrition and dehydration might also result.
Ozempic is a GLP-1 (glucagon-like peptide-1) receptor agonist. GLP-1 is a hormone that aids in regulating blood sugar and appetite. Ozempic is a treatment for type 2 diabetes and obesity.
Ozempic may induce stomach paralysis by delaying food passage through the digestive tract. This can make it more difficult for the stomach to empty, resulting in food accumulation and gastroparesis symptoms.
Ozempic poses a modest risk of stomach paralysis; however, it is vital to be aware of the possibility. Consult your doctor if you are taking Ozempic and develop any gastroparesis symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, bloating, or stomach discomfort.
Here are some methods to help lower your risk of Ozempic stomach paralysis:
Begin with a low dose of Ozempic and gradually raise your dose as tolerated.
Take Ozempic with food to assist in delaying absorption and lessen the likelihood of adverse effects.
Stay hydrated by drinking lots of fluids throughout the day.
Eat small, frequent meals that are heavy in fat or fiber.
Throughout the day, eat modest, frequent meals.
Consult your doctor if you have any signs of gastroparesis.
Your doctor may advise you to discontinue Ozempic or switch to a different drug.
