Ozempic (semaglutide) is an injection medication prescribed for diabetes that belongs to the group known as GLP-1 receptor agonists.
Some patients taking the drug without having a gallbladder have reported experiencing adverse side effects from it, including cases of pancreatitis and other reported discomforts in their digestive systems.
Many of these incidents have resulted in lawsuits, so if you have experienced difficulties due to these products, consulting with a product liability attorney may help.
Digestive Issues
Ozempic may cause digestive issues in those without gallbladders, such as abdominal pain, gas, or diarrhea when taking high-fat or fiber foods that can be hard for them to break down without their gallbladder.
Your doctor may order blood tests or an ultrasound to test how well your gallbladder is functioning. If it isn’t, pancreatitis may occur and require medical treatment – Ozempic is unlikely to be prescribed, or could switch over to another diabetes medication instead.
People taking Ozempic or its generic version, Wegovy, long-term report that it helps curb cravings for sweet and fatty foods while making them feel full. Still, dieters must continue with diet and exercise programs in order to lose weight effectively while adhering to weekly injections: the liquid solution comes prefilled in prefilled pens that you inject yourself; your doctor will show you how.
Liver Function
The liver draws its blood supply from two sources – the hepatic portal vein and the hepatic arteries. Of these sources, 75% of liver blood flows through the former, while arterial blood supplies aid organ function.
The gallbladder, on the other hand, attaches to the underside of your liver and stores bile that helps digest fats. Once filled, it releases this bile into your duodenum via tiny branches called the biliary tree for use by other parts of your digestive system.
Ozempic and similar medications, such as Victoza, can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). You are more likely to experience this side effect if you combine this type 2 diabetes medication with another medicine that lowers your blood sugar, such as sulfonylurea or insulin, which also lowers it. Symptoms of low blood sugar include nausea and vomiting, confusion or lightheadedness, irritability or mood changes, sweating, fast heartbeat, feeling weak, and dehydration.
Individual Variations
Ozempic is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that stimulates insulin release while slowing food passage through the stomach, leading to weight loss and helping lower blood sugar in people living with type 2 diabetes. These effects contribute to both weight reduction and decreased blood sugar.
Stomach pain, diarrhea, and nausea are among the more frequently reported side effects of Ozempic drug therapy. A small number of users may also have
experienced “Ozempic face” (the development of fuller derriere) and “Ozempic heartburn”.
Ozempic and similar medicines have been linked with thyroid tumors and medullary thyroid cancer in rodent studies; its impact remains unknown on people. Are You Experiencing Serious Side Effects From Medication? Other severe side effects from this medication may include pancreatitis, gallstones, and liver inflammation. If these symptoms appear while taking the drug, discontinue immediately taking it and contact your physician as soon as possible for medical advice.
Side Effects
Ozempic can cause side effects that affect your GI system, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. Without a gallbladder present, these side effects may become more pronounced, leading to poor fat digestion and absorption, according to Diabetes Daily.
Ozempic may also slow stomach emptying, potentially interfering with the absorption of other medications taken alongside it, such as diabetes medications such as sulfonylureas and insulin, as well as drugs used for heart or blood vessel problems.
Semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, may increase your risk of pancreatitis – an inflammation of the pancreas – which requires surgery. Therefore, it is crucial that before beginning this medication, you discuss any prior history with pancreatitis or any other issues with your physician and inform him/her of all medications taken, including vitamins, herbal remedies, or supplements that could interact with this one – any allergic reactions should be seen immediately as these are considered medical emergencies and require immediate medical assistance.