‘Ozempic gas’ explained as subtle side effect leaves some people unable to do normal bodily function
People have been documenting a new side effect of Ozempic, and it’s something that might cause issues.
Ozempic has been popular for some time now, and with people showing off their weight-loss transformations, it’s easy to see why.
The drug is a type of medication aimed at helping those with type 2 diabetes to control their blood sugar levels and insulin needs, and while it’s not approved as a weight loss option by the FDA, it has been prescribed 'off-label' to patients without diabetes.
Some users have gone on to list the side effects they have faced, which include ‘Ozempic face’ (hollow cheeks), ‘Ozempic butt’ (flat bottoms), ‘Ozempic hands’ (wrinkly hands), and even ‘Ozempic penis’ (bigger penises).
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But this latest one is something that’s shocking online users.
Dubbed ‘Ozempic gas’, people have found that they just can’t get comfortable anymore, and are struggling to pass wind.
What is ‘Ozempic gas’?
‘Ozempic gas’ is when a person is unable to pass gas after using the drug.
Social media users have taken to online forums to ask others for advice on minimizing the issue, and boy, did they deliver.
One thread saw a bloated Ozempic user plead on Reddit: “I just posted about my symptoms earlier but I started .5mg on Monday and tonight I’m experiencing trapped gas. My lower tummy hurts so bad, there’s so much pressure. Any tips to get the toots out? I’m trying to guzzle some water to see if it helps.”
To this, people began to list what helped them in their time of need.
Someone wrote: “I find squatting with a barbell gets things moving like nobody’s business. Also rubbing my stomach in circle. Or sometimes just laying on my stomach for a while. My wife just said if we have to, she’ll burp me.”
Another warned: “Don’t ever trust a fart on Oz. I know whereof I speak.”
What causes Ozempic gas?
As Ozempic stops people’s appetite from making them hungry and snack throughout the day, it could be attributed to its digestive process.
Dr Donald Grant, GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy told UNILAD: “Trapped wind and bloating are relatively common gastrointestinal side effects experienced by patients taking GLP-1 receptor agonists such as Ozempic and Mounjaro.
"These treatments work by slowing down the rate at which food leaves the stomach, which promotes a feeling of fullness but can also affect normal bowel motility.”
He explained that food and gas can remain in the digestive tract for longer periods of time when under the effect of Ozempic, leading to symptoms such as ‘bloating, abdominal discomfort, and the sensation of trapped wind’.
He shared that ‘some patients report finding it difficult to pass wind, which is consistent with the experiences described in the Reddit post’, adding: “This can be caused by delayed gastric emptying, changes in bowel tone, or even mild constipation, all known effects of weight loss injections.”
How can Ozempic gas be treated?
Such as how Reddit users came up with their own treatments including wind medication, bicycle legs and rubbing your stomach, Dr Grant shared: "Patients experiencing trapped wind while taking Ozempic may find relief through a few simple strategies.
"Staying well hydrated and adding soluble fibre, like that found in oats or fibre supplements, can help keep the bowels regular. Light activity after meals, like walking, can also support gut motility.”
He also said to limit foods which could exacerbate the symptoms, noting: “It’s worth cutting back on foods known to produce excess gas, such as beans, fizzy drinks, and artificial sweeteners. Some over-the-counter remedies containing simeticone, like Rennie’s Deflatine, may provide additional relief.
“If symptoms persist, patients should speak to their doctor, as adjusting the amount or timing of the medication can sometimes help. Fortunately, these side effects often settle as the body adapts to the medication."
What other side-effects can Ozempic cause?
According to Medical News Today, Ozempic has a list of common and not-so-common side-effects including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and constipation.
It may also contribute to the development of thyroid cancer, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when used with certain other diabetes drugs, pancreatitis (inflammation in your pancreas), gallbladder problems, and more.
Statement from Novo Nordisk
“Patient safety is of the utmost importance to Novo Nordisk. We recommend patients take these prescription-only medications for their approved indications and under the supervision of a healthcare professional.
“Use of GLP-1 receptor agonists such as Ozempic® (semaglutide injection) and Wegovy®▼ (semaglutide injection) may be associated with gastrointestinal (GI) side effects including flatulence and abdominal pain.
"In the phase 3a clinical trials with Wegovy® for weight management, GI side effects (such as nausea, vomiting, constipation and diarrhoea) were among the most frequently reported side effects.
"Nausea, diarrhoea and vomiting were most frequently reported during dose escalation, most were mild to moderate in severity and of short duration.
“We continuously collect safety data on our marketed GLP-1 RA medicines and work closely with the authorities to ensure patient safety. As part of this work we continue to monitor reports of adverse drug reactions through routine pharmacovigilance.
"We recommend that any patients experiencing side effects while taking GLP receptor agonists including Wegovy® or Ozempic® report them to their healthcare provider and via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme: https://yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk/.”
Britt Jones