People have been wondering what the side effects of Ozempic are after a woman tragically died trying to lose weight for her daughter's wedding.
Trish Webster, 56, was prescribed the drug to help her fit into a dress for the special day.
But tragically, Webster ended up dying from gastrointestinal illness and her husband has since blamed the drug for the complications she experienced.
Speaking on 60 Minutes Australia last week, Webster’s husband, Roy Webster, warned others of using the drug for weight loss.
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Roy said she was prescribed Ozempic by a doctor ‘who thought it was a good idea’, however, he clarified that she did not have diabetes.
He added that Trish had been losing weight while taking Ozempic along with weight loss drug Saxenda, losing 16 kilos in five months, however he also said it made her very ill.
“She went back to the doctor a couple times saying she is sick. She had diarrhea and nausea,” Roy said.
He found his wife unresponsive on January 16, months before their daughter’s wedding.
Recalling this incident on 60 Minutes Australia, he said: “She had a little bit of brown stuff coming out of her mouth, and I realized she wasn’t breathing and started doing CPR.
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“It was just pouring out, and I turned her onto the side because she couldn’t breathe.”
Trish died that evening.
"If I knew that could happen, she wouldn’t have been taking it. I never thought you could die from it," Roy said.
“She shouldn’t be gone, you know. It’s just not worth it, it’s not worth it at all.”
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Ozempic has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration for people with Type 2 diabetes and it has since been used as a weight-loss drug.
The drug makes people feel full for much longer by slowing down the passage of food through the stomach and intestines. However, problems can arise if the intestines become blocked which is called ‘ileus.’
There are many common side effects that can arise as a result of taking Ozempic, all of which is advised you speak to a healthcare professional about if you experience.
The side effects include:
- Nausea
- Stomach pain
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
The official Ozempic website advises those who experience nausea from the drug to avoid fried, greasy or sweet food, instead consuming bland, low-fat foods such as crackers, toast and rice.
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Other advice includes eating more slowly, going outdoors for some fresh air, and avoiding laying down after you eat.