There’s a new side effect of Ozempic being discussed, and it could be problematic for some users.
Ozempic has gained popularity recently, largely due to numerous individuals showcasing their weight-loss successes. It’s not hard to understand the appeal.
This medication is designed for those with type 2 diabetes to manage their blood sugar and insulin requirements. Although it’s not FDA-approved for weight loss, it’s been used ‘off-label’ for non-diabetic individuals.
Users have reported various side effects, including the so-called ‘Ozempic face’ (sunken cheeks), ‘Ozempic butt’ (flattened backside), ‘Ozempic hands’ (wrinkled hands), and ‘Ozempic penis’ (enlarged genitalia).
However, a new concern is making waves online.
Referred to as ‘Ozempic gas,’ individuals are finding it difficult to pass wind, leading to discomfort.
‘Ozempic gas’ describes the inability to pass gas after using the medication.
Online discussions have emerged where users seek advice on alleviating this issue, and responses have been plentiful.
In one online forum, a user experiencing discomfort shared: “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.”
Fellow users offered various solutions for relief.
One person suggested: “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 cautioned: “Don’t ever trust a fart on Oz. I know whereof I speak.”
Ozempic works by reducing hunger and curbing the desire to snack, which might influence digestive processes.
Dr. Donald Grant, GP and Senior Clinical Advisor at The Independent Pharmacy, explained to 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 elaborated that Ozempic can cause food and gas to linger in the digestive system, leading to symptoms like ‘bloating, abdominal discomfort, and the sensation of trapped wind’.
Dr. Grant noted, “Some patients report finding it difficult to pass wind, which is consistent with the experiences described in the Reddit post,” adding that delayed gastric emptying, changes in bowel tone, or mild constipation might be contributing factors.
Reddit users have suggested remedies like wind medication, bicycle legs, and stomach rubbing. Dr. Grant advises: “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 recommends avoiding foods that could worsen symptoms, stating: “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.”
Medical News Today outlines both common and uncommon side effects of Ozempic, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and constipation.
The medication may also be linked to thyroid cancer, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when combined with specific diabetes medications, pancreatitis (pancreas inflammation), gallbladder issues, and more.
“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/.”