A specialist has highlighted the potential risks associated with pausing and then resuming the use of Ozempic.
Originally intended for managing type 2 diabetes, Ozempic has gained popularity as a weight loss aid, with a growing number of individuals, including celebrities, employing it for shedding excess weight.
This medication is delivered through a weekly injection, starting with doses of 0.25mg and gradually increasing to the suggested maximum of 2mg.
Despite not being officially sanctioned for weight loss, it has become a favored option for those aiming to reduce their weight.
Nonetheless, there are questions about the repercussions of stopping the drug, the potential side effects, and whether it is feasible to resume its use.
Recently, a medical professional has provided insights into the possible outcomes.
Ozempic is administered weekly to aid in reducing blood sugar levels.
This medication functions by emulating the body’s GLP-1 hormone. It stimulates insulin release from the pancreas, reduces glucose production in the liver, and slows digestion, which in turn suppresses appetite and enhances feelings of fullness, indirectly promoting weight loss.
According to an article on Medical News Today by biologist D. M. Pollock and reviewed by pharmacist Philip Ngo, there are several reasons why patients might decide to discontinue Ozempic.
Yet, once discontinued, the drug’s effects gradually diminish, often resulting in increased appetite.
A 2022 study highlighted that a year after stopping a combination of semaglutide and lifestyle modifications, such as diet and exercise counseling, individuals regained two-thirds of the weight they had lost.
However, a 2024 study indicated that regular physical activity can mitigate this effect.
For those using Ozempic to manage type 2 diabetes symptoms, ceasing it can lead to elevated blood sugar levels, which may result in various side effects:
If you intend to resume Ozempic, it’s crucial to do so under medical supervision.
Experts recommend a gradual reintroduction to minimize gastrointestinal side effects.
There are concerns about the safety of temporarily discontinuing Ozempic, such as during a vacation, and then restarting it.
However, UCLA Health advises against this practice.
Health Clinical Nutrition expert Mopelola Adeyem stated: “Ozempic is a medication that is intended to be taken weekly and not as needed, thus it is not recommended to intentionally skip your Ozempic dose.”
“During holidays, the focus should be on making healthy, mindful, portion-conscious food choices to enjoy the season without derailing health goals.”
“Upon starting Ozempic, symptoms like nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation may occur as the body adjusts. Missing doses might cause these symptoms to reappear when restarting the medication, especially if skipped for several weeks and resuming at a higher dose.”
“Depending on the duration of missed doses, resuming Ozempic may require starting at a lower dose,” she added.
A Novo Nordisk spokesperson informed UNILAD: “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.”
“As per the licenced indication, Ozempic®(semaglutide injection) should only be used for the treatment of adults with insufficiently controlled type 2 diabetes mellitus as an adjunct to diet and exercise (as monotherapy or in combination with other medicines for treatment of diabetes).”
“Treatment decisions, including discontinuation of treatment, should be made together with a healthcare provider who can evaluate the appropriateness of using a GLP-1 based on assessment of a patient’s individual medical profile.”