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Side effects of GLP-1 diabetes and weight reduction drugs: “Ozempic face” and more

GLP-1 drugs have been shown to be very effective for diabetes and weight reduction, but additionally they have unwanted side effects. One of those unwanted side effects is “ozympic face,” where the skin on the face becomes wrinkled and wrinkled. The “Ozympic face” was coined as a reference to one among these drugs, although any rapid weight reduction could cause it.

What are GLP-1 drugs and the way do they work?

GLP-1 drugs, also called GLP-1 agonists, are short names for glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists. GLP-1 receptor agonists mimic the GLP-1 hormone that is of course released within the stomach in response to food.

When you eat, your digestive system breaks down carbohydrates into easy sugars that travel through your bloodstream. GLP-1 stimulates the discharge of insulin out of your pancreas. Insulin helps move glucose (sugar) out of the bloodstream and into your cells, where it might probably be used for nutrition and energy.

In individuals with type 2 diabetes, the body’s cells are immune to the consequences of insulin, the body doesn’t make enough insulin, or each. GLP-1 agonists stimulate the pancreas to release insulin and suppress the discharge of one other hormone called glucagon, each of which help control blood sugar levels in individuals with type 2 diabetes.

These drugs also work to suppress appetite within the brain and delay emptying, so you’re feeling fuller for longer. These effects can result in weight reduction, which could be a vital a part of diabetes management. GLP-1 agonists have been used to treat type 2 diabetes for nearly twenty years.

More recently, the FDA has approved several GLP-1 agonists for weight reduction in obese individuals who wouldn’t have diabetes. When used for obese or obesity, drugs are frequently prescribed in higher doses than those prescribed for diabetes.

What GLP-1 drugs can be found?

Ten GLP-1 drugs are FDA-approved for the treatment of either type 2 diabetes or weight reduction. Some GLP-1 agonists have the identical generic name but are marketed under different brand names and approved for various purposes, depending on the dose and the way they’re taken.

GLP-1 drugs

common name

Brand name

Approved use

Semaglutide injection

Ozempic

Type 2 diabetes

Semaglutide injection

Vagus

Weight loss

Semaglutide tablets

Rybellus

Type 2 diabetes

Liraglutide

Victoza

Type 2 diabetes

Liraglutide

Saxenda

Weight loss

Tirzepatide

Monjaro

Type 2 diabetes

Tirzepatide

Zip certain

Weight loss

Dolaglutide

The truth

Type 2 diabetes

Exenatide

Byta

Type 2 diabetes

Exenatide prolonged release

Bydureon

Type 2 diabetes

Differences between GLP-1 drugs include:

  • Foods GLP-1 drugs for weight reduction normally involve higher doses than the identical drug used to administer diabetes.
  • How are they taken? Most are given by injection, but there’s a pill option (Rybelsus).
  • Additional advantages. Some have been found to guard the guts, and should profit people liable to heart attack.
  • age All could be utilized by adults, but some are also approved for kids.
  • tolerance If your body cannot tolerate one GLP-1 drug, you possibly can try one other drug.

“Ozympic face” as a side effect of GLP-1 drugs

You can have heard of “Ozempic face” as a side effect of GLP-1 drugs, although the term is misleading as it might probably be a side effect of any GLP-1 drug or one other explanation for rapid weight reduction.

Rapid lack of fat on the face could be brought on by:

  • A hole look on the face
  • Changes in the dimensions of the lips, cheeks and chin
  • Wrinkles on the face
  • Sunken eyes
  • Jaws drooping across the jaw and neck.

If the load loss is more gradual, these changes might not be as noticeable. It is the rapid rate of weight reduction that happens with GLP-1 drugs which will further explain the facial changes.

If the unwanted side effects of “Ozempic face” are significant, they could be treated with cosmetic surgery.

Other unwanted side effects of GLP-1 drugs

Gastrointestinal symptoms—nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation—are by far essentially the most common unwanted side effects of GLP-1 drugs.

  • Nausea could be controlled by avoiding strong smells and eating crackers, mint, or ginger-based foods or beverages about half an hour after taking GLP-1 medication.
  • Vomiting could be managed by staying well hydrated and eating smaller, more frequent meals.
  • Diarrhea could be controlled by drinking loads of water and avoiding dairy products and high-fiber foods until symptoms subside.
  • Constipation could be controlled by getting enough fiber in your food plan and drinking loads of water.

To help avoid gastrointestinal unwanted side effects of GLP-1 medications:

  • Eat slowly and stop when full.
  • Keep small portions.
  • Avoid being too energetic immediately after eating.

Less common but more serious unwanted side effects of GLP-1 agonists include:

  • Pancreatitis, inflammation of the pancreas that causes abdominal pain.
  • gastroparesis, by which the movement of food through the stomach is slowed or stopped.
  • Intestinal obstruction, a blockage that stops food from passing through the intestines.
  • Gallstone attack and bile duct obstruction.

When to See a Doctor About GLP-1 Drug Side Effects

Most unwanted side effects of GLP-1 drugs usually are not serious. You should seek immediate medical attention if you will have:

  • Severe vomiting and diarrhea
  • Severe pain or tenderness in your abdomen
  • Inability to pass gas or move bowels.
  • Jaundice (yellowing of the skin).

Also, tell your doctor that you simply take GLP-1 medications in case you are having surgery or a procedure that involves general anesthesia. Because GLP-1 drugs slow digestion, you must stop taking them a couple of days before receiving anesthesia to be certain that your stomach is empty.