Weight Loss Medications Ozempic and Wegovy Gain Popularity but Trigger Adverse Reactions and Emergency Calls

Weight Loss Medications Ozempic and Wegovy Spark Emergency Calls Amid Adverse Effects Surge

Rising Popularity of Ozempic and Wegovy Leads to Concerns Over Adverse Reactions and Emergencies

The growing popularity of weight loss medications Ozempic and Wegovy, initially developed for managing Type 2 diabetes, has raised concerns due to an increase in adverse reactions and emergency calls. Banner Health has reported a surge in emergency calls related to these medications, indicating a 100% rise in adverse reactions among users.

While Ozempic and Wegovy have been effective in aiding weight loss, their usage has also led to unexpected side effects, prompting a warning from healthcare professionals. Dr. Samuel Saltz, of Banner Health in Fort Collins, emphasized that these medications are not suitable for everyone and cautioned against using them without professional supervision.

The medications, designed to regulate natural hormones in the pancreas and control insulin and blood sugar, inadvertently led to decreased appetite and subsequent weight loss in users. However, the loss of appetite has caused concerns such as gastroparesis, which slows down the stomach, leading to feelings of fullness and a reduced drive to eat.

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Furthermore, the medications have been linked to gallbladder disease, diarrhea, and dehydration, prompting emergency room visits for affected individuals. There have also been warnings against obtaining similar medications from compounded pharmacies, due to potential variations in ingredient amounts, leading to more adverse side effects.

Dr. Saltz advised individuals experiencing adverse effects to seek medical assistance promptly and cautioned against using the medications without a diabetes diagnosis. As the use of these medications continues to increase, further attention is being drawn to the potential risks and the importance of professional supervision and medical advice.

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