6 Ways to Relieve Constipation Caused by Ozempic

Ozempic (semaglutide) is a popular medication used to manage type 2 diabetes and weight loss. It works by lowering your blood sugar, affecting your appetite and slowing digestion. Constipation is a common and generally manageable side effect of Ozempic.

There are several ways to prevent or manage Ozempic-related constipation, such as:

Eating enough fiber can help prevent or treat constipation. Foods high in fiber include whole grains, nut butters, green leafy vegetables, and berries. It’s important to gradually increase your fiber intake, as too much fiber can cause digestive side effects like gas, bloating, and diarrhea.

Drinking enough water is important for your health in many ways. The National Academy of Medicine recommends 15.5 cups (3.4 liters) of water per day for men and 11.5 cups (2.7 liters) per day for women. These recommendations may differ depending on your activity level, diet, location and medical history.

Exercising regularly helps your digestive system move food through your gut regularly.

Try to have a bowel movement at the same time every day to get your bowels and bowels into a healthy routine.

A nutritious, balanced diet can help treat or prevent the development of constipation. It may also be helpful to keep a food diary to see if there are any patterns in your diet that could be causing constipation.

Over-the-counter (OTC) medications are available to help treat or prevent constipation. This includes laxatives and stool softeners like Miralax (polyethylene glycol), Ducolax (bisacodyl), Senna (sennosides), and Colace (docusate sodium). Talk to a healthcare professional to decide which option is best for you.

When taking Ozempic, constipation can occur for many different reasons. Possible causes include slower gastric emptying, dehydration, etc.

• Slower gastric emptying: Ozempic belongs to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. GLP-1 agonists slow down digestion and the rate at which your stomach empties. This is why you may feel fuller for longer when taking Ozempic. Slower emptying of the stomach leads to side effects such as nausea, bloating and constipation.
• Dehydration: If you’re eating less because you’re not hungry, you may also be drinking less water. Dehydration can cause hard stools (poop) and difficulty passing stools. Experiencing other side effects of Ozempic, such as vomiting, may also lead to dehydration and constipation.
• Decreased appetite or eating less food: Ozempic slows down the emptying of your stomach, making you feel full. This probably means you have less appetite and will eat less than usual. Changes in your routine and the foods you eat can lead to constipation. When you eat less, your body doesn’t have much material to form stools. This will make the stools you have small and hard. Not eating enough of certain foods can also lead to constipation. For example, removing a consistent amount of fiber from your diet will likely lead to pain and difficulty having a bowel movement.

It is estimated that 40-70% of people taking Ozempic will experience one or more gastrointestinal (GI) side effects. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are three of the most commonly reported gastrointestinal side effects with Ozempic. Constipation is the least common gastrointestinal side effect. occurring in 4-12% of people taking Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs.

Some studies have reported that Ozempic-related constipation is more common in people who are overweight or obese than in people with diabetes. However, more research is needed to understand whether certain medical conditions affect your risk of constipation.

Constipation is usually seen within the first 28 days after starting Ozempic. However, it can start at any time during the first 16 weeks (four months) of treatment.

The length of time a person experiences constipation can vary. For example, one study found that constipation lasted about 47 days (six weeks) in people taking Ozempic for weight loss. Constipation improved on its own after some time in these patients.

Higher doses of Ozempic may also increase your risk of constipation. Your healthcare professional will probably start you on a low dose to limit your risk of side effects.

If constipation begins to disrupt your daily life or you don’t feel relief after trying different treatments, talk to a healthcare professional. They can help you determine the next steps in treatment.

If you begin to experience any of the following signs and symptoms, seek medical attention immediately:

• Severe stomach pain (worse than usual)
• Blood in your stool or rectal bleeding
• Stomach swelling
• Unable to pass gas
• Vomiting, especially if it is dark in color
• Fever

These symptoms may indicate a serious injury or illness. It is important to consult a healthcare professional to rule out any serious health issues or concerns.

If you are taking Ozempic and are concerned about constipation, talk to your healthcare professional. They can help you develop a plan to prevent or treat the side effect. Do not stop taking Ozempic if you start to experience constipation. Talk with your doctor first to decide what plan is best for you and your health.