Ozempic is a branded medication used in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. It isn’t usually associated with joint pain, but may cause other side effects.
Ozempic is the branded, injectable form of the medication semaglutide. Doctors often prescribe it for the treatment of type 2 diabetes. They can also prescribe it to aid weight loss and reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke.
The generic drug semaglutide is also available as oral tablets, known as Rybelsus. Semaglutide is an ingredient in Wegovy — a Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved weight loss medication.
However, while there are some positive weight loss results from Ozempic, it is not FDA-approved for weight management. Using it in a way other than what it’s approved for is called off-label use.
Ozempic can cause a range of side effects, but it usually doesn’t cause joint pain. But if Ozempic isn’t working for you, consider speaking with a doctor to find an alternative treatment.
Ozempic and joint pain
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Joint pain is not a known side effect of Ozempic. But diabetes can cause joint pain, so you might mistakenly believe Ozempic is causing it. If you are taking Ozempic to aid weight loss, you may feel an ease in existing joint pain. Having overweight commonly leads to joint pain and arthritis. With weight loss, you may get relief from these symptoms.
reactions at the place where it was injected, including a rash or swelling
dizziness or fainting
swelling of your feet or ankles
decreased urination
These side effects can be serious or may point to issues with your organs, like acute kidney injury or pancreatitis, so you should seek medical attention immediately if you notice these side effects.
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There are several health benefits of taking Ozempic treatment. Here are some of the primary ones:
Enhances blood sugar control: Semaglutide, the generic form of Ozempic, acts by stimulating insulin release from the pancreas. It slows down or stops glucose production from the liver and delays food from leaving the stomach. This leads to a reduction in your blood sugar level. Taking Ozempic 0.5 milligrams (mg) and 1 mg alone can decrease your HbA1C (your 3-month blood sugar average) by 1.4–1.6%, respectively.
Cardiovascular health benefits: According to researchers, taking Ozempic decreases the incidence of stroke, heart attack, and other life threatening cardiovascular events.
Weight loss: Although Ozempic is not FDA-approved for weight management, it is effective for weight loss in some people with a higher BMI or obesity. This can reduce joint pain, the risk of heart attack or stroke, and other complications because of obesity.
Despite numerous health benefits, doctors advise caution as there are multiple health risks involved in taking Ozempic.
Risks of Ozempic
The health risks of Ozempic differ for each person. There are reports of some life threatening disorders associated with Ozempic treatment. The following are some of the major health risks of taking Ozempic:
Thyroid C-Cell tumor risk: According to the FDA, some animal studies suggest an increased risk of thyroid cancers, but they are yet to determine similar risks in humans. Consider these risks if you’re taking Ozempic, and keep an eye on symptoms like a sore throat or hoarseness.
Pancreatitis: Some research states that the risk of pancreatitis, or swelling of your pancreas, might have links with using semaglutide. This could then lead to pancreatic cancer. But more research is needed into this link.
Diabetic retinopathy: This is an eye condition causing vision loss in people with diabetes. This can happen to anyone with diabetes but is also a side effect of Ozempic treatment. According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, this side effect is usually temporary.
Hypoglycemia: Ozempic lowers blood sugar, so there is a small risk of hypoglycemia (when blood sugar is too low). This risk is usually very low, but it increases if you take Ozempic alongside other medications like sulfonylurea or insulin.
Acute kidney injury: There are reports of acute kidney injury cases among people taking Ozempic treatment. Kidney injuries may have links to the side effects on your digestive system, such as vomiting and diarrhea.
Gallbladder problems: Acute gallbladder diseases such as cholelithiasis (gallstones) or cholecystitis (gallbladder inflammation) are possible risks of Ozempic treatment.
Generally, medical experts recommend stopping Ozempic treatment in people with symptoms suggesting these health risks. If you are taking Ozempic treatment, speak with your doctor if you notice these symptoms or have any concerns.
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Alongside medications, diet and physical activity are very important in the treatment of type 2 diabetes. This is also helpful for weight loss and to reduce the risk of cardiovascular events like heart attacks or stroke.
If you need help covering the cost of medications, the free Optum Perks Discount Card could help you save up to 80% on prescription drugs. Follow the links on drug names for savings on that medication, or search for a specific drug here.
Summary
Ozempic is the brand-name drug of the medication semaglutide. Doctors often prescribe it to treat type 2 diabetes or for weight loss, and for maintaining cardiovascular health.
Joint pain is not a common side effect of Ozempic, but it is a complication of diabetes and obesity. You might notice a link when the cause is actually the condition Ozempic is being used to treat.
There are many other side effects and complications to keep a check on, and there are many alternative treatments if Ozempic isn’t working for you.
