A medical condition may sometimes prohibit your doctor from prescribing Ozempic (Semaglutide) because of the possibility of harm—a condition called a contraindication.
Continue reading to learn more about Ozempic’s contraindications and who should not take Ozempic.
When Is Ozempic Use Contraindicated?
Ozempic is contraindicated in the following cases:
1) Thyroid Cancer
Ozempic should not be used in patients with thyroid cancer or those with a personal or family history of thyroid cancer.
Studies have identified a potential association between Ozempic use and thyroid tumors and thyroid cancer, leading to a boxed warning, the strongest caution for harmful drug side effects.
If you or a family member has a history of thyroid cancer, your physician would advise you to try another therapy and alert you to the warning signs of thyroid cancer.
Also, a further assessment is necessary if thyroid nodules or increased serum calcitonin are discovered during a physical examination or neck imaging.
2) Pancreatitis
Using Semaglutide has been associated with pancreatitis (pancreas inflammation).
Following the start of treatment, your doctor will closely monitor you for signs and symptoms of pancreatitis.
Those include persistent and severe stomach pain radiating to your back that is sometimes accompanied by vomiting.
If you develop symptoms of Ozempic-induced pancreatitis, your doctor will stop Ozempic.
3) Retinopathy
Damage to the eye’s blood vessels is known as diabetic retinopathy. Temporary deterioration of diabetic retinopathy has been linked to rapid improvements in glucose levels with the drug Ozempic.
When treating people with a history of diabetic retinopathy, ozempic should be given cautiously.
Your doctor will monitor you regularly for signs of diabetic retinopathy progression.
Get Your FREE Diabetes Diet Plan
- 15 foods to naturally lower blood sugar levels
- 3 day sample meal plan
- Designed exclusively by our nutritionist
4) Gastrointestinal Upsets
Ozempic can cause gastrointestinal manifestations such as constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or abdominal discomfort.
Most of the time, these side effects are not too severe and become better with time. Sometimes, they could be serious and need medical assistance.
However, before taking Ozempic, let your doctor know if you have any gastrointestinal conditions so they can modify your dosage.
5) Kidney Diseases
Ozempic can harm your kidney function and result in acute kidney injury, which is a severe loss of kidney function.
This might occur if you have an infection, are dehydrated, or use certain drugs that can damage your kidneys, including diuretics or NSAIDs.
Before using Ozempic, let your doctor know if you have kidney disease or if you take any drugs that may impair your kidney function.
Before and during therapy, your doctor may perform a kidney function test and change your dosage.
6) Allergy
Some individuals may have an allergic response to Ozempic, including a rash, itching, swelling at the injection site, breathing difficulties, or extreme disorientation.
Do not take Ozempic if you are allergic to any of Ozempic components.
7) Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Animal research suggests that there could be harm to your fetus if you took Ozempic while you’re pregnant.
It is recommended to discontinue Ozempic two months before trying to conceive.
The safety of breastfeeding while taking Ozempic is unknown.
Consult your doctor if you are or want to become pregnant. They will recommend another diabetic therapy for pregnant or lactating mothers.
Conclusion
There are several Ozempic contraindications when taking the drug is not recommended, for example, thyroid disease, pancreatitis, pregnancy, and breastfeeding.
Talk to your doctor about which diabetes medication is right for you if you have any of the above conditions.
