Creators of Ozempic share 'special warnings' to anyone thinking of taking the drug

It seems like every man and his dog is on Ozempic these days.

Stars including James Corden, Amy Schumer, Sharon Osbourne, and Jeremy Clarkson have all confessed to using the diabetes drug to shed some pounds.

But before you jump on the bandwagon, you should take a look at the 'special warnings and precautions for use' which the boffins behind Ozempic have listed.

Although it's hailed as a miracle worker by some, others have experienced some pretty grisly side effects while taking it for weight loss purposes.

As with most things in life, it's different strokes for different folks, so people are largely on their own unique journeys with Ozempic.

How does Ozempic work?

The drug contains semaglutide as its active ingredient, which is a synthetic version of a hormone known as GLP-1 that our bodies produce to regulate our blood sugar levels.

In turn, your body produces more insulin while suppressing the amount of glucose that your liver makes, as well as slowing down how quickly your food is digested.

All of this makes you feel fuller for longer and reduces your appetite, which is how people manage to lose such a significant amount of weight with Ozempic.

However, it's not suited for everyone - and there is a host of 'special warnings and precautions' which medics have to consult before prescribing it.

Does Ozempic work for every type of diabetes?

First off, people who live with Type 1 diabetes should not take Ozempic, even though those with Type 2 diabetes use it to help manage their condition.

This is because there is not enough research into how it affects these people and whether the benefits outweigh the risks of taking it.

GLP-1 can increase the likelihood of a person with Type 1 diabetes suffering from low blood sugar, known as hypoglycemia - so stay away from it if you suffer from this.

Ozempic's creators also warn that the drug should not be used for the treatment of a life-threatening condition known as diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA).

According to the NHS, when there is a lack of insulin in the body, it can cause harmful substances called ketones to build up in the blood.

"Ozempic is not a substitute for insulin," the masterminds behind the drug explain.

"Diabetic ketoacidosis has been reported in insulin-dependent patients whom had rapid discontinuation or dose reduction of insulin when treatment with a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 RA) is started."

Ozempic's creators warn that you should exercise caution when using the drug (George Frey/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

Can you take Ozempic with heart issues?

Ozempic also warn that people with 'congestive heart failure' should steer clear of the drug due to the lack of research surrounding how it impacts them.

If you're set to undergo general anaesthesia or deep sedation, you should also avoid the weight loss medication, due to the 'increased risk of residual gastric content'.

Ozempic explains that cases of pulmonary aspiration - referring to food, liquid or stomach contents accidentally entering the airway - have been reported in patients taking GLP-1 RA medication.

The experts reckon this is down to a delay in 'gastric emptying' and warn medics that they should consider this before going ahead with a sedation.

Does Ozempic give you stomach issues?

There is also the potential for 'gastrointestinal adverse reactions', the drug's creators warn, which could spell bad news for people taking Ozempic who already have an impaired renal function, as it may 'deteriorate' further if they're not careful.

It explains: "This should be considered when treating patients with impaired renal function as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea may cause dehydration which could cause a deterioration of renal function."

The jabs have become extremely popular, but they aren't suitable for everyone (Getty Stock Image)

Other Ozempic recorded side effects

Acute pancreatitis has also cropped up for a lot of people using weight loss drugs such as Ozempic, so boffins say patients should be 'informed of the characteristic symptoms' when it's prescribed, so they know what to be wary of.

You should immediately stop taking the medication if you suspect the organ has become inflamed, and it 'should not be restarted' if it is confirmed that you are suffering from acute pancreatitis.

As well as all of this, you've got the increased risk of hypoglycaemia to worry about, like those with Type 1 diabetes.

Ozempic explains: "Patients treated with semaglutide in combination with a sulfonylurea or insulin may have an increased risk of hypoglycaemia. The risk can be lowered by reducing the dose of sulfonylurea or insulin when initiating treatment with semaglutide."

Complications can also arise for those on Ozempic who have diabetic retinopathy that is treated with insulin and semaglutide.

This is a complication of diabetes which arrives as a result of high blood sugar levels, wreaking havoc on the back of the eye - and it can even leave you blind if you don't get it sorted promptly.

Taking Ozempic when you have this can cause further complications, so its creators recommend monitoring these patients 'closely' while treating them in line with clinical guidelines.

So...do you still fancy giving the jabs a go?