Ozempic First Week Experience Vs Expectations: DOs And DONTs

“My Ozempic first week experience was awful. I developed severe diarrhea and abdominal cramps. I couldn’t eat anything for two to three days.

I got better on the 4th day. Started eating but was scared when administered the second shot.

However, I was much better and had no side effects except for fullness”

Ozempic first week review by Mr. Asif, 42 years of age, diagnosed case of Type 2 Diabetes, started on Ozempic when blood sugars were not controlled with Glimepiride 6 mg, metformin 2000 mg, Pioglitazone 30 mg, Empagliflozin 25 mg, and Sitagliptin 100 mg.

He lost about 5 kgs during the first 3 weeks. Most of the weight loss was probably because of discontinuing Pioglitazone as Mr. Asif didn’t seem to be a motivated kind of person.

He has not been compliant with my diabetic dietary advice and exercise.

My Ozempic First Week Experience: How I Reversed My Diabetes:

I weighed 135 lbs. I couldn’t help myself. My weight was increasing day by day. I was started on Zoloft (Sertraline) because of depression which was one more reason for my weight gain. However, I was too fond of fast food and had a sedentary lifestyle.

Over the past few weeks, my blood glucose started rising above the normal range. I was asymptomatic but my doctor put me on metformin.

I decided to reverse my diabetes and started Ozempic injections after consultation with my doctor. I was very motivated as I had already read lots of reviews about Ozempic.

I started Ozempic 0.25 mg weekly. I stopped all the junk and ate cabbage soup, salads, and one piece of roasted chicken in my evening meal.

Simultaneously, I joined a Gym and started working for about an hour daily. I lost 6 kgs (about 13 lbs in a week).

I was happy but my doctor was not. He insisted I start slowly and not starve myself as rapid weight loss can be harmful.

My weight loss has been very slow after the first week, probably that was all water loss. I stopped Ozempic after 2 months because I could not afford it.

However, I reversed my diabetes and am currently on diet and exercise only.

This Ozempic first week review and experience was shared by Mr. Hamdan, a medical representative at a national pharmaceutical company.

He is only 28 years of age and has recently been diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus.

Mr Hamdan has tried Wellbutrin, Orlistat, and Bupropion for weight loss but he loves eating fast food.

In addition, his mood fluctuates a lot. He may starve himself when he is motivated and then all of a sudden eat a whole platter of rice, pasta, etc. all at once.

He is not consistent but I will try my best to help him come back on track.

Ozempic First Week Experience Shared By Mrs. Ruqayya:

I have Type 2 Diabetes for the past 3 years. Currently, I am taking Janumet 50/1000 mg once daily after the evening meal, and Synjardy (12.5/1000 mg) once daily after breakfast.

My blood sugars are slightly off the targets (Fasting around 140 to 150 mg/dl and Post-meals around 220 mg/dl).

I also have depression because my husband is too busy all the time and not giving enough time to the family. Secondly, I am gaining weight which is adding to my psychological distress.

I have familial obesity and losing weight is one of the hardest things for me. I have tried all sorts of home remedies and Tik-Tokers’ advice but nothing has helped me.

My friend, who is an obese diabetic, referred me to consult Dr.Ahmed about starting Ozempic.

My Doc injected the first dose at his clinic as a demonstration. I was scared and not looking at it when he was injecting it but I didn’t feel a slight prick.

It was so easy and I am going to inject the rest myself. I have also been asked to take small meals and start regular exercise for healthy weight loss.

My current regimen includes:

Synjardy 12.5/1000 mg after breakfast, and
Metformin 1000 mg after dinner.

My Doc told me not to take Januvia or Galvus with Ozempic. I am not expecting significant weight loss during the first 4 weeks as my Doc told me the first 4 weeks are a trial period to get used to the injections.

I have kept Omeprazole with me to be on the safe side and overcome the GI side effects if any.

I hope this helps in reshaping my body and control my blood glucose.

Mrs. Ruqayya is a 54 years of age woman with diabetes and obesity (diabesity). She was struggling to get over her obesity, diabetes, and depression all at once.

I decided to motivate her to lose weight, control her blood glucose, and overcome her depression.

I also asked her husband to spare some time for the family, and at least go with them on outings on Sundays.

Her husband seemed concerned and supportive too and agreed.

I tell all my patients to go on a hike every week or spare some time for exercise. People don’t have time before their retirement and after they retire, their bodies and joints don’t support them.

Ozempic First Week Review Shared by Dr.Shazia:

I was on Humalog Mix 25 (44 units in the morning and 36 units in the evening) along with Synjardy 12.5/1000 mg after breakfast and Janumet 50/1000 m after dinner.

My weight was static at 92 kgs. However, after I got UTI, my doctor switched me to Janumet 50/1000 mg twice daily and stopped Synjardy.

I gained about 3 kg weight and simultaneously my stomach got upset. In addition, my blood glucose fluctuated between 120 mg/dl to 150 mg/dl in the morning and 160 to 230 mg/dl after meals.

I asked my doctor to prescribe Ozempic as one of my relatives, who was in the US, was using it and had better results with it.

My doctor agreed and I was put on the following medicines:

Inj. Ozempic 0.25 mg weekly for the first four weeks, then 0.5 mg weekly
Inj. Humalog Mix 25 44 units and 36 units
Tab. Metformin 1000 mg twice daily.

My doctor told me that I have to monitor my blood glucose and adjust my insulin accordingly.

Since I had a GI upset with Janumet, I was expecting more severe GI side effects. However, the Ozempic first week went very well probably because I discontinued Janumet.

My weight dropped from 92 kgs to 78 kgs. My sugars dropped significantly. I was switched to once daily Tresiba 22 units at bedtime which was truly relieving as was fed up with injecting myself.

Dr. Shazia is a practicing gynecologist. She was started on Ozempic. She started losing weight even during her first few weeks. However, she could not continue it because she felt weak after a 14 kg weight loss.

Ozempic First Week: Dos and Donts

Ozempic First Week: DOs
Get your first shot injected by an expert	Ozempic first-timers may find it difficult to inject or may inject it at the wrong site. It’s always best that your doctor or nurse inject the first shot and teach you how to inject. This also helps in alleviating your fears of needle pricks.
Eat lightly	You may not tolerate Ozempic during the first few weeks if you are eating full stomach. Try eating small meals, especially on the day of the injection. Take protein shakes, salads, and fruits.
Take plenty of fluids	Don’t dehydrate yourself. It is bad for your kidneys. Drink at least 2 to 3 liters of clear fluid, preferably water daily. Take frequent sips of ice water if you have nausea and if you don’t feel like drinking (as is common with Ozempic) Green tea, ginger tea, chamomile tea, or peppermint tea without sugars have been found to be most helpful in relieving the GI side effects of Ozempic. Avoid drinking more than 2 cups of coffee per day.
Take Fiber	Fiber supplementation not only helps in relieving constipation and bloating but it also helps you lose weight and manage your blood glucose. Metamucil is commonly available OTC
Have OTC medicines ready	For nausea: Meclizine and Pepto-Bismol may help For Constipation: Miralax, Senna, and Docusate sodium can be used for occasional constipation For Diarrhea: Imodium (Loperamide), Kao-pectate, and Pepto-Bismol For Bloating: Simethicone and digestive enzymes For Heartburn: Pepcid (Famotidine), Omeprazole, and antacids (Tums) For headache: Tylenol and Advil For Insomnia: Melatonin, Sleep Aid, and Doxylamine For Palpitations: Magnesium Glycinate For Fatigue: Vitamin D and Multivitamins
Exercise	Exercise helps you lose weight, control diabetes, and stay healthy. 30 minutes of brisk walk is generally recommended for all. Youngsters may exercise more than this but not exceed their body’s capacity.
Check your blood glucose:	Hypoglycemia is common if diabetes medications are not adjusted. People on insulin need to reduce their dose and check their blood glucose frequently.
Consult your doctor:	Always consult your doctor if you are not tolerating Ozempic or have developed side effects.

Ozempic First Week: DONTs
Do not stop your diabetes medications	Ozempic is usually administered with other diabetes medications. Do NOT stop your diabetes medications unless your doctor says so.
Do not share your injection	Do NOT share your injection or needle. You may transmit or get diseases such as HIV, Hepatitis, and other infections.
Do not jump to a higher dose Do not miss your dose	Always start from the recommended dose of 0.25 mg weekly for 4 weeks and then titrate the dose upwards. Do NOT jump straight to a higher dose. Do NOT miss your dose. In case you miss your dose, Do NOT take a double dose.
Go slowly	Don’t starve yourself or get yourself tired by exercising more than your body can tolerate. Go slowly even if you are not losing weight during the first few weeks.
Dont Get Discouraged	Don’t listen to negative comments. You are doing great. Focus on your blood glucose, diet, and exercise. You will see the difference soon.
Dont take greasy fatty foods	Fatty and Greasy foods are difficult to tolerate with Ozempic as they cause bloating and fullness. In addition, you may develop pancreatitis.
Dont drink alcohol	Avoid alcohol. It may be bad for your stomach and may mess with your sugars.
Don’t use it if you are pregnant or breastfeeding	Avoid taking Ozempic if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy.
Don’t use it with these medications	Avoid these medications if you are on Ozempic: Mounjaro (Tirzepatide) Rybelsus and Wegovy Liraglutide (Victoza and Saxenda) Trulicity (Dulaglutide) Exenatide (Byetta, Bydureon) Sitagliptin, Vildagliptin, Linagliptin Always consult your doctor when switching from one drug to another.