CLEVELAND (WJW) – Are more people hospitalized due to popular prescription weight loss drugs?
Some doctors are reporting an increase in cases related to the drug Ozempic.
“We usually visit emergency departments very often, and there are a lot of them. People who haven’t had it,’ etc.,” said Dr. Terry Simpson.
The noted California-based weight loss surgeon and researcher said the drug’s popularity is growing because many Hollywood stars take it before red carpet events, but that’s not the drug’s intended use. said not.
“People have this idea that this is just a benign drug,” he said. “But it’s not a benign drug. It’s a lifelong drug. It’s a drug with serious side effects.”
According to the manufacturer’s website, side effects affect 1 in 10 people and include digestive problems such as diarrhea, vomiting and nausea.
“This is most emergency room visits,” Dr. Simpson said. “Fortunately pancreatitis is very rare, but it does happen.”
At the Cleveland Clinic, emergency department directors haven’t seen an increase in these cases, but a spokesperson told Fox 8 News, “We see several patients who continue to vomit while taking Ozempic and Wegobee.” admitted. A few of these patients required hospitalization for observation. “
“There are clearly no indications for these drugs in some people being treated,” said Dr. Scott Butch, director of obesity medicine at the Cleveland Clinic’s Institute of Obesity and Metabolism.
But when the drug is used properly under the supervision of a doctor, only a minority of the side effects are serious, he said, compared to other drugs.
“People considering these drugs should consider the knowledge and experience of their healthcare provider as they would for any other disease or condition,” he said. “Also, don’t assume that the higher the dose, the more weight you will lose.”
“Understanding this is a serious drug is not just about losing 10 or 20 pounds for the next reunion. But this is a drug used to treat the condition of morbid obesity. said Dr. Simpson. “I think if you take care of yourself and not the usual stopgap doctor treatment, you’ll be fine.”
Fox 8 reached out to Ozempic developer Novo Nordisk for comment but did not immediately receive a response.
