Struggling with constipation from semaglutide? Learn strategies to help you get relief from this comprehensive guide.
Semaglutide is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist used in treating type 2 diabetes and weight loss management.
The drug is available under three brands: Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus. While semaglutide is a potent weight loss medication, you may experience several side effects.
Constipation is one of the bothersome side effects, affecting about 6% of users.
In this article, we will look at how Semaglutide causes constipation, various relieving strategies, and preventative measures.
Dietary fiber adds bulk to your stool, softens it, and makes your bowel movements more regular. Consuming around 22 to 34 grams of fiber daily should help most adults relieve constipation. However, slowly increase your dietary fiber to avoid discomfort or bloating. You can increase your fiber intake by eating more legumes, vegetables, fruits, and nuts.
Simply drinking plenty of water throughout the day can give you a lot of relief from constipation. Water makes your stool softer for easy passage, and your bowel movements become more regular. Aim for a minimum daily intake of 11.5 cups and 15.5 cups of water for women and men, respectively.
Exercising and upping your physical activity can improve gastric motility and increase the frequency of your bowel movements. Simply moving around and not sitting all the time can provide significant relief from constipation while on semaglutide. However, it is recommended that people get at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise every week for the best outcomes.
There are over-the-counter (OTC) stool softeners and laxatives that are readily available to help you relieve constipation. These medications can give you temporary relief from constipation while on semaglutide. Examples of these medications include Dulcolax (bisacodyl) and Senna. Discuss with your healthcare provider before resorting to long-term use of laxatives or stool softeners.
Semaglutide mimics Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), a natural hormone in your body. It delays gastric emptying and makes food stay longer in your stomach. This delayed transit slows down the digestion of food.
The duration of constipation from semaglutide or compounded semaglutide varies from person to person, depending on factors like diet and lifestyle. Semaglutide-induced constipation can last a few days or weeks, even after commencing various remedies. However, a study showed that people on semaglutide had constipation that lasted for an average of 47 days out of the 68-week treatment period.
As discussed above, semaglutide is a GLP-1 agonist. This drug reduces gastric emptying and intestinal motility. This allows more water to be absorbed from stool, making it harder. Semaglutide also stimulates brain centers to reduce appetite, which makes you feel full and can reduce your water intake, further drying out your stool. Reduced water intake, increased water absorption from the gut content, and decreased intestinal motility are responsible for constipation while on semaglutide.
According to the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases (NIDDK), here are some pointers that you may have constipation:
If you still experience constipation from semaglutide even after various treatments, it would be best to seek medical advice. Reach out to your healthcare provider if you have constipation alongside any of these symptoms:
Also, if you have a positive family history of colon or rectal cancer, do not hesitate to contact your healthcare provider.
Constipation from semaglutide is often transient, and lifestyle changes and OTC drugs usually provide significant relief. However, in case of severe or chronic constipation, your doctor may prescribe medications, such as:
Note that these drugs are rarely prescribed for semaglutide-induced constipation and will only be considered in extreme cases.
If you do not get relief from OTC drugs and lifestyle changes, you can contact your doctor for more informed treatment options.
Although constipation is a side effect of semaglutide, there are habits you can adopt to prevent it. The lifestyle changes discussed earlier do not only relieve but also prevent constipation before you experience it. Here are some tips to maintain a healthy lifestyle and prevent semaglutide-induced constipation:
Keep a record of your bowel movements while on semaglutide and note changes that may occur with dosage increments. These records can be of immense help when you discuss treatment plans with your healthcare provider. Also, with regular monitoring, early intervention can be done to prevent chronic constipation.
Having regular communication with your healthcare provider is important while using semaglutide. If you have any concerns about constipation while on semaglutide, reach out to your doctor. As discussed earlier, if constipation persists despite lifestyle changes and OTC drugs, consult your doctor. Also, If you notice disturbing symptoms like bloody stool or lower back pain, reach out to your doctor immediately. Adjustments can be made to your semaglutide dosage plan. Your doctor can also run further tests and offer better solutions for your needs.
Semaglutide has immense benefits, including weight loss and blood sugar control. However, it also comes with some side effects like constipation. Working with your healthcare provider to ensure that you maximize benefits and reduce side effects is crucial in your treatment with semaglutide. It is best to implement long-term strategies as constipation may be a recurring issue. Ensure you eat a lot of fiber, drink plenty of water, and exercise regularly to enjoy long-term relief from constipation.
There are a couple of steps you can take to treat constipation from semaglutide. Incorporate fiber into your diet, drink plenty of water, and exercise regularly. If these do not work, there are OTC medications like Dulcolax and Senna that can give you relief from this constipation. In severe cases, your healthcare provider may opt for prescription medications like lubiprostone and prucalopride.
Eating right, staying hydrated, and regularly exercising can help mitigate the side effects of semaglutide. Various OTC medications and supplements are also available to reduce the side effects. If you have any concerns about the side effects, contact your healthcare provider for professional advice.
The treatment of GLP-1 constipation is similar to treating semaglutide-induced constipation. A healthy diet, adequate hydration, and exercise can provide relief. If constipation persists, you can also consider a laxative and contact your healthcare provider.
There is no established way to flush semaglutide out of your body. After stopping the medication, you will need to be patient for the drug to get out of your system, and it may take up to a few weeks. In cases of accidental administration of semaglutide or overdose, reach out to your healthcare provider immediately or contact Poison Control.
Add more fiber to your diet, drink plenty of water, and try OTC laxatives or stool softeners. If you do not find relief, contact your healthcare provider for more treatment options.
Off-Label Use: When discussing off-label uses, such as using Ozempic for weight loss, make it clear that this is not FDA-approved for that purpose. For example, you can add a disclaimer like: “While Ozempic is primarily approved for treating Type 2 diabetes, some healthcare providers may prescribe it off-label for weight loss. However, this use is not FDA-approved.”
Medical Advice Disclaimer: Clearly state that the article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Encourage readers to consult with their healthcare provider before starting any new medication.
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