Ozempic has been a particularly viral topic this year — but what exactly it is, its side effects and more are still being uncovered by the general public. To learn more about the drug and its effects, FN spoke with Marion Yau, a Lonon-based podiatrist, nail and foot specialist.
Ozempic is an injection used to treat patients with type two diabetes, initially approved for usage in 2017, according to Forbes. However, in late 2022 and now 2023, it’s spiked in interest for its weight loss effects — going viral on TikTok, with #ozempic earning over 490 million views, as well as being touted by celebrities including Elon Musk.
According to Yau, the medicine’s potential side effects including allergic reactions, skin rashes and itching could affect one’s feet, though Ozempic’s official guidelines don’t show side effects for nail health.
“Severe allergic reactions can occur, which can result in severe swelling of the feet,” Yau says. “Two serious but rare side effects are acute kidney injury and pancreatitis, which can cause swollen legs that can be caused by fluid buildup. Numbness and changes in skin color have been reported by people taking Ozempic. Nail weaknesses have been reported in forums by people taking Ozempic drugs, but are not mentioned in the drug’s official leaflet.”
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From her experience, Yau recounts treating a non-diabetic female-identifying patient who used Ozempic for weight loss in November 2022.
“She said she was not diabetic and had no side effects. She also said the weekly injections were very easy and she was losing weight,” Yau recalls. “I saw her over the course of three weeks and watched her lose weight. She reported no side effects. She said the drugs are very readily available, but this was 3 months ago. I did not see any swelling in the legs or report numbness or nail issues.”
As Ozempic is a diabetes drug, its side effects may be similar for both diabetics and non-diabetics — though Yau says diabetics already face problems affecting their hearts, nerves and kidneys.
“It is very common for diabetics to develop foot problems such as swollen feet, numbness, and skin and muscle changes,” Yau says. “As diabetes worsens, the above symptoms worsen. If you have diabetes and you are taking diabetics drugs, it is recommended that you talk to your doctor about how to take Ozempic as it increases your risk of diabetic ketoacidosis, which can be a life-threatening emergency.”
As Ozempic grows in popularity, Yau’s advice for someone hoping to start using it for weight loss includes medical consultation beforehand. She recommends reading Ozempic’s side effects to learn more about how to properly use it, as well.
“If you have diabetes, it is recommended that you talk to your doctor about how to take Ozempic as it increases your risk of diabetic ketoacidosis, which can be a life-threatening emergency,” Yau says. “If you have pancreatic or kidney problems, consult your doctor before taking Ozempic, as it can lead to kidney failure and inflammation of the pancreas. Call your doctor if you experience any side effects and seek medical attention if necessary. Take the medicine as directed and under supervision by a doctor.”
