Fixes for GI Side Effects of Wegovy and Zepbound

Management of Gastrointestinal Symptoms on GLP-1 and other Diet Medications

Most individuals will adjust to their diet medications and will tolerate them well. Gastrointestinal symptoms are the number one side effect of the new injection weight loss medications. We have designed a dosing for you that helps to minimize side effects. We urge you to consult us rather than design a unique dosing regimen that may not be safe.

Here is a blog post of mine on these diet medications for more information.

Glia Monsters Began the Monster Diet Revolution – Hada Cosmetic Medicine (hadacm.com)

Consult Us (orYour Healthcare Provider): If you’re experiencing persistent nausea or other GI side effects from your diet medication, contact us. There might be an underlying issue.

1. Take Medication with Food: Taking the medication with a small meal or snack might help reduce nausea.
2. Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can worsen nausea and other GI symptoms. Drink plenty of water throughout the day to stay hydrated. Sipping clear fluids like water, herbal teas, or clear broths can be soothing.
3. Avoid Trigger Foods: Keeping to the Mediterranean diet we recommend will help you both lose weight and avoid side effects. Avoid fatty, greasy, spicy, high sugar content, and heavily processed foods. Instead, opt for bland, easily digestible foods like plain rice, toast, applesauce, and bananas.
4. Ginger: Ginger has natural anti-nausea properties. You can try ginger tea, ginger chews, or ginger supplements (under the guidance of a healthcare professional) to help alleviate nausea.
5. Small, Frequent Meals: Instead of large meals, try eating smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day. This can help prevent your stomach from becoming too empty or too full, which might trigger discomfort.
6. Avoid Alcohol and Caffeine: Both alcohol and caffeine can irritate the stomach lining and worsen GI symptoms. Consider cutting back or avoiding these substances while you’re experiencing nausea.
7. Rest and Relaxation: Stress and fatigue can worsen nausea. Engage in relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga to help calm your body and mind.
8. Over-the-Counter Remedies: Some over-the-counter medications, like antacids or motion sickness drugs, may help alleviate nausea. Let us know if you begin these.
9. Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep track of your symptoms, their severity, and any triggers.
10. Consider Adjusting Dosage: If your healthcare provider agrees, adjusting the dosage or timing of your medication might help alleviate GI side effects. However, never modify your medication regimen without letting us know.
11. Anti nausea medications: Zofran, also known by its generic name ondansetron, is a medication often prescribed to treat nausea and vomiting caused by various conditions, including chemotherapy, surgery, and certain medical treatments. While it is generally well-tolerated, like all medications, Zofran can have potential side effects and adverse events, and we generally would not recommend routine use in order to tolerate a weight loss medicine.
12. Only use these medications if you are actually on a diet. You may need to cycle off medication if in fact you are on vacation, or in special celebration mode and know you are not able to diet.

Common Side Effects From Anti-nausea medicine:

1. Headache: Some individuals might experience headaches as a common side effect of Zofran.
2. Constipation: Zofran can slow down the digestive system, potentially leading to constipation, and on diet medications you may already be constipated which can worsen side effects.
3. Fatigue: Feeling tired or fatigued is another possible side effect.
4. Dizziness: Zofran could cause dizziness, especially when standing up quickly or moving suddenly.

                        Less Common Side Effects From Anti-nausea medicine:

1. Diarrhea: While constipation is more common, some people might experience diarrhea instead.
2. Flushing: Some individuals might notice a feeling of warmth or flushing of the skin.
3. Rash: Allergic reactions are rare, but they can manifest as a skin rash or itching.
4. Abnormal Heart Rhythms: Zofran has the potential to affect heart rhythms, particularly when taken at higher doses.

Serious Adverse Events (Rare) From Anti-Nausea Medication:

1. Serotonin Syndrome: Zofran can increase serotonin levels in the brain. When combined with other medications that also affect serotonin, this could lead to a condition known as serotonin syndrome. Symptoms may include confusion, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, muscle rigidity, and in severe cases, seizures.
2. QT Prolongation: Zofran has been associated with the prolongation of the QT interval in the heart’s electrical activity. This could potentially lead to abnormal heart rhythms, including a serious condition called Torsades de Pointes.
3. Allergic Reactions: While rare, some individuals may experience allergic reactions to Zofran. Signs of an allergic reaction could include hives, swelling of the face or throat, difficulty breathing, and severe dizziness.

Remember to inform us of any pre-existing medical conditions, allergies, and other medications you’re taking to ensure it’s safe and appropriate for you. If you experience any unexpected or severe side effects while taking Zofran, contact us or seek medical attention immediately.