Are Muscle Pains an Ozempic Symptom?

Considered the “worst-kept secret in Hollywood,” Ozempic has become the most popular and debated topic of conversation in recent months.

Originally created to help patients with diabetes control their blood sugar, Ozempic has now reached superstardom in the realm of weight loss. While the drug has proven to be effective in helping people lose weight, concerns are rising around how quickly weight can be shed and what that means for your muscles.

Can Ozempic lead to muscle pain and loss? Keep reading to find out what our pain management physicians have to say!

What is Ozempic?

Ozempic is the brand name for a medication called semaglutide and is part of a broad class of drugs known as GLP-1 agonists. It is an injectable medication designed to treat type 2 diabetes but has since become famous for its rapid weight loss abilities.

Other medications under GLP-1 agonists include Mounjaro, Trulicity, and Wegovy, the latter of which is the only FDA-approved GLP-1 drug for weight management and loss.

How Does Ozempic Work?

Ozempic’s main goal is to lower blood sugar levels in those with type 2 diabetes. It does this by increasing the amount of insulin your body makes after a meal, slowing down the digestive process of food through your stomach, and lowering the amount of sugar released into the bloodstream.

When using Ozempic to treat diabetes, weight loss is a common side effect. This “benefit” has caused its rapid rise to the top, but it may not be suitable as a long-term weight loss alternative.

When using Ozempic for weight loss purposes, it’s possible that your body may adjust to the drug and plateau after a certain point. According to UC Davis Health, research indicates that if you stop taking Ozempic, it’s likely that you will gain back the weight you lost.

Can Ozempic Cause Muscle Pain?

Muscle pain is not a direct side effect of using Ozempic – but that doesn’t mean the drug isn’t entirely to blame. Ozempic muscle pain could be due to any of the following:

Using the Same Injection-site Weekly

Ozempic is an injectable medication, taken weekly. If people fail to alternate where they are injecting their medication, it can lead to bruising and swelling in the injection site. Swelling in the tissue above the muscle can put extra pressure down and lead to muscle soreness and aches.

Dehydration

One of Ozempic’s side effects is a reduced appetite. When people don’t feel inclined to eat, their drinking habits may also take a backseat. Failing to drink enough fluids throughout the day, coupled with Ozempic’s ability to increase urination, makes dehydration a possible risk.

This can lead to muscle soreness and painful muscle cramps.

Medication Side Effects

Ozempic is known to cause many gastrointestinal side effects that may contribute to perceived muscle pain and discomfort. Notable gastrointestinal side effects include:

Constipation
Diarrhea
Abdominal pain
Pancreatitis
Gallbladder disease

Despite side effects being found mainly in the stomach and intestines, gallstones and pancreatitis can result in perceived muscle aches and medication-related Ozempic back pain.

Can You Manage Muscle Pain While on Ozempic?

When it comes to the connection between Ozempic and muscle pain, it’s best to consult a pain management clinic near you. While your pain may be related to the medication, an underlying pain condition may be to blame.

However, some strategies can help you address muscle health while taking Ozempic. Strategies include:

Maintaining a protein-rich diet
Setting a daily fluid goal to stay hydrated
Get regular exercise, such as cardiovascular and strength training
Monitor changes in your body (feeling more fatigued, a decline in endurance, etc.)
Schedule regular check-ins with healthcare providers and your pain management physician

Consult with your healthcare providers before making any changes to your diet or daily routine to ensure safety for you and your health.

Find Relief with the Help of Pain Specialists of Charleston

While Ozempic may not be the direct link to your muscle pain, the medication’s side effects can lead to conditions that can contribute to ongoing pain and discomfort in your day-to-day life.

At Pain Specialists of Charleston, we are here to help you on your journey to a pain-free life. From interventional pain treatments to the latest medical research, our Board Certified Physicians specialize in helping our patients say goodbye to pain without surgery or habit-forming drugs.