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Diarrhea
Semaglutide — Diarrhea
Side-Effect
Semaglutide is part of a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist, which has been approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) for the following uses in patients with Type 2 diabetes:
To help regulate blood sugar levels
To minimize the risks of cardiovascular problems in patients suffering from heart diseases
To manage symptoms of chronic kidney disease
Like many other medications, Semaglutide can cause side effects, including diarrhea. Due to its unpleasant outcome, some patients may stop using Semaglutide. In this article, we will explain what you should do if you experience diarrhea during Semaglutide treatment.
Diarrhea during Semaglutide treatment
Diarrhea during Semaglutide treatment
This is one of the most common side effects, and it’s often accompanied by other symptoms such as vomiting and nausea. Scientists are unsure of the reasons behind diarrhea. They suggest that taking Semaglutide may lead to changes to the digestive system.
This medicine affects nutrient absorption rates, causing you to stay fuller for a longer period of time, after you have eaten. Some patients may experience a stool reflex, causing diarrhea. This happens when the food presence in the gastrointestinal tract stimulates the colon to process and move digested food along the GI tract, creating space for food digestion. However, some people may have an overactive or strong reflex, leading to diarrhea.
According to research conducted in 2022, diarrhea symptoms caused by Semaglutide are often mild. Only 4.3% of people who participated in the study had to stop treatment because of GI side effects.
How long does it last?
How long does it last?
The duration and severity of Semaglutide side effects differ and depend on individuals. However, based on the above 2022 study, people experienced diarrhea three days after starting treatment.
For most people, diarrhea caused by Semaglutide stops within the first four weeks of the treatment. You may experience side effects if your doctor increases the dose of this medication, because your body needs time to adjust.
If symptoms become severe, or keep recurring after four weeks, ask your doctor to adjust the dose to minimize your symptoms.
Managing symptoms?
Your doctor will offer guidance on how to deal with particular side effects. They might suggest a combination of anti-diarrheal medications and dietary changes. It’s important to keep track of symptoms and to get immediate medical attention if side effects worsen.
Things you can do:
Eat small, and more frequent meals
Large meals can affect your digestive system, making diarrhea worse, especially when you are starting with Semaglutide. To decrease the risks, make sure you take smaller, more frequent meals throughout the day. This will give your GI tract more time to absorb and process nutrients without becoming overwhelmed, while minimizing the risk of diarrhea.
Focus on meals that combine fiber-rich carbs, healthy fats, and proteins. This will help stabilize your blood sugar levels, minimize appetite fluctuations, and eventually help with diarrhea. Only eat when you are hungry.
Increase the intake of soluble fiber
This is one of the simplest and most effective ways to manage diarrhea. Soluble fiber absorbs water and helps bulk up your stool, making it firmer and reducing the frequency of bowel movement. Foods rich in soluble fibers include sweet potatoes, bananas, apples, peas, lentils, beans, and oats. Adding these to your diet will stabilize your digestion and help you with diarrhea.
Drink plenty of water
Diarrhea causes dehydration, especially if you are losing a lot of fluids. This can lead to fatigue, dizziness, and weakness. Staying hydrated and drinking a lot of water is crucial. But, when you lose minerals and water, water alone may not be enough.
To combat this, use chloride, potassium, and sodium electrolytes. They will replace the minerals you lose through diarrhea, ensuring your body stays hydrated and balanced.
Over-the-counter medications
Usually, diarrhea affects your day-to-day life, but taking a medication scan can help you resume your activities as your body adjusts to the current situation. Over-the-counter medications such as Loperamide and Pepto-Bismol can minimize this condition and reduce diarrhea. They work by reducing the passing of stool through your GI tract.
Only take these medications when necessary because holding stools in your GI tract can be dangerous. Talk to your doctor before using over-the-counter medications. If you experience diarrhea, make sure to stay hydrated because severe dehydration can lead to kidney problems.
Things to avoid:
Going to bed after a meal
Eating before going to bed
Particular foods with added sugar, dairy foods, and spicy dishes
Alcohol and caffeine
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