Can Ozempic Cause Muscle Pain? Understanding the Side Effects

Ozempic, containing the active ingredient semaglutide, is an injectable medication that has FDA approval for treating type 2 diabetes, though it is often utilized off-label to help with weight loss (1). Semaglutide is also utilized in Wegovy, a medication specifically approved by the FDA for obesity management. 

Common side effects of Ozempic include gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea (1). Reports of joint pain and muscle discomfort exist but are not extensively documented. One of the questions that arise among users and those considering the medication is about its connection to muscle pain. 

There's no known link between Ozempic and joint or muscle pain. Such symptoms could stem from alternative factors, like underlying medical issues. This article delves into the correlation, or lack thereof, between Ozempic and muscle discomfort, drawing insights from clinical studies and recommendations from medical professionals.

Why Would Someone Experience Muscle Pain When Taking Ozempic?

Muscle pain, or myalgia, can be a disconcerting side effect for patients taking any new medication. In clinical trials, people taking semaglutide reported a range of gut-related side effects. However, there weren’t any reports of joint pain (1, 2). 

Ozempic may indirectly cause muscle aches by the following:

• Medication Side Effects: Ozempic has a well-documented association with gastrointestinal side effects, which may indirectly contribute to discomfort and perceived muscle pain. Furthermore, there have been reports of gallstones and pancreatitis in individuals on Ozempic. Both conditions can cause perceived muscle pain in the abdomen or back. 
• Nutritional Deficiencies: Ozempic affects appetite and may lead to reduced food intake, potentially causing nutritional deficiencies or electrolyte imbalances that could contribute to muscle pain.
• Dehydration: This medication can increase urination (3), leading to dehydration, a common culprit behind muscle cramps and pain.

While there’s no proven direct link between Ozempic and muscle aches, new aches or pains of any kind are important to pay attention to. It’s important to talk with your doctor about any symptoms regarding muscle pain if you’re on Ozempic. Underlying issues such as gallstones, pancreatitis, nutritional deficiencies, or dehydration may be to blame. They can do a physical exam, run labs, and get imaging if they think it’s necessary.

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What Do Doctors Say About the Ozempic & Muscle Pain Connection?

Medical professionals acknowledge that while Ozempic does have side effects, direct causation of muscle pain isn't prominently noted in medical literature or clinical trials. However, doctors also recognize the complexity of the human body and the way individuals may react differently to medications. They advise patients to:

• Monitor symptoms closely and report them to your healthcare provider.
• Ensure a balanced diet and proper hydration to mitigate potential side effects.
• Get regular blood work to check for deficiencies that could be addressed through supplements.

Does Ozempic Affect Your Muscles Directly?

There is no concrete evidence to suggest that Ozempic directly impacts muscle tissue. However, the changes in lifestyle and diet may indirectly affect muscle health. Weight loss, especially rapid weight loss achieved through medication without proper nutritional support, can lead to muscle loss (4, 5).

How to Address Muscle Loss While On Ozempic

For patients concerned about muscle health while taking Ozempic, there are strategies to mitigate potential issues:

• Protein-Rich Diet: Ensure your diet includes adequate protein to support muscle repair and growth (6). Consider speaking with a dietitian to tailor your diet to your specific needs.
• Hydration: Drink plenty of water throughout the day to prevent dehydration and muscle cramps.
• Regular Exercise: Engage in cardiovascular and strength-training exercises to maintain muscle mass and overall fitness (4, 5).
• Consult Healthcare Providers: Regular check-ups can help monitor your health and adjust your treatment plan as necessary.

Key Takeaways for Managing Ozempic and Muscle Pain

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In summary, while Ozempic’s direct link to muscle pain may not be explicitly documented, the medication's side effects can lead to conditions that might contribute to discomfort or pain. It’s important to maintain a dialogue with their healthcare providers and take proactive steps in managing their diet and lifestyle while on the medication. Always report any side effects to your doctor and work together to find the best plan for your health needs.

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If you are interested in exploring semaglutide treatment for weight management, visit Mochi Health to determine your eligibility for our program. Take the first step towards a well-informed decision and proactive health management today.

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Sources:

1. Wilding JPH, Batterham RL, Calanna S, Davies M, Van Gaal LF, Lingvay I, et al. Once-Weekly Semaglutide in Adults with Overweight or Obesity. N Engl J Med. 2021 Mar 18;384(11):989–1002. 
2. 2. “Ozempic® (SEMAGLUTIDE) Injection for Type 2 Diabetes.” Ozempic® (Semaglutide) Injection for Type 2 Diabetes, www.ozempic.com/. Accessed 30 Apr. 2024. 
3. Jean-Pierre Gutzwiller, Stefan Tschopp, Andreas Bock, Carlos E. Zehnder, Andreas R. Huber, Monika Kreyenbuehl, Heike Gutmann, Jürgen Drewe, Christoph Henzen, Burkhard Goeke, Christoph Beglinger, Glucagon-Like Peptide 1 Induces Natriuresis in Healthy Subjects and in Insulin-Resistant Obese Men, The Journal of Clinical Endocrinology & Metabolism, Volume 89, Issue 6, 1 June 2004, Pages 3055–3061, https://doi.org/10.1210/jc.2003-031403
4. Weiss, E. P., Jordan, R. C., Frese, E. M., Albert, S. G., & Villareal, D. T. (2017). Effects of Weight Loss on Lean Mass, Strength, Bone, and Aerobic Capacity. Medicine and science in sports and exercise, 49(1), 206–217. https://doi.org/10.1249/MSS.0000000000001074
5. Cava, E., Yeat, N. C., & Mittendorfer, B. (2017). Preserving Healthy Muscle during Weight Loss. Advances in nutrition (Bethesda, Md.), 8(3), 511–519. https://doi.org/10.3945/an.116.014506

Carbone, J. W., & Pasiakos, S. M. (2019). Dietary Protein and Muscle Mass: Translating Science to Application and Health Benefit. Nutrients, 11(5), 1136. https://doi.org/10.3390/nu11051136