It makes making those healthier food choices feel less daunting
[cited 2021 Nov 24] 21
What Science Says and What to Do About It You started Ozempic (or Zepbound, or Wegovy) to feel better in your body, yet now you're mid-panic, wondering why so much hair is falling out
doi:10.1002/jbio.201900102
Key topics to discuss include: Your Crohn's disease status: Current disease activity (remission versus active inflammation) Location and extent of disease involvement History of complications (strictures, fistulas, previous surgeries) Recent colonoscopy or imaging findings Current symptom burden and quality of life Current medication regimen: All Crohn's medications (immunosuppressants, biologics, corticosteroids) Other diabetes medications and potential alternatives to Ozempic Any medications for symptom management (antidiarrhoeals, pain relief) Nutritional supplements or vitamin replacements Nutritional and weight considerations: Current nutritional status and any deficiencies Recent weight changes (intentional or unintentional) Dietary restrictions or intolerances Whether weight loss is desirable or potentially harmful in your situation Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Semaglutide should be stopped at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy [1] Effective contraception should be used during treatment Ozempic should not be used during pregnancy Specialist advice should be sought regarding breastfeeding Alternative diabetes management options: Other GLP-1 agonists with potentially different side effect profiles SGLT2 inhibitors, DPP-4 inhibitors, or insulin therapy The relative benefits and risks of each option given your Crohn's disease Monitoring plan: Frequency of follow-up appointments during initiation How to distinguish between Crohn's flares and medication side effects When to contact the medical team Blood tests to monitor diabetes control, renal function and nutritional markers Potential need for faecal calprotectin monitoring to assess inflammation Retinopathy assessment if you have pre-existing diabetic retinopathy Hypoglycaemia risk and monitoring if taking sulfonylureas or insulin Your doctor should provide clear safety netting advice , including specific symptoms that warrant immediate medical review and when to stop Ozempic (e.g., if pancreatitis is suspected)
