Dr. Alexandra Sova says patients are more aware of the effects of alcohol after taking GLP-1 (Image: Getty)
you Type 2 diabetic patients The person prescribed Ozempic Helps manage blood sugar levels or if you are taking it because you are obese Munjaro or wegobee That’s because in the interest of weight loss and weight management, doctors are warning revelers to be careful about drinking alcohol while taking GLP-1 receptor agonists this festive season.
Dr. Alexandra Sowa, Author Ozempic revolution (on sale January 16, HarperCollins, £25) warns that these drugs can affect your ability to drink and be cheerful. “While you are taking these medications, you may eat or drink less than before you started the prescription,” she explains.
“We’ve found that patients say they feel more alcoholic when they drink while taking these drugs. These drugs can slow the rate at which the stomach empties, and they usually make it easier to drink alcohol. This makes sense because you won’t be taking in as much food as before to absorb it.”
Dr. Sowa recommends that anyone using this drug for the first time get tested. “One of the things I always tell my patients is to try having an alcoholic drink before a night out with friends or colleagues and see how it affects them. “That’s true,” says Dr. Sowa. “Ahead of the celebrations, I am encouraging people to stay home on Friday night and avoid having to wake up on Saturday morning to test their response to alcohol.
“I recommend trying a glass of wine with dinner to see how you feel immediately after drinking it, and also gauge how you feel the next day.
read more Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy – all questions answered [LATEST]
“This is because some of my patients have told me that even if they have just one drink and feel good in the moment, they can end up feeling more hungover the next day.
To avoid getting drunk quickly and avoid a hangover, most of us know that it is wise to make sure your stomach is well before drinking alcohol. “However, people taking GLP-1 agonists may not have normal levels of appetite and may not be drinking enough water,” Dr. Sowa says.
“It would be good to know if you are someone who might get sick when pairing GLP-1 with wine. Then, before a big celebration, should you choose a soft drink instead? I understand.”
“I advise my patients to make sure they are eating enough and to focus on foods that make them feel good, such as protein and light foods, while avoiding processed carbohydrates. Staying hydrated can also help you feel better when consuming alcohol.”
There may also be other issues with drinking alcohol or taking GLP-1 drugs, Dr. Sowa says. “Some people experience nausea and diarrhea. Side effects of this type of drug These can be further increased by alcohol. If you’re someone who usually feels these things after drinking alcohol, you may feel even more intensely while taking GLP-1 agonists, so it’s not worth drinking even a glass of soda at a party. You may decide that.
“Interestingly, drugs like Ozempic have been studied for their ability to help people reduce or become abstinent from alcohol, only to find that they don’t even have the same inclinations or appetite for alcohol that they had before starting the prescription. It may be completely normal and healthy.
Being forewarned does mean being forewarned, she added. “When it comes to precautions, it’s important to understand your reactions and avoid ruining your festive celebrations by leaning into old behaviors like eating too much food or drinking too much alcohol, because you could end up regretting it. It might be the next day.
“So take your time, stay hydrated, and try to eat regularly rather than skipping meals before a big celebration to ‘save’ calories.” You just can’t do that when you’re taking GLP-1 drugs. Especially if it contains alcohol. Because even if you’re on this medication, you can still enjoy drinking this holiday season, but you need to prepare your body and make sure you don’t drink too much. ”
spokesperson for novo nordisk“Patient safety is of paramount importance to Novo Nordisk. Patients are advised to take these medicines according to their approved indications and under the supervision of a medical professional,” the pharmaceutical company that makes Ozempic and Wigovy said in a statement. Recommended.
“Treatment decisions should be made in collaboration with a healthcare provider who can assess the appropriateness of use of a GLP-1 receptor agonist based on an assessment of the patient’s individual medical profile. We continue to collect and work closely with safety data on GLP-1 RA treatments. As part of this effort, we regularly collect and work closely with authorities to ensure patient safety. We continue to monitor reports of adverse reactions through comprehensive pharmacovigilance.
“We encourage patients who experience side effects while taking GLP-1 RAs, including Wegovy (semaglutide injection) or Ozempic (semaglutide injection), to report them to their healthcare provider through the MHRA Yellow Card Scheme (yellowcard.mhra.gov.uk). Adverse events must also be reported to Novo Nordisk through the Customer Care Center (0800 023 2573). ”
A spokesperson for Lilly, the manufacturer of Maunjaro, said: “Maunjaro (tirzepatide) should only be used if prescribed by a qualified health care professional. Patients should read the patient information leaflet and consult their health care professional. If anyone is experiencing side effects while using Lilly medication, they should consult a health care professional.
The Ozempic Revolution by Dr Alexandra Sowa is published on 16 January (£25, Harvest, a HarperCollins publication)
