As the obesity crisis continues, more people are turning to drugs such as ozempic. But these medications aren’t magic pills, and it’s important to consider the pros and cons of taking them.

We spoke to some patients and doctors about how these injections work, side effects and long-term impacts.

For some, it’s been life-changing. Shanta Quilette Develle Carter-Williams is a stand-up comedian, writer and producer who suffered a stroke at age 39. She started taking ozempic e recep to control her diabetes and help her lose weight and reduce her risk of another stroke. “It was a miracle drug for me,” she says.

But some patients say they’ve had problems with ozempic, including gastrointestinal side effects and even suicidal thoughts. And the drug’s popularity has caused shortages, leading to patients paying exorbitant prices for it.

Success Stories: Real-Life Experiences with Ozempic

Ozempic is FDA-approved for people with Type 2 diabetes. But doctors often prescribe it to treat obesity as well, because the medication reduces appetite and helps with weight loss. That’s known as off-label use. The FDA says it’s not dangerous or wrong, but it may increase the risks of side effects.

The most common side effects of ozempic include abdominal pain, diarrhea and nausea. You should tell your doctor right away if you have severe stomach pain that doesn’t go away, or vision changes. This drug has also been linked to kidney damage, especially in people who already have renal impairment or are on dialysis.

You shouldn’t take ozempic with other diabetes medications, such as insulin, dulaglutide, liraglutide or Byetta. That can cause your blood sugar to drop too low, which can be dangerous.