Are chest flutters and high BP side effects of Semaglutide?

Question

Hello doctor,

I started using compounded Semaglutide injections for weight loss six weeks ago through a medical spa. They offer it as a lower-cost alternative to Ozempic. So far, I have lost 17 pounds, which has been very encouraging.

However, I am experiencing some symptoms that are concerning. Several times a day, I feel a fluttering sensation in my chest, almost like my heart is skipping beats. I have also had severe constipation, once going five days without a bowel movement, and persistent headaches that will not go away.

The spa nurse told me these are normal side effects, but I am not sure that is accurate. My home blood pressure readings are also higher than usual, recently 142/95.

For context, I refrigerate the vial and self-administer the injection weekly. I began at 0.25mg and recently increased to 0.75mg. I have never been diagnosed with diabetes, but my most recent fasting glucose was 112, and my primary care doctor mentioned I may be prediabetic. The spa did not perform any lab work prior to starting treatment, just recorded my height, weight, and took a verbal medical history.

I am starting to worry about the safety and regulation of compounded Semaglutide compared to prescription versions.

Could these symptoms indicate something dangerous?
Should I stop taking the medication, even though the weight loss has been so effective?

Thank you for your guidance.

Please help.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query and can understand your concern.

While compounded Semaglutide may support weight loss, it is important to approach these treatments with caution, particularly when symptoms like heart fluttering, elevated blood pressure, severe constipation, and persistent headaches arise. These signs could indicate cardiovascular strain, dehydration, or adverse effects potentially linked to the medication.

Unlike FDA (Food and Drug Administration) approved formulations, compounded Semaglutide may lack standardized quality control, which can result in inconsistent potency or purity. Given your symptoms, I strongly recommend that you discontinue the injections immediately and seek prompt evaluation from a licensed healthcare provider, ideally a primary care physician or endocrinologist.

Your fasting glucose level of 112 mg/dL suggests prediabetes, which requires proper medical oversight, especially when considering medications that impact metabolic function.

Likely causes of symptoms:

Cardiovascular side effects (for example, palpitations, elevated blood pressure).
Dehydration due to severe constipation.
Potential variability in dosing or purity of compounded medication

Recommended investigations:

Complete blood count (CBC).
Electrolyte panel.
Electrocardiogram (ECG).
Blood pressure monitoring.
Fasting glucose and HbA1c.

Next steps/treatment plan:

Temporarily stop the compounded Semaglutide.
Seek urgent medical evaluation.
Begin appropriate diagnostic testing.
Manage hydration and address constipation.
Consider transitioning to an FDA-approved alternative after medical review.

Important warning signs – seek immediate care if you experience:

Chest pain.
Severe shortness of breath.
Dizziness or fainting.
Uncontrolled or worsening blood pressure.

Your health and safety are the top priority, even when the weight loss results are encouraging. Please do not delay seeking proper medical care.

Wishing you strength and a smooth recovery.

I hope this answers your query.

Please let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.

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