Bowel Obstruction / Ileus / Pseudo-obstruction
Users on Reddit, particularly in medical professional communities, report instances of bowel obstruction, ileus (a lack of movement in the intestines that leads to a buildup and potential blockage of food material), and related severe complications like bowel perforation in patients taking GLP-1 medications.
Experiences with Bowel Obstruction / Ileus / Pseudo-obstruction:
One user reported seeing "multiple episodes of gastroparesis and occasional bowel obstruction. "[2]
A severe case involved "Bowel perforation. The stool turned essentially into golf balls. Multiple surgeries and a colostomy ultimately. "[4]
Another user mentioned a patient who experienced "Constipation, obstruction, perforation" which ultimately led to death. [6]
A user's friend reportedly "ended up with a twisted bowel and needed surgery after starting ozempic. "[5]
One individual on tirzepatide (compounded Mounjaro) shared their experience: "I also went over 2 weeks without a bowel movement. "[9]
A user with Crohn's disease, who is prone to blockages, expressed concern: "I’ve wondered this myself. Especially since I’m blockage-prone I’d imagine it’s dangerous. It seems to work by slowing motility, which is why people feel full easily at best, nauseous and vomiting at worst. "[11]
Another user with Crohn's and a stricture noted being "terrified of a blockage now that I know the stricture is there, and I’m prone to constipation. "[10]
Remedies and Preventions Recommended (Primarily for Constipation, which can lead to Obstruction):
While direct remedies for diagnosed bowel obstruction or ileus are not typically discussed by lay users (as these are serious medical conditions requiring professional intervention), users do discuss managing constipation, a common side effect of GLP-1s that could potentially contribute to obstruction if severe and unmanaged:
"Daily. Drinking 120 oz water per day, fibre drink every morning and a fibre rich muesli breakfast. "[15]
"Drinking water. Eating fruits and vegetables. If I don’t it slows down. When I start having trouble I take psyllium husk. "[16]
One user advises: "Eat a fiber and protein rich diet high enough in calories for your body’s needs and drink plenty of water. "[20]
Supplements & Medications for Constipation:
"I take Metamucil powder every morning and try to drink lots of water, seems fairly regular. "[12]
"I drink a lot of water, take fiber gummies and a magnesium supplement. Helps me go almost everyday! "[17, 23]
A user with a stricture manages constipation by "taking calm in the evening. (Magnesium from Costco). "[8]
"I started taking mirafiber gummies... now I only have to take them two times a week to keep my G. I regular. I also keep a bottle of colace on hand to soft in the stool when need be. "[18]
"Stool softener and prunes. "[21]
"Try Mag 07 , it has kept my wife and I regular for a year! "[22]
"I take Magnesium Citrate supplements to keep things moving... Also make sure your water consumption is high enough, dehydration plays a big role in this. "[24]
A user on Ozempic for 6 months with Crohn's mentioned: "I do have to take a daily stool softener, it’s known to cause constipation. "[3]
One user whose constipation was "horrid" stated: "Nothing works for me except enemas. "[25]
Probiotics:
"Take a probiotic every day. Add miralax to my coffee every morning. "[14]
"Also, you need a pre-probiotic combo. "[26] Another user recommended Seed, a combination prebiotic and probiotic. [27]
It's important to note that these remedies are for constipation, and anyone experiencing symptoms of bowel obstruction or ileus should seek immediate medical attention. Medical professionals on Reddit also discuss the importance of being aware of these potential severe side effects.
Experiences with Bowel Obstruction / Ileus / Pseudo-obstruction:
- Some medical professionals have observed cases of "bowel obstructions" that they describe as a kind of "ozempic ileus" lasting for 5-7 days.
Remedies and Preventions Recommended (Primarily for Constipation, which can lead to Obstruction):
While direct remedies for diagnosed bowel obstruction or ileus are not typically discussed by lay users (as these are serious medical conditions requiring professional intervention), users do discuss managing constipation, a common side effect of GLP-1s that could potentially contribute to obstruction if severe and unmanaged:
- Dietary Adjustments & Hydration:
- "I poop every morning.
It's important to note that these remedies are for constipation, and anyone experiencing symptoms of bowel obstruction or ileus should seek immediate medical attention. Medical professionals on Reddit also discuss the importance of being aware of these potential severe side effects.