Introduction
Ozempic (semaglutide), a treatment option available for type 2 diabetes patients, might be an option.
Ozempic can be used to:
- When combined with exercise and diet, it can lower blood sugar levels for adults with type 2 diabetes.
- Reduce the risk of certain cardiovascular problems in people with type 2 diabetes.
Subcutaneous injections are used to administer Ozempic (an injection under the skin). It is used once per week with your diabetes treatment plan to meet your long-term and daily blood sugar goals.
This in-depth article provides more information about Ozempic.
Ozempic can cause side effects that range from mild to severe. Continue reading to find out more.
Notice: Ozempic can’t be used to treat type 1 or diabetic ketoacidosis. This is a serious condition. Talk to your doctor for more information.
What are some of the most common side effects of Ozempic medication?
Ozempic can cause side effects, just like all drugs. These are the most common side effects reported by Ozempic:
- Abdominal (belly) pain
- Constipation
- diarrhea
- nausea or vomiting
Ozempic can cause additional side effects. Discuss with your doctor the potential side effects of Ozempic.
In the following sections, learn more about Ozempic side effects.
What are the mild side effects associated with Ozempic
Some people may experience mild side effects from Ozempic. These side effects may include:
- Changes in the way people taste things
- Abdominal (belly) pain
- burping*
- Diarrhea or constipation
- dizziness
- Kopfschmerz
- flatulence (gas)*
- Fatigue (lackluster energy)
- indigestion (upset stomach) or acid reflux
- Injection-site reactions include skin reddening or discomfort.
- nausea or vomiting
- A slight increase in heart rate
These side effects should usually be temporary in most cases. Others can be managed easily. Talk to your pharmacist if you experience persistent or bothersome symptoms. You should not stop taking Ozempic unless your doctor has recommended it.
Ozempic can also cause mild side effects. For more information, please refer to the Ozempic Medication Guide.
Note: Once the Food and Drug Administration approves a drug, it reviews and tracks side effects. MedWatch allows you to report side effects you have experienced with Ozempic to the FDA.
What are the side effects of Ozempic and how can they be avoided?
In rare cases, Ozempic may cause serious side effects. Talk to your doctor before you start treatment.
Side effects serious to Ozempic include:
- Diabetic retinopathy is a condition that damages the blood vessels within the eye.
- Gallstones
- kidney problems
- Pancreatitis* (swelling in the pancreas).
- Thyroid cancer at higher risk*+
- Allergy*
- Hypoglycemia* (lower blood sugar)
* For more information about side effects, please see the section “Side effects explained” below.
+ Ozempic contains a boxed warningTrusted source for an increased risk thyroid cancer This warning is from the Food and Drug Administration. Please refer to the section “Side effects explained” for more information.
FAQs regarding side effects of Ozempic
Find answers to frequently asked questions regarding Ozempic’s side effect.
Is Ozempic able to cause weight loss?
Ozempic may cause weight loss in certain people. While Ozempic isn’t approved to cause weight loss, studies have shown that some Ozempic users lost weight. These studies showed that Ozempic could be combined with other treatments to treat type 2 diabetes.
Saxenda (liraglutide), another diabetes drug, has been approved for weight loss in type 2 diabetics. Ozempic is also in the same drug category as Saxenda. (A drug class refers to a group or medications that function similarly.)
Ozempic and Saxenda cannot be combined. Talk to your doctor if you are interested in learning more about Saxenda and other weight-management methods.
Is there a way to avoid certain foods while taking Ozempic
You don’t need to avoid certain foods while you are on Ozempic. The drug can also be taken with or without food.
Ozempic can be used to increase blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. It should be used with diet and exercise. Follow the nutrition recommendations of your doctor to reach your blood sugar goals using Ozempic.
Your diabetes treatment plan might need to be modified if you make changes in your diet, exercise, or weight. If you notice any changes, talk to your doctor.
What are the Ozempic side effects?
Mild side effects of Ozempic are usually temporary and manageable while on the drug.
It could take up to 5 weeks for your body to completely eliminate Ozempic from your system after you have stopped taking it. You could experience side effects during this time.
Even after Ozempic is completely out of your system, you may still experience serious side effects such as worsening diabeticretinopathy.
Talk to your doctor if you have any questions about the possible side effects of Ozempic.
Does Ozempic cause hair loss?
No, Ozempic shouldn’t cause hair loss. Ozempic studies didn’t show hair loss.
Hair loss can be linked to both type 1 diabetes and type 2. Although diabetes-related hair loss may not be fully understood, it could be caused by many factors. These factors could include:
- Long periods of poor blood circulation or high blood sugar can cause hair loss.
- Stress from managing a chronic (long-term condition)
- Diabetes can be caused by hypothyroidism (low levels of thyroid hormones).
Many people with diabetes also take medication to manage other chronic conditions, such as CVD. In rare cases, certain drugs used to treat CVD, such as statins or angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, may cause hair loss.
If you’re experiencing hair loss, see your doctor right away. Your doctor may modify your diabetes treatment plan if it is related to poor blood sugar management. Your doctor may check for other reasons and discuss possible treatment options.
Side effects explained
Find out more about the possible side effects of Ozempic.
Thyroid cancer risk
Ozempic contains a boxed warningTrusted source for the risk of developing thyroid cancer Ozempic can cause thyroid cancer in animals. It is not known if the drug increases the risk of thyroid cancer in humans.
To lower your risk of developing thyroid cancer, you should not use Ozempic:
- Multiple endocrine neuroplasia type 2 is a rare genetic condition.
- You or a loved one have medullary Thyroid Cancer.
What could be done?
If you experience symptoms of thyroid cancer while taking Ozempic, consult your doctor immediately.
- A lump or pain in the neck
- Trouble swallowing
- Breathing difficulties or wheezing
- Hoarse voice can’t get any better
Your doctor will discontinue your Ozempic if you are diagnosed with thyroid cancer.
Gas and burping
Ozempic can cause flatulence (gas), and burping. However, they are not the most common side effects of the digestive system. Constipation, diarrhea and nausea are some of the more common side effects.
Acid reflux (or upset stomach) can also cause burping. These side effects can also occur in the digestive system with Ozempic.
What could be done?
Gas and burping are usually considered minor side effects. Talk to your doctor if you have any concerns or if your Ozempic treatment doesn’t work. To relieve burping and gas, they may recommend diet changes or an OTC medication such as Gas-X (simethicone).
Your doctor might recommend an OTC antacid if your burping is caused by acid reflux or indigestion.
If you experience gas, burping, vomiting, or severe pain in the back or abdomen (belly), consult your doctor immediately. These symptoms could indicate pancreatitis, which is an adverse effect of Ozempic. For more information, see “Pancreatitis” below.
Dizziness
Ozempic may cause dizziness in some people. This is not a common side effect of Ozempic.
Hypoglycemia (low sugar) can also cause dizziness. Hypoglycemia, a side effect of Ozempic, can lead to serious health problems.
What could be done?
If you feel dizzy after using Ozempic, talk to your doctor immediately.
Ask your doctor before you start Ozempic how often your blood sugar should be checked. Ask your pharmacist or doctor to describe the symptoms and how to treat low blood sugar.
Your pharmacist or doctor may recommend OTC glucose products to ensure that you are ready to handle low blood sugar as soon as possible. (Please refer to “Hypoglycemia” for more information.
Pancreatitis
Ozempic can cause pancreatitis (swelling in the pancreas) in rare cases. This could be acute (short-term), chronic, or both.
The pancreas is a gland responsible for releasing enzymes (proteins), and substances such as insulin that are needed to digest food and use energy. Inflammation of the pancreas can cause inflammation and symptoms.
Acute pancreatitis is usually temporary and disappears after treatment. With continued damage to the pancreas, chronic pancreatitis can develop.
What could be done?
Tell your doctor before you start Ozempic if you have ever had pancreatitis, or any other pancreatic problem. Ozempic may not be safe for you. Your doctor may recommend another treatment for diabetes.
Watch out for signs and symptoms of pancreatitis while taking Ozempic
- Abdominal (belly) pains that can radiate to your back
- nausea or vomiting
- Bloating
- Fièvre
If you have any of these symptoms, see your doctor immediately. Your doctor will stop your Ozempic if you are diagnosed with pancreatitis.
Hypoglycemia
Hypoglycemia (low sugar) may occur when Ozempic is used. This side effect is more common when you take Ozempic with insulin or other diabetic drugs. Low blood sugar can also be caused by lifestyle changes such as fasting and sudden diet changes.
It can lead to serious health problems or symptoms if your blood sugar drops too low. These problems can include blurred vision, dizziness, seizures, and even confusion.
What could be done?
Tell your doctor before you start Ozempic if you are taking insulin or any other medication. To help prevent low blood sugar from Ozempic, your doctor may change your insulin regimen or adjust the dosage of any diabetes medications.
To keep your blood sugar levels in a healthy range:
- Follow your diabetes treatment plan. This includes your meal plan.
- Tell your doctor if you make any changes to your diet or exercise routine.
- Tell your doctor if you have gained or lost a lot of weight.
These factors can impact your blood sugar, making you more susceptible to hypoglycemia episodes.
Hypoglycemia symptoms can vary. However, the most common ones to look out for are:
- dizziness
- Shakiness
- Chills or sweating
- Confusion or clumsiness
- paleness
- Blurred vision
- intense hunger
If you experience hypoglycemia, it is important to have foods that quickly raise blood sugar. You can also try OTC glucose tablets or chewable glucose tabs.
Call 911 or your nearest emergency number if you are suffering from severe hypoglycemia. You can also have someone drive you to the emergency department. You shouldn’t drive during severe hypoglycemia.
Allergy
Ozempic, like many drugs can cause allergic reactions in some people. Some symptoms may be mild like:
- Rash
- Itching
- Flushing (warmth or swelling of the skin, or redness)
In rare instances, however, Ozempic can cause severe allergic reactions with severe symptoms such as:
- Swelling under your skin, usually in your eyelids or lips, hands, feet, or hands
- It can cause swelling in your throat, tongue, and mouth. This can make it difficult to breathe.
What could be done?
Call your doctor immediately if you experience mild symptoms such as a rash or an allergic reaction. Your doctor may recommend an OTC treatment to treat your symptoms. These treatments could include an OTC treatment such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine), or a hydrocortisone lotion.
Your doctor will determine if you can continue to use the drug if you have a mild allergic reaction.
You should immediately dial 911 or your nearest emergency number if you experience severe allergic reactions such as swelling and trouble breathing. These symptoms can be life-threatening and may require immediate medical attention.
If you are diagnosed with an allergic reaction to Ozempic by your doctor, you will be asked to stop taking the drug and switched to another treatment.
KEEPING TRACK OF SIDE EFFECTS
Keep track of any side effects that you experience during your Ozempic treatment. This information can be shared with your doctor. This is particularly important when you are first starting to take new drugs or a combination of therapies.
Side effect notes may include:
- What dose of medication you were taking at the time you experienced side effects
- How soon did you notice side effects?
- What were your side effects?
- How it affected your daily activities
- What other medications were you taking?
- Any other information that you consider important
Keep notes and share them with your doctor to help him understand how Ozempic affects your body. If necessary, your doctor may use this information to modify your treatment plan.
Ozempic Warning
Ozempic comes with multiple warnings. These warnings could affect your ability to safely take this drug.
Thyroid cancer risk: Boxed warning
A boxed warning has been issued by OzempicTrusted Source regarding the possibility of developing thyroid cancer. A boxed warning is considered the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Thyroid cancer has been reported in animals by Ozempic. It is not known if the drug increases the risk of thyroid cancer in humans. If you are at high risk for thyroid cancer, avoid Ozempic
- Multiple endocrine neuroplasia type 2 is a rare genetic condition.
- You or a loved one have medullary Thyroid Cancer.
See the section “Side effects explained” above for more information.
Additional warnings
Ozempic might not be right for your needs if you have any medical conditions. Before taking Ozempic, talk to your doctor about your medical history. These are just a few of the factors to be aware of.
Kidney problems. Tell your doctor before you start Ozempic if you have any kidney problems. Ozempic and other drugs can cause kidney disease in some people. Ozempic side effects such as vomiting and diarrhea can cause kidney problems. During your Ozempic treatment, your doctor will closely monitor your kidney health. If you have any new or worsening renal problems, your treatment may be stopped.
Allergic reaction GLP-1 agonists. You should not take Ozempic if you have had an allergic reaction to Ozempic. If you have had an allergic reaction, tell your doctor. You could experience severe allergic reactions to Ozempic if you have. Your doctor can recommend a safer treatment option.
Diabetic Retinopathy. Ozempic could make your condition worse. Before you start Ozempic, tell your doctor. Keep your eye appointments, and inform your doctor immediately if your vision changes while you are taking this drug.
Pancreatitis. Ozempic can cause pancreatitis. Ozempic may not be safe if you have had pancreatitis or other pancreatic conditions. Tell your doctor if you have. You may be offered another treatment.
Insulin and other diabetes drugs. Your risk of severe hypoglycemia may increase if you use Ozempic along with insulin or other diabetes medications. This condition, if left untreated can lead to serious health problems. Tell your doctor about any medications you are taking before you start Ozempic. To help prevent hypoglycemia, your doctor may change your insulin regimen or adjust the dosage of any diabetes medications. Your doctor may recommend that you change your diabetes treatment plan.
Ozempic and alcohol use
Ozempic has not been shown to interact with alcohol. Ozempic can lower your blood sugar. Your blood sugar may also drop if you drink alcohol. Drinking alcohol during an Ozempic treatment can cause severe hypoglycemia (lower blood sugar).
Chronic (long-term), alcohol abuse is another common cause of pancreatitis, or swelling of the pancreas. Ozempic can increase your risk of developing pancreatitis. Avoid excessive alcohol consumption during Ozempic treatment to prevent these problems.
Talk to your doctor if you are a drinker of alcohol. Discuss your medical condition and your treatment plan.
Pregnancy and nursing while taking Ozempic
It is not known if Ozempic can be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
You must stop Ozempic for at least two months before trying to conceive. This allows your body to completely clear the drug from your system. Talk to your doctor immediately if you become pregnant while taking Ozempic.
Talk to your doctor if you are breastfeeding or intending to breastfeed.
Ask your doctor these questions
Ozempic can help with type 2 diabetes. It can also lower your chances of suffering from cardiovascular disease (CVD).
Ozempic may cause side effects in certain people. Most side effects of Ozempic are mild. Rarely, however, serious side effects can occur.
Talk to your pharmacist if you have any questions about side effects of Ozempic. These experts can help you feel more confident in your diabetes treatment plan. Some questions that you might want to ask are:
- What is my chance of experiencing serious side effects?
- What can I do to avoid diabetic retinopathy using Ozempic
- Do you think it is safe to consume electrolyte replacement products such as Pedialyte if I have kidney disease or diarrhea from Ozempic?
- How do I handle injection-site reactions to Ozempic
- I have gallstones and I manage them through my diet. Do I need to stop using Ozempic
