Specifically, Ozempic is used to:
- help manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes (when used alongside diet and exercise)
- help reduce the risk of certain major cardiovascular problems (related to the heart or blood vessels) in adults with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease
Keep reading to learn about the common, mild, and serious side effects that Ozempic can cause. For a general overview of the drug, including details about its uses, see this article.
Note: Ozempic isn’t used to treat type 1 diabetes. Talk with your doctor to learn more.
Ozempic has a boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the “Side effects explained” section below.
What are the more common side effects of Ozempic?
Like all drugs, Ozempic may cause side effects in some people. The more commonly reported side effects of Ozempic include:
- abdominal pain
- constipation
- diarrhea
- nausea or vomiting
What are the mild side effects of Ozempic?
Ozempic can cause mild side effects in some people. These may include:
- change in the way things taste
- abdominal pain
- burping*
- constipation or diarrhea
- dizziness
- headache
- flatulence (gas)*
- fatigue
- indigestion (upset stomach) or acid reflux
- injection site reactions, such as changes in skin color, discoloration, or discomfort
- nausea or vomiting
- minor increase in heart rate
In most cases, these side effects should be temporary. Some may be easily managed, too. But if you have any symptoms that are ongoing or that bother you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. And do not stop using Ozempic unless your doctor recommends it.
Ozempic may cause other mild side effects, too. To learn more, see the Ozempic prescribing information.
* For more information about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.
What are the serious side effects of Ozempic?
In rare cases, Ozempic may cause serious side effects. Before starting treatment, talk with your doctor about your risk for serious side effects from this drug.
Serious side effects of Ozempic can include:
- diabetic retinopathy (damaged blood vessels in the eye)
- gallbladder disease, including gallstones or cholecystitis (gallbladder pain and inflammation)
- kidney problems
- pancreatitis* (inflammation of the pancreas)
- boxed warning: increased risk of thyroid cancer*
- allergic reaction*
- hypoglycemia* (low blood sugar)
Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Ozempic, visit MedWatch.
* For more information on this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.
Ozempic long-term side effects
Generally, most side effects of Ozempic are short term and aren’t severe. However, it’s possible to experience side effects that are long term. Long-term side effects include those that may start at any time you’re taking a drug, even if you’ve taken it for a long time. It also includes side effects that may not go away, even after you stop taking the drug.
Possible long-term side effects of Ozempic include:
- diabetic retinopathy (damaged blood vessels in the eye)
- gallbladder disease, including gallstones or cholecystitis (gallbladder pain and inflammation)
- pancreatitis* (inflammation of the pancreas)
- thyroid cancer* (Ozempic has a boxed warning about the risk of thyroid cancer)
If you’re concerned about long-term side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
* For more information on this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section below.
How long do Ozempic side effects last?
In general, mild side effects of Ozempic should be temporary or manageable while you’re using the drug.
However, after stopping Ozempic, it could take your body about 5 weeks after your last dose to fully clear the drug from your system. So you could have side effects during this period.
And you could experience some serious side effects, such as worsening diabetic retinopathy, even after Ozempic has been fully cleared from your system.
If you have questions or concerns about how long side effects from Ozempic could last, talk with your doctor.
Can Ozempic cause weight loss?
Yes, Ozempic can cause weight loss in some people. This drug is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for weight loss. But some people using Ozempic in studies lost weight. In these studies, Ozempic was either used alone or with other treatments for type 2 diabetes.
Another diabetes drug, Saxenda (liraglutide), is approved for weight loss in people with type 2 diabetes. Saxenda is in the same drug class as Ozempic. (A drug class is a group of medications that work in a similar way.) Saxenda can’t be used with Ozempic.
Wegovy (semaglutide) is a weight loss drug that has the same active ingredient as Ozempic. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) Wegovy and Ozempic contain different amounts of the active ingredient, which makes them better suited to treat different conditions. For more information about how these drugs compare, read this article.
If you’re interested in learning more about Saxenda, Wegovy, or other weight-management treatments, talk with your doctor.
Are there foods to avoid while using Ozempic?
No, you don’t have to avoid any specific foods during your Ozempic treatment. Also, you can receive the drug injection with or without food.
However, Ozempic is used to improve blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes, and it’s used along with diet and exercise. To reach your blood sugar goals while using Ozempic, you should follow the nutrition guidelines that your doctor recommends.
If you have changes to your diet, activity level, or weight, your diabetes treatment plan may need adjusting. Talk with your doctor if you have any of these changes.
Does Ozempic cause hair loss?
No, Ozempic shouldn’t cause hair loss. Hair loss wasn’t seen in studies of Ozempic.
However, there may be links between hair loss and both type 1 and type 2 diabetes. Diabetes-related hair loss isn’t fully understood, but various factors may cause it. These may include:
- damaged hair follicles from long periods of high blood sugar or poor circulation
- stress from managing a chronic (long-term) condition
- having hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone levels) along with diabetes
Also, many people with diabetes take medications to treat other chronic conditions such as cardiovascular disease (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, contact your doctor right away. If it’s related to blood sugar management, they may change your diabetes treatment plan. If it’s not, your doctor will check for other causes and discuss treatment options with you.
Learn more about some of the side effects Ozempic may cause.
Thyroid cancer risk
Ozempic has a boxed warning about the possible risk of thyroid cancer. Ozempic has caused thyroid cancer in animals. It’s unclear whether this drug also increases thyroid cancer risk in humans.
However, to lower the possible risk of thyroid cancer, do not use Ozempic if:
- you have a rare genetic condition called multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2
- you or a family member has had medullary thyroid cancer
What might help
While using Ozempic, tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms of thyroid cancer, such as:
- a lump or pain in your neck
- difficulty swallowing
- shortness of breath or wheezing
- hoarse voice that doesn’t get better
If you receive a diagnosis of thyroid cancer, your doctor will have you stop treatment with Ozempic and adjust your diabetes treatment plan.
Gas and burping
Flatulence (gas) and burping can occur with Ozempic. But, they aren’t the most common digestive system side effects. Some more common digestive system side effects include constipation, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
Burping can also be a symptom of acid reflux or indigestion (upset stomach). These are both digestive system side effects that can occur with Ozempic.
What might help
In most cases, gas and burping are considered mild side effects. But if they bother you or don’t go away during your Ozempic treatment, talk with your doctor. They may suggest diet changes or an over-the-counter medication, such as Gas-X (simethicone), to help relieve gas and burping.
If your burping is related to acid reflux or indigestion, your doctor may suggest an OTC antacid, such as Pepcid (famotidine) or Tums (calcium carbonate tablets).
Contact your doctor right away if you have gas or burping along with vomiting or severe pain in your back or abdomen. These could be symptoms of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), which is a serious side effect of Ozempic. (See “Pancreatitis” below to learn more.)
Dizziness
Some people may experience dizziness while using Ozempic. However, this isn’t a common symptom of Ozempic.
Dizziness could also be a symptom of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Hypoglycemia is a serious side effect of Ozempic that can cause severe health problems if it’s not treated.
What might help
Talk with your doctor right away if you feel dizzy while using Ozempic.
Before starting Ozempic, ask your doctor how often you should check your blood sugar. Also, ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain the symptoms of low blood sugar and how to manage these episodes.
Your doctor or pharmacist may suggest that you carry OTC glucose products so you’re ready to treat low blood sugar quickly before it becomes severe. (See “Hypoglycemia” below to learn more.)
Pancreatitis
In rare cases, Ozempic may cause pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). This can be either acute (short-term) pancreatitis or chronic (long-term) pancreatitis.
Your pancreas is a gland that releases enzymes (proteins) and substances, such as insulin, needed to digest foods and use energy. When the pancreas becomes inflamed, the swelling can damage your pancreas and cause symptoms.
Acute pancreatitis usually lasts for a short period of time and goes away after treatment. Chronic pancreatitis may develop with continued damage to the pancreas over time.
What might help
Before starting Ozempic, tell your doctor if you’ve had pancreatitis or other pancreatic problems before. It may be unsafe for you to use Ozempic. If so, your doctor will prescribe another diabetes treatment.
While using Ozempic, watch for pancreatitis symptoms, such as:
- abdomen pain that may spread to your back
- nausea or vomiting
- bloating
- fever
Contact your doctor right away if you experience any of these symptoms. If your doctor confirms you have pancreatitis, they’ll stop your Ozempic treatment and manage your condition.
Hypoglycemia
Ozempic may cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). This side effect is more common if you use Ozempic along with insulin or other diabetes drugs. Making certain lifestyle changes, such as fasting or suddenly changing your diet, can cause low blood sugar, too.
If your blood sugar gets too low, it can cause symptoms or serious health problems. Examples of these problems include dizziness, blurred vision, or seizures.
What might help
Before starting Ozempic, tell your doctor if you take insulin or any other medications. They may adjust your insulin regimen or your dosage of other diabetes drugs to help prevent low blood sugar with Ozempic.
Follow your prescribed diabetes treatment plan, including your meal plan, to keep your blood sugar in a healthy range. If you change your diet or physical activity level, tell your doctor. And tell them if you gain or lose a lot of weight. These factors can affect your blood sugar and may make you more likely to have episodes of hypoglycemia.
Symptoms of hypoglycemia can vary, but common symptoms to watch for include:
- dizziness
- shakiness
- chills or sweating
- confusion or clumsiness
- skin that is paler than usual
- blurry vision
- intense hunger
You should keep foods on hand that can raise your blood sugar quickly if you have an episode of hypoglycemia. Or you can try over-the-counter glucose gels or chewable glucose tablets.
If you have severe hypoglycemia, call 911 or your local emergency phone number, or have someone take you to the emergency room. (You should not drive during an episode of severe hypoglycemia.)
Allergic reaction
Like most drugs, Ozempic can cause an allergic reaction in some people. Symptoms can be mild, such as:
- rash
- itchiness
- flushing
In rare cases, Ozempic may cause a serious allergic reaction with severe symptoms, such as:
- swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
- swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
What might help
If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest an over-the-counter treatment to manage your symptoms. Examples of these treatments include an antihistamine such as Benadryl (diphenhydramine) or a hydrocortisone cream.
If your doctor confirms you had a mild allergic reaction to Ozempic, they’ll decide if you should continue using the drug.
If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.
If your doctor confirms you had a serious allergic reaction to Ozempic, they’ll have you stop using the drug and switch you to a different treatment.
Keeping track of side effects During your Ozempic treatment, consider keeping notes on any side effects you’re having, especially episodes of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Then, you can share this information with your doctor. This is especially helpful when you first start taking new drugs or using a combination of treatments.
Your side effect notes can include things like:
- what dose of drug you were taking when you had the side effect
- how soon after starting that dose you had the side effect
- what your symptoms were from the side effect
- how it affected your daily activities
- what other medications you were also taking
- any other information you feel is important
Keeping notes and sharing them with your doctor will help your doctor learn more about how Ozempic affects you. And your doctor can use this information to adjust your treatment plan if needed
Warnings for Ozempic
Ozempic has some warnings that may affect whether or not you can safely use this drug.
Boxed warning: Thyroid cancer risk
Ozempic has a boxed warning about the possible risk of thyroid cancer. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For more details, see the “Side effects explained” section above.
Other warnings
Ozempic can sometimes cause harmful effects in people who have certain conditions. This is known as a drug-condition interaction. Other factors may also affect whether Ozempic is a good treatment option for you.
Talk with your doctor about your health history before you take Ozempic. Be sure to tell them if any of the following factors apply to you:
- kidney problems
- previous allergic reaction to Ozempic or other GLP-1 agonists (the drug class Ozempic belongs to)
- diabetic retinopathy
- use of insulin or other diabetes drugs
Alcohol and Ozempic
Ozempic isn’t known to interact with alcohol. However, Ozempic lowers your blood sugar. Alcohol may make your blood sugar drop, too. So, drinking alcohol during your Ozempic treatment may cause severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Also, chronic (long-term) alcohol consumption is a common cause of pancreatitis. Using Ozempic may raise your risk for pancreatitis, too. To help prevent these health problems, avoid excessive alcohol use during Ozempic treatment.
If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about how much may be safe for you to drink with your condition and treatment plan.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding while using Ozempic
It’s unknown whether Ozempic is safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
If you’re planning to become pregnant, you’ll need to stop Ozempic at least 2 months before trying to conceive. This waiting period ensures your body has fully cleared the drug from your system. If you become pregnant while using Ozempic, talk with your doctor right away.
If you’re breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using Ozempic.
What to ask your doctor
If you have questions about possible side effects with Ozempic, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can provide answers to help you feel confident about your diabetes treatment plan. Examples of questions you may want to ask include:
- What’s my risk for serious side effects?
- Is there anything I can do to prevent diabetic retinopathy while using Ozempic?
- If I have kidney disease and have diarrhea with Ozempic, is it safe to drink electrolyte replacement solutions such as Pedialyte to stay hydrated?
- How should I manage injection site reactions with Ozempic?
- I have gallstones that I manage through my diet. Should I avoid using Ozempic?
To get information on different conditions and tips for improving your health, subscribe to any of Healthline’s newsletters. You may also want to check out the online communities at Bezzy. It’s a place where people with certain conditions can find support and connect with others.
Q: I’ve read that I may need Baqsimi, which contains glucagon, to treat severe episodes of hypoglycemia. What is glucagon, and how is it used?
A: Baqsimi is a prescription drug your doctor may prescribe to treat severe hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), which diabetes medications such as Ozempic may cause. Baqsimi contains glucagon, a hormone that your body makes naturally. It tells your liver to make glucose (sugar) when your blood sugar level is too low.
Baqsimi works with your liver to make glucose quickly available to your body. This raises your blood sugar level.
Baqsimi is a nasal spray. It’s given as one spray into one nostril during an episode of severe hypoglycemia. With severe hypoglycemia, your blood sugar level can get so low that you may need someone else’s help to treat it. For this reason, make sure your family members, friends, caregivers, and coworkers know how to recognize the symptoms of severe hypoglycemia and how to use Baqsimi.
If you have questions about whether you need a prescription for Baqsimi, talk with your doctor.
Conclusion
Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
