What Are the Most Common Side Effects of Ozempic®? How to Manage Them

SUMMARY

Ozempic® is a prescription medication containing semaglutide. It is used with diet and exercise to help manage blood glucose in adults.

Like other medications, Ozempic® can cause side effects. The most commonly reported reactions involve the digestive system and include nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation and abdominal pain.

Side effects can vary from person to person. Some are temporary, while others may require medical attention. This article explains the side effects associated with Ozempic®, what may contribute to them and when to speak with a practitioner.

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

• The most common side effects associated with Ozempic®
• Why gastrointestinal side effects can occur
• Why some side effects may be more noticeable when treatment begins
• What is known about nausea, diarrhoea, constipation, bloating and fatigue
• Which symptoms may require urgent medical attention
• When to speak with a practitioner or pharmacist

Starting a new medication often comes with a little uncertainty. You may know why it was prescribed, but still wonder how your body will respond once you begin taking it. Will you notice a difference right away? Will anything feel different? And how do you know what's expected versus something worth checking with a practitioner?

Ozempic® has become a familiar name in conversations, but understanding a medication goes beyond knowing what it's prescribed for. Knowing how your body may respond can help you recognize changes, ask better questions and know when to seek advice.

What Are the Most Common Side Effects of Ozempic®?

The most commonly reported side effects are gastrointestinal. They include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Constipation
• Abdominal pain
• Decreased appetite

The most commonly reported side effects are gastrointestinal. They include:

Other digestive symptoms, such as indigestion, burping or bloating, may also occur.

In clinical trials, gastrointestinal reactions were reported more frequently with semaglutide than with comparator treatments. These reactions were generally most common during treatment initiation and dose escalation.

The frequency of a side effect can vary depending on the dose, study population and other factors. Clinical trial results describe what happened in a group of participants and cannot predict exactly how an individual will respond.

Why Does Ozempic® Cause Gastrointestinal Side Effects?

The gastrointestinal effects of Ozempic® are related to how semaglutide interacts with GLP-1 receptors.

GLP-1 receptor activation affects gastrointestinal motility and can slow gastric emptying. In simple terms, food can take longer to move from the stomach into the small intestine.

For some people, these changes can contribute to nausea, a feeling of fullness, abdominal discomfort, constipation or diarrhoea.

These symptoms aren't experienced by everyone, and having a side effect does not indicate how well an individual will respond to treatment.

Why Can Side Effects Be More Noticeable When Starting Ozempic®?

Gastrointestinal side effects are often reported more frequently when semaglutide treatment is started or when the prescribed dose changes.

This pattern has been observed in clinical studies of semaglutide. Health Canada's review of Ozempic® also found that gastrointestinal events were generally most common during the early stages of treatment.

Ozempic® should be taken according to the instructions provided with your prescription. Do not change the dose or frequency of your medication without speaking with your practitioner.

Does Ozempic® Cause Nausea?

Nausea is one of the most commonly reported side effects of Ozempic®.

In clinical trials, nausea occurred more frequently in people receiving semaglutide than in those receiving placebo. The likelihood varied depending on the dose and study.

Nausea is often reported during treatment initiation or dose escalation and may become less frequent over time.

If nausea is severe, persistent or makes it difficult to eat or drink normally, speak with your practitioner or pharmacist.

Does Ozempic® Cause Diarrhoea?

Yes. Diarrhoea is a reported gastrointestinal side effect of Ozempic®.

It may occur temporarily, particularly during the early stages of treatment or after a change in dose.

Persistent or severe diarrhoea can cause fluid loss and dehydration. Speak with a practitioner if diarrhoea continues, becomes severe or occurs with symptoms such as significant dizziness, weakness or reduced urination.

Does Ozempic® Cause Vomiting or Constipation?

Both vomiting and constipation are reported side effects of Ozempic®.

As with other gastrointestinal symptoms, they may be more noticeable when treatment begins or the dose changes.

Vomiting can contribute to dehydration if it is severe or persistent. Constipation should also be assessed if it becomes persistent, particularly if it occurs alongside significant abdominal pain, vomiting or difficulty passing stool or gas.

Speak with a practitioner or pharmacist if these symptoms are severe or do not improve.

Does Ozempic® Cause Bloating?

Bloating or abdominal discomfort can occur while taking Ozempic®.

Semaglutide can slow gastric emptying and affect gastrointestinal motility, which may contribute to feelings of fullness, bloating or abdominal discomfort in some people.

Mild digestive symptoms may occur during treatment. However, severe or persistent abdominal pain should not simply be assumed to be a routine side effect.

Does Ozempic® Cause Fatigue?

Fatigue has been reported by some people taking semaglutide, although gastrointestinal reactions are more commonly reported.

Fatigue can also have many other causes, including changes in blood glucose, dehydration, sleep problems, other medications or underlying health conditions.

If fatigue is persistent, severe or interfering with your daily activities, speak with a practitioner.

Does Ozempic® Cause Dry Mouth?

Dry mouth is not among the most commonly reported side effects of Ozempic®.

Dry mouth can have many possible causes. For someone taking Ozempic®, it may occur alongside dehydration if they are experiencing significant vomiting or diarrhoea.

If dry mouth occurs with excessive thirst, dizziness, weakness or reduced urination, speak with a healthcare professional.

Can Ozempic® Cause Low Blood Sugar?

Ozempic® can contribute to hypoglycaemia, or low blood glucose, particularly when it is used with insulin or certain other medications that lower blood glucose.

The risk of hypoglycaemia is generally lower when semaglutide is used on its own because its effects on insulin secretion are glucose-dependent.

Symptoms of low blood glucose can include:

• Shaking
• Sweating
• Hunger
• Dizziness
• Weakness
• Confusion
• Fast heartbeat

If you take Ozempic® with insulin or another medication that can cause hypoglycaemia, speak with your practitioner about how to monitor your blood glucose and recognize symptoms.

What Are the Serious Side Effects of Ozempic®?

Most reported side effects are not serious. However, Ozempic® has important warnings and precautions that should be understood.

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. Severe and persistent abdominal pain can be a symptom and requires medical assessment.

The pain may occur with nausea or vomiting and may extend toward the back.

If you develop severe or persistent abdominal pain, seek prompt medical attention.

Diabetic retinopathy complications

Diabetic retinopathy is damage to the blood vessels in the retina that can occur as a complication of diabetes.

Health Canada's product information includes diabetic retinopathy complications as an important safety consideration with semaglutide.

If you have diabetes and experience new or worsening changes in vision, contact your healthcare team promptly.

Severe hypoglycaemia

The risk of severe hypoglycaemia can increase when Ozempic® is used with insulin or certain medications such as sulfonylureas.

Severe low blood glucose can result in confusion, loss of consciousness or seizures and requires urgent treatment.

Serious allergic reactions

Serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis and angioedema, have been reported with semaglutide.

Symptoms can include swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat and difficulty breathing or swallowing.

These symptoms require immediate medical attention.

Gallbladder problems

Gallbladder problems, including gallstones, have been reported with semaglutide.

Persistent abdominal pain, particularly pain in the upper abdomen, may require medical assessment, especially if accompanied by nausea or vomiting.

How Long Do Ozempic® Side Effects Last?

There isn't a fixed timeframe for Ozempic® side effects.

Gastrointestinal symptoms are often more noticeable when treatment begins or the prescribed dose changes and may become less frequent over time.

Semaglutide also has a long elimination half-life of approximately one week. As a result, the medication leaves the body gradually rather than immediately.

This does not mean that side effects will necessarily continue for weeks after stopping treatment. It means that semaglutide can remain in the body for an extended period.

If a side effect is severe, persistent or worsening, speak with a practitioner rather than waiting for it to resolve.

How Can You Manage Ozempic® Side Effects?

The appropriate approach depends on the side effect and its severity.

If you're experiencing mild symptoms, a practitioner or pharmacist can discuss appropriate ways to manage them.

Do not change the dose, take doses more frequently or stop taking Ozempic® without professional guidance.

It can also be helpful to keep track of when a symptom occurs, how severe it is and whether it started after beginning treatment or changing the prescribed dose. This information can help your practitioner assess what may be causing the symptom.

When Should You Speak With a Practitioner?

Speak with a practitioner or pharmacist if your side effects are:

• Persistent
• Severe
• Getting worse
• Interfering with eating or drinking
• Affecting your daily activities
• Making you consider stopping treatment

Seek urgent medical attention if you experience symptoms such as:

• Severe or persistent abdominal pain
• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat
• Severe or persistent vomiting with signs of dehydration
• Loss of consciousness or severe confusion
• Sudden or significant changes in vision

If you're unsure whether a symptom is related to Ozempic®, a practitioner or pharmacist can help you determine what to do next.‍

‍Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most common side effects of Ozempic®?

The most commonly reported side effects are gastrointestinal, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation and abdominal pain.

Why does Ozempic® cause nausea?

Ozempic® contains semaglutide, which activates GLP-1 receptors involved in gastrointestinal function. Semaglutide can slow gastric emptying, which may contribute to nausea and feelings of fullness.

How long do Ozempic® side effects last?

There isn't a set duration. Gastrointestinal side effects are often more noticeable when treatment begins or the prescribed dose changes and may become less frequent over time.

Does Ozempic® cause diarrhoea?

Yes. Diarrhoea is a reported side effect. Severe or persistent diarrhoea can cause dehydration and should be discussed with a practitioner.

Does Ozempic® cause constipation?

Yes. Constipation is a reported side effect and may be related to changes in gastrointestinal function.

Does Ozempic® cause fatigue?

Fatigue has been reported with semaglutide, although it is less common than gastrointestinal side effects. Persistent or severe fatigue should be discussed with a practitioner.

Does Ozempic® cause bloating?

Bloating or abdominal discomfort can occur. Semaglutide's effects on gastric emptying and gastrointestinal motility may contribute to these symptoms.

Can Ozempic® cause low blood sugar?

The risk of hypoglycaemia can increase when Ozempic® is used with insulin or certain other blood-glucose-lowering medications.

Can Ozempic® cause pancreatitis?

Pancreatitis is an important safety consideration with Ozempic®. Severe or persistent abdominal pain requires prompt medical assessment.

Should I stop taking Ozempic® if I experience side effects?

Don't stop or change your prescription on your own. Speak with your practitioner or pharmacist about the symptoms you're experiencing.