Ozempic Side Effects

Ozempic is an injectable medication designed to treat type 2 diabetes. Like all medications, Ozempic can cause side effects in some people. Our guide to Ozempic side effects will help you understand the most common side effects, how long they last and how to manage or avoid them.

You may have heard about Ozempic as a treatment for weight loss. Ozempic is not currently available in the UK for weight loss.

ZAVA Online Doctor does not prescribe Ozempic for weight loss however we do offer Wegovy. Wegovy is similar to Ozempic, containing the same active ingredient semaglutide, but it is an approved weight loss injection in the UK. You can find information about Wegovy and its side effects here.

Ozempic, like all medications, can have side effects. Not everyone who takes Ozempic will experience side effects and most of the common side effects of Ozempic are mild and not serious, however they can be uncomfortable or unpleasant.

There are also some more serious side effects of Ozempic. While serious side effects are uncommon or rare, they can potentially be life-threatening so you should be aware of them.

What are the common side effects of Ozempic?

Very common side effects, which will affect more than 1 in 10 people taking Ozempic, include:

• nausea (feeling sick)
• diarrhoea
• constipation
• low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia), when Ozempic is used with other medications to lower blood sugar such as insulin

Other common side effects of Ozempic that may affect up to 1 in 10 people include:

• nausea and vomiting (feeling or being sick)
• dizziness
• tiredness
• weight loss
• heartburn, reflux, or indigestion (gastrointestinal discomfort)
• gas (flatulence)
• burping
• gall stones
• bloated or inflamed stomach (gastritis)
• increase of pancreatic enzymes (such as lipase and amylase)

What are the mild side effects of Ozempic?

Ozempic side effects are often mild and they should not make you too uncomfortable.

The mild side effects of Ozempic include:

• nausea
• constipation or diarrhoea
• heartburn or indigestion
• injection site itching or soreness

These mild side effects should be manageable at home without treatment. There are ways to improve discomfort you experience in the “How can I manage Ozempic side effects?” section of this page, but if any side effects become unmanageable or too uncomfortable you should speak to your doctor.

What are the serious side effects of Ozempic?

Ozempic can have some serious side effects. These are usually uncommon or rare but can potentially be life-threatening.

Serious Ozempic side effects include:

• complications of diabetic eye disease (retinopathy), speak to your doctor if you experience any eye problems or changes in vision while taking Ozempic
• thyroid disorders and/or an increased risk of thyroid cancer
• pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas causing severe abdominal pain that does not go away)
• a serious allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) signs of this include breathing difficulties (breathlessness or wheezing) or swelling of the mouth, throat, tongue, face or lips.

You may have heard the term ‘Ozempic face’. This term is popular online but it is not a medically recognised condition.

So-called ‘ozempic face’ refers to the thinning of a face as a result of rapid weight loss. Taking Ozempic can cause patients to lose weight quickly, resulting in noticeable physical changes, especially in areas such as the face.

Losing weight in your face is not a side effect from taking Ozempic, it is a normal and common result of rapid weight loss. There is no evidence that using Ozempic or other GLP-1 agonists contribute to the thinning of faces.

Most side effects from Ozempic will go away on their own after a few days or weeks. Ozempic side effects are usually mild and short-term so you should be able to tolerate them at home without treatment.

When taking Ozempic, you will follow a gradually increasing dosing schedule. This is to allow you to adjust to the treatment slowly. You may find that you experience more side effects when you first start taking Ozempic as your body is getting used to the medication.

Side effects may also come back or become more intense after each injection. Despite this, most side effects should get better over time when you reach your maintenance dose and your blood sugar is under control.

If you have side effects that don’t go away and you find it difficult to manage, talk to your doctor.

When do Ozempic side effects start?

Most people experience side effects within the first few weeks of starting treatment as their bodies adjust to the medication.

Can Ozempic cause long-term side effects?

Long-term side effects from Ozempic are unknown. As Ozempic is still a relatively new medication, more research is needed to study long-term outcomes of patients using this treatment. However, as long as Ozempic is prescribed by a doctor and you’re getting regular check-ups, it should be safe to take long-term.

A two-year study on weekly semaglutide (Ozempic) injections found some evidence of rare and serious side effects, such as pancreatitis and acute kidney injury but more research is necessary to confirm the link between long-term Ozempic use and these conditions.

Although Ozempic is not known to cause long-term side effects directly, some side effects could cause long-term health problems, if not treated early. This includes:

• pancreatitis
• gallstones
• low blood sugar (if ongoing)
• dehydration caused by severe vomiting and diarrhoea
• kidney impairment or failure
• bowel obstruction

They can. Some people find that their side effects do get worse as they move to a higher dose. This is normal as your body adjusts to the higher levels of the medication. You will adapt to these levels and side effects should subside in time.

When taking Ozempic, your doctor will increase your dose gradually as part of the normal dosing schedule of the medication. Although still rare, the risk of experiencing side effects rises as the dose increases.

If you find that your side effects are severe or uncomfortable, you may be able to reduce your dose. In this case, speak to your doctor about a reduced dose until side effects subside.

Most of Ozempic’s common side effects will go away on their own without treatment. If your side effects are uncomfortable, below you can find some tips on managing or avoiding some of the most common side effects.

Nausea or vomiting

Nausea or vomiting are common side effects from Ozempic. Nausea is likely to go away on its own as you get used to the medication. Vomiting is a nausea-related side effect.

You can try to avoid or alleviate nausea or vomiting by:

• drinking cold water in regular sips, not large gulps
• staying hydrated as vomiting can cause you to lose fluids
• getting plenty of air by taking deep breaths or going outside
• eating in small amounts regularly, avoiding large portions
• avoiding greasy, fatty foods as these can worsen symptoms of nausea
• avoid drinking or eating too quickly
• eat or drink foods containing ginger as it has natural medicinal properties that help with nausea

Gastrointestinal symptoms (heartburn, reflux, indigestion)

Gastrointestinal symptoms such as heartburn, acid reflux or indigestion are common side effects of Ozempic. While these symptoms are likely to be short-term they can be unpleasant.

You may be able to manage gastrointestinal symptoms by:

• avoiding food and drink that can worsen these symptoms (carbonated drinks, processed or fatty foods, spicy or fried foods, citrus fruits, and dairy products)
• treating heartburn and indigestion with over-the-counter medications like Rennie or Gaviscon

Constipation

Constipation can be a common side effect as your body adjusts to taking Ozempic. Although constipation is likely to be short-term side effects, it can be uncomfortable.

You can manage constipation by:

• staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids
• increasing your intake of fibre gradually
• increasing the amount of physical activity you do may help you go to the toilet
• trying laxatives or constipation relief products if necessary, following the advice of your doctor

Injection site reactions

Ozempic is an injectable medication, this means that irritation and soreness may occur on the parts of your body where you inject it.

To reduce irritation and soreness at the injection site you could:

• try to choose a different section of your skin each time you inject Ozempic
• avoid certain areas of skin if you find that they are more sensitive to the injections
• take an antihistamine tablet or use an antihistamine cream before injecting

If you are getting irritation at the injection site that does not settle down, you must let your doctor know.

Low blood sugar (hypoglycaemia)

Ozempic is a treatment for people with type 2 diabetes to help control blood sugar levels. However, blood sugar that is too low (hypoglycaemia) can be a side effect of using Ozempic as it works to lower blood sugar. You are more likely to experience low blood sugar on Ozempic if you are taking other medications to lower blood sugar such as insulin. Your doctor may therefore reduce your dose of these medications before you start taking Ozempic.

It is important to be aware of the signs of low blood sugar such as hunger, dizziness, cold sweats, shaking, and weakness. Your doctor who prescribes your Ozempic should also tell you how to recognise the warning signs of low blood sugar and what to do.

You should aim to avoid getting low blood sugar while on Ozempic by:

• checking your blood sugar regularly
• following your treatment plan for diabetes carefully
• ensuring you always have sugary sweets, drinks or glucose tablets to hand that will raise your blood sugar quickly should you get low blood sugar
• getting a continuous glucose monitor

It is possible to treat low blood sugar yourself at home by eating or drinking something that will raise your blood sugar quickly, for example, sugary drinks or sweets.

However it is important to speak to your doctor if you find that you experience low blood sugar as a side effect of Ozempic. It could be that your dosage needs to be adapted to suit you better.

Remember, if you experience symptoms that are bothersome and do not go away, or they start to affect your day-to-day life, speak to your healthcare advisor (a doctor, nurse or pharmacist). They should be able to advise the best resolution.

Ozempic can have some rarer and more serious side effects that you will not be able to manage at home. These side effects may also require treatment from a doctor or emergency medical help.

There are some rare but serious side effects of Ozempic that you must not ignore if you experience them, including:

• complications with diabetic retinopathy, see a doctor if you experience changes in your eyesight while taking Ozempic
• allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) signs include breathing difficulties (breathlessness or wheezing) or swelling of the mouth, throat, tongue, face, or lips
• pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) causing severe and consistent pain in the stomach and abdomen, and nausea and/or vomiting

Certain activities and conditions may make Ozempic side effects worse or more likely.

Drinking alcohol

Alcohol doesn’t interact directly with Ozempic, but it may make you more likely to experience side effects of nausea or dizziness. Alcohol can also affect blood sugar levels if you’re taking Ozempic for diabetes.

Eating certain foods

Like with alcohol, there aren’t foods that interact directly with Ozempic, so nothing is off the table. However, some foods will cause or worsen side effects such as diarrhoea and constipation. So, it’s best to try and cut back on foods like:

• processed foods
• foods high in fat
• fizzy drinks, including sugar-free ones
• white pasta and white bread
• caffeinated drinks, like coffee

Taking Ozempic incorrectly

For example, missing a dose or not following the increasing dosing schedule. The dosage schedule for Ozempic is designed to slowly increase the amount of medication in your body so you have time to get used to it. Increasing your dosage without your doctor’s approval can lead to worse or even serious side effects.

Taking other medications that can interact with Ozempic

Other medications can interact with Ozempic and may not be safe to take together. Always give accurate information about other medications you’re taking when getting Ozempic prescribed to you. In particular, make sure to mention if you’re taking:

• warfarin, or other similar medications to reduce blood clotting
• insulin, which can cause low blood sugar or diabetic ketoacidosis

What medications can you not take with Ozempic?

Certain medications may need to be adjusted or may not be safe to take with Ozempic, they include:

Anticoagulants

These are medications to treat blood clots such as Warfarin. You may need a blood test to check if Ozempic is safe for you before starting treatment if you have taken anticoagulants in the past.

Prescription medication for diabetes

Ozempic is for type 2 diabetics. Diabetics are usually prescribed medications that lower blood sugar levels, such as metformin or sulfonylurea. You will usually keep taking these medications while on Ozempic so you must be aware that taking Ozempic alongside other medication for diabetes may increase the risk of you experiencing the low blood sugar side effect. Before starting your Ozempic treatment, your doctor will decide if the dosages of your other diabetes medications need to be changed to reduce the risk of low blood sugar.

Insulin

Ozempic is not an alternative to insulin so you will need to keep taking insulin. If you use insulin, your doctor might reduce your dose of insulin and tell you how to monitor your blood sugar more often to help you to avoid hyperglycemia (high blood sugar) and diabetic ketoacidosis (a complication of diabetes that occurs when the body cannot break down glucose because there is not enough insulin).

You should always let your doctor know about your medical history and any medications you have taken recently, with or without a prescription.

What foods should I avoid on Ozempic?

We recommend that you avoid:

• Foods that are high in fat and greasy or oily foods, such as fast food and ultra-processed food. These foods are harder to digest and remain in our stomachs longer meaning they can contribute to or worsen side effects of Ozempic like vomiting, diarrhoea, or constipation.

• Foods that are high in sugar or carbs such as sweets and cakes or chips, crisps and bread. For type 2 diabetics who are prescribed Ozempic it is important to maintain good control of your blood sugar. These types of foods can cause your blood sugar to become too high.

• Foods that are spicy if you experience gastrointestinal discomfort on Ozempic (side effects such as heartburn, acid reflux or indigestion). Spicy food can exacerbate these conditions so you may find it helps to avoid them.

• Fizzy sugary or sweetened drinks, avoiding these may help you avoid symptoms of nausea and vomiting or gastrointestinal discomfort while taking Ozempic.

“While everything is safe to eat in moderation on Ozempic, avoiding certain foods while taking it may help to improve any side effects or prevent you from experiencing them. Watching what you eat can also help manage blood sugar levels and, if your diabetes is related to your weight, support weight loss too.” – Dr Brenda Ikeji, Medical Editor.

Improving your side effects on Ozempic is not just about avoiding certain foods. There are also foods or eating habits that can help you improve or manage your side effects.

Try to:

• eat smaller portions and eat little and often to avoid nausea, diarrhoea, or constipation
• eat more protein and fibre such as meat, fish, fruits, and vegetables to avoid spiking your blood sugar with carbs

Can I drink alcohol on Ozempic?

Ozempic is a medication for diabetics. You should try to limit your alcohol intake as a diabetic as it can affect blood sugar control.

You can drink some alcohol while taking Ozempic. However, it is not recommended, especially not in large quantities.

Drinking alcohol when taking Ozempic may also make you more likely to experience side effects, such as nausea and dizziness and it could make them more severe.

Yes, side effects will go away if you stop taking Ozempic but you should not stop taking Ozempic without talking to your doctor first. If you stop using Ozempic, your blood sugar levels may rise.

If your doctor decides it is safe for you to stop your Ozempic treatment, your side effects should start to go away within a few weeks.

Ozempic has a half-life of approximately 1 week (meaning it will take your body 1 week to get rid of half of a dose). Semaglutide (Ozempic’s active ingredient) will be present in the circulation (bloodstream) for about 5 weeks after the last dose.

It is not possible to get Ozempic out of your system faster than around 5 weeks. Research trials show that during this timeframe Ozempic is gradually processed by the body (metabolised) and primarily leaves your system through urine and faeces.

If you experience any unmanageable side effects in this timeframe, speak to your doctor straight away.

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