Ozempic Side Effects

As of November 2024, the FDA found gastrointestinal disorders were the most reported side effect of Ozempic. The most common side effect was nausea. Constipation and diarrhea are also common.

New Ozempic Side Effect Updates

On July 3, 2024, researchers published a study in JAMA Ophthalmology that reported that patients with Type 2 diabetes who took semagalutide-containing medications had more than a fourfold higher risk for developing nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) compared with patients not on a GLP-1 agonist. Overweight people who took semaglutide for weight loss had a more than sevenfold higher risk.

NAION is a condition that occurs after blood stops flowing to the optic nerve, causing vision loss and blindness.

The FDA is investigating reports of hair loss and suicidal thoughts linked to Ozempic. On Jan. 11, 2024, the FDA released a safety communication informing the public that the agency hasn’t found a connection between Ozempic or Wegovy and suicidal thoughts.

However, the FDA said it “cannot rule out a small risk.” These reports are from the FDA Adverse Events Reporting System (FAERS).

The most common Ozempic side effects include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, according to the drug’s prescribing information. Among all patients taking Ozempic, nausea was the most reported side effect.

“The most common side effects of [Ozempic and other GLP-1] medications are gastrointestinal, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation,” Dr. Maria Anton, endocrinologist and educator at Pritikin Longevity Center, told Drugwatch. “Patients may also experience fatigue, headaches or dizziness. We can help patients prevent these side effects through appropriate counseling.”

In trials studying Ozempic’s effects on Type 2 diabetes, researchers engaged a diverse group of participants. This group included 262 individuals who got a placebo. It also had 260 who received a 0.5 mg dose of Ozempic, and 261 who got a 1 mg dose.

Patients usually experience side effects while gradually increasing the drug’s dose. This process is called dose escalation. In trials, 15.8% of those taking 0.5 mg doses reported nausea. This was 20.3% for those on 1 mg doses.

How Long Do Ozempic Side Effects Last?

Common side effects from Ozempic disappear within a few days or weeks. If they last for months or are especially bothersome, speak to your health care provider.

After stopping Ozempic, it may take a few weeks for the drug to leave the body, especially at the highest 2 mg dose. You may still feel side effects.

“It was a shock to my system. I had a lot of nausea and a lot of throwing up initially. I would take my shot, and then a couple of hours later, I’d be over the toilet. For me, that lasted about two weeks,” Stephan T., a patient who used Ozempic for Type 2 diabetes and is omitting his last name for privacy reasons, told Drugwatch.

Ozempic Face and Ozempic Neck

Some people using semaglutide for weight loss may get sagging skin on their face, neck, or buttocks. Online, this is commonly called Ozempic face, Ozempic neck and even Ozempic butt.

Weight loss experts say that losing weight too fast can cause Ozempic face and neck. It can also result in muscle loss.

“If you lose muscle because you’re not having your body composition monitored, that’s a possibility,” Dr. Sue Decotiis, a triple board-certified medical weight loss physician based in New York City, told Drugwatch. “Typically, people with Ozempic face and Ozempic neck have probably lost too much weight. The skin is sagging around the face and the neck.”

It takes time for skin to recoil. Some loose skin will likely remain after significant weight loss.

Decotiis recommends that a weight loss physician monitor your progress. This ensures a steady and sustainable weight loss pace.

Ozempic can cause rare but serious side effects. These include pancreatitis, allergic reactions, and kidney issues. There are also other severe but uncommon complications. The drug has an FDA boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumors, medullary thyroid carcinoma and multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).

Some people may develop immunity to Ozempic. In clinical trials, about 1% of users developed antibodies against Ozempic. These can reduce the drug’s effectiveness over time.

According to Decotiis, very few of her patients have had to discontinue Ozempic because of severe side effects. She added that many of them were dehydrated and felt better after drinking more water.

Dehydration related to Ozempic is also often the cause of constipation. Drinking more fluids helps prevent acute kidney injury, fatigue and constipation in patients taking Ozempic.

Ozempic and Gastroparesis

Studies and FDA reports say some people experienced gastroparesis, or a paralyzed stomach, after taking Ozempic.

“There are some publicly available clinical trials, observational studies and case reports showing an association between gastroparesis or persistent vomiting and Ozempic and these types of drugs,” Jonathan Sedgh, an attorney with Morgan & Morgan, told Drugwatch.

Researchers published study data in JAMA as a research letter in October 2023.

The study found that people who used GLP-1 agonists, like Ozempic, for weight loss had a higher risk of gastroparesis and bowel obstruction than those who used bupropion-naltrexone.

FAERS data published on Dec. 31, 2023 includes 149 reports of intestinal obstruction and 223 of impaired gastric emptying.

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When To Seek Medical Attention

Ozempic has an FDA boxed warning for potential thyroid tumors or cancers. See a doctor immediately if you develop neck swelling, a lump, hoarseness, trouble swallowing or shortness of breath. Do not take Ozempic if you or your family have a history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2.

Ozempic may also cause side effects that are signs of other severe problems that require medical attention right away.

See a doctor if Ozempic side effects persist or interfere with your daily life. Regular monitoring and timely consultation can help to effectively managing these side effects.

While not its primary use, Ozempic has been associated with significant weight loss. According to manufacturer Novo Nordisk, people who experienced Ozempic weight loss side effects lost an average of 9.3 to 14.1 pounds over 40 weeks on Ozempic.

This has led to widespread off-label use of Ozempic to treat obesity, driving a global shortage of the drug. However, weight gain after stopping the medication is common.

People who take Ozempic for weight loss typically experience similar side effects as those who take the drug for Type 2 diabetes.

If you have side effects that persist or cause trouble, Ozempic’s guidelines suggest talking to your doctor. They may recommend dietary changes or a different medication.

“Smaller, balanced, lower fat and more bland meals can help to prevent the gastrointestinal discomfort often associated with these medications. Proper hydration, moderation of alcohol intake and regular exercise can also help patients acclimate to these medications,” Anton said.

Some people may suffer chronic side effects from taking Ozempic, mainly gastrointestinal effects. At least 10% of patients who start Ozempic or Wegovy have to stop taking the medication because the side effects don’t improve, Dr. Meera Shah, an endocrinologist at the Mayo Clinic, told CBS News.

Nausea and vomiting side effects may indicate malabsorption of nutrients. These side effects may also affect mood and energy levels. Your doctor may recommend you avoid certain habits and foods that can make you nauseous.

To avoid Ozempic side effects like nausea, eat slowly, monitor your diet or take anti-nausea medication. Side effects are common at first and typically subside gradually.

In late 2023, the FDA began investigating reports of suicidal thoughts, hair loss and aspiration. It found potential risks in its July to September 2023 FAERS data. In early January 2024, the agency found no evidence linking Ozempic to suicidal thoughts, but it continues to investigate.

On Sept. 28, 2023, the FDA updated Ozempic’s label. It acknowledged the risk of ileus, a life-threatening intestinal blockage. People have filed Ozempic lawsuits after they suffered gastroparesis (paralyzed stomach), excessive vomiting, intestinal blockages and ileus.

“We’re alleging that the Defendants knew or should have known that these drugs could cause what’s called gastroparesis, ileus and intestinal blockages, and they failed to properly warn the American population about it,” Sedgh said.

Is There an Ozempic Recall?

So far, the drug’s makers and the FDA have not announced any recalls associated with Ozempic. However, in December 2023, the FDA seized thousands of units of Ozempic counterfeits.

“The agency advises wholesalers, retail pharmacies, health care practitioners and patients to check the product they have received and not distribute, use, or sell products labeled with lot number NAR0074 and serial number 430834149057 … Some counterfeit products may still be available for purchase,” according to the FDA’s warning.