Ozempic Side Effects

Ozempic can cause common stomach-related side effects, and it also has rare but serious risks that patients should know about.

As of May 2026, 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 reporting that patients with Type 2 diabetes or who were overweight and took semaglutide-containing medications had significantly higher risks for developing non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION).

NAION occurs when blood flow to the optic nerve is interrupted or reduced, leading to vision loss in rare cases.

The FDA has investigated 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.

As of May 2026, the FDA Adverse Event Monitoring System (AEMS) showed 659 reports of alopecia (hair loss) and 389 reports of suicidal ideation.

The most common Ozempic side effects are nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting and constipation, according to the drug’s prescribing information.

“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 Ozempic side effects typically last only a few days to a few weeks and usually improve as your body adjusts to the medicine. If you stop taking Ozempic, some side effects can last for several weeks, especially if you were on a high 2 mg dose, while the drug leaves your system.

“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

Ozempic gastroparesis, also known as stomach paralysis, occurs when the stomach cannot empty properly. Some people have developed this condition after taking Ozempic, as GLP-1 drugs slow stomach emptying to help control blood sugar. 

A 2023 JAMA study found that people using GLP-1 drugs had a higher risk of gastroparesis and bowel obstruction compared to those taking bupropion-naltrexone.

“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.

AEMS data published in May 2026 includes 1,003 reports of intestinal obstruction and 3,168 of impaired gastric emptying.

View the Hi-Res JPG

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.

Weight loss is a known side effect of Ozempic. While Ozempic is approved by the FDA for treating Type 2 diabetes, it is not meant specifically for weight management. The version of semaglutide made for weight loss is called Wegovy. According to Novo Nordisk, people taking Ozempic lost an average of 9.3 to 14.1 pounds over 40 weeks.

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.

Ozempic has an FDA boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumors, medullary thyroid carcinoma, and multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN 2). In January 2024, a preliminary FDA evaluation failed to find evidence that Ozempic caused suicidal thoughts or tendencies. 

Recent Updates to Ozempic’s Label

• Oct. 14, 2025: The FDA has updated Ozempic’s warning label to highlight the risk of serious pancreas and stomach problems. The label also says Ozempic is not recommended for people with severe stomach paralysis (gastroparesis).
• Jan. 28, 2025: The FDA added warnings about severe gastrointestinal reactions, acute kidney injury linked to dehydration, and pancreatitis risks. The update also advises against use in patients with severe gastroparesis and adds new patient counseling guidance on these side effects.
• Nov. 1, 2024: The FDA updated Ozempic’s label to warn that slower stomach emptying could increase the risk of food or liquid entering the lungs during surgery or when anesthesia or deep sedation is used. Patients should now let their healthcare providers know if they are taking Ozempic before any planned procedures.

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.

Q: What are the most common Ozempic side effects? 

A: The most common Ozempic side effects are nausea, diarrhea, abdominal pain, vomiting, and constipation. Clinical trial data shows nausea affected 15.8% of patients on the 0.5 mg dose and 20.3% on the 1 mg dose. Diarrhea occurred in 8.5%, abdominal pain in 7.3%, vomiting in 5%, and constipation in 5%. These effects usually occur during dose escalation and subside within several weeks.

Q: What are the long-term side effects of Ozempic? 

A: Long-term Ozempic side effects under study include thyroid C-cell tumors (per FDA’s boxed warning), pancreatitis, gastroparesis, and NAION-related vision loss. The most common gastrointestinal side effects tend to subside after dose adjustment for many patients. Moderate to severe gastrointestinal side effects were significantly associated with discontinuing Ozempic in a 2025 JAMA Open study. 

Q: How long do Ozempic side effects last? 

A: Most people experience Ozempic side effects for a few days to a few weeks, and these often get better as the body adjusts. Some side effects can last several weeks after stopping the medication, especially with the highest 2 mg dose. If side effects continue for months or make daily life difficult, it is important to talk to a healthcare provider.

Q: What are the worst side effects of Ozempic? 

A: The most serious Ozempic side effects include pancreatitis, gastroparesis (stomach paralysis), acute kidney injury, severe allergic reactions, and a FDA boxed warning of the risk of thyroid C-cell tumors. These rare effects can be life-threatening. Patients should seek immediate medical care for severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, swelling or difficulty breathing, or changes in urination. Common gastrointestinal issues occur more often but are usually less severe.

Q: Can Ozempic cause stomach paralysis? 

A: Yes, some Ozempic users have developed gastroparesis, also called stomach paralysis. A 2023 JAMA study found that GLP-1 users like those on Ozempic had higher risks of gastroparesis and bowel obstruction than users of similar weight-loss drugs such as bupropion-naltrexone. Ozempic slows gastric emptying to regulate blood sugar, which can cause symptoms like severe nausea, bloating, and inability to empty the stomach. Thousands of adverse event reports have prompted Ozempic gastroparesis lawsuits.

Q: Can Ozempic cause vision loss? 

A: Recent JAMA Ophthalmology studies have linked Ozempic and other semaglutide drugs to NAION, a rare but serious condition that can cause sudden, usually permanent vision loss in one eye. The risk of NAION was over four times higher in diabetes patients and over seven times higher in overweight or obese patients using semaglutide compared to those on other medications. However, a direct causal mechanism has not been established. Patients on Ozempic who experience sudden vision loss should seek emergence medical care. 

Q: Are there any side effects of stopping Ozempic? 

A: Stopping Ozempic is generally safe but can cause side effects to persist for several weeks as the drug clears from the body. Patients may also experience weight regain after stopping. At the highest 2 mg dose, clearance takes longer, so gastrointestinal effects like nausea or stomach discomfort may linger. Patients should consult their physician before stopping to manage withdrawal effects and weight regain effectively.