From the Guidelines
Ozempic (semaglutide) does not have a commonly reported side effect of dry mouth according to the most recent evidence. The study published in 2023 in the Obesity Reviews journal 1 lists common side effects of semaglutide, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, headache, fatigue, dyspepsia, dizziness, abdominal distension, eructation, gastroenteritis, and gastroesophageal reflux disease, but dry mouth is not mentioned.
Key Points to Consider
- The medication's mechanism of action as a GLP-1 analog may affect various bodily functions, but dry mouth is not a highlighted side effect in the provided evidence.
- Patients taking Ozempic should be aware of the potential side effects listed in the study, such as gastrointestinal issues and injection site reactions, and discuss any concerns with their healthcare provider.
- If a patient experiences dry mouth while taking Ozempic, it may be worth discussing with their healthcare provider to rule out any other potential causes or to explore management options, although it is not a commonly reported side effect of this medication.
Management and Next Steps
- Patients experiencing any side effects while taking Ozempic should stay in close communication with their healthcare provider to manage these effects and adjust their treatment plan as necessary.
- Given the lack of evidence supporting dry mouth as a common side effect of Ozempic, other causes of dry mouth should be considered and addressed appropriately.
From the Research
Ozempic and Dry Mouth
- There is no direct evidence in the provided studies that Ozempic (semaglutide) causes dry mouth 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- The studies primarily focus on the efficacy and safety of semaglutide in managing type 2 diabetes, its cardiovascular effects, and comparisons with other medications such as empagliflozin and tirzepatide.
- Common adverse events associated with semaglutide include nausea, diarrhea, dyspepsia, and vomiting, as reported in the studies 2, 3, 5, but dry mouth is not mentioned as a side effect.
- Real-world evidence on oral semaglutide also does not report dry mouth as a tolerability or safety issue 6.