From the Guidelines
Yes, Ozempic (semaglutide) can cause diarrhea as a common side effect. According to the most recent study from 2023 1, diarrhea is listed as one of the common side effects of semaglutide, along with nausea, vomiting, and constipation. The study highlights the importance of titrating the dose every 4 weeks as tolerated by the patient to minimize side effects.
Some key points to consider when taking Ozempic and experiencing diarrhea include:
- Staying well-hydrated to prevent dehydration
- Eating smaller, more frequent meals
- Avoiding high-fat foods
- Limiting caffeine and alcohol consumption
- Contacting your healthcare provider if diarrhea is severe, persistent, or accompanied by signs of dehydration
The mechanism of action of Ozempic as a GLP-1 receptor agonist can alter digestive processes, leading to diarrhea in some patients 1. It is essential to weigh the benefits of Ozempic in managing obesity and type 2 diabetes against the potential side effects, including diarrhea. If you experience diarrhea while taking Ozempic, it is crucial to discuss your symptoms with your healthcare provider to determine the best course of action.
From the FDA Drug Label
The most common adverse reactions, reported in ≥5% of patients treated with OZEMPIC are: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain and constipation Diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting may cause a loss of fluids (dehydration) which may cause kidney problems. The most common side effects of OZEMPIC may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach (abdominal) pain, and constipation
Yes, Ozempic (semaglutide) can cause diarrhea. It is listed as one of the most common adverse reactions and side effects of the medication, reported in ≥5% of patients treated with OZEMPIC 2, 3.
From the Research
Ozempic and Diarrhea
- Ozempic, also known as semaglutide, is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes and obesity.
- The provided studies do not directly address the relationship between Ozempic and diarrhea.
- However, studies on drug-induced diarrhea suggest that many drugs can cause diarrhea by disrupting mechanisms controlling mucosal permeability, transport, motility, and gut metabolism 4.
- Treatment for drug-induced diarrhea may include withdrawal of the offending drug or use of nonspecific agents such as loperamide 4.
Loperamide and Diarrhea
- Loperamide is an effective and safe antidiarrheal agent that has been used to treat chronic diarrhea 5, 6, 7.
- Studies have shown that loperamide can reduce stool frequency, improve stool consistency, and relieve urgency and incontinence in patients with chronic diarrhea 5, 6, 7.
- However, the use of loperamide is not recommended in the treatment of infants and young children with acute diarrhea due to potential side effects 8.
Conclusion Not Available
No direct evidence is available to confirm whether Ozempic causes diarrhea. However, it is known that some medications can cause diarrhea as a side effect 4.