From the Guidelines
Ozempic (semaglutide) is associated with several adverse reactions, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and constipation, as well as more serious reactions such as pancreatitis and thyroid C-cell tumors, and patients should be closely monitored for these potential side effects. The most common side effects of Ozempic include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Dyspepsia
- Dizziness
- Abdominal distension
- Eructation
- Gastroenteritis
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease These side effects are typically mild to moderate in severity and may improve over time as the body adjusts to the medication 1. More serious adverse reactions associated with Ozempic include:
- Pancreatitis, characterized by severe abdominal pain that may radiate to the back
- Thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma, which is a boxed warning for the medication
- Kidney problems
- Diabetic retinopathy complications
- Allergic reactions
- Injection site reactions
- Gallbladder problems, including cholelithiasis and cholecystitis
- Suicidal ideation and behavior According to a recent study, semaglutide was associated with a 38% higher risk of serious adverse events (SAEs) compared to placebo, including abdominal pain, constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, pancreatitis, and suicidal ideation 1. It is essential for patients to be aware of these potential side effects and to contact their healthcare provider immediately if they experience any severe or persistent symptoms. The medication should be used with caution in patients with a history of pancreatitis, cholelithiasis, or thyroid C-cell tumors, and patients should be counseled on the importance of reliable contraception due to the potential risks associated with the medication 1.
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 (6.1).
The known adverse reactions to Ozempic (semaglutide) include:
- Gastrointestinal reactions:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Abdominal pain
- Constipation Other serious adverse reactions include:
- Pancreatitis
- Diabetic Retinopathy Complications
- Hypoglycemia with concomitant use of insulin secretagogues or insulin
- Acute Kidney Injury
- Hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis and angioedema
- Risk of Thyroid C-cell Tumors 2
From the Research
Adverse Reactions to Ozempic (Semaglutide)
The following are known adverse reactions to Ozempic (semaglutide):
- Gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain 3, 4, 5, 6
- Increased risk of biliary disease (cholelithiasis) 3
- Pancreatitis 5, 6
- Diabetic retinopathy complications 3, 5, 6
- Severe allergic reactions 6
- Acute kidney injury 5
- Acute gallbladder injury 5
- Nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy 5
- Injection-site and allergic reactions 3
Specific Patient Groups
In patients with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD), semaglutide appears to be tolerated, despite associated gastrointestinal side effects, and leads to an improvement of glycemic control and insulin discontinuation in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus 4. In patients with a history of medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2, semaglutide is contraindicated 5. In pregnant patients, semaglutide is contraindicated 5.
Drug Interactions
Semaglutide may interact with other drugs used in diabetes treatment, such as metformin, as well as anti-psychotics, due to anti-psychotics associated weight gain 5.