From the Guidelines
Ozempic (semaglutide) is associated with a range of side effects, including gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation, as well as more serious but less common side effects like pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, and hypoglycemia, as reported in the most recent study from 2023 1.
Common Side Effects
The most common side effects of Ozempic include:
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Dyspepsia
- Dizziness
- Abdominal distension
- Eructation
- Gastroenteritis
- Gastroesophageal reflux disease These symptoms can be managed by starting with a low dose and gradually increasing to the therapeutic dose, as well as taking the medication with small, low-fat meals and staying well-hydrated.
Serious Side Effects
More serious but less common side effects of Ozempic include:
- Pancreatitis
- Gallbladder problems
- Kidney injury
- Hypoglycemia (especially when combined with insulin or sulfonylureas)
- Suicidal ideation and behavior
- Injection site reactions Patients should contact their healthcare provider if they experience severe abdominal pain, persistent vomiting, yellowing of skin/eyes, or signs of allergic reaction.
Peri-Operative Considerations
Recent studies have also highlighted the potential risks of Ozempic in the peri-operative period, including an increased risk of pulmonary aspiration under anesthesia 1. This risk may be mitigated by discontinuing the medication before surgery and using caution when administering anesthesia to patients taking Ozempic.
Management and Monitoring
To minimize the risk of side effects and ensure safe use, patients taking Ozempic should be closely monitored for signs of adverse effects, and the medication should be used with caution in patients with a history of pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, or kidney disease. Patients should also be counseled on the importance of proper dosing and administration, as well as the potential risks and benefits of the medication.
From the FDA Drug Label
OZEMPIC may cause serious side effects, including: • inflammation of your pancreas(pancreatitis). • changes in vision. • low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). • kidney problems (kidney failure) • serious allergic reactions The most common side effects of OZEMPIC may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach (abdominal) pain and constipation.
The side effects of Ozempic (semaglutide) include:
- Serious side effects:
- Pancreatitis
- Changes in vision
- Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
- Kidney problems (kidney failure)
- Serious allergic reactions
- Common side effects:
From the Research
Side Effects of Ozempic (Semaglutide)
The side effects of Ozempic (semaglutide) include:
- Gastrointestinal disorders, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal cramps 3, 4, 5, 6
- Gastroparesis, a condition where the stomach takes too long to empty its contents 3
- Appendicitis, a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate medical attention 7
- Bloating, abdominal pain, and discomfort in the abdomen, which may be aggravated by semaglutide use 3
- Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, which can be severe or blood glucose-confirmed 4
- Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders, such as rash, pruritus, and urticaria 4
- Nasopharyngitis, or inflammation of the nasal passages 4
Common Adverse Events
The most commonly reported adverse events associated with semaglutide use are:
- Gastrointestinal disorders (34-41% of patients) 4, 5
- Nausea (21-22% of patients) 4
- Diarrhea (10-15% of patients) 6
- Vomiting (5-10% of patients) 6
- Abdominal cramps (5-10% of patients) 6
Serious Adverse Events
Serious adverse events associated with semaglutide use include: