Can hair loss be a side effect of Ozempic (semaglutide)?

Hair Loss as a Side Effect of Ozempic (Semaglutide)

Hair loss is not a well-documented side effect of Ozempic (semaglutide) based on current medical literature and guidelines.

Understanding Drug-Induced Hair Loss

• Drug-induced hair loss typically occurs through mechanisms affecting the hair growth cycle, presenting as telogen effluvium (shedding of resting hairs) or anagen effluvium (disruption of actively growing hairs) 1
• Hair loss from medications is usually reversible after discontinuation of the causative agent 1, 2
• The timing of hair loss can be immediate or delayed, sudden or gradual, and may present as diffuse or localized hair thinning 2

Current Evidence on Ozempic and Hair Loss

• Major clinical guidelines and drug compendia do not list hair loss as a recognized side effect of semaglutide (Ozempic) 3
• In comprehensive reviews of medications associated with alopecia, GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide are not included among drugs with strong evidence for causing hair loss 4
• The most well-documented medications causing hair loss include:
  • Anticancer agents (chemotherapy drugs) 5, 6
  • Immunosuppressants and biologics (adalimumab, infliximab, tacrolimus) 4
  • Anticoagulants (enoxaparin) 4
  • Certain antiepileptics (lamotrigine) 4
  • Targeted cancer therapies (erlotinib, imatinib) 4

Differential Diagnosis for Hair Loss in Patients Taking Ozempic

• Weight loss itself can trigger telogen effluvium, a temporary form of hair shedding that occurs 2-3 months after a significant physiological stressor 7
• Since Ozempic commonly causes weight loss, any associated hair shedding may be related to the rapid weight change rather than a direct drug effect 7
• Other potential causes to consider:
  • Hormonal disorders (thyroid dysfunction)
  • Nutritional deficiencies (especially with reduced food intake)
  • Stress or psychological factors 2

Evaluation of Hair Loss in Patients Taking Ozempic

• Laboratory testing should include:
  • Thyroid function tests (TSH, free T4)
  • Iron studies (ferritin)
  • Vitamin D levels
  • Zinc levels 3
• Careful medication review to identify other potential culprits 4

Management Approaches

• If hair loss occurs while taking Ozempic:
  • Correct any identified nutritional deficiencies 3
  • Consider topical minoxidil 5% to stimulate hair regrowth 3
  • Biotin supplementation (2.5 mg daily) may be considered, though evidence for efficacy is limited 3
• For severe or persistent hair loss:
  • Consultation with a dermatologist may be warranted
  • Risk-benefit assessment of continuing Ozempic versus switching to alternative therapy 7

Key Takeaways

• Hair loss is not currently recognized as a common or established side effect of Ozempic
• If hair loss occurs in patients taking Ozempic, consider alternative explanations including rapid weight loss, nutritional factors, or coincidental causes
• Most drug-induced hair loss is reversible upon discontinuation of the causative agent 1