Ozempic During Diverticulitis Flare
You do not need to hold your 1mg Ozempic (semaglutide) dose during a diverticulitis flare, as there is no evidence or guideline recommendation to discontinue GLP-1 receptor agonists during acute diverticulitis.
Why Ozempic Can Be Continued
The available guidelines and evidence for diverticulitis management do not identify GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic as medications that need to be held during acute episodes 1, 2.
The medications specifically flagged for concern in diverticulitis are:
- Non-aspirin NSAIDs (like ibuprofen, naproxen, ketorolac) should be avoided as they moderately increase the risk of both incident diverticulitis episodes and complicated diverticulitis 3
- Opioids and corticosteroids are identified as risk factors for developing diverticulitis but are not specifically contraindicated during acute episodes 2
Practical Considerations for Your Situation
Dietary modifications during the flare are more relevant than medication adjustments:
- A clear liquid diet is advised during the acute phase of uncomplicated diverticulitis, advancing as symptoms improve 1
- This dietary approach may temporarily reduce your appetite, which could interact with Ozempic's appetite-suppressing effects 1
Monitor for these scenarios where medical contact is warranted:
- If you cannot advance your diet after 3-5 days of clear liquids 1
- If you develop persistent fever, chills, increasing abdominal pain, or vomiting (these indicate need for antibiotics, not Ozempic discontinuation) 1, 2
- If you have difficulty maintaining adequate oral intake due to combined effects of diverticulitis symptoms and Ozempic 1
Pain Management During Your Flare
Use acetaminophen as your primary pain medication rather than NSAIDs like ibuprofen or Aleve, which should be avoided 3, 2.
Aspirin can be continued if you take it for cardiovascular protection, as the risk increase is minimal (RR 1.25) compared to non-aspirin NSAIDs 3.
Common Pitfall to Avoid
The main medication concern during diverticulitis is inadvertently taking NSAIDs for pain relief, not continuing your chronic medications like Ozempic 3. There is no mechanistic reason why semaglutide would worsen diverticular inflammation or impair healing 1, 2.