Does Ozempic cause cancer?

There is no strong evidence in humans that Ozempic (semaglutide) causes cancer. The medication has a boxed warning, the FDA’s strictest warning, for the risk of thyroid C-cell tumors. This is because semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic) has been shown in mice and rats to cause thyroid tumors, including those that were cancerous. It is not known if the same effect happens in humans, but there has not been evidence of this in clinical trials.

Some cases of thyroid cancer have been reported in patients taking GLP-1 agonists, including liraglutide and semaglutide. It is not known if these medications caused the cancer, or if it was due to other reasons. Recent studies have not shown an increased risk of cancer from taking GLP-1 agonists, and one study has shown a decreased risk of certain cancers.

Ozempic is contraindicated in people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2. Prescribers are recommended by the manufacturer to counsel patients on the potential risk of thyroid cancer and the symptoms of thyroid tumors (e.g., lump in neck, trouble swallowing, shortness of breath, hoarse voice).

What is Ozempic?

Ozempic is a glucagon-like peptide 1 agonist (GLP-1 agonist) that is injected under the skin once a week to treat adults with type 2 diabetes. It is also approved to lower the risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes and heart disease. It is sometimes prescribed off-label for weight loss.

What is the research on Ozempic and cancer in humans?

Since Ozempic came on the market, research exploring whether the medication causes cancer in humans has been mixed. Most studies have not found an increased risk of cancer with Ozempic.

• A 2019 meta-analysis found no association between GLP-1 agonists, including semaglutide, and the risk of pancreatic cancer. The studies included in the review were made up of about 36,000 patients, but the follow-up time was only about 1.7 years.
• A 2022 study of data from the FDA Adverse Events Reporting System (FAERS) between 2004 and 2021 found that GLP-1 agonists in combination with dipeptidyl-peptidase IV inhibitors had an increased reporting rate of some tumors.
• A 2023 study of data from the FDA Adverse Events Reporting System (FAERS) found that GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic are associated with pancreatic cancer.
• A 2023 meta-analysis that included 37 randomized controlled trials and 19 real-world studies found that semaglutide was not associated with an increased risk of any types of cancer.
• A 2024 systematic literature review found that the incidence of thyroid cancer in patients taking semaglutide was less than 1%, and concluded the medication did not have a significant risk of causing this type of cancer.
• A 2024 cohort study that included more than 1.6 million patients with type 2 diabetes found that GLP-1 agonists lowered the risk of 10 out of 13 obesity-associated cancers compared to insulin.

More research is needed to understand whether GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic increase or decrease the risk of certain cancers. Discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your healthcare provider.

This is not all the information you need to know about Ozempic (semaglutide) for safe and effective use and does not take the place of your doctor’s directions. Review the full product information and discuss this information and any questions you have with your doctor or other health care provider.

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