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Does Ozempic cause cancer?

Medically reviewed by Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD. Last updated on March 7, 2025.

Official answer

by Drugs.com

There is no strong evidence that Ozempic (semaglutide) causes cancer in humans. However, it carries an FDA boxed warning for the risk of thyroid C-cell tumors based on animal studies.

In laboratory studies, semaglutide caused thyroid tumors, including cancerous ones, in mice and rats. It is unknown if the same effect occurs in humans. Clinical trials have not found evidence of increased cancer risk, though some thyroid cancer cases have been reported in patients taking GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic and liraglutide.

Ozempic is not recommended for individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2 (MEN2). Patients should be aware of potential thyroid tumor symptoms, including:

  • A lump in the neck
  • Difficulty swallowing
  • Shortness of breath
  • Hoarseness

Speak with your healthcare provider if you have concerns about cancer risk.

What is Ozempic?

Ozempic is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that is injected weekly to:

  • Treat type 2 diabetes in adults
  • Reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events in adults with type 2 diabetes and heart disease
  • Reduce the risk of worsening kidney disease and death due to heart problems in adults with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease
  • Support weight loss (off-label use)

What Does Research Say About Ozempic and Cancer Risk?

Studies on Ozempic’s cancer risk in humans have been mixed, with most not showing an increased risk.

Studies Finding No Increased Cancer Risk

  • 2019 meta-analysis (36,000 patients, 1.7 years follow-up): No link between GLP-1 agonists and pancreatic cancer.
  • 2023 meta-analysis (37 clinical trials, 19 real-world studies): No increased risk of any cancer with semaglutide.
  • 2024 systematic review: Thyroid cancer incidence in semaglutide users was less than 1%, suggesting no significant risk.
  • 2024 cohort study (1.6 million patients): GLP-1 agonists lowered the risk of 10 out of 13 obesity-related cancers compared to insulin.

Studies Suggesting a Possible Cancer Link

  • 2022 study (FDA Adverse Events Reporting System - FAERS): Found an increased reporting rate of some tumors in patients taking GLP-1 agonists with dipeptidyl-peptidase IV inhibitors.
  • 2023 FAERS study: Found an association between GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic and pancreatic cancer.

Related questions

Should You Be Concerned About Cancer Risk With Ozempic?

While some studies suggest a potential link to pancreatic cancer, large-scale clinical trials have not confirmed this risk. More research is needed to determine whether GLP-1 agonists increase or decrease cancer risk. Discuss the risks and benefits of Ozempic with your healthcare provider to determine if it is the right medication for you.

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.

References

Cao, M., et. al. 2023. Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists and the potential risk of pancreatic carcinoma: a pharmacovigilance study using the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System and literature visualization analysis. In: International Journal of Clinical Pharmacy. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11096-023-01556-2

Feier, C. V., et. al. 2024. Assessment of Thyroid Carcinogenic Risk and Safety Profile of GLP1-RA Semaglutide (Ozempic) Therapy for Diabetes Mellitus and Obesity: A Systematic Literature Review. In: International Journal of Molecular Sciences. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms25084346

Nagendra, L., et. al. 2023. Semaglutide and cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis. In: Diabetes and Metabolic Syndrome. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.dsx.2023.102834

Nauck, M. A., et. al. 2013. Do GLP-1–Based Therapies Increase Cancer Risk? In: Diabetes Care. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2337/dcS13-2004

Ozempic [package insert]. Updated November 2024. Novo Nordisk. Accessed 11/16/2024 at https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=adec4fd2-6858-4c99-91d4-531f5f2a2d79

Pinto, L. C., et. al. 2019. Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists and pancreatic cancer: a meta-analysis with trial sequential analysis. In: Nature Scientific Reports. DOI:  https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-019-38956-2

Yang, Z., et. al. 2022. GLP-1 receptor agonist-associated tumor adverse events: A real-world study from 2004 to 2021 based on FAERS. In: Frontiers in Pharmacology. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fphar.2022.925377

Read next

How long does it take for Ozempic to work?

Your blood glucose (sugar) levels should start to fully decline within the first week after you start using Ozempic (semaglutide) at your regular dose. However, the full effect can take 8 weeks or longer, as this is a long-acting medication that is injected only once per week. Continue reading

What are the long-term side effects of Ozempic?

Ozempic has the potential to cause certain long-term problems that may last months or years after stopping it. Some examples of long-term side effects you may experience from Ozempic include pancreatitis, vision problems, acute kidney injury, and acute gallbladder disease. Continue reading

Wegovy vs Ozempic: Which is Right for You?

Both Wegovy and Ozempic contain semaglutide, but Wegovy is prescribed for long-term weight management while Ozempic is used to control blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes and help protect kidney function. They both lower the risk for heart-related complications, but they differ in other approved uses, doses, target populations and costs. Continue reading

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