Ozempic Side Effects

Generic name: semaglutide

Written by Kristianne Hannemann, PharmD on Dec 18, 2024.

Ozempic (semaglutide) is a medication commonly prescribed for managing type 2 diabetes. While effective, it can cause a range of side effects. This guide will help you understand the potential side effects of Ozempic, both common and serious, and provide tips for managing them.

Common side effects

Common side effects of Ozempic are generally mild to moderate and include:

• nausea,
• diarrhea,
• constipation,
• fatigue,
• dizziness,
• abdominal pain,
• bloating,
• burping,
• heartburn,
• loss of appetite,
• blurred vision, and
• injection site reactions.

These side effects are often manageable with simple lifestyle adjustments and over-the-counter remedies.

Serious side effects

Although less common, Ozempic can also cause more serious side effects that may require immediate medical attention. These include:

• hypoglycemia (especially when combined with insulin or sulfonylureas),
• allergic reactions, gallstones,
• tachycardia,
• pancreatitis, and
• kidney damage.

Additionally, animal studies suggest Ozempic has the potential to cause thyroid cancer, which may lead to lumps in the throat and dysphagia. It's important to be aware of these potential risks and consult your healthcare provider if you experience any severe symptoms. View serious side effects (in more detail).

This page provides detailed information on each side effect, including its frequency, severity, and tips for management, to help you use Ozempic safely and effectively.

Common side effects in more detail

Nausea

Nausea from Ozempic is a common side effect, occurring in 15% to 23% of patients. While nausea is mild to moderate for most people, it can often cause stomach discomfort and an urge to vomit. The good news is that nausea usually gets better over time as your body adjusts to the medication. If you experience nausea that is severe, contact your healthcare provider.

Tips for managing nausea

• Eat slowly
• Consume smaller portions of food more frequently
• Avoid fatty foods
• Stay hydrated
• Rest after eating
• Avoid lying down after a meal
• Try ginger or peppermint

Ozempic users reporting nausea

Diarrhea

Another common side effect of Ozempic is diarrhea. It is typically mild to moderate, occurring in about 8% to 14% of patients. You may experience frequent, loose, or watery stools. Diarrhea is most likely to happen within the first weeks of starting Ozempic, and it should get better with time.

Tips for managing diarrhea

• Eat smaller meals
• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated
• Avoid fatty and spicy foods
• Consume water-rich foods
• Do not consume products with sweeteners ending in “ol” (sorbitol, mannitol, xylitol)
• Consider over-the-counter remedies after consulting a healthcare provider

Ozempic users reporting diarrhea

Constipation

Constipation from Ozempic is less common than other stomach-related side effects, but still occurs in 3% to 7% of patients. You may experience infrequent or difficult bowel movements. Constipation is most common during the first 28 days of starting Ozempic, but can start any time during the first months of treatment.

Tips for managing constipation

• Keep track of how much fiber you are eating to make sure you get enough
• Increase your daily fiber intake slowly, if needed
• Stay hydrated
• Maintain a regular toilet routine
• Exercise regularly
• Consider over-the-counter remedies after consulting a healthcare provider

Ozempic users reporting constipation

Fatigue

It isn’t clear why Ozempic causes some people to feel tired, but it may be due to its effect on appetite. People taking Ozempic may eat less, which can mean less energy for the body. This can cause persistent tiredness or lack of energy. In clinical studies, more than 0.4% of people reported fatigue as a side effect from Ozempic. Consult a healthcare provider if fatigue persists.

Tips for managing fatigue

• Ensure adequate rest
• Maintain a balanced diet
• Stay hydrated
• Manage stress with relaxation techniques

Ozempic rusers reporting fatigue

Dizziness

Similar to fatigue, more than 0.4% of people taking Ozempic in clinical studies reported dizziness as a side effect. You may experience lightheadedness or unsteadiness. Tell your healthcare provider if this is bothersome, or if this side effect does not seem to be getting better. 

Dizziness can be a symptom of low blood sugar, which is more common if you are taking Ozempic with certain other diabetes medications (e.g., insulin, sulfonylurea). If you feel dizzy, check your blood sugar to make sure it is within a normal range.

Tips for managing dizziness

• Stand up slowly
• Avoid sudden movements
• Stay hydrated
• Check your blood sugar level

Ozempic users reporting dizziness

Abdominal pain

Abdominal pain from Ozempic is a common and mild to moderate side effect, occurring in 5% to 7% of patients. You may experience discomfort or cramping in the stomach area. This side effect is most common at the start of treatment, and should get better within a few weeks. Contact your healthcare provider if stomach symptoms are getting worse or not getting better after some time on Ozempic. 

Stomach pain can be a sign of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), which requires immediate medical attention. Seek medical attention if you have severe stomach pain with or without vomiting.

Tips for managing abdominal pain

• Eat more frequent, smaller meals
• Avoid foods high in fat
• Cook meats and vegetables with steam instead of oil or butter
• Use over-the-counter pain relief if necessary

Ozempic users reporting abdominal pain

Bloating

Since Ozempic slows down stomach emptying, it can commonly cause bloating. Indigestion occurs in 3% to 4% of patients, causing a feeling of fullness or swelling in the abdomen. While this feeling can be uncomfortable, it should pass after a short period of time.

Tips for managing bloating

• Avoid carbonated drinks
• Limit salty foods, which can cause you to hold on to too much water
• Chew your food thoroughly to reduce the amount of air you swallow
• Eat more frequent, smaller meals
• Engage in light physical activity

Ozempic users reporting bloating

Burping

Burping from Ozempic is a common and mild side effect, occurring in 1% to 3% of patients, causing excessive belching. Burping is the body’s way to release excess air from the stomach. It is not harmful, but it can be bothersome.

Tips for managing burping

• Avoid carbonated drinks
• Eat slowly and chew your food thoroughly 
• Keep a food diary and avoid foods that trigger gas
• Cut back on fatty foods, which can slow down digestion
• Do not chew gum

Ozempic users reporting burping

Heartburn

Heartburn from Ozempic occurs in 1% to 2% of patients, causing a burning sensation in the chest. Ozempic slows down the time it takes for your food to leave your stomach, which can make your stomach too full at times. This can cause acid reflux. Certain types of foods can raise your risk for heartburn, making you feel worse.

Tips for managing heartburn

• Eat smaller, more frequent meals
• Wear loose-fitting clothing
• Avoid spicy and fatty foods
• Cut down on caffeine, chocolate, and alcohol
• Have your last meal at least 2-3 hours before bedtime
• Consider over-the-counter antacids after consulting your healthcare provider

Ozempic users reporting Heartburn

Loss of appetite

Ozempic slows down how fast your body processes food, which can help keep you fuller longer. As a result, many people eat less and experience weight loss as a side effect from taking Ozempic. In clinical studies, decreased appetite was reported in 4% to 8% of patients taking Ozempic.

Tips for managing loss of appetite

• Eat smaller meals throughout the day
• Enhance the flavor of your meals by using herbs and sauces
• Choose nutrient-dense foods
• Drink fluids between meals rather than with your meals
• Schedule meals to create a routine and help remind yourself to eat

Ozempic users reporting loss of appetite

Blurred vision

When blood sugar levels improve too quickly, some people experience a temporary worsening of diabetic retinopathy. If this happens, you may notice blurry vision or other changes to your vision. Complications of diabetic retinopathy occur in 3% of patients taking Ozempic. Contact your healthcare provider if you notice any unusual changes in your vision.

Ozempic users reporting blurred vision

Injection site reactions

Injection site reactions from Ozempic occurred in less than 1% of patients during clinical studies. You may experience redness, swelling, or pain at the injection site. 

Tips for managing injection site reactions

• Rotate injection sites
• Clean the area with an alcohol wipe and allow it to air dry before each injection
• Apply a cold compress before and after the injection
• Consider over-the-counter pain remedies after consulting a healthcare provider

Ozempic users reporting injection site reactions

Severe side effects in more detail

Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) from Ozempic is a side effect that is more likely when used with insulin or sulfonylureas. When taken alone, Ozempic causes hypoglycemia in 1% to 4% of patients. Hypoglycemia occurs in 16% to 30% of patients taking a long-acting insulin and Ozempic. In patients taking Ozempic and a sulfonylurea, hypoglycemia occurs in 17% to 24% of patients. Most cases of hypoglycemia are mild or moderate, but severe cases do happen.

If you experience symptoms of hypoglycemia (e.g., shakiness, sweating, blurry vision, dizziness), check your blood sugar level. If your blood sugar is low (70 mg/dL or less), take 15 grams of fast-acting carbohydrates. Wait 15 minutes and check your blood sugar level again. Get emergency medical help if you are not responding to fast-acting sugar sources or if your blood sugar level is below 55 mg/dL. Consult your healthcare provider for dose adjustments if needed.

Ozempic users reporting hypoglycemia

Allergic reactions

Severe allergic reactions to Ozempic are rare, occurring in less than 1% of patients. If you experience allergy symptoms such as hives, swelling in your face or throat, or trouble breathing, stop using Ozempic and seek immediate medical attention.

Ozempic users reporting allergic reactions

Gallstones

Rarely, patients taking Ozempic experience gallstones. Gallstones occur in less than 2% of patients taking Ozempic. Contact your healthcare provider for further evaluation if you experience severe abdominal pain, fever, clay-colored stools, or yellowing of your skin or whites of your eyes.

Ozempic users reporting gallstones

Tachycardia

Some people who take Ozempic may experience an increase in their heart rate of about 2 to 3 beats per minute. Tachycardia from Ozempic is rare. Monitor your heart rate, avoid stimulants, and consult your healthcare provider if you experience persistent or severe symptoms.

Ozempic users reporting heart rate

Thyroid cancer (lump in neck)

Less than 1% of patients who took Ozempic developed thyroid cancer. In animal studies, the active ingredient of Ozempic (semaglutide) caused tumors. It is unknown if Ozempic causes cancer in humans. Consult your healthcare provider if you notice any unusual lumps or swelling in your neck, trouble swallowing, or a hoarse voice.

Ozempic users reporting lumps

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis from Ozempic is a rare side effect, occurring in less than 1% of patients. Signs of pancreatitis include severe stomach pain and vomiting. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience these symptoms. If you do develop pancreatitis while taking Ozempic, it is not recommended to start the medication again.

Ozempic users reporting pancreatitis

Kidney damage

Rarely, some patients taking GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic have reported kidney injury and worsening kidney function. Because Ozempic can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea as side effects, you are more likely to become dehydrated. Dehydration can contribute to kidney injury. Make sure to stay hydrated and consult your healthcare provider if you experience symptoms such as swelling or changes in urination.

Ozempic users reporting kidney issues

Frequently asked questions

• Ozempic Side Effects to Watch For
• Mounjaro vs Ozempic: Which is right for you?
• How do Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, Zepbound compare for weight loss?
• How long does it take for Ozempic to work?
• Wegovy vs Ozempic: Which is Right for You?
• How many doses are in an Ozempic pen?
• What are the long-term side effects of Ozempic?
• Do Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro & Zepbound cause hair loss?
• How does Ozempic work for weight loss?

Further information

Ozempic side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer