Ozempic side effects: semaglutide injection for weight loss

Ozempic (semaglutide) is a brand-name prescription medication made by Novo Nordisk. It is administered as a weekly injection. Ozempic used for weight loss or weight management can cause side effects that range from bothersome to serious, and it has significant safety warnings, too.

As with any medication, it’s important to know the possible side effects of Ozempic for weight loss and how to deal with them before you start taking it. In this article, we cover what to know about Ozempic’s side effects, how to manage them, and when you need to seek medical care.

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What is Ozempic and how does it work?

Ozempic is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to lower A1C and blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. Ozempic also reduces the risk for cardiovascular events including heart attack in people with type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Its active ingredient, semaglutide, belongs to a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. These medications mimic GLP-1, a naturally occurring hormone your intestines release into your digestive tract when you eat. 

GLP-1, and GLP-1 receptor agonists, prompt your body to produce more insulin which lowers your glucose or blood sugar levels. It also works for weight loss by reducing appetite and delaying stomach emptying to help you feel fuller for longer.

There are 3 FDA-approved forms of semaglutide: Ozempic, Wegovy, and Rybelsus. All 3 target the body’s metabolic pathways. Rybelsus is an oral semaglutide tablet approved to help control blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes.

Like Ozempic, Wegovy is an injection. It’s approved as a weight loss medication for adults and children aged 12 years and older. When comparing Ozempic vs Wegovy, it’s important to note that Wegovy uses higher doses of semaglutide. 

Although it’s an off-label use, your provider can prescribe Ozempic for weight loss if they think it’s the best drug to help you lose weight safely. It should be used as part of a medical weight loss program and isn’t meant for short-term or cosmetic weight loss. Only use Ozempic if it’s prescribed for you. 

What are the side effects of Ozempic for weight loss?

The side effects of Ozempic for weight loss vary from one person to another. Some side effects are common and happen in more than 10% of people who take Ozempic while others are rare. Serious side effects are possible with Ozempic and typically require immediate medical attention.

Common side effects of Ozempic for weight loss

The most common side effects of Ozempic for weight loss are usually gastrointestinal (GI) symptoms. The risk for side effects increases with higher doses of the medication. During clinical trials, the most common side effects of Ozempic for weight loss include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Abdominal pain

Gastrointestinal side effects of ozempic

The gastrointestinal side effects of Ozempic are common, especially when you’re just starting to take it. Nausea is the most frequent side effect, particularly right at the beginning of treatment or after increasing your dose. Other gastrointestinal side effects can include:

• Vomiting, which sometimes comes with nausea
• Diarrhea, which can range from mild to severe
• Constipation, which some people experience instead of diarrhea
• Abdominal pain, cramping, or discomfort

There are ways to help reduce or prevent nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and other GI symptoms while you’re taking Ozempic:

• Take your medication with food
• Sip water or other clear liquids all day long; stay hydrated
• Eat small meals more often
• Start with a lower dose
• Avoid greasy, fried foods, spicy foods, and sweets
• Stop eating at least 2 hours before you lie down
• Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and dairy
• Get regular exercise
• Add fresh fruits and vegetables and whole grains to your diet every day

A small minority of people stop taking Ozempic because of gastrointestinal side effects. 

If you experience severe gastrointestinal side effects, your healthcare provider may adjust your dose or suggest other strategies to manage symptoms. In some cases, an alternative medication may be more tolerable.

Remember, as you and your body adjust to taking Ozempic, these side effects will probably subside. But if they continue or get worse, it’s important to speak to your healthcare professional.

Serious side effects of Ozempic for weight loss

It’s possible to experience serious side effects of Ozempic for weight loss. Some of the more serious Ozempic weight loss side effects to watch for include:  

• Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia): Low blood sugar can be a serious complication of type 2 diabetes. Symptoms of low blood sugar include hunger, light-headedness, dizziness, blurred vision, rapid heartbeat, shakiness, weakness, sweating, anxiety, irritability, confusion, slurred speech, drowsiness, and headache. The risk of low blood sugar increases when Ozempic is used alongside other diabetes medications like metformin, sulfonylureas, and insulin. 
• Allergic reactions:  It’s possible to have a serious allergic reaction to Ozempic. Symptoms may include swelling of the face, tongue, and skin, rash, shortness of breath, trouble swallowing, itching, fainting, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, or a severe immune response (anaphylaxis). Severe allergic reactions can be life-threatening. If you experience one, seek medical care immediately.
• Vision changes: Ozempic can cause changes in vision. Get your eyes checked before and during your treatment with Ozempic. Report any vision changes to your providers. 
• Kidney problems: New or worsening kidney problems are possible with Ozempic use. Side effects like diarrhea and vomiting can leave you dehydrated. This can cause or worsen kidney disease, including kidney failure. Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated while taking Ozempic. 
• Gallbladder problems: Symptoms of gallbladder disease such as gallstones include severe pain in your upper abdomen, fever, yellowing of the skin or eyes, or pale stools. If you develop these symptoms while taking Ozempic, contact your healthcare professional immediately.
• Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis): Abdominal pain that won’t go away or radiates to your back may be a symptom of pancreatitis. If you notice this symptom, call your healthcare provider right away.

Ozempic side effects in females

Ozempic side effects can affect both men and women, but some side effects may impact women more than men, including:

• Nausea and vomiting: Clinical trials suggest that women may experience nausea and vomiting more often than men. This may be related to hormonal fluctuations and differences in how female bodies metabolize medications.
• Headache: Women report headaches almost 8 times as often as men in clinical trials of Ozempic.
• Dizziness: Women are more likely to report dizziness than men in clinical trials of Ozempic.
• Possible menstrual cycle changes: Although changes to the menstrual cycle aren’t widely documented, some women report them. This could be related to significant weight loss or hormonal changes while taking Ozempic.
• Gallbladder issues: Rapid weight loss, whether produced by using Ozempic or not, may cause gallstones. Women, especially those who are over 40 years old, are generally more prone to gallbladder problems than men.

It’s worth noting that more women than men participated in many of the clinical trials of Ozempic. But even taking this into consideration, women experience the side effects listed here more often.

There are a few other Ozempic side effects that women and people assigned female at birth should pay special attention to and talk to their provider about:

• “Ozempic babies:” While Ozempic isn’t directly linked to infertility or fertility enhancement, a number of unplanned pregnancies have been reported by women taking it. 
• Ozempic and pregnancy: Ozempic isn’tt recommended during pregnancy or for people trying to become pregnant. It may cause harm to the fetus, as animal studies have shown potential risks like fetal abnormalities. Human studies are limited though, so there isn’t a complete understanding of its effects. Women of childbearing age who are on Ozempic are usually advised to use Ozempic and birth control during treatment and discontinue using Ozempic at least 2 months before trying to conceive due to the drug’s long half-life (the time it stays in your body).
• “Ozempic breasts:” Like any kind of rapid weight loss, losing weight with Ozempic can cause changes to breast size and composition for some women. Breast tissue naturally contains fat, so with significant weight loss, your breasts can shrink or sag due to loss of fat and volume. There’s no scientific evidence to suggest Ozempic directly affects breast tissue.
• Ozempic after menopause: Using Ozempic may have a few unique considerations for postmenopausal women, including affecting bone density. Ozempic’s effect on type 2 diabetes though can benefit postmenopausal women who are at a higher risk for developing type 2 diabetes.

Ozempic side effects for women are variable, and not all women experience them. If you experience persistent or severe symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider.

What is “Ozempic face?”

“Ozempic face” refers to changes that can happen in your face after losing a lot of weight on Ozempic. An “Ozempic face” looks a lot thinner, even gaunt or older.

This happens as the fat beneath the skin diminishes. But it’s not unique to taking Ozempic for weight loss. It can happen anytime you lose a lot of weight — especially if you lose it quickly — no matter how you do it.

When you lose weight rapidly, your body sheds fat all over, including in your face. The loss of facial fat can lead to a few noticeable effects:

• Sagging skin: Your skin might look droopier because it doesn’t have time to adjust to having less fat underneath it, especially if you lose weight rapidly.
• Wrinkles or fine lines: Less fat under your skin can make facial lines and wrinkles more noticeable. This is why some people use fillers, even when they don’t lose weight, fillers work like fat to smooth out lines in the skin.
• Hollowed appearance: Areas around the eyes, cheeks, or jawline can look more sunken.

Ozempic face may be more noticeable in older people, because as skin loses elasticity, it’s harder for it to “snap back” after weight loss.

What do people taking Ozempic for weight loss experience?

Many people taking Ozempic for weight loss share positive experiences. Most of the concerns voiced by real users in Ozempic reviews have been about the GI side effects. 

Reviews from Ozempic users also mention changes in their appearance. While this is attributed to Ozempic and even dubbed “Ozempic Face,” “Ozempic Neck,” and “Ozempic Butt,”  these changes happen to your skin after you lose weight quickly. If you’re concerned about changes in your appearance, talk with your provider.

Appetite suppression is a key benefit of taking Ozempic, but what it feels like is different for everyone. Some people describe almost complete disinterest in food while others have a more subtle effect, like feeling full faster or just not having as many cravings.

Suppressed appetite can also be a double-edged sword. It’s effective for weight loss, but some users report struggling to eat enough or feeling fatigued due to low food intake.

People who use Ozempic also report having to make changes to their routines. Some describe social eating as a challenge, because they don’t feel hungry or can’t finish meals. This can be socially awkward in some settings — like when someone serves you a home-cooked meal or treats you to a nice evening out.

Some people who use Ozempic say they need to adjust their food choices to prevent nausea. They eat smaller, more frequent meals, stick to bland foods, or avoid greasy, heavy dishes.

What else to know when considering Ozempic for weight loss?

When taking Ozempic for weight loss, it’s important to review any medications you’re taking and share your medical history with your provider. 

Ozempic can interact with other drugs

If you’re taking other medication along with Ozempic, It’s a good idea to note possible interactions. Ozempic can interact with several drugs and increase or decrease their effects. 

Ozempic can increase the action of diabetic medications, such as insulin and sulfonylureas. That means your risk of low blood sugar is higher when you take Ozempic and other medicines for diabetes. If you’re already taking medication for diabetes, your provider may need to reduce your Ozempic dose. 

Ozempic delays stomach emptying, which can potentially affect any oral medicine you take. Tell your healthcare professional about all medications you take. This includes birth control pills, herbal medicines, supplements, over-the-counter (OTC) medications, and home remedies.  

Ozempic has a boxed warning

Ozempic has an FDA-boxed warning with safety information to notify doctors, patients, and the public about the risk of thyroid cancers while using the drug. 

Animal studies reported a risk of thyroid C-cell tumors  when using Ozempic. Researchers don’t know if this can happen in humans. As a precaution, you shouldn’t take Ozempic if you have a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).

Watch for signs of thyroid tumors while taking Ozempic. Symptoms include changes in your voice and swelling or pain in your neck. Contact your provider immediately if you notice these symptoms.  

Some people shouldn’t take Ozempic 

Ozempic is generally effective and safe, but it isn’t for everyone. You shouldn’t take Ozempic if:

• You’re pregnant, breastfeeding, or plan to become pregnant within 2 months
• You have an allergy to semaglutide or any other ingredients in Ozempic
• You have a personal or family history of Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia (MEN), medullary thyroid carcinoma, or any other type of thyroid tumors or thyroid cancers 
• You have problems with your kidneys, gallbladder, or pancreas
• You’ve had diabetic retinopathy 
• You have type 1 diabetes 

About taking Ozempic and  drinking coffee or alcohol

If you drink coffee, consider drinking less while using Ozempic. Symptoms like jitteriness, digestive problems, poor sleep, or an increased heart rate, can happen if you drink coffee while on Ozempic. Consider drinking black or green tea instead. 

Drinking alcohol while taking Ozempic can increase your risk of low blood sugar. Avoid alcohol if your blood sugar isn’t well controlled or if you experience complications of diabetes, such as nerve damage. 

If you decide to drink alcohol while using Ozempic, try to limit your intake to 2 drinks a day for men and 1 a day for women. One drink is measured as 12 fluid ounces of beer, 5 fluid ounces of wine, or 1.5 fluid ounces of 80-proof liquor (like rum, whisky, or vodka). To reduce your risk of low blood sugar, don’t drink alcohol on an empty stomach or immediately after exercise.  

Ozempic isn’t intended for weight loss in people who don’t have type 2 diabetes

If you don’t have type 2 diabetes, using Ozempic is an off-label use (one not approved by the FDA). Ozempic is approved for people with type 2 diabetes to help lower their A1C and blood sugar levels, as well as reduce their risk of complications. 

If you’re overweight or living with obesity, speak to your healthcare provider about Wegovy instead.  

Wegovy may help you lose more weight if you have type 2 diabetes

When taking Ozempic for weight loss, doses are limited to 0.5 to 2.0 milligrams. Wegovy, which has the same active ingredient (semaglutide), is available in higher doses — up to 2.4 milligrams. Clinical trials show that people lose more weight on the higher Wegovy doses of semaglutide. It may be better to get Wegovy for weight loss if that’s your main goal. It’s FDA-approved specifically as a weight loss injection. 

Other GLP-1 receptor agonists, such as Mounjaro, may also help you lose more weight than Ozempic. 

If you have type 2 diabetes and need to lose weight, talk to your healthcare professional about your options.  

Can you avoid Ozempic side effects?

Experiences with Ozempic’s side effects vary. While many people report little or no side effects, it’s hard to know how your body will respond to this medication. Some tips to reduce your chances of experiencing side effects of Ozempic include:

• Follow the approved dosing schedule according to the medical advice you receive. Starting at a low dose (0.5 milligrams), your provider will gradually increase your dose until you reach a maximum tolerated dose or the highest dose available (2.0 milligrams).
• Take your dose on the same day each week. 
• Change your injection site each week to avoid damaging your skin.
• If you miss a dose, don’t double up next time. Instead, talk to your provider about what to do if you miss a dose.
• Avoid taking other weight loss drugs while taking Ozempic. 
• Maintain a healthy diet rich in fiber and eat small, regular meals. Avoid spicy, fried, or fatty foods. Try bland foods instead.
• Exercise regularly to help your digestive system function well. Aim for 150 to 300 minutes of vigorous exercise a week. 
• Drink plenty of water every day. Aim for 15.5 cups per day for men and 11.5 cups for women. You can also have clear soups, broth, and vegetable juice besides plain or sparkling water.
• Get enough sleep each day. Aim for at least 7 hours and stick to your sleep schedule.

Managing Ozempic side effects

If you have serious side effects of Ozempic, seek immediate medical attention. If you have low blood sugar, take a sugary drink or snack to help relieve symptoms. 

For mild side effects, adjusting your diet, activity, and sleep can reduce their intensity. A diet rich in fiber and fluid, regular exercise, and adequate sleep can help reduce mild side effects. You can also ask your local provider or pharmacist for tips.

OTC medicines can help to relieve specific side effects, like nausea or stomach pain. Some OTC medications that can help include:

Talk to your healthcare provider if your symptoms from side effects don’t improve as Ozempic may not be the best drug for you. They may adjust your dose or prescribe something else to help you reach your weight loss goals.

Key takeaway 

• Ozempic (semaglutide) is a prescription medication that lowers blood sugar and A1C in people with type 2 diabetes and can cause weight loss.
• Ozempic’s side effects range from common to unusual and potentially serious.
• Ozempic isn’t recommended for weight loss for people without type 2 diabetes, so talk to your provider about alternatives like a Wegovy online prescription if weight loss is your main goal.
• Learn more about semaglutide online prescriptions if it seems like a good fit. 

Talk to a provider about Ozempic in as little as 24 hours*

Are you looking to lose weight for health reasons? With Klarity Health, you can find a weight loss provider and have an appointment in as little as 24 hours.* Your provider can help you get the best treatment to achieve your health and weight loss goals.