\n Disclaimer: Reports sent to the FDA don’t necessarily mean the drug caused an adverse event. Consult a health care professional before stopping or changing medication.\n<\/p>\n
New Ozempic Side Effect Updates<\/p>\n
On July 3, 2024, researchers published a study in JAMA Ophthalmology<\/a> that reported that patients with Type 2 diabetes who took semagalutide-containing medications had more than a fourfold higher risk for developing nonarteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) compared with patients not on a GLP-1 agonist.\u00a0Overweight people who took semaglutide for weight loss had a more than sevenfold higher risk.<\/p>\n NAION is a condition that occurs after blood stops flowing to the optic nerve, causing vision loss in one eye. Rarely, it may affect the other eye within a year of its initial onset, leading to blindness.<\/p>\n The FDA is investigating reports of hair loss and suicidal thoughts linked to Ozempic. On Jan. 11, 2024, the FDA released a safety communication<\/a> informing the public that the agency hasn\u2019t found a connection between Ozempic or Wegovy and suicidal thoughts.<\/p>\n However, the FDA said it \u201ccannot rule out a small risk.\u201d These reports are from the FDA Adverse Events Reporting System (FAERS).<\/p>\n Common Ozempic Side Effects<\/p>\n The most common\u00a0Ozempic side effects include nausea, vomiting and diarrhea, according to the\u00a0drug\u2019s prescribing information<\/a>. Among all patients taking Ozempic, nausea was the most reported side effect.<\/p>\n \u201cThe most common side effects of [Ozempic and other GLP-1] medications are gastrointestinal, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation,\u201d Dr. Maria Anton, endocrinologist and educator at Pritikin Longevity Center, told Drugwatch. \u201cPatients may also experience fatigue, headaches or dizziness. We can help patients prevent these side effects through appropriate counseling.\u201d <\/p>\n In trials studying Ozempic\u2019s effects on Type 2 diabetes, researchers engaged a diverse group of participants. This group included 262 individuals who got a placebo. It also had 260 who received a 0.5 mg dose of Ozempic, and 261 who got a 1 mg dose.<\/p>\n Patients usually experience side effects while gradually increasing the drug\u2019s dose. This process is called dose escalation. In trials, 15.8% of those taking 0.5 mg doses reported nausea. This was 20.3% for those on 1 mg doses.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \u201cThe most common side effects of [Ozempic and other GLP-1] medications are gastrointestinal, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation. Patients may also experience fatigue, headaches or dizziness. We can help patients prevent these side effects through appropriate counseling.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n How Long Do Ozempic Side Effects Last?<\/p>\n Common side effects from Ozempic disappear within a few days or weeks. If they last for months or are especially bothersome, speak to your health care provider.<\/p>\n After stopping Ozempic, it may take a few weeks for the drug to leave the body, especially at the highest 2 mg dose. You may still feel side effects.<\/p>\n \u201cIt was a shock to my system. I had a lot of nausea and a lot of throwing up initially. I would take my shot, and then a couple of hours later, I\u2019d be over the toilet. For me, that lasted about two weeks,\u201d Stephan T., a patient who used Ozempic for Type 2 diabetes and is omitting his last name for privacy reasons, told Drugwatch.<\/p>\n Ozempic Face and Ozempic Neck<\/p>\n Some people using semaglutide for weight loss may get sagging skin on their face, neck, or buttocks. Online, this is commonly called Ozempic face, Ozempic neck and even Ozempic butt.<\/p>\n Weight loss experts say that losing weight too fast can cause Ozempic face and neck. It can also result in muscle loss.<\/p>\n \u201cIf you lose muscle because you\u2019re not having your body composition monitored, that\u2019s a possibility,\u201d Dr. Sue Decotiis, a triple board-certified medical weight loss physician based in New York City, told Drugwatch. \u201cTypically, people with Ozempic face and Ozempic neck have probably lost too much weight. The skin is sagging around the face and the neck.\u201d <\/p>\n It takes time for skin to recoil. Some loose skin will likely remain after significant weight loss.<\/p>\n Decotiis recommends that a weight loss physician monitor your progress. This ensures a steady and sustainable weight loss pace.<\/p>\n Serious Ozempic Side Effects<\/p>\n Ozempic can cause rare but serious side effects. These include pancreatitis, allergic reactions, and kidney issues. There are also other severe but uncommon complications. The drug has an FDA boxed warning for thyroid C-cell tumors, medullary thyroid carcinoma and multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).<\/p>\n Some people may develop immunity to Ozempic. In clinical trials, about 1% of users developed antibodies against Ozempic. These can reduce the drug\u2019s effectiveness over time.<\/p>\n According to Decotiis, very few of her patients have had to discontinue Ozempic because of severe side effects. She added that many of them were dehydrated and felt better after drinking more water.<\/p>\n Dehydration related to Ozempic is also often the cause of constipation. Drinking more fluids helps prevent acute kidney injury, fatigue and constipation in patients taking Ozempic.<\/p>\n Ozempic and Gastroparesis<\/p>\n Studies and FDA reports say some people experienced gastroparesis, or a paralyzed stomach, after taking Ozempic.<\/p>\n \u201cThere are some publicly available clinical trials, observational studies and case reports showing an association between gastroparesis or persistent vomiting and Ozempic and these types of drugs,\u201d Jonathan Sedgh, an attorney with Morgan & Morgan, told Drugwatch.<\/p>\n Researchers published study data in JAMA<\/a> as a research letter in October 2023.<\/p>\n The study found that people who used GLP-1 agonists, like Ozempic, for weight loss had a higher risk of gastroparesis and bowel obstruction than those who used bupropion-naltrexone.<\/p>\n FAERS data published on Dec. 31, 2023 includes 149 reports of intestinal obstruction and 223 of impaired gastric emptying.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \t\tEXPAND\n\t<\/p>\n <\/a><\/p>\n When To Seek Medical Attention<\/p>\n Ozempic has an FDA boxed warning for potential thyroid tumors or cancers. See a doctor immediately if you develop neck swelling, a lump, hoarseness, trouble swallowing or shortness of breath. Do not take Ozempic if you or your family have a history of medullary thyroid cancer or multiple endocrine neoplasia type 2.<\/p>\n Ozempic may also cause side effects that are signs of other severe problems that require medical attention right away.<\/p>\n See a doctor if Ozempic side effects persist or interfere with your daily life. Regular monitoring and timely consultation can help to effectively managing these side effects.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \u201cThere are some publicly available clinical trials, observational studies and case reports showing an association between gastroparesis or persistent vomiting and Ozempic and these types of drugs.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n Weight Loss as an Ozempic Side Effect<\/p>\n While not its primary use, Ozempic has been associated with significant weight loss. According to manufacturer Novo Nordisk, people who experienced\u00a0Ozempic weight loss side effects\u00a0lost an average of 9.3 to 14.1 pounds over 40 weeks on Ozempic.<\/p>\n This has led to widespread off-label use of Ozempic to treat obesity, driving a global shortage<\/a> of the drug. However, weight gain after stopping the medication is common.<\/p>\n People who take Ozempic for weight loss typically experience similar side effects as those who take the drug for Type 2 diabetes.<\/p>\n How To Manage or Avoid Ozempic Side Effects<\/p>\n If you have side effects that persist or cause trouble, Ozempic\u2019s guidelines suggest talking to your doctor. They may recommend dietary changes or a different medication.<\/p>\n \u201cSmaller, balanced, lower fat and more bland meals can help to prevent the gastrointestinal discomfort often associated with these medications. Proper hydration, moderation of alcohol intake and regular exercise can also help patients acclimate to these medications,\u201d Anton said.<\/p>\n Some people may suffer chronic side effects from taking Ozempic, mainly gastrointestinal effects. At least 10% of patients who start Ozempic or Wegovy<\/a> have to stop taking the medication because the side effects don\u2019t improve, Dr. Meera Shah, an endocrinologist at the Mayo Clinic, told CBS News<\/a>.<\/p>\n Nausea and vomiting side effects may indicate malabsorption of nutrients. These side effects may also affect mood and energy levels. Your doctor may recommend you avoid certain habits and foods that can make you nauseous.<\/p>\n To avoid Ozempic side effects like nausea, eat slowly, monitor your diet or take anti-nausea medication. Side effects are common at first and typically subside gradually.<\/p>\n \t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t \u201cOzempic is a very effective medication to help treat Type 2 diabetes mellitus and promotes weight loss at the same time. However, it can be associated with significant side effects, so taking Ozempic only while under close monitoring with your physician is imperative for safe and effective treatment.\u201d<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n FDA Warnings and Actions for Ozempic<\/p>\n In late 2023, the FDA began investigating reports of suicidal thoughts, hair loss and aspiration. It found potential risks in its July to September 2023 FAERS data. In early January 2024, the agency found no evidence linking Ozempic to suicidal thoughts, but it continues to investigate.<\/p>\n On Sept. 28, 2023, the FDA updated Ozempic\u2019s label. It acknowledged the risk of ileus, a life-threatening intestinal blockage. People have filed Ozempic lawsuits<\/a> after they suffered gastroparesis (paralyzed stomach), excessive vomiting, intestinal blockages and ileus.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re alleging that the Defendants knew or should have known that these drugs could cause what\u2019s called gastroparesis, ileus and intestinal blockages, and they failed to properly warn the American population about it,\u201d Sedgh said.<\/p>\n Lawsuit Information<\/p>\n Lawsuits are being filed by people who developed severe gastroparesis after using Ozempic.<\/p>\n
\n Common Ozempic side effects include:
\n <\/strong><\/p>\n\n
\nConstipation (5%)<\/li>\n
\nDiarrhea (8.5%)<\/li>\n
\nNausea (15.8%)<\/li>\n
\nVomiting (5%)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
![\"Professional](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/maria-teresa-headshot-sm.jpg\")
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\n While less common, Ozempic can cause serious health issues, including:
\n <\/strong><\/p>\n\n
\nAcute kidney injury<\/li>\n
\nAllergic reactions<\/li>\n
\nDiabetic retinopathy<\/li>\n
\nGastroparesis<\/li>\n
\nHypoglycemia (when used with insulin or sulfonylurea)<\/li>\n
\nIncreased risk of thyroid tumors<\/li>\n
\nPancreatitis<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n![\"Preview](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/What-is-gastroparesis-640x0-c-default.png\")
<\/p>\n
\n When to see a doctor right away for Ozempic side effects:
\n <\/strong><\/p>\n\n
\nSerious allergic reaction with symptoms that include swelling of the throat, tongue, lips or face. This may include problems breathing, a rash, rapid heartbeat or dizziness.<\/li>\n
\nSymptoms of pancreatitis, including severe pain in the abdominal area that won\u2019t go away and may radiate from the abdomen to the back, nausea or vomiting, bloating and fever.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
![\"Jonathan](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/JonathanSedgh_Headshot-e1695823926499.jpeg\")
<\/p>\n
\n Tips For Managing or Avoiding Ozempic Side Effects
\n <\/strong><\/p>\n\n
\nAvoid large, fatty meals and greasy or fried foods<\/li>\n
\nCarefully monitor blood sugar levels to avoid hypoglycemia<\/li>\n
\nEat bland foods such as rice, crackers or toast<\/li>\n
\nEat meals that have a high water content, such as soup<\/li>\n
\nEat more frequent, light, smaller meals<\/li>\n
\nEat slowly<\/li>\n
\nMonitor for signs of pancreatitis, retinopathy or thyroid problems<\/li>\n
\nStay hydrated by drinking cold drinks such as water or unsweetened iced tea<\/li>\n
\nTake anti-nausea medication<\/li>\n
\nTake the medicine at the same day and time each week with a meal<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n
![\"Jennie](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Dr-Jennie-Stanford.jpg\")
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![\"Beyond](\"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/uk\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Beyond-Side-Effects-CTA-4011-x-856-px-e1731609017468.png\")
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