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Ozempic Side Effects

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This page will look at the various known side effects associated with Ozempic. Ozempic is a prescription drug approved for the treatment of Type 2 diabetes. Recently, Ozempic has become widely used as a weight loss drug. Millions of people are taking to lose or manage their weight.

When used for weight loss, Ozempic is taken at higher doses. This has led to a number of side effects, many of which are very serious.

About Ozempic

Ozempic (semaglutide) is a prescription medication primarily used to manage type 2 diabetes by helping control blood sugar levels. It belongs to a class of drugs known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, which mimic a hormone that stimulates insulin production, slows digestion, and reduces appetite.

Ozempic lowers blood sugar levels by stimulating the body to release insulin, while also slowing down the product of glucose in the liver. Ozempic also slows down the gastrointestinal system which suppresses appetite.

Ozempic was designed and approved for use in the treatment of Type 2 diabetes.  However, the drug proved to be very effective as a weight loss and weight management medication. As a result, Ozempic is much more widely used for weight loss than for diabetes. Another, higher-dose version of Ozempic, called Wegovy, is approved specifically for weight loss.

FDA Adverse Events Data

When patients reports serious side effects or major adverse events or reactions with a drug to their doctor, that information is reported to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). All of these “adverse event” reports regarding specific drugs are collected and tracked by the FDA in its Adverse Event Database.

To date, the FDA has received over 20,000 adverse event reports involving Ozempic (or involving patients who were using Ozempic). 9,000 of these reported incidents involved “serious” adverse events, and 250 involved death.

The FDA adverse event data indicates that most reported side effects related to Ozempic involve gastrointestinal issues. The most commonly report side effect with Ozempic is nausea. Diarrhea and constipation are the second and third most commonly reported side effects.

Non-Serious Ozempic Side Effects

There are a number of well-know and documented side effects from Ozempic that are considered “non-serious.” These side effects are reported on the drug warning label for Ozempic. All of the common side effects on the label involve gastrointestinal issues.

  • Abdominal Pain: Just over 7% of Ozempic users experience some form of abdominal pain or discomfort.
  • Nausea: Nausea is the most common Ozempic side effect, impacting around 16% of all users.
  • Diarrhea: 9% of Ozempic users suffer from diarrhea as a side effect.
  • Vomiting: Vomiting is a reported side effect in 5% of Ozempic users.
  • Constipation: 5% of Ozempic users suffer constipation.

There is significant “dose escalation” with the side effects associated with Ozempic. That means that the chances of experiencing any of these side effects significantly increases as the patients starts to increase their dose of the medication.

Serious Ozempic Side Effects

New studies have identified a handful of very serious side effects associated with use of Ozempic, particularly at higher doses for weight loss.

Gastroparesis

Gastroparesis is a condition in which the stomach muscles do not function properly. Normally, strong muscular contractions move food through the digestive system, but with gastroparesis, this movement is either slowed down or completely absent. As a result, the stomach struggles to empty food efficiently, leading to digestive issues.

A number of studies have definitively shown that using Ozempic for prolonged periods of time at higher doses can cause gastroparesis. This is a very serious condition. Not only is it very painful, but it can be potentially life threatening.  In October 2023, researchers published study findings in JAMA which revealed that individuals using GLP-1 agonists, such as Ozempic, for weight loss faced a higher risk of gastroparesis and bowel obstruction compared to those taking bupropion-naltrexone.

According to FDA Adverse Event data released on December 31, 2023, there were 149 reported cases of intestinal obstruction and 223 cases of impaired gastric emptying associated with these medications.

Cholecystitis

Cholecystitis, or gallbladder inflammation, typically occurs when the duct leading out of the gallbladder becomes blocked. This is a serious condition that requires immediate treatment to prevent life-threatening complications. The most common treatment is gallbladder removal. Research has shown that Ozempic users are at a significantly higher risk of developing Cholecystitis.

NAION

Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy (NAION) is a condition that causes sudden, painless vision loss due to reduced blood flow to the optic nerve. It typically affects one eye and occurs when the small blood vessels supplying the optic nerve become blocked or compromised, leading to nerve damage. NAION is the most recently discovered side effect of Ozempic. Evidence linking NAION to Ozempic first appeared in June 2024.

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas, an organ responsible for producing digestive enzymes and insulin. The condition can be acute (sudden and severe) or chronic (long-term and recurring). Clinical studies and real-world reports have linked Ozempic to cases of acute pancreatitis, though the risk remains relatively low. GLP-1 medications like Ozempic affect the pancreas by stimulating insulin release and slowing digestion.

How to Avoid Ozempic Side Effects

Lower Dose & Gradual Increases

Ozempic is typically started at 0.25 mg per week for the first four weeks before increasing to 0.5 mg or higher. Sticking to this slow dose increase schedule helps your body adjust and reduces stomach-related side effects.

Eat Smaller Meals

Eating smaller meals with less fats is a good way to avoid stomach discomfort with Ozempic. Large meals or fatty, greasy foods can worsen nausea and bloating.

Hydration

Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration, especially if you experience vomiting or diarrhea. Avoid excessive caffeine, alcohol, or sugary drinks, as they can worsen gastrointestinal issues. For constipation: Increase fiber intake, drink more water, and consider taking magnesium or a stool softener.

Ozempic Lawsuits

The manufacturer of Ozempic, Novo Nordisk, negligently failed to warn about many of the more serious side effects associated with the drug, such as gastroparesis. This has led to a rapidly growing number of Ozempic product liability lawsuits being filed across the country. Those lawsuits have been consolidated into a new MDL (Multi-District Litigation).

Contact Us About Ozempic Lawsuits

If you have a potential Ozempic lawsuit, contact our attorneys today at 800-322-3010 or reach out online for a complimentary consultation.