It is also part of a larger group of diabetes medications calledincretin mimetics.
Like many medications, Ozempic carries risks, including side effects.
The most common side effects usually decrease or go away with time.
Getty Images /NurPhoto/ Contributor
Ozempic’s side effects are most noticeable when you start treatment or after a dose increase.
GI-related side effects most commonly occur during the first four weeks of treatment and tend to decrease over time.
Side effects may also worsen with sudden escalation of therapy.
In clinical trials, people took either 1 or 2 milligrams (mg) of Ozempic.
The results showed that GI-related side effects occurred more frequently among people receiving a higher dose.
Nausea is typically mild to moderate and disappears after the dose escalation phase.
For better tolerability, you should wait to increase your dose.
Consider moderating your intake of:
For persistent or severe GI effects, tell your healthcare provider.
They may recommend holding off on increasing your does until the side effects subside.
In severe cases, theyll likely have you stop taking the medication.
During these trials, the most common side effects were related to the gastrointestinal system.
The majority of participants reported experiencing mild to moderate nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
However, over time, most people noticed an improvement in these symptoms.
Although Ozempic is generally considered safe, there are a few precautions to consider before starting treatment.
It is unknown whether Ozempic causes thyroid C-cell tumors in humans.
If you are planning to become pregnant, talk to your healthcare provider.
Theyll recommend stopping Ozempic at least two months before trying to conceive.
Who Should Not Take Ozempic?
Ozempic is usually prescribed as a long-term treatment.
However, Ozempic may not be safe for everyone.
Potential Drug Interactions
Ozempic can interact with other medications.
When taking Ozempic, adjusting your diet may prevent or lessen some side effects.
If the side effects persist or become severe, consult a healthcare provider for guidance.
It isnt known if this medication increases the risk of thyroid tumors in humans.
It may be necessary to monitor your blood glucose more frequently when starting or increasing your dose of Ozempic.
If hypoglycemia occurs, your healthcare provider may recommend reducing your insulin dose or other diabetes medications.
While taking Ozempic, you should follow diet recommendations made by your healthcare provider.
DailyMed.Label: Ozempic- semaglutide injection, solution.
