Ozempic Gallbladder Problems: Risk Numbers, Symptoms
The Ozempic label names cholelithiasis as a reported side effect but gives no trial rate for it.
- In the label
- Listed, no rate given
- Label term
- cholelithiasis
Ozempic: a quick look
Half-life is about 1 week: after 7 d, half is gone, and about 3% remains after five half-lives (35 d).
In SUSTAIN 1, people with type 2 diabetes lost 4.7 kg over 30 weeks, compared with 1.2 kg on placebo
Monthly price points are in US dollars. They cover the list price and self-pay offers. Each was read from the maker's price page.
Sources: FDA label (DailyMed), healthsystemtracker.org, prnewswire.com 1 2.
What the Ozempic label lists instead
The Ozempic label gives no rate for gallbladder problems. It lists five side effects most often. Here they are, with rates.
| Side effect | Placebo | Ozempic 0.5 mg | Ozempic 1 mg | More than placebo, 1 mg |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nausea | 6.1% | 15.8% | 20.3% | +14.2 points |
| Vomiting | 2.3% | 5% | 9.2% | +6.9 points |
| Diarrhea | 1.9% | 8.5% | 8.8% | +6.9 points |
| Abdominal pain | 4.6% | 7.3% | 5.7% | +1.1 points |
| Constipation | 1.5% | 5% | 3.1% | +1.6 points |
Source: Ozempic label (DailyMed).
Ozempic and other GLP-1s: gallbladder comparison
Each label covers its own trials, which involved different groups of people. Use it as a rough guide.
| Medicine | Highest rate in the label | Dose group | Placebo | People in the trials |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 Wegovy | 4% | 2.4 mg | 0% | Children 12 and older with obesity |
| Ozempic | Listed, no rate given | – | – | – |
 Rybelsus | Listed, no rate given | – | – | – |
 Mounjaro | Listed, no rate given | – | – | – |
 Zepbound | Listed, no rate given | – | – | – |
 Foundayo | Listed, no rate given | – | – | – |
 Trulicity | Listed, no rate given | – | – | – |
 Saxenda | Listed, no rate given | – | – | – |
 Victoza | Listed, no rate given | – | – | – |
| Byetta | Listed, no rate given | – | – | – |
Source: Wegovy label (DailyMed).
Source: FDA label (DailyMed).
Statements in the Ozempic label
Here, the label mentions gallbladder problems word for word:
“In placebo-controlled trials, cholelithiasis was reported in 1.5% and 0.4% of patients-treated with OZEMPIC 0.5 mg and 1 mg, respectively.”
Source: FDA label (DailyMed).