Ozempic Long-Term Side Effects: What Years of Data Show
Ozempic has been sold in the US since 2017. The long-term label warnings are thyroid C-cell tumors (seen in rodents), pancreatitis, gallbladder disease and kidney injury from fluid loss.
- Sold in the US since
- 2017
- Most common
- Nausea 20.3%
- Same on placebo
- 6.1%
- Trial group
- Adults with type 2 diabetes
Ozempic overview
Its 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 prices in US dollars include the list price and self-pay offers, all taken from the maker's price page.
Sources: FDA label (DailyMed), healthsystemtracker.org, prnewswire.com 1 2.
Serious warnings in plain words
- Thyroid C-cell tumors: boxed warning. In rodents, it caused thyroid C-cell tumors; we do not know if it causes the same in people. Do not take it if there is a history of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC) in you or a family member, or if you have MEN 2.
- Pancreatitis. It can cause inflammation of the pancreas. Severe stomach pain that does not let up requires you to stop taking it and seek medical care right away. This pain can sometimes reach your back.
- Diabetic eye disease that worsens. For people with type 2 diabetes, diabetic eye disease may worsen, especially if blood sugar falls quickly. Eye checks matter if you already have this condition.
- Low blood sugar. Low blood sugar Using it with insulin or a sulfonylurea increases the risk of low blood sugar, and those doses may need lowering.
- Kidney injury from fluid loss. Vomiting or diarrhea can cause fluid loss, which can lead to kidney injury. Drink fluids and report any heavy fluid loss.
- Severe stomach and gut reactions. Reactions in the stomach and gut can be severe Side effects involving these organs are common and can be severe. For people with severe gastroparesis, it is not recommended.
- Serious allergic reactions. Serious allergic reactions have been reported, including swelling of the face, lips or throat. Get help right away and stop taking it if these reactions occur.
- Gallbladder disease. Gallstones and inflammation of the gallbladder can happen. Any fever, yellow skin or eyes, or pain in the upper right belly should be reported.
- Under anesthesia or sedation, food gets into the lungs. Food may reach the lungs during anesthesia or sedation. It can remain in your stomach longer, which matters if you have deep sedation or anesthesia. Tell your care team before any procedure.
Source: FDA label (DailyMed).
Source: FDA label (DailyMed).
Long term side effects of Ozempic: label rates vs placebo
The FDA label lists 5 common Ozempic side effects identified in placebo-controlled trials. In the last column, you can see how much more often each one appeared than it did on placebo.
| 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: FDA label (DailyMed).