Ozempic Side Effects: How Common, How Long They Last
In the Ozempic label, nausea is the most common side effect: 20.3% on 1 mg vs 6.1% on placebo. Next come vomiting and diarrhea.
- Most common
- Nausea 20.3%
- Same on placebo
- 6.1%
- Trial group
- Adults with type 2 diabetes
Ozempic in brief
The half-life is about 1 week: after 7 d, half is gone, while five half-lives (35 d) leave about 3%.
In the 30-week SUSTAIN 1 trial of type 2 diabetes, people lost 4.7 kg, compared with 1.2 kg on placebo.
Prices each month in US dollars cover the list price and self-pay offers. Every figure comes from the maker's price page.
Sources: FDA label (DailyMed), healthsystemtracker.org, prnewswire.com 1 2.
Ozempic side effects: label rates vs placebo
The FDA label identifies 5 common Ozempic side effects reported in its placebo-controlled trials. The rightmost column shows how much higher each rate was than the placebo rate.
| 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).
Serious warnings, explained simply
- Thyroid C-cell tumors: boxed warning. It caused thyroid C-cell tumors in rodents, but whether it does so in people is unknown. Do not use it if you or a family member has a history of medullary thyroid cancer (MTC), or if you have MEN 2.
- Pancreatitis. It can cause inflammation of the pancreas. If severe stomach pain continues and sometimes spreads to the back, stop the medicine and seek care.
- Worsening diabetic eye disease. Diabetic eye disease can get worse in people who have type 2 diabetes, especially when blood sugar falls quickly. If you already have it, eye checks matter.
- Blood sugar that is too low. Using it with insulin or a sulfonylurea increases the chance of low blood sugar, so those doses may need lowering.
- Kidney injury caused by fluid loss. Kidney injury may follow fluid loss caused by vomiting or diarrhea. Report heavy fluid loss and drink fluids.
- Severe reactions in the stomach and gut. Stomach and gut side effects often occur, and some can be severe. Use is not advised for people with severe gastroparesis.
- Severe allergic reactions. Reports include serious allergic reactions with swelling of the face, lips, or throat. If they happen, stop it and get help right away.
- Conditions affecting the gallbladder. The gallbladder can develop inflammation or gallstones. Upper-right belly pain, fever, yellow skin, or yellow eyes should be reported.
- Food reaching the lungs when you have anesthesia or sedation. Food can sit in your stomach longer, and that matters during anesthesia or deep sedation. Let your care team know before any procedure.
Source: FDA label (DailyMed).
Source: FDA label (DailyMed).
Each common side effect
- Nausea: placebo, 6.1%; 1 mg, 20.3%
- Vomiting rates: 9.2% with 1 mg, compared with 2.3% in the placebo group
- Diarrhea rates: 8.8% with 1 mg, compared with 1.9% in the placebo group
- Abdominal pain rates: 7.3% with 0.5 mg, compared with 4.6% in the placebo group
- Constipation rates: 5% with 0.5 mg, compared with 1.5% in the placebo group
More questions about Ozempic: Allergic reaction, Dizziness, Dry mouth, Hair loss, Bruising, Butt changes, Blood pressure, Bloating and gas, Fatigue, Gallbladder problems, Body changes, Bad breath, Face changes, Lower appetite.