Ozempic Side Effects in Non Diabetics: What Is Different and Why
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: a quick overview
Its half-life is about 1 week: 7 d leaves half behind, while 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, with each figure taken from the maker's price page.
Sources: FDA label (DailyMed), healthsystemtracker.org, prnewswire.com 1 2.
Ozempic side effects for non diabetics: label rates vs placebo
The FDA label names 5 common Ozempic side effects based on placebo-controlled trials. In the final column, you can see how much more often each one appeared than 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).
Serious warnings in plain words
- Boxed warning about Thyroid C-cell tumors. It caused thyroid C-cell tumors in rodents, but whether it does in people is not known. Do not use it if you or a family member have had medullary thyroid cancer (MTC), or if you have MEN 2.
- Pancreatitis. This medicine can cause pancreatic inflammation. If severe stomach pain does not go away and sometimes spreads to your back, stop it and get care.
- Worsening diabetic eye disease. Diabetic eye disease can get worse for people with 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 makes low blood sugar more likely, and those doses may need lowering.
- Kidney injury due to fluid loss. Kidney injury can occur when vomiting or diarrhea causes fluid loss. Drink fluids, and tell your care team if you are losing a lot of fluid.
- Stomach and gut reactions can be severe. Side effects in the stomach and gut happen often and may be severe. It is not recommended for anyone with severe gastroparesis.
- Severe allergic reactions. Reports include serious allergic reactions with swelling of the face, lips or throat. If they happen, stop taking it and get help at once.
- Problems with the gallbladder. Gallstones and inflammation of the gallbladder may occur. Let your doctor know about upper right belly pain, fever, or yellow skin or eyes.
- Food entering the lungs while you receive anesthesia or sedation. Food may remain in your stomach longer, and this can be a concern during anesthesia or deep sedation. Let the care team know before any procedure.
Source: FDA label (DailyMed).
Source: FDA label (DailyMed).
The weight-loss label for people without diabetes
For people with type 2 diabetes, Semaglutide has a label, and it has another label for weight loss. If you do not have diabetes, that table is the closer guide because the weight-loss trials used only people without diabetes.
| Medicine | Trial group | Nausea | Vomiting | Diarrhea | Constipation | Stomach pain |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ozempic | Adults with type 2 diabetes | 20.3% | 9.2% | 8.8% | 5% | 7.3% |
 Wegovy | Adults with obesity or overweight (weight management) | 44% | 24% | 30% | 24% | 20% |
 Rybelsus | Adults with type 2 diabetes | 20% | 8% | 10% | 6% | 11% |
Common side effects listed one at a time
- Nausea: reported in 20.3% on 1 mg and 6.1% on placebo
- Vomiting: reported in 9.2% on 1 mg and 2.3% on placebo
- Diarrhea: reported in 8.8% on 1 mg and 1.9% on placebo
- Abdominal pain: reported in 7.3% on 0.5 mg and 4.6% on placebo
- Constipation rates: placebo, 1.5%; 0.5 mg, 5%
More Ozempic questions: Blood pressure, Bad breath, Bruising, Butt changes, Lower appetite, Dizziness, Dry mouth, Bloating and gas, Allergic reaction, Fatigue, Gallbladder problems, Face changes, Hair loss, Body changes.