Ozempic Side Effects in Women: GI Rates, Periods, Fertility
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 facts at a glance
Its half-life is about 1 week, so half leaves the body after 7 d, while about 3% remains at five half-lives (35 d).
In SUSTAIN 1, people with type 2 diabetes lost 4.7 kg over 30 weeks, while the placebo group lost 1.2 kg.
Prices each month in US dollars cover the list price and self-pay offers, with every figure taken from the maker's price page.
Sources: FDA label (DailyMed), healthsystemtracker.org, prnewswire.com 1 2.
Ozempic side effects in women: label rates vs placebo
The FDA label names 5 common Ozempic side effects seen in placebo-controlled trials. The last column gives the extra rate for each one compared with 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, explained simply
- Thyroid C-cell tumors: boxed warning It caused thyroid C-cell tumors in rodents; whether the same happens in people is not known. 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 Inflammation of the pancreas can occur. If severe stomach pain does not go away and sometimes spreads to the back, stop taking it and get care.
- Worsening diabetic eye disease. Diabetic eye disease can worsen in people with type 2 diabetes, especially when blood sugar drops quickly. If you already have it, eye checks matter.
- Blood sugar that is too low When used with insulin or a sulfonylurea, low blood sugar is more likely; those doses may need lowering.
- Kidney injury caused by fluid loss. Vomiting or diarrhea can cause fluid loss, which can result in kidney injury. Report heavy fluid loss, and drink fluids.
- Severe reactions in the stomach and gut Stomach and gut side effects happen often, and some can be severe. People with severe gastroparesis should not use it.
- Allergic reactions that are serious. Reports describe serious allergic reactions, including swelling that affects the face, lips or throat. If they occur, stop it and get help right away.
- Disease of the gallbladder. You may develop gallstones or inflammation of the gallbladder. Upper right belly pain, fever, or yellow skin or eyes should be reported.
- Food entering the lungs during anesthesia or sedation During anesthesia or deep sedation, it matters that food can stay in your stomach longer. Let your care team know before any procedure.
Source: FDA label (DailyMed).
Source: FDA label (DailyMed).
For women: what the Ozempic label says
- Pregnancy If you plan a pregnancy, stop at least 2 months beforehand; data in pregnancy are limited.
- Breastfeeding Whether it enters human breast milk is not known.
- Questions women often ask about changes with Ozempic: period changes, hair loss, hot flashes, sex drive changes.
Source: FDA label (DailyMed).
Each common side effect
- Nausea: 20.3% with 1 mg, 6.1% with placebo
- Vomiting: 9.2% with 1 mg, 2.3% with placebo
- Diarrhea: 8.8% with 1 mg, 1.9% with placebo
- Abdominal pain: 7.3% with 0.5 mg, 4.6% with placebo
- Constipation overview: 5% with 0.5 mg, and 1.5% with placebo
More Ozempic questions: Bad breath, Lower appetite, Blood pressure, Bloating and gas, Bruising, Butt changes, Face changes, Dizziness, Dry mouth, Fatigue, Gallbladder problems, Hair loss, Allergic reaction, Body changes.