Serious side effects, including allergic reactions, hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), diabetic retinopathy (damage to blood vessels in the eye), kidney failure and other kidney problems, increased thyroid cancer risk, gallstones, and swelling of the pancreas.
Other serious side effects of Ozempic include thyroid tumors, pancreatitis, changes in vision, hypoglycemia, gallbladder issues, kidney failure and cancer. The most severe complications Shah sees in her patients are pancreatitis and gallbladder issues — either can lead to hospitalization.
A person can stay on Ozempic® so long as they are tolerating the medication and it is deemed appropriate by their treating provider. There is no specific time frame when someone should stop taking Ozempic as it is a medication that is intended for chronic (long-term) use.
You start feeling those usual hunger pangs again, and consequently, you may start eating more to satisfy that hunger. An increase in your consumption can lead to the regaining of weight that was lost. A 2022 study found that most individuals gain weight back a year after stopping the medication.
Ozempic can cause nausea and vomiting if taken after eating foods high in fat or sugar. It is recommended that you take Ozempic before meals, rather than after, to minimise any potential side effects from eating high-fat or high-sugar foods.
The most common side effects when using Ozempic® are diarrhoea and nausea. These side effects are usually mild and normally decrease with continued use. Speak to your doctor if you have any of these less serious side effects and they worry you.
“Overall, Ozempic is a very safe medication,” explains Dr. McGowan. “The most common side effects are gastrointestinal in nature: nausea, vomiting, diarrhea and constipation.”
Ozempic can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days or weeks. But if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Refined carbohydrates
This can make it harder to manage blood sugar levels in people both with and without diabetes. These types of foods are typically lacking fiber, which can send blood sugar levels soaring. It is best to avoid refined carbohydrates if you're taking Ozempic.
Even in non-diabetics, Ozempic can increase the risk of low blood sugar due its effects on insulin secretion and glucagon inhibition. Symptoms like confusion, rapid heartbeat, sweating and hunger may occur in severe cases.
Still, Ozempic and other GLP-1 medications will be most effective for weight loss and blood sugar control when combined with a healthy diet and regular exercise. Generally, eating healthy foods and avoiding foods high in sugar, calories, and unhealthy fats while taking Ozempic helps.
For those on the drug, Rubin recommends increasing your intake of lean protein such as chicken, turkey, fish, eggs, beans, soy and low-fat dairy. If you have no appetite or nausea, try low-calorie protein drinks, she adds.
Can I enjoy a drink while on Ozempic medication? The short answer is yes: You can drink alcohol while taking Ozempic.
But these symptoms do not occur due to increased skin aging caused by Ozempic, rather as a result of fat loss in the face. Think of losing facial volume as going from a grape to a raisin: With less volume to “fill out” your face, you may be left with wrinkles and drooping skin.
Whole grains
This makes them a great food to eat while taking Ozempic. Whole grain foods include: Whole wheat bread.
Although there are no specific rules or diets to accompany using Ozempic, reducing the number of processed foods in your diet whilst increasing fibre-rich whole foods can help with lowering your overall calorie intake.
You may need a higher dosage of Ozempic
The same holds true for Ozempic's weight loss results. People taking higher doses of Ozempic tend to lose more weight. In the landmark study we cited above, people lost 7% of their body weight, on average, within a year and a half of taking 1mg of semaglutide.
The drugs may also affect your sleep, which can tank your energy levels. And adverse GI events — the most commonly listed side effect of the drugs — can easily cut into your sleep, making you feel tired.
“Another side effect is hypoglycemia or low blood sugar,” she explains, which may occur in those taking Ozempic alongside other medications like insulin or sulfonylureas. “Symptoms of hypoglycemia can include weakness, drowsiness, confusion, and dizziness,” she notes.