Ozempic Side Effects: Everything You Ever Needed to Know

Ozempic is a popular drug for diabetes that has been advertised as a “miracle drug,” but the drug is unfortunately used to reduce weight. The generic name for Ozempic is semaglutide, which matches a class of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists.

Ozempic is manufactured by Novo Nordisk, a multinational pharmaceutical giant with a net worth of over 500 billion dollars. It was first approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2017 and was mainly manufactured to treat type 2 diabetes.

Its major purpose is to maintain blood sugar levels for adults with type 2 diabetes, assisting them in maintaining their glucose levels and reducing the risk of diabetes-related problems. But many people have adverse effects, with some Ozempic side effects requiring hospitalization and loss of teeth.

Ozempic may be connected to serious stomach paralysis (gastroparesis), gallbladder disease, rapid vomiting syndrome, and other severe medical conditions.

How Does Ozempic Work?

Ozempic was manufactured to act as a hormone that improves the production of insulin in the body. Its objective is to maintain blood sugar levels by stopping surplus sugar production in the liver while increasing insulin production in the pancreas.

Many patients lost weight while using Ozempic. As a result, many individuals began using the medication for weight loss.

GLP-1 receptor agonists, like Ozempic, work by mimicking the action of GLP-1 hormones, which commonly occur in the body and increase insulin release in response to food intake. By initiating the GLP-1 receptors, Ozempic increases the production of insulin, kills the secretion of the hormone that raises blood sugar levels called glucagon, reduces gastric emptying, and slows down the appetite.

All that aside, Ozempic’s side effects are one thing that people are concerned about. This article discusses that in detail. It also talks about the long-term side effects of Ozempic, the facts behind the Ozempic lawsuit, and more.

Ozempic Side Effects And Their Symptoms

The symptoms of using Ozempic are listed below.

• Tiredness
• Vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Upset stomach
• Runny nose or sore throat
• Stomach flu symptoms or headache

Common Ozempic Side Effects That You Should Be Aware Of

Almost all prescription medications may have side effects, but they aren’t as severe as Ozempic’s side effects. Manufacturers should reveal the side effects and other potential health problems that might be connected to using their products.

The FDA has the responsibility of regulating prescription drug labeling and deciding issues like whether a certain drug should come with a "black box" warning.

Ozempic has been connected to a vast number of side effects. Ozempic’s side effects are listed below.

1. Nausea

Nausea is a common Ozempic side effect, occurring in 15% to 23% of those who used Ozempic. It is an uneasy sensation in the stomach that makes you feel as if you are about to vomit.

Nausea is a non-specific symptom that can be triggered by many things, including gastroenteritis (stomach paralysis), food poisoning, motion sickness, and dehydration.

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) or heartburn can cause the contents of the stomach to move back up your esophagus when you eat. This develops a burning sensation that causes nausea.

2. Diarrhea

Another Ozempic side effect is diarrhea.

Diarrhea, which is loose and watery bowel movement, is a regular problem. Sometimes, it's the only symptom.

Acute diarrhea may occur a couple of days after taking Ozempic. You might experience diarrhea due to a serious bacterial infection you acquired from something you ate or drank. It is usually mild to moderate, occurring in about 8% to 14% of those who take Ozempic, the medication involved in the Ozempic lawsuit.

3. Constipation

Constipation is a problem with passing stool. You may experience less frequent or difficult bowel movements. This also happens to be an Ozempic side effect.

Constipation from Ozempic use is less common than other stomach-related side effects but still occurs in 3% to 7% of patients.

Around 2.5 million people visit their doctor each year in the U.S. for constipation. It is usually not serious and can be treated using home remedies.

4. Heartburn

A burning sensation in your chest, just behind your breastbone, is known as a heartburn. It is one of the common Ozempic side effects that is rather harmless. Heartburn occurs in 1% to 2% of patients.

Heartburn can be dealt with by making lifestyle changes and taking medications. Ozempic reduces the time it takes for food to leave the stomach, which can make the stomach too full at times and cause acid reflux.

5. Burping

Burping is a common Ozempic side effect. It is also known as belching or passing gas.

Burping is the body’s way of releasing excess air from the stomach. It is not harmful, but it can be bothersome.

Excessive belching, along with bloating, pain, or swelling of the belly, can sometimes interfere with daily activities and can be a cause of embarrassment.

However, these symptoms usually don't point to a serious underlying condition and are often reduced with simple lifestyle changes.

6. Loss of Appetite

The loss of appetite is another common Ozempic side effect.

Ozempic reduces the speed at which your body digests food, keeping you fuller for longer periods of time. It occurs when you do not feel hungry or don’t have an interest in eating. 

Loss of appetite can happen suddenly or casually over time. It is important to take loss of appetite seriously if it lasts for longer than a week. Many people reportedly ate less and experienced weight loss, making loss of appetite one of the more serious Ozempic side effects.

7. Dizziness

There are reports that more than 0.4% of patients reported dizziness as an Ozempic side effect. Dizziness describes a range of sensations, such as feeling weak or unsteady.

Dizziness is one of the most common reasons adults visit their healthcare provider. Dizziness rarely indicates a life-threatening feeling. You may also feel lightheadedness or unsteadiness. The treatment for dizziness depends on the reasons and your symptoms.

These Ozempic side effects are often controllable with simple lifestyle adjustments and over-the-counter remedies.

People often have very specific questions, like, Can Ozempic cause joint pain? The answer to this is probably not.

In medical trials, people who used Ozempic reported a range of stomach-related side effects, but there weren’t any reports of joint pain. Another type of GLP-1 agonist reportedly caused arthritis, but there haven’t been any reports of Ozempic use leading to arthritis.

A well-studied side effect of Ozempic is weight loss. Research and studies show that weight loss can increase joint pain due to arthritis.

Severe Ozempic Side Effects

In addition to the ones listed, some Ozempic side effects are severe enough that the individual has to be hospitalized. These conditions are discussed below.

Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia is one of the more serious Ozempic side effects. It is a condition in which your blood sugar range drops below the required level. This can have pretty serious issues as glucose is one of the human body's main sources of energy. Hypoglycemia is often related to the treatment of diabetes. Hypoglycemia needs frequent treatment.

For many people, a blood sugar of 70 milligrams per deciliter (mg/dL), or 3.9 millimoles per liter (mmol/L), or below on an empty stomach should serve as an alert for hypoglycemia. But your numbers might differ.

Vision Changes Or Blindness

Vision changes are alterations in your vision that prevent you from seeing normally. They include

• Blurred vision
• Cloudy vision
• Double vision
• Seeing spots in your vision
• Loss of vision

Vision changes may affect your ability to focus on objects at a particular distance. This is one of the more severe ones among Ozempic side effects.

Gallstones

Gallstones are deposits of bile that are found in the gallbladder. They can differ in size. They are classified as cholesterol stones or pigment stones, formed from bilirubin, a byproduct of the liver’s red blood cell breakdown.

Bile is a digestive fluid produced in the liver and stored in your gallbladder. When you eat, your gallbladder empties bile into your small intestine, called the duodenum.

Gallstones can be as small as a pit of sand to as large as a golf ball. They are also listed as under Ozempic’s side effects.

Sometimes, patients taking Ozempic experience gallstones. They occur in less than 2% of patients. Contact your healthcare provider if you experience any of the symptoms listed below.

• Serious abdominal pain
• Fever
• Clay-colored stools
• Yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes

Some of the common treatment options available for gallstones include:

• Surgical removal of the gallbladder
• Oral medications to dissolve gallstones
• Laparoscopic cholecystectomy

Thyroid tumor

Thyroid tumors are small growths, called nodules, that start in the cell layer that lines the inner surface of the thyroid gland. This is an Ozempic side effect that is reportedly seen in less than 1% of patients. 

In animal studies, the active ingredient of Ozempic (semaglutide) is the reason for thyroid tumors. Symptoms generally include

• Swelling in the neck
• Trouble swallowing
• Rough voice
• Shortness of breath

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis stands out as a common Ozempic side effect.

The pancreas is a long, flat gland found behind the stomach. It helps with food digestion in our body and regulates blood sugar levels.

The symptoms of pancreatitis include 

• Serious stomach pain 
• Vomiting
• A stomach ache in the upper belly that spreads to the back
• Fever
• Increased pulse rate

Gallbladder Problems

Some people who used Ozempic have reported suffering from gallbladder diseases. Reports say that Ozempic may increase production of cholesterol, forcing the gallbladder to produce more bile to break down numerous cholesterols. If cholesterol is too high, the gallbladder will be unable to control it. The cholesterol that turns into hard deposits as a result are called gallstones.

Gallbladder disease includes many conditions affecting the gallbladder, such as gallstones, irritation (inflammation), and cancer.

Scientific evidence has connected Ozempic usage with gallbladder disease, particularly gallstones. The first experimental analysis noted an increased chance of gallbladder disease with Ozempic use.

A 2022 research letter based on FDA data provided conclusive evidence showing that Ozempic users experienced vastly increased problems with both gallstones and acute gallbladder disease. The problem was found to be greater at higher doses, and for longer periods.

The symptoms of gallbladder disease include:

• Fever and chills
• Heartburn and indigestion
• Diarrhea or light-colored stools
• Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes) in serious cases
• Bloating and gas
• Pain in the back or right shoulder
• Nausea and vomiting
• Belching
• Pain in the abdomen, particularly in the upper right or center of the abdomen

Before April 2022, the warning label in Ozempic did not include gallbladder problems as a potential side effect. Some small gallstones may dissolve or travel naturally through the body, but with multiple gallstones or a large gallstone that is unable to pass, the person may need some medical assistance.

Ozempic's branding also includes warnings about severe thyroid tumors, even the cancerous kind. In September 2023, the FDA ordered an addition to Ozempic's branding, which would warn patients and healthcare supporters that the medication might cause intestinal blockage.

Long-Term Effects Of Ozempic

Most of the mild Ozempic side effects are temporary or manageable, and they may not last very long. Once you have stopped consuming Ozempic, it could take your body about 5 weeks to clear the drug from your system. You may end up with one or more side effects during this period.

The duration of the side effect varies from person to person. If you have concerns about how long side effects from Ozempic could last, consult a medical professional.

Ozempic And Stomach Paralysis (Gastroparesis)

At some point, search terms like “ozempic side effects reviews,” “stomach paralysis life expectancy, ” and “ozempic cancer” were popular. What does that mean?

The most common reason for it was gastroparesis, which means paralysis of the stomach. It’s an effective disorder that affects your stomach, nerves, and muscles. It makes your stomach muscles and nerves weaker and slower. This makes it difficult to digest food. As a result, the food stays too long in your stomach, leading to other health conditions. Gastroparesis occurs because Ozempic interferes with the movement of food in the stomach.

The symptoms of gastroparesis may include:

• Nausea
• Pain in the upper abdomen
• Experience fullness after only eating a small amount of food
• Consistent stomach pain
• Vomiting
• Bloating
• Heartburn

In serious cases, gastroparesis can lead to malnutrition and other digestive problems. It is important for individuals prescribed with Ozempic to be aware of these primary side effects and report any symptoms of gastroparesis or other bad reactions to their healthcare provider.

When someone takes Ozempic, they feel fuller for a longer period because the medication reduces how quickly food leaves their stomach. Without the interest to eat, and when they feel full, people are more likely to eat less and lose weight. This is one reason why many people, who weren’t diabetic, consumed Ozempic. 

Ozempic And Cancer Risk

Fear of cancer due to Ozempic was prevalent for a while. This was one reason why search terms like “Ozempic cancer” were prevalent for a while. It reflects how people are actively seeking information in this context.

Doctors and researchers are largely focused on whether the medication may be a crucial new tool for treating obesity and related conditions that can cause serious health problems, including a greater risk of cancer.

So, does Ozempic cause cancer? Well, the straightforward answer is that there is no evidence connecting Ozempic with cancer. In addition, GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic may reduce the risk of more than 10 types of cancer. Researchers have found that people using Ozempic had a reduced risk of developing certain types of cancers that are listed below.

• 65% reduced risk of gallbladder cancer
• 63% reduced the risk of meningioma.
• 59% reduced risk of pancreatic cancer
• 53% reduced the risk of hepatocellular carcinoma (a type of liver cancer).
• 48% reduced risk of ovarian cancer
• 46% reduced risk of colorectal cancer
• 41% reduced risk of multiple myeloma
• 40% reduced risk of esophageal cancer
• 26% reduced risk of endometrial cancer
• 24% reduced the risk of kidney cancer.

The research team found that people with type 2 diabetes on GLP-1 drugs had a lower risk of cancer when compared to those on insulin. The team behind the examination concluded that more research, including pre-clinical and clinical trials, is needed to build on these findings.

Ozempic Use And Surgery

Anesthesiologists have concerns about patients taking Ozempic before surgery, as there’s little information on the topic. The American Society of Anesthesiologists suggests that patients stop using these drugs one week before surgery, but the proper period of fasting or discontinuation is not yet completely understood due to limited scientific evidence.

The Ozempic Lawsuit

Numerous people have filed Ozempic lawsuits after experiencing harsh side effects. In some cases, the sickness affecting the plaintiffs is gastroparesis, a paralysis of the stomach.

The Ozempic lawsuits are filed against its manufacturer, Novo Nordisk. Ozempic and Mounjaro were originally founded for diabetes treatment. But people started using the drug for losing weight.

The first Ozempic lawsuit was filed by a 44-year-old Louisiana resident. She took Ozempic to manage her diabetes. But instead, she developed gastroparesis. She also claims that gastroparesis made her vomit so much that it led to loss of teeth.

The lawsuit was filed on August 2, 2023. The Ozempic lawsuit claims that the manufacturers, Eli Lilly and Co. and Novo Nordisk, failed to warn consumers that using the drug could lead to gastrointestinal issues.

The lawsuit is currently in progress. As of July 1, 2024, the total number of Ozempic lawsuits stands at 106.

Final Thoughts on Ozempic Side Effects

There seems to be a lot of talk around Ozempic, from people searching on Google for terms like “Ozempic side effects reviews,” “long term side effects of ozempic,” and “ozempic cancer” to the current lawsuits. There seems to be some scary truth behind all these claims.

Many people have reported plenty of side effects after using Ozempic. These range from minor side effects like nausea and vomiting to more serious conditions like gallstones and other gallbladder diseases. In some cases, the victims end up having their gallbladder surgically removed.

If you experience any of the Ozempic side effects listed in this article, your best course of action is to seek a medical professional as soon as possible.