Ozempic is a prescription medication used to treat type 2 diabetes and support weight loss in adults, but it’s also known to cause serious side effects. As a GLP-1 receptor agonist, Ozempic works by helping the body control blood sugar levels, yet patients often ask, “What are the bad side effects of Ozempic?” From milder side effects, like low blood sugar and pain, to the most serious side effects and risks, like thyroid cancer, kidney problems, and gallbladder problems, the side effects of Ozempic can vary widely in severity.
While many experience only mild symptoms, others report a serious allergic reaction, rapid weight loss, or even life-threatening complications like pancreatitis, bowel obstruction, or vision changes. This post answers ‘what are the bad side effects of Ozempic?’. Here, we cover the most common side effects Ozempic users report, the most serious side effects, and what you need to know about the potential risks of this popular weight loss drug used to treat diabetes.
If you or a loved one has suffered severe side effects from Ozempic, you’ll need an experienced Texas pharmaceutical injury attorney. To learn more about your legal options or how to file an Ozempic lawsuit in Texas, call 713-622-7271 to schedule a free consultation.
Is Ozempic Safe in 2025?
In 2025, Ozempic treatment remains an FDA-approved prescription medication used to treat type 2 diabetes and support weight loss, but those using Ozempic should be aware of the potential side effects of Ozempic.
This GLP-1 receptor agonist helps control blood sugar levels, yet it may cause serious side effects, including pancreatitis, kidney problems, thyroid cancer, and severe allergic reactions. Those taking Ozempic semaglutide often report upper stomach issues, vomiting, and gallbladder problems, while others experience low blood sugar, worsening diabetic retinopathy, or even Ozempic mental health side effects.
Clinical data also raise concerns about vision problems, mood shifts, and rapid weight loss, leading to muscle loss or hair loss. Although many of the common Ozempic side effects are typically mild, such as diarrhea and injection site reactions, anyone starting treatment with Ozempic should discuss their health history, other medications, and any symptoms with their doctor to reduce the risk of life-threatening complications.
What are the Most Common Ozempic Side Effects?
Stomach Pain, Constipation, Nausea, Vomiting, or Diarrhea
The most common side effects Ozempic may cause include nausea and vomiting. During clinical trials, 20% of patients reported nausea or vomiting when taking Ozempic for Type 2 diabetes, especially those taking higher doses. So, what happens if you take too much Ozempic?
A higher dose of Ozempic will lead to more severe side effects, so many doctors will raise lower dose to a higher dose on the next dose to minimize the adverse effects.
Those taking too much Ozempic may experience vomiting. It’s recommended for those using Ozempic to monitor caloric intake and stay upright to decrease the risks of nausea or vomiting while using this drug class to manage blood sugar levels or for weight management.
Anyone taking semaglutide should notice a decrease in side effects. If the side effects of Ozempic continue or worsen, this can signify a serious allergic reaction or condition.
Stomach pain is another common side effect of Ozempic, but much vomiting, severe pain, and most side effects should decrease over time. If you suffer from severe abdominal pain, you may be experiencing gallbladder issues or pancreatitis, and you should seek medical treatment immediately.
Diarrhea affects around 9% of individuals taking Ozempic for type 2 diabetes and 30% of those taking it for weight loss, per the same clinical trials mentioned above. These side effects, like nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain, should lessen the longer a patient takes Ozempic.
Ozempic Rash and Serious Allergic Reactions
According to prescribing information found on the FDA-approved Ozempic label and research from clinical trials distributed by Mayo Clinic and Drugs.com, some patients experience an allergic reaction to Ozempic, which may appear as an injection site rash, itching, or more severe symptoms requiring immediate medical attention. Signs of a serious allergic reaction include swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, leading to trouble swallowing, hoarseness, or shortness of breath.
People taking Ozempic who experience any symptoms of serious allergic reactions should stop using Ozempic and seek immediate medical attention.
Blood Sugar Control: Low Blood Sugar Hypoglycemia Risks Affecting Ozempic Users
Ozempic (semaglutide) is used to treat type 2 diabetes. Ozempic works to improve blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes by helping to lower blood sugar levels and prevent episodes of high blood sugar. While Ozempic semaglutide typically doesn’t cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), when Ozempic is used with other diabetes medications, such as insulin, Ozempic can cause low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when Ozempic interacts with other medicines, especially for those taking higher doses.
Symptoms of low blood sugar/hypoglycemia include shakiness, confusion, sweating, and blurred vision, and may progress to seizures or loss of consciousness if untreated. Healthcare providers monitor how drugs like Ozempic affect blood sugar levels and advise patients on managing Ozempic risk.
According to Mayo Clinic, in clinical trials, many patients who took Ozempic without insulin did not experience severe hypoglycemia. However, when Ozempic is used with other diabetes medications, this increases the risk of lower blood sugar levels or hypoglycemia, according to Drugs.com.
Regular monitoring and communication with a healthcare provider are critical to safely adjust doses and avoid dangerously low blood sugar.
Kidney Damage and Dehydration-Related Ozempic Risks
Ozempic is now FDA-approved for adults with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease, but it still increases the risks of kidney failure and even death.
Severe gastrointestinal side effects like vomiting or diarrhea can lead to dehydration, which may lead to kidney function decline. Patients with chronic kidney problems have a higher risk of kidney failure when they don’t drink fluids, as dehydration can raise the risk of kidney disease worsening.
Monitoring warning signs and renal labs are critical when using Ozempic in patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease, according to the FDA Ozempic warning labels.
Heart Disease, Heart Attack, Stroke, and Cardiovascular Disease
While Ozempic works to lower the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death for patients with type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease, the drug is not risk‑free for everyone.
According to Novomedlink, clinical trials outlining cardiovascular events, Ozempic (semaglutide) reduced the risk of major cardiovascular events (MACE), including nonfatal myocardial infarction, nonfatal stroke, or cardiovascular death, by about 18–20% compared to placebo in adults with type 2 diabetes and known heart disease.
In American College of Cardiology trials, Ozempic use for promoting weight loss in those without type 2 diabetes showed a lower risk, with a 20% reduction of major cardiovascular events.
Emerging research by JACC also suggests that Ozempic works to reduce the risk of heart attack and lowers the risk of cardiovascular death without severe problems for those with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease.
Rapid weight loss, dehydration, and fluctuations in blood sugar control could potentially stress the heart, especially in patients with unstable disease. Overall, semaglutide’s cardiovascular profile is positive, but managing risks of heart attack, stroke, or death for those with known heart disease or high blood pressure remains essential for healthcare providers.
Vision Problems and Diabetic Retinopathy
Ozempic may cause vision problems, including blurred vision or other noticeable vision changes, especially during the first week as blood sugar levels and the body adjust to the medication. People with diabetic retinopathy, a diabetes-related eye condition, may experience worsening symptoms while on the medication. Clinical tests have documented a higher risk of diabetic retinopathy complications in certain people using Ozempic, particularly those with preexisting eye disease. Anyone experiencing sudden or progressive vision problems should consult their healthcare provider promptly.
Ozempic Adverse Effects By Gender
Ozempic Side Effects in Females
Females using Ozempic may experience a range of Ozempic side effects that affect the digestive system, hormones, and other side effects. The most common side effects include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, pain, and constipation, which are typical digestive system symptoms reported.
Hormone shifts may contribute to anxiety or sudden or strong feelings, especially when combined with other medicines or other treatments. Women who are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or breastfeeding should avoid using Ozempic due to the unknown risks to an unborn baby or effects on breast milk.
One thing females should know about Ozempic is the FDA’s boxed warning on thyroid cancer. This is crucial for women with a personal or family history of endocrine system conditions, like medullary thyroid carcinoma or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Female patients should discuss their medical history, other medications, and any unusual symptoms with a healthcare provider before and during treatment with Ozempic.
Ozempic Side Effects in Males
Male users of Ozempic (semaglutide) may experience unique side effects beyond the typical gastrointestinal side effects, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and stomach pain.
Some studies report that Ozempic use increases the risk of erectile dysfunction (ED) and hypogonadism, particularly in non-diabetic patients using Ozempic or GLP‑1 receptor agonists for promoting weight loss, with incidence rates around 1.5%.
While Ozempic (semaglutide) doesn’t directly suppress testosterone production, significant weight loss may improve sperm motility and hormone levels for men struggling with obesity, assisting with reproductive health. However, anecdotal reports and smaller studies suggest a possible decline in libido or sexual function for some men.
Men considering Ozempic to treat diabetes or for weight management should discuss sexual health, hormonal status, and overall function with their healthcare provider before and during treatment.
Ozempic Complications By Time
Ozempic Side Effects After Three Months
Starting Ozempic (semaglutide) will generally cause severe abdominal pain in the first week. Patients often experience discomfort digesting food, such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, and stomach pain. This typically occurs within the first few weeks of treatment, according to Verywell Health.
After several weeks have passed, most people using Ozempic report that these gastrointestinal side effects diminish significantly as the body adjusts to the medication. However, in longer-term follow-ups (spanning 30 weeks to two years), some patients still experienced persistent symptoms, just at lower rates.
Chronic issues in the same body area beyond three months have been linked to pancreatic issues, vision problems, and acute kidney injury.
Long-Term Side Effects of Ozempic
Long-term use of Ozempic may cause a range of possible side effects, especially for those using Ozempic with underlying conditions. While many tolerate the drug well over time, some experience continued nausea, constipation, and stomach pain.
Clinical reports also note risks of stomach problems, such as paralysis of the stomach. In rare cases, prolonged use of Ozempic may cause symptoms of upper stomach issues, pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, and kidney function decline, particularly in those with chronic kidney disease or dehydration.
Animal studies have raised concerns about possible thyroid tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (BTC), resulting in a boxed warning after the FDA approved increasing the risk of thyroid cancer.
As with all prescription medications, long-term safety requires ongoing monitoring, especially when used alongside other medicines or for off-label weight loss treatment.
Ozempic Weight Loss Side Effects
All other medicines, even over-the-counter medicines, come with a complete list of side effects. However, some Ozempic side effects can lead to major cardiovascular events, health problems, and require medical intervention. Here are the mild to moderate symptoms of Ozempic treatments.
“Ozempic Face” and “Ozempic Neck”
Ozempic face refers to the sagging skin that some patients experience after rapid weight loss on Ozempic. Similarly, Ozempic neck describes skin laxity and wrinkling in the neck area due to reduced fat and muscle mass. These skin effects are cosmetic, not dangerous, but may be more noticeable in patients who lose significant body weight quickly.
Hair Loss
Some patients report hair loss after taking Ozempic, often linked to losing weight quickly. While not listed as a primary possible side effect of Ozempic, hair thinning has been observed in studies of those using Ozempic, particularly after several months of treatment.
Digestive System and Gastrointestinal Side Effects of Ozempic
Gallbladder Problems and Biliary Disease
Gallbladder problems have been reported in those taking Ozempic, with some clinical reports linking the drug to an increased risk of gallbladder disease and gallstones. In clinical trials, a small percentage of users experienced gallbladder issues as a potential long-term side effect, likely related to rapid weight loss.
If you experience the following symptoms: severe pain in your abdomen, jaundice, or fever, contact your healthcare provider immediately. These are warning signs of biliary disease.
Pancreatitis and Pancreas Inflammation
Ozempic works to stimulate the pancreas, increasing insulin release to help manage blood sugar levels, but in rare cases, Ozempic may cause inflammation of the pancreas . Patients should be aware of the symptoms of pancreatitis. Anyone experiencing the following symptoms of pancreatitis while taking Ozempic should stop the medication and contact a healthcare provider right away, as untreated, this can cause serious health complications: severe pain in the abdomen, nausea, vomiting, and possibly jaundice.
Stomach Paralysis and Other Severe Stomach Problems
Ozempic may cause severe stomach problems, including stomach paralysis or gastroparesis, where the stomach muscles slow down or stop digesting food effectively. This can cause persistent nausea or vomiting. Some users report severe abdominal pain in the upper stomach, which may be mistaken for other digestive system issues. These symptoms can interfere with daily functioning and may require patients to stop taking Ozempic.
Anyone experiencing severe stomach problems should discuss their symptoms with a health care professional immediately.
Acute Kidney Injury and End-Stage Kidney Disease Worsening From Ozempic Use
Patients with type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease should be closely monitored while using Ozempic, as it may contribute to kidney problems in certain cases. Though Ozempic is now FDA-approved to help slow kidney function decline in diabetic patients with CKD, some users have reported acute dehydration from vomiting or diarrhea, which can trigger kidney failure or accelerate kidney disease worsening. In rare but serious cases, this may lead to end-stage kidney disease, especially in those with preexisting chronic kidney disease or compromised renal function. The risk of kidney problems or potential kidney disease worsening underscores the need for regular testing.
Ozempic Cancer Risks
Increased Risk of Thyroid Tumors and Thyroid Cancer
Ozempic carries an FDA-required boxed warning about the risk of possible thyroid tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). Medullary thyroid carcinoma is a rare but aggressive form of thyroid cancer. This warning applies to all GLP-1 receptor agonists, based on animal studies that showed an increased incidence of thyroid tumors. Those with a personal or family history of multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 should not use Ozempic. If you experience the following symptoms, these are indicators of a thyroid tumor: a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or persistent throat discomfort. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should contact a healthcare provider immediately.
Pancreatic Cancer
Some reports and early studies have raised concerns about a potential connection between Ozempic use and an increased risk of pancreatic cancer. Ozempic may cause inflammation of the pancreas, which in rare cases could contribute to long-term harm. While clinical trials have not confirmed a definitive association, those with a history of pancreatic disease or unexplained severe pain in the abdomen should speak with a healthcare provider. Ongoing studies are evaluating these possible side effects.
What is the Biggest Side Effect of Ozempic?
The biggest side effect of Ozempic is gastrointestinal distress, with nausea being the most commonly reported issue in clinical trials. Many patients also experience vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, and stomach pain, especially when starting Ozempic or increasing doses.
Side effects when digesting food are directly tied to how the medication slows gastric emptying and reduces appetite. While often mild to moderate, in some cases, symptoms like severe stomach problems or stomach paralysis can become serious and require users to stop taking Ozempic.
How Long Do Ozempic Side Effects Last?
Ozempic has a long half-life, so it doesn’t leave the body quickly. For those wondering, How long does Ozempic stay in your system?, the answer is about 4 to 5 weeks after the last dose. Most side effects, like nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, begin early and often improve after the first few weeks. However, because the drug remains active in the body for an extended period, some side effects may linger even after stopping.
When to See Your Doctor About Ozempic Side Effects
You should see your doctor immediately if you experience severe or persistent side effects while using Ozempic. This includes severe nausea and vomiting, severe problems in your stomach, pancreas inflammation, symptoms of gallbladder disease, like jaundice or fever, or any indications of a serious allergic reaction, such as trouble swallowing, shortness of breath, or swelling of the lips, tongue, or throat. You should also contact your doctor if you notice vision problems, signs of kidney problems like reduced urination, dangerously low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia. Any unusual or worsening side effects should be discussed with a healthcare provider for medical attention immediately.
- Serious allergic reactions: Symptoms include swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat. Allergic reactions can also show as shortness of breath, dizziness, a fast heartbeat, or a rash.
- Pancreatitis: Symptoms include severe abdominal pain that won’t go away and may move to the back. Patients can also experience nausea, vomiting, bloating, and fever.
- Hypoglycemia: Symptoms include a fast heartbeat, sweating, shaking, hunger, nervousness, dizziness, confusion, or irritability.
Additionally, patients who accidentally take an extra dose of Ozempic should contact their doctor immediately. Serious side effects, such as low blood sugar, fatigue, fast heartbeat, and gastrointestinal problems, are just part of what happens if you take too much Ozempic.
Can You Sue for Ozempic Side Effects in Texas?
Yes, patients can sue for Ozempic side effects that result in needing medical help while taking the medicine. Many lawsuits allege that Novo Nordisk, the Ozempic manufacturer, failed to warn patients about the risks of Ozempic causing serious side effects. These claims allege that Novo Nordisk didn’t disclose the severity or duration of the Ozempic side effects, even when used as prescribed for treating type 2 diabetes or weight loss.
To sue Novo Nordisk, you typically must have used Ozempic and suffered serious side effects requiring medical intervention, have records that demonstrate the connection between the health condition and the drug, and file a claim within the statute of limitations for product liability claims in Texas.
If you’ve experienced complications after using Ozempic, you should contact a Texas personal injury attorney with experience in dangerous drug lawsuits.
At Reich & Binstock, we provide the following:
- Texas Ozempic claims assistance
- Texas Wegovy claims assistance
- Texas Mounjaro claims assistance
- Texas Rybelsus claims assistance
- Texas Zepbound claims assistance
- Texas Trulicity claims assistance
Contact a Texas Ozempic Lawyer for a Free Consultation
Ozempic may help manage type 2 diabetes and support weight loss, but it also carries serious risks that users should not ignore. From gastrointestinal issues and gallbladder problems to kidney failure, thyroid tumors, and even potential pancreatic complications, the long-term effects of Ozempic are still being evaluated. Patients experiencing persistent or serious Ozempic symptoms, such as serious stomach problems, blurred vision, or allergic reactions, should seek immediate medical help. If you believe Ozempic caused serious harm, you may have legal options, especially if you live in Texas. Speak with your doctor and consult our attorneys to protect your health and your rights.
To schedule a free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys, call 713-622-7271 today.
