Is Ozempic Safe? Official Warnings, Side Effects, and Uses

What the Safety Information Says

Semaglutide injection carries an important warning about thyroid gland tumors. MedlinePlus says semaglutide injection may increase the risk of thyroid gland tumors, including a type of thyroid cancer. In rats, semaglutide injection caused thyroid tumors. It is not known whether the medication increases the risk of these tumors in humans.

Doctors should be told if an individual or anyone in their family has had thyroid tumors, thyroid cancer, or Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). If a personal or family history of these conditions exists, the doctor will probably say not to use the medication. A healthcare provider reviews these health factors before deciding whether the medicine is appropriate for a patient.

Thyroid Warning and Symptoms to Report

MedlinePlus lists four symptoms to report to a doctor immediately:

• A lump or swelling in the neck
• Hoarseness
• Difficulty swallowing
• Shortness of breath

See also: how tirzepatide works.

Labeled Uses and How the Medicine Works

MedlinePlus lists six medical uses for semaglutide injection. Specifically, MedlinePlus lists these uses:

• Control blood sugar in certain patients with type 2 diabetes
• Reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death in adults with type 2 diabetes and heart and blood vessel disease
• Reduce the risk of heart attack, stroke, or death in adults who are obese or overweight with heart and blood vessel disease
• Reduce the risk of worsening kidney disease and death in certain adults with type 2 diabetes and kidney disease
• Assist with weight loss in certain people who are obese or overweight with weight-related medical problems
• Treat noncirrhotic metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) in people with liver disease

Semaglutide is in a class called incretin mimetics. It helps the pancreas release the right amount of insulin when blood sugar levels are high, slows stomach emptying, and may decrease appetite to cause weight loss. See also: GLP-1 plateau.

The medication is injected subcutaneously once a week from a prefilled pen into the upper arm, thigh, or stomach area, rotating sites with each dose. A doctor will probably start at a low dose and increase after 4 weeks, and may increase the dose again after another 4 weeks. MedlinePlus notes that individuals should not stop taking semaglutide injection without talking to a doctor.

Conditions to Tell a Doctor About

MedlinePlus lists conditions and products to tell a doctor about before using semaglutide injection. MedlinePlus states that patients should tell their doctor and pharmacist about allergies to medications as well as all prescription, nonprescription, vitamin, supplement, and herbal products being taken.

MedlinePlus says to tell a doctor about a history of:

• Pancreatitis
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Severe stomach problems, including gastroparesis
• Gallbladder disease
• Kidney disease
• Recent diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, or an inability to drink liquids, which may cause dehydration

Pregnancy and surgery are also on the list. MedlinePlus states that individuals should tell their doctor if they are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning pregnancy. In the event of a planned pregnancy, the doctor will tell the person to stop semaglutide injection 2 months before. MedlinePlus also says to tell surgeons and dentists about semaglutide use before any surgery.

Common and Serious Side Effects

MedlinePlus lists side effects in three groups: low blood sugar signs, common side effects, and serious side effects. MedlinePlus notes that semaglutide injection may cause changes in blood sugar. Signs of low blood sugar include dizziness or lightheadedness, irritability, sweating, hunger, drowsiness, shakiness, weakness, headache, slurred speech, blurred vision, fast heart rate, and feeling jittery.

Common side effects should be reported to a doctor if they become severe or persistent. These include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, constipation, heartburn, burping, runny nose or sore throat, and headache. See also: GLP-1 side effects.

MedlinePlus lists serious side effects that require calling a doctor right away or seeking emergency medical care:

• Ongoing pain starting in the upper left or middle of the stomach that may spread to the back, with or without vomiting
• Rash, itching, fainting, or dizziness
• Swelling of the eyes, face, mouth, tongue, or throat
• Difficulty breathing or swallowing
• Decreased urination or swelling of the legs, ankles, or feet
• Vision changes
• Upper stomach pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes, fever, or clay-colored stools
• Rapid or pounding heartbeat
• Severe stomach or intestinal problems

Serious side effects may be reported to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) through the MedWatch program or by calling 1-800-332-1088.

Handling and Storage

MedlinePlus gives storage and handling directions for semaglutide injection pens. Prefilled pens are stored in a refrigerator at 36°F to 46°F (2°C to 8°C). Pens must not be frozen and should be kept away from light and heat.

MedlinePlus says the solution should be clear, colorless, and free of particles. MedlinePlus states that individuals should never reuse or share needles or pens.

Questions for a Prescriber

A licensed healthcare provider decides whether semaglutide injection aligns with an individual medical history. MedlinePlus names kidney disease, gallbladder disease, stomach problems, and pancreatitis among the history to tell a doctor about. MedlinePlus says that with a personal or family history of thyroid tumors, thyroid cancer, or MEN 2, the doctor will probably say not to use the medication.

See also: Ozempic and alcohol. Questions about whether semaglutide injection suits an individual belong with a licensed clinician. See also: clinician consultation.

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