6 Potential Long-Term Effects of Ozempic

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You may have heard about — or maybe even experienced — the short-term side effects of Ozempic® — such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, and diarrhea. But what about its long-term effects? Is Ozempic safe to use for several months or years?

The truth is, since the drug is relatively new, the long-term effects of Ozempic aren’t yet fully known.

We’ll explore Ozempic’s long-term effects and the possible risks and considerations for taking this medication. (Learn more about Ozempic For Weight Loss.)

Image Credit: Carolina Rudah/Istockphoto.

Is Ozempic Safe to Take Long-Term?

Ozempic (semaglutide) is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for managing blood sugar levels in type 2 diabetes patients. But it’s also sometimes prescribed off-label for weight loss in people with overweight or obesity. (Off-label means a drug is prescribed for something it’s not FDA-approved to treat.)

Because the medication hasn’t been around long enough, more research is needed to understand any potential semaglutide long-term side effects beyond blood sugar control and weight loss.

Ozempic is generally considered safe. But some research has noted rare but serious side effects of once-weekly, 2.4-milligram (mg) semaglutide injections, such as pancreatitis, acute kidney injury, gallbladder issues, and thyroid cancer.

Although these complications are extremely uncommon—and the benefits of Ozempic often outweigh the risks for many people—it’s important to be aware of them.

We’ll explore how Ozempic works, discuss the more severe side effects and long-term implications, and provide guidance on how to use Ozempic safely.

Image Credit: Carolina Rudah/istockphoto.

How Ozempic Works

Manufactured by Novo Nordisk, Ozempic is a brand name for the active ingredient semaglutide. It is administered as a once-weekly injection.

Semaglutide belongs to a class of medications known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. These drugs work by mimicking GLP-1, a hormone naturally produced in the intestines.

GLP-1 stimulates insulin production and helps regulate blood glucose levels. It’s also associated with appetite suppression and increased feelings of fullness, which may lead to reduced food intake and weight loss.

Though Ozempic isn’t FDA-approved for weight loss or to treat obesity, its mechanism of action might support weight management in some folks.

Ozempic is available in 0.5mg, 1mg, and 2mg dosages of semaglutide and is approved for treating type 2 diabetes and certain heart conditions. This medication is typically prescribed alongside lifestyle changes, such as a nutritious eating plan and increased physical activity. (Learn more about Ozempic vs Metformin For Weight Loss.)

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Common Side Effects of Ozempic

The most common side effects of Ozempic include:

  • Nausea

  • Vomiting

  • Diarrhea

  • Constipation

  • Stomach pain

These gastrointestinal side effects tend to be more common during the first few weeks of treatment or while the patient adjusts to an increased dose.

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Severe Side Effects of Ozempic

Ozempic is generally considered safe. But, as with any medication, it comes with the possibility of risks and side effects.

Since it’s only FDA-approved for diabetes, there isn’t as much data on the long-term effects of Ozempic for weight loss in people without type 2 diabetes.

According to research cited in the FDA’s prescribing information for Ozempic, some of the severe side effects and long-term risks include:

  • Pancreatitis

  • Acute kidney injury

  • Gallbladder problems

  • Diabetic retinopathy complications

  • Increased heart rate

  • Thyroid cancer

However, it’s worth repeating that these are very rare, and the benefits of taking Ozempic may outweigh the risks for many patients.

Here’s what we know so far about these effects and how likely they are to occur.

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1. Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) was reported in clinical trials on Ozempic. But the results weren’t conclusive. If pancreatitis is indeed a risk, it seems to be extremely rare.

In a two-year clinical trial cited in the drug’s prescribing label, acute pancreatitis — sudden pancreatitis that’s often treatable — developed in eight patients taking Ozempic and 10 patients who got a placebo. Since more people who got the placebo reported pancreatitis than those who used Ozempic, we can’t say whether Ozempic caused it.

In another two-year trial sponsored by Novo Nordisk, pancreatitis wasn’t reported at all. This one followed participants with overweight or obesity and at least one weight-related health condition that wasn’t type 2 diabetes. Participants took a 2.4-milligram dose of semaglutide. (This is the dose you’d usually find in Wegovy®, the semaglutide drug FDA-approved for weight loss.)

Ozempic hasn’t been studied on people with a history of pancreatitis. Still, your healthcare provider may recommend a different treatment if you’ve had this condition.

If you experience symptoms of pancreatitis, like severe abdominal pain that radiates into your back, reach out to your medical provider right away.

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2. Acute Kidney Injury

Some reports in a review supported by Novo Nordisk suggested that semaglutide may decrease the risk of kidney disease over the long term. But there were also a few reports of folks taking GLP-1s who developed kidney issues. Worsening chronic kidney failure has also been reported.

Acute kidney injury is when the kidneys suddenly stop working properly or fail altogether. Kidney problems were reported in people who experienced significant nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration and affect kidney function.

Let your healthcare provider know if you have a history of kidney problems before taking Ozempic, especially if you experience severe gastrointestinal side effects. They may want to monitor your kidney function to keep an eye on things.

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3. Gallbladder Problems

Your gallbladder is in your abdomen. It stores and releases bile, which is needed to break down fats in the food you eat.

Gallstones (hardened pieces of bile) may be another one of semaglutide’s rare side effects with longer-term consequences.

Some research suggests that losing a lot of weight quickly can also lead to gallbladder problems, like gallstones.

In clinical trials supported by Novo Nordisk, gallstones were reported in 1.5 percent of people taking a 0.5-milligram dose of Ozempic and 0.4 percent of those taking 1 milligram of Ozempic. Participants who took a placebo didn’t report gallstones.

Semaglutide may also increase your risk of gallbladder disease.

In more Novo Nordisk-sponsored clinical trials, 83 patients taking semaglutide developed a gallbladder event — mainly gallstones — compared to 39 patients taking a placebo.

You might not experience any symptoms of gallstones. But if they block your bile ducts, you could have pain in your upper-right abdomen. Let your healthcare provider know if anything feels off.

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4. Diabetic Retinopathy Complications

Diabetic retinopathy is an eye condition that only affects people with diabetes. It results from damage to the blood vessels in the eyes and can lead to vision loss.

Taking Ozempic could potentially increase your risk of diabetic retinopathy complications.

In a two-year trial funded by Novo Nordisk on people with type 2 diabetes and high cardiovascular risk, more events of diabetic retinopathy complications were reported in participants taking Ozempic than those taking a placebo.

Your risk is higher if you already have a history of diabetic retinopathy. 

Fast improvement in glucose control — which can happen with Ozempic — may temporarily worsen diabetic retinopathy. However, the long-term effects of Ozempic on diabetic retinopathy haven’t been studied, so it’s unclear if long-term glucose control would improve this.

Hopefully, more answers will be on their way. There’s a study currently underway looking into the long-term effects of semaglutide on diabetic retinopathy. It’s expected to finish in 2027.

Let your provider know if you have a history of diabetic retinopathy before you take Ozempic. And if you’re already taking the drug, seek medical advice if you notice any vision changes.

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5. Increased Heart Rate

Ozempic could create a very small increase in your heart rate. In Novo Nordisk-sponsored trials, 0.5-milligram and 1-milligram doses of semaglutide resulted in an average heart rate increase of two to three beats per minute.

The good news is that this increase isn’t associated with adverse cardiac events. In many cases, the benefits of GLP-1 drugs on heart health outweigh any potential risks of an increased heart rate.

In fact, long-term use of Ozempic may reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events like heart attack in people with type 2 diabetes.

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6. Thyroid Cancer

Ozempic comes with a black box warning from the FDA stating that semaglutide has caused thyroid C-cell tumors in rodents. This happened after a lifetime of exposure to the drug.

That said, it’s unclear if semaglutide can cause these tumors in humans. More research is needed to find out.

For now, those with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN2) — both extremely rare types of thyroid tumors — shouldn’t take semaglutide drugs like Ozempic.

Symptoms of thyroid tumors include:

  • A mass in the neck

  • Difficulty swallowing

  • Persistent hoarse voice

  • Shortness of breath

This might not be a risk you need to worry about, but it’s wise to know what symptoms to look out for.

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How Long Is It Safe to Stay on Ozempic?

There’s no hard-and-fast rule for how long it’s safe to stay on Ozempic for weight loss. Novo Nordisk-sponsored studies lasting up to two years show that semaglutide is safe.

Another study from Novo Nordisk on higher doses of semaglutide than those used for Ozempic spanned four years. They also indicated the safety and efficacy of semaglutide.

But there aren’t many trials beyond the four-year mark, so we don’t know much about the longer-term effects of semaglutide.

 

That being said, Ozempic is a diabetes drug meant to help people with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels. So it is designed with long-term use in mind.

If you’re using Ozempic for weight loss and your side effects aren’t too severe, you should take it at the direction of your medical provider. They might suggest you continue taking a maintenance dose once you reach your goal weight.

Your healthcare provider can let you know how long you can or should take Ozempic.

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Do You Regain Weight After Stopping Ozempic?

You might regain some of the weight you lost on Ozempic when you stop taking the drug.

2022 Novo Nordisk study looked at nearly 2,000 people with a body mass index (BMI) of 30 or higher or 27 or more with at least one weight-related health condition that wasn’t type 2 diabetes.

Participants took a weekly 2.4-milligram dose of semaglutide for 68 weeks before stopping the treatment. They also stopped the healthy lifestyle changes they made while taking semaglutide. Almost 400 of the participants were followed for another 12 months after discontinuing semaglutide.

The result? A year after stopping semaglutide and healthy lifestyle interventions, participants regained two-thirds of the weight they’d lost.

This might sound discouraging, but keep in mind that regained weight likely happens when people don’t stick to healthy lifestyle changes. Focusing on nutritious meals and exercising regularly can help you keep the weight off.

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Ozempic Alternatives for Weight Loss

If the possible long-term effects of Ozempic make you pause, that’s okay. Other weight loss treatments are available if you decide Ozempic isn’t for you — for whatever reason.

Other injections that may support weight loss include:

  • Wegovy (semaglutide)

  • Compounded semaglutide

  • Mounjaro® and Zepbound® (tirzepatide)

  • Victoza® and Saxenda® (liraglutide)

As mentioned, Wegovy and Ozempic are both brand names of semaglutide injections from the manufacturer Novo Nordisk. Check out our guide to Wegovy versus Ozempic to see how the two compare.

There are also oral medications that can support weight loss, like:

  • Rybelsus® (semaglutide)

  • Metformin

  • Contrave® (naltrexone-bupropion)

  • Topamax® (topiramate)

  • Xenical® (orlistat)

  • Qsymia® (phentermine-topiramate)

And there are lifestyle changes you can make to lose weight, such as:

  • Eating nutritious foods. Load up on fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and lean protein.

  • Moving more each day. Add a walk to your morning routine, go for a hike with friends, stream a yoga session, or try a new exercise class at the gym. 

  • Getting enough sleep. Sleep is good for your energy levels, mood, mental health, and even weight loss. Aim for at least seven hours a night. 

  • Drinking more water. Staying hydrated can help you feel your best — and feel fuller, too.

Hers offers access to holistic weight loss programs that combine medication — if it’s suitable for your needs — with eating plans, behavior change tools, and expert advice to help you safely lose weight.

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Taking Ozempic for the Long Haul

If you’re considering this type 2 diabetes drug for weight loss, one of your first questions might be: Is Ozempic safe? To put your mind at rest, this medication is safe for the majority of people who take it.

You should still be aware of the potential long-term effects of Ozempic, though.

Here’s a recap of what we covered:

  • More research is needed on Ozempic long-term side effects. Some severe side effects with long-term consequences may include pancreatitis, acute kidney injury, gallstones, gallbladder disease, diabetic retinopathy, and an increased heart rate. Semaglutide may also cause C-cell tumors in rodents.

  • Semaglutide is shown to be safe over four years. Studies spanning four years show that the drug is safe, and the proven benefits may outweigh potential long-term risks.

  • There’s no set rule for how long you can safely take Ozempic. It’s FDA-approved as a diabetes drug, so it’s meant for ongoing use.

Talk to a healthcare provider if you’re concerned about Ozempic’s long-term side effects. They should be able to put your mind at rest and go over the pros and cons of taking the drug for your personal circumstances.

You should also know that Ozempic isn’t the only way to lose weight. Eating nutritious foods, incorporating more movement into your day, drinking more water, and getting enough sleep can help you achieve your weight loss goals.

This article originally appeared on ForHers.com and was syndicated by MediaFeed.org.

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