As is the case with any other medication, there may be some instances where Ozempic (semaglutide) use is not recommended or usage will have to be adjusted in order to prevent or reduce the risk of interactions occurring from other drugs, medical conditions, or even food and drink.
Drug Interactions
According to the U.S. National Library of Medicine, drugs that may interact with Ozempic include the following antidiabetic drugs:
- Insulin Secretagogue (Sulfonylurea and Glinides),
- Insulin Degludec (Tresiba),
- Insulin Glargine (Toujeo, Lantus),
- Insulin Detemir (Levemir),
- Glimepiride (Amaryl),
- Glyburide (Glynase PresTab, Diabeta), and
- Glipizide (Glucotrol).
- Chloroquine
- Hydroxychloroquine
- Levothyroxine
- Warfarin
Please note that this list may not be complete, and other interactions with drugs not listed here may occur.
Ozempic and Metformin
There is no interaction between Ozempic and metformin (Glucophage, Glumetza, Riomet).
Ozempic – Foods To Avoid
Sometimes the foods we eat and the beverages we drink can also interact with our medications.
Currently, other than slowing digestion, there are no known interactions between Ozempic and certain foods or beverages.
Please note that this list may not be complete, and there may be other foods and beverages that interact with this drug.
Ozempic and Alcohol
For more information, please visit our page on Ozempic and alcohol interactions.
Disease & Conditions Interactions
According to Ozempic.com, diseases and medical conditions that are known to negatively interact with Ozempic include:
- Hypoglycemia
- Adverse GI events like diarrhea, vomiting, renal (kidneys) dysfunction, and dehydration
- Thyroid cancer
- Kidney problems
- Diabetic retinopathy
- Pancreatitis (inflamed pancreas)
- Diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA, diabetic acidosis)
- Medullary Thyroid Carcinoma (MTC)
- Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Syndrome Type 2 (MEN2)
- Type 1 diabetes
- Hypersensitivity to semaglutide or any of the other components of Ozempic
- Inadequate glycemic control despite diet and exercise (semaglutide is not recommended as a first-line of therapy)
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding parents
Please note that this list may not be complete, and there may be other diseases and medical conditions where patients should not take Ozempic.
Ozempic and Heartburn
Heartburn is not a common side effect of Ozempic; however, some individuals do experience it while taking this medication. When this side effect does occur, it usually decreases or diminishes altogether as the individual continues taking Ozempic. If you experience this side effect and it does not subside or otherwise worsens contact your physician.
Ozempic and Pregnancy
For more information, please visit our page on Ozempic and pregnancy risks.
Ozempic and Weight Loss
Although Ozempic is not currently indicated (recommended) for weight loss, this side effect has been acknowledged and its potential for use as a weight loss medication is currently being studied.
Ozempic and Pancreatitis
Once Ozempic is initiated, patients must be observed for the development of pancreatitis. If pancreatitis is confirmed, the patient should not take Ozempic. Therefore, pancreatitis can disqualify an individual from being a good candidate for Ozempic.
Ozempic and Diarrhea
Diarrhea can be a side effect of Ozempic. Acute diarrhea comes on quickly and typically lasts from one to three days. If diarrhea is severe or continues past the usual three days, patients should contact their physician.
Ozempic and Diabetic Retinopathy
Some patients experience an exacerbation of their diabetic retinopathy. Patients should inform their physician if they have a history of diabetic retinopathy.
Ozempic and Nausea
Individuals taking Ozempic may experience a queasy stomach (nausea), which may or may not be accompanied by vomiting.
Ozempic and Fatigue
Some patients who take Ozempic experience fatigue. This feeling of tiredness may come on suddenly or gradually develop.
Disclaimer: this article does not constitute or replace medical advice. If you have an emergency or a serious medical question, please contact a medical professional or call 911 immediately. To see our full medical disclaimer, visit our Terms of Use page.
