Unlock your healthiest body yet with the Body Program. Learn more

Health Guide / GLP-1

Wegovy vs. Ozempic: which is right for you?

chimene richaPatricia Weiser PharmD

Reviewed by Chimene Richa, MD, written by Patricia Weiser, PharmD

Last updated: Jan 31, 2023
7 min read

table of contents

  1. Wegovy vs. Ozempic
  2. Ozempic and Wegovy are approved for different reasons
  3. Wegovy vs. Ozempic for weight loss: which is better?
  4. Ozempic and Wegovy: is one stronger?
  5. Injecting Wegovy vs. Ozempic
  6. Risks and side effects of Ozempic and Wegovy

Wegovy and Ozempic are both medications that are considered GLP-1s (glucagon-like peptide-1s receptor agonists) and they both contain the same active ingredient (semaglutide). Lately, they’ve both been getting a lot of attention as drugs that can help people lose weight.

Semaglutide injection was first approved under the brand name Ozempic in 2017 as a treatment for type 2 diabetes. In 2021, the FDA approved the drug under the brand name Wegovy as a weight loss medication. Doctors often prescribe both for weight loss, but there are a few key differences between them.

Keep reading to learn more about Wegovy vs. Ozempic and which medication might be right for you.

xpoll-ac-ro-body-shot-2

weight loss

Get access to GLP-1 medication (if prescribed) and 1:1 support to meet your weight loss goals.

Start nowLearn more
Start nowLearn more

weight loss

xpoll-ac-ro-body-shot-2

Get access to GLP-1 medication (if prescribed) and 1:1 support to meet your weight loss goals.

Start nowLearn more

Wegovy vs. Ozempic

Wegovy (see Important Safety Information) and Ozempic (see Important Safety Information) are both brand-name injectable prescription drugs. As mentioned, they both contain the same active ingredient, semaglutide. Both belong to a class of drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (informally known as GLP-1 agonists). Other drugs in this class include Rybelsus, Byetta, Bydureon, Saxenda, Trulicity, and Victoza (FDA, 2022; FDA-b, 2021). 

Let’s continue to break down some of the key characteristics of Wegovy vs. Ozempic. Here’s a summary of need-to-know facts about Wegovy (FDA-b, 2021):

  • Active ingredient: semaglutide
  • Form: disposable, single-dose injector pen with built-in needle
  • Route: subcutaneous (under-the-skin) injection in your stomach or thigh
  • Dosing schedule: once a week
  • Starting dose: 0.25 milligrams per 0.5 milliliters (mg/mL)
  • Maximum maintenance dosage: 2.4 mg weekly

And need-to-know facts about Ozempic (FDA, 2022):

  • Active ingredient: semaglutide
  • Form: multiple-use injector pen
  • Route: subcutaneous (under-the-skin) injection in your stomach or thigh
  • Dosing schedule: once a week
  • Starting dose: 0.25 milligrams per 0.5 milliliters (mg/mL)
  • Typical maintenance dosage: 1 mg weekly
  • Maximum dosage: 2 mg weekly

It’s clear that these two injectable prescription drugs are similar. But how do they differ? Wegovy and Ozempic are approved for different uses and populations.

Ozempic and Wegovy are approved for different reasons

Although Ozempic and Wegovy share many similarities, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Ozempic and Wegovy for different indications or uses in different populations (FDA-a, 2021; FDA, 2022). 

The FDA approves Ozempic for:

  • Controlling blood sugar in adults over 18 years old with type 2 diabetes mellitus
  • Reducing the risk of major cardiovascular health problems, such as heart attack, stroke, and death in adults with type 2 diabetes and heart disease

Participants in clinical trials were able to lower their blood glucose levels by over 1% in three months with Ozempic (Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, n.d.). Ozempic can also be prescribed off-label to people who don’t have type 2 diabetes to help with weight loss. 

In contrast, the FDA has approved Wegovy for chronic weight management in people 12 years and older with either:

Clinical trials have shown that Wegovy is effective for weight loss in people with and without type 2 diabetes (Alabduljabbar, 2022). In fact, adults taking Wegovy for weight loss can lose an average of up to 14.9% of their starting body weight in 68 weeks (a little less than six months) (Wilding, 2021). 

Unlike Ozempic, Wegovy is also approved for weight management in adolescents between the ages of 12 and 18 years old who have a BMI at or above the 95th percentile for their age and sex. Clinical trials showed that adolescents in this age range taking Wegovy lost a mean of 16.1% of their starting body weight in 68 weeks (Weghuber, 2022).

Wegovy vs. Ozempic for weight loss: which is better?

In a clinical trial that compared weekly use of semaglutide 1 mg and 2.4 mg, semaglutide 2.4 mg (the maximum dose of Wegovy) caused more significant weight loss than semaglutide 1 mg (the typical maintenance dose of Ozempic) (Davies, 2021; Singh, 2022).

Over the 68 week treatment period, trial participants who reached a weekly dose of 2.4 mg of semaglutide lost an average of 10.6% of their body weight, while those who reached a weekly dose of 1 mg lost an average of 7.0% (Davies, 2021).

Both Wegovy and Ozempic can be effective treatment options for weight loss. In some people, losing weight can increase energy and reduce the risk of serious health issues. A healthcare provider can help you determine if one of these medications is right for you. Ro’s Body Program combines the use of GLP-1 with personal coaching to help people lose weight and keep it off. 

Ozempic and Wegovy: is one stronger?

One of the biggest differences between Ozempic and Wegovy is the dosing. While Ozempic is available in 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg and 1.0 mg pens, Wegovy on the other hand is available in 0.25 mg, 0.5 mg, 1.0 mg, 1.7 mg and 2.4 mg pens. This means Wegovy can be taken at a slightly higher dose than Ozempic, though you do have to ramp up over five months. 

A typical Wegovy vs. Ozempic dosage schedule:

Wegovy Ozempic
Month 1 0.25 mg once a week 0.25 mg once a week
Month 2 0.50 mg once a week 0.50 mg once a week
Month 3 1.0 mg once a week 0.50 mg once a week
Month 4 1.7 mg once a week 0.50 mg once a week
Month 5 2.4 mg once a week 0.50 mg once a week

If indicated, your healthcare provider can increased your Ozempic dosage up to 2 mg once weekly (which is the maximum dosage).

Injecting Wegovy vs. Ozempic

Another notable difference between the two drugs is how you use Ozempic and Wegovy pens. With Wegovy, each injection pen has a built-in needle. After you use the pen once, you’ll dispose of it in a sharps container. 

Ozempic, on the other hand, comes with needles that you’ll attach to the injector pen before each dose. Then you’ll dispose of the needle in a sharps container, but continue using the same pen several times. The exact number of doses per pen varies depending on your dosage. Note that you should not share an Ozempic pen with another person, as this can spread disease, even if the needle is changed (FDA, 2022).

Risks and side effects of Ozempic and Wegovy

Common side effects of Ozempic and Wegovy include (FDA-a, 2021; FDA, 2022):

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Abdominal pain
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Injection site reactions, such as pain or skin irritation

Other serious side effects are possible with Ozempic and Wegovy, such as: 

  • In studies with mice and rats, semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic) caused thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer. It is not known if Wegovy will cause thyroid tumors or a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in people. Tell your provider if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. These may be symptoms of thyroid cancer.
  • Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) or gallbladder problems
  • Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when taken along with insulin or certain diabetes pills like glimepiride or glipizide 
  • Kidney injury
  • Diabetic retinopathy
  • Severe allergic reaction

When deciding between Wegovy or Ozempic, it’s important to consider that side effects may be more likely with Wegovy (depending on your prescribed dosage) as Wegovy is available in a higher dose than Ozempic. For some, this higher dosage can mean more side effects. In clinical trials of participants taking 1 mg of Wegovy once a week vs. 2.4 mg of Wegovy once a week, participants who took a 2.4 mg dose reported more side effects (Davies, 2021). If you have concerns about potential side effects, speak with your healthcare provider about which drug might be right for you. 

All of the details that differentiate Wegovy vs. Ozempic might be overwhelming. Here are some highlights of several key differences and similarities between these two medications:

Wegovy Ozempic
Active ingredient Semaglutide Semaglutide
FDA-approved use For weight loss, along with diet and exercise, in adults with obesity (BMI of 30 or greater), or overweight (BMI of 27 or greater) with at least one weight-related medical condition, such as type 2 diabetes or high blood pressure To improve control of blood sugar in adults with type 2 diabetes, along with diet and exercise

To reduce the risk of major cardiovascular problems such as heart attack, stroke, and death in adults with type 2 diabetes and heart disease
Most common side effects Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or constipation Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, or constipation
Typical dosing Once weekly injection Once weekly injection
Cost without insurance* $1,627 $907

*Average retail cost for one carton, according to GoodRx.com. Your actual cost may vary depending on your location, pharmacy, insurance coverage, and eligibility for savings programs (GoodRx, n.d.).

Whether you’re interested in Wegovy and Ozempic for managing type 2 diabetes, weight loss, or both, speak to your healthcare provider. They can help you determine which medication, if either, is right for you and create a safe and effective treatment plan.

Disclaimer

If you have any medical questions or concerns, please talk to your healthcare provider. The articles on Health Guide are underpinned by peer-reviewed research and information drawn from medical societies and governmental agencies. However, they are not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.

References

  1. Alabduljabbar, K., Al-Najim, W., & le Roux, C. W. (2022). The impact once-weekly semaglutide 2.4 mg will have on clinical practice: A focus on the Step Trials. Nutrients, 14(11), 2217. doi:10.3390/nu14112217. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35684020/
  2. Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. (n.d.). Ozempic Drug Trial Snapshot. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Retrieved Jan. 31, 2023 from https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-approvals-and-databases/drug-trial-snapshot-ozempic
  3. Collins, L. & Costello, R. A. (2022). Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists. StatPearls. Retrieved on June 30, 2022 from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK551568/ 
  4. Davies, M., Færch, L., Jeppesen, O. K., et al. (2021). Semaglutide 2.4 mg once a week in adults with overweight or obesity, and type 2 diabetes (STEP 2): a randomised, double-blind, double-dummy, placebo-controlled, phase 3 trial. Lancet, 397(10278), 971–984. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(21)00213-0 Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33667417/ 
  5. Frías, J. P., Auerbach, P., Bajaj, H. S., et al. (2021). Efficacy and safety of once-weekly semaglutide 2·0 mg versus 1·0 mg in patients with type 2 diabetes (sustain forte): A double-blind, randomised, phase 3B trial. The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology, 9(9), 563–574. doi:10.1016/s2213-8587(21)00174-1. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34293304/
  6. Fryar, C. D., Carroll, M. D., & Afful, J. (2020). Prevalence of overweight, obesity, and severe obesity among adults aged 20 and over: United States, 1960–1962 through 2017–2018. NCHS Health E-Stats, 2020. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/hestat/obesity-adult-17-18/obesity-adult.htm#Citation 
  7. GoodRx. (n.d.). GLP-1 agonists. Retrieved on Jan. 31, 2023 from https://www.goodrx.com/provider/compare/glp-1-agonists
  8. Rubino, D., Abrahamsson N., Davies M., et al. (2021). Effect of continued weekly subcutaneous semaglutide vs placebo on weight loss maintenance in adults with overweight or obesity. JAMA, 325(14), 1414. doi:10.1001/jama.2021.3224. Retrieved from https://jamanetwork.com/journals/jama/fullarticle/2777886
  9. Singh, G., Krauthamer, M., & Bjalme-Evans, M. (2022). Wegovy (semaglutide): a new weight loss drug for chronic weight management. Journal of Investigative Medicine, 70(1), 5–13. doi:10.1136/jim-2021-001952. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8717485/ 
  10. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA-a). (2021). Approves new drug treatment for chronic weight management, first since 2014. [Press release]. https://www.fda.gov/news-events/press-announcements/fda-approves-new-drug-treatment-chronic-weight-management-first-2014 
  11. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA-b). (2021). Wegovy (semaglutide) injection, for subcutaneous use. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2021/215256s000lbl.pdf 
  12. U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). (2022). Ozempic (semaglutide) injection, for subcutaneous use. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2022/209637Orig1s009lbl.pdf 
  13. Weghuber, D., Barrett, T., Barrientos-Pérez, M., et al. (2022). Once-weekly semaglutide in adolescents with obesity. New England Journal of Medicine, 387(24), 2245–2257. doi:10.1056/nejmoa2208601. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36322838/
  14. Wilding, J. P. H., Batterham, R. L., Calanna, S., et al. (2021). Once-weekly semaglutide in adults with overweight or obesity. New England Journal of Medicine, 384(11), 989–1002. doi:10.1056/nejmoa2032183. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33567185/
chimene richa
Chimene Richa, MD

Dr. Chimene Richa is a board-certified Ophthalmologist and Senior Medical Writer/Reviewer at Ro.

WEIGHT LOSS

Unlock your healthiest body yet with

the Body Program

Related articles

Important Safety Information for Wegovy®

Important Safety Information for Wegovy (semaglutide) injection

Warning: Risk of Thyroid C-Cell Tumors

  • In studies with mice and rats, semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic) caused thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer. It is not known if Wegovy will cause thyroid tumors or a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in people. Tell your provider if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. These may be symptoms of thyroid cancer. 
  • Do not use Wegovy if you or any of your family have ever had a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if you have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).

What is the FDA-approved use of Wegovy?

Wegovy is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist for chronic weight management, along with a reduced calorie diet and increased physical activity, for people with an initial body mass index (BMI) of:

  • 30 kg/m2 or greater (obesity) or
  • 27 kg/m2 or greater (overweight) in the presence of at least one weight-related comorbid condition (e.g., hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, or dyslipidemia).

Limitations of Use:

  • Wegovy should not be used in combination with other semaglutide-containing products or any other GLP-1 receptor agonist
  • The safety and efficacy of coadministration with other products for weight loss have not been established
  • Wegovy has not been studied in patients with a history of pancreatitis

Who should not use Wegovy?

 Do not use Wegovy if:

  • You or any of your family have ever had a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if you have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
  • You have a known allergic reaction to semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy or Ozempic).

How should Wegovy be administered? 

You can take Wegovy with or without food. The pre-filled injector pen is self-administered as a subcutaneous injection in the stomach, thigh, or upper arm once a week on the same day every week. Your Ro-affiliated provider will guide you on a treatment regimen that may include an increase in dose every four weeks. 

You should not change your dosing regimen or stop taking Wegovy as prescribed without discussing with your provider first. 

What should I tell my Ro-affiliated provider before using Wegovy?

  • Wegovy has certain drug interactions. It’s important to tell your Ro-affiliated provider all of the medications you are currently taking, including prescription, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal and dietary supplements. 

Some medications to watch out for include:

  • Medications used to treat type 1 or type 2 diabetes, including insulin or sulfonylureas (such as Amaryl or Glucotrol XL)
  • Wegovy causes a delay in gastric emptying, so it has the potential to impact the absorption of medications that are taken by mouth at the same time. Your provider can guide you on how to schedule your medications.
  • Other GLP-1 medications, including Ozempic, Saxenda, Victoza, Byetta, or Bydureon
  • If you’re using other products for weight loss, including dietary supplements

It’s important to share your entire medical history with your provider. In particular, tell your provider if you have a past history of:

  • Type 1 or type 2 diabetes
  • Thyroid cancer
  • Pancreatitis
  • Kidney disease
  • Diabetic retinopathy
  • Depression
  • Suicidal thoughts or behavior

Tell your provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. 

  • If you are pregnant: Wegovy should not be used during pregnancy. Based on animal studies, there may be potential risks to an unborn baby from exposure to Wegovy during pregnancy. There is no benefit to weight loss during pregnancy and it may cause harm to the unborn baby.
  • If you are a female or male of reproductive potential: Discontinue Wegovy at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy since the drug can stay in the bloodstream for a long time.
  • If you are breastfeeding: Wegovy was found in the milk of lactating rats. Tell your Ro-affiliated provider if you are breastfeeding before you start Wegovy.

Pregnancy registry: There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic) during pregnancy. Pregnant women exposed to semaglutide and healthcare providers are encouraged to contact Novo Nordisk at 1-800-727-6500.

Withholding or providing inaccurate information about your health and medical history in order to obtain treatment may result in harm, including, in some cases, death. 

What are the most serious side effects that I or a caregiver should monitor for when taking Wegovy?

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention.

These serious side effects can occur with Wegovy. You or a caregiver should carefully monitor for these side effects, especially in the beginning of treatment and with dose changes.

  • Thyroid C-Cell Tumors: In mice and rats, semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy and Ozempic) caused an increase in thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). It is unknown whether Wegovy causes thyroid C-cell tumors in humans. There were cases of MTC reported in patients who took liraglutide (the active ingredient in Victoza and Saxenda) after the drug was put on the market. Wegovy is contraindicated in patients with a family history of MTC or in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Tell your provider if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. These may be symptoms of thyroid cancer. 
  • Inflammation of Pancreas (Acute Pancreatitis): Monitor for signs of acute pancreatitis, including severe abdominal pain that does not go away, sometimes radiating to the back, with or without vomiting.
  • Acute Gallbladder Disease: Wegovy may cause gallbladder problems, including gallstones. Some gallbladder problems require surgery. Tell your provider right away if you have pain in your upper stomach, yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice), fever, or clay-colored stools.
  • Low Blood Sugar (hypoglycemia): Wegovy lowers blood glucose. It can cause too low blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes who also take another glucose control medication. Monitor your blood sugar and watch out for signs of too low blood sugar such as dizziness, blurred vision, mood changes, sweating, or fast heartbeat.
  • Acute Kidney Injury: In people who have kidney problems, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting may cause a loss of fluids (dehydration) which may cause kidney problems to get worse. It is important for you to drink plenty of water to help reduce your chance of dehydration.
  • Serious Allergic Reactions: Stop using Wegovy right away if you experience symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat, severe rash or itching, very rapid heartbeat, problems breathing or swallowing, or fainting or feeling dizzy.
  • Diabetic Retinopathy Complications in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: If you have type 2 diabetes, tell your provider right away if you experience changes in vision.
  • Increase in Heart Rate: Tell your provider right away if you have a racing heartbeat while at rest. 
  • Suicidal Behavior and Ideation: You should pay attention to any mental health changes, especially sudden changes in your mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any mental changes that are new, worse, or worry you.
  • Never Share a Pen: Pen-sharing poses a risk of infection. 

What are the most common side effects of Wegovy?

  • Nausea
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomiting
  • Constipation
  • Abdominal pain
  • Headache
  • Fatigue
  • Dyspepsia
  • Dizziness
  • Abdominal distension
  • Eructation
  • Hypoglycemia in patients with type 2 diabetes
  • Flatulence
  • Gastroenteritis
  • Gastroesophageal reflux disease

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription products:

This information is not comprehensive. Please see the full Prescribing Information for complete safety information. 

Important Safety Information for Ozempic®

Important Safety Information for Ozempic (semaglutide) injection

Warning: Risk of Thyroid C-Cell Tumors

  • In studies with mice and rats, semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic and Wegovy) caused thyroid tumors, including thyroid cancer. It is not known if Ozempic will cause thyroid tumors or a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) in people. Tell your provider if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. These may be symptoms of thyroid cancer. 
  • Do not use Ozempic if you or any of your family have ever had a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if you have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).

What is the FDA-approved use of Ozempic?

Ozempic is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist that is used:

  • with diet and exercise to improve glycemic control in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus.
  • to reduce the risk of major adverse cardiovascular events in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus and established cardiovascular disease.

Limitations of Use:

  • Ozempic has not been studied in patients with a history of pancreatitis.
  • Ozempic is not for treatment of type 1 diabetes mellitus.

Your Ro-affiliated provider may recommend the use of Ozempic as treatment for chronic weight management (obesity or overweight).

Who should not use Ozempic?

Do not use Ozempic if:

  • You or any of your family have ever had a type of thyroid cancer called medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or if you have an endocrine system condition called Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
  • You have a known allergic reaction to semaglutide (the active ingredient in Wegovy or Ozempic). 

How should Ozempic be administered? 

You can take Ozempic with or without food. The pre-filled injector pen is self-administered as a subcutaneous injection in the stomach, thigh, or upper arm once a week on the same day every week. Your Ro-affiliated provider will guide you on a treatment regimen that may include an increase in dose every four weeks. 

You should not change your dosing regimen or stop taking Ozempic as prescribed without discussing with your provider first.  

What should I tell my Ro-affiliated provider before using Ozempic?

  • Ozempic has certain drug interactions. It’s important to tell your Ro-affiliated provider all of the medications you are currently taking, including prescription, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and herbal and dietary supplements. 

Some medications to watch out for include:

  • Medications used to treat type 1 or type 2 diabetes, including insulin or sulfonylureas (such as Amaryl or Glucotrol XL)
  • Ozempic causes a delay in gastric emptying so it has the potential to impact the absorption of medications that are taken by mouth at the same time. Your provider can guide you on how to schedule your medications.
  • Other GLP-1 medications, including Wegovy, Saxenda, Victoza, Byetta, or Bydureon
  • If you’re using other products for weight loss, including dietary supplements

It’s important to share your entire medical history with your provider. In particular, tell your provider if you have a past history of:

  • Type 1 or type 2 diabetes
  • Thyroid cancer
  • Pancreatitis
  • Kidney disease
  • Diabetic retinopathy
  • Depression
  • Suicidal thoughts or behavior

Tell your provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. 

  • If you are pregnant: Ozempic should not be used during pregnancy. Based on animal studies, there may be potential risks to an unborn baby from exposure to Ozempic during pregnancy. There is no benefit to weight loss during pregnancy and it may cause harm to the unborn baby. 
  • If you are a female or male of reproductive potential: Discontinue Ozempic at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy since the drug can stay in the bloodstream for a long time.
  • If you are breastfeeding: Ozempic was found in the milk of lactating rats. Tell your Ro-affiliated provider if you are breastfeeding before you start Ozempic.

Pregnancy registry: There is a pregnancy exposure registry that monitors pregnancy outcomes in women exposed to semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic and Ozempic) during pregnancy. Pregnant women exposed to semaglutide and healthcare providers are encouraged to contact Novo Nordisk at 1-800-727-6500.

Withholding or providing inaccurate information about your health and medical history in order to obtain treatment may result in harm, including, in some cases, death.

What are the most serious side effects that I or a caregiver should monitor for when taking Ozempic? 

If you are experiencing a medical emergency, call 911 or seek immediate medical attention.

These serious side effects can occur with Ozempic. You or a caregiver should carefully monitor for these side effects, especially in the beginning of treatment and with dose changes.

  • Thyroid C-Cell Tumors: In mice and rats, semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic and Ozempic) caused an increase in thyroid C-cell tumors, including medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC). It is unknown whether Ozempic causes thyroid C-cell tumors in humans. There were cases of MTC reported in patients who took liraglutide (the active ingredient in Victoza and Saxenda) after the drug was put on the market. Ozempic is contraindicated in patients with a family history of MTC or in patients with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2). Tell your provider if you get a lump or swelling in your neck, hoarseness, trouble swallowing, or shortness of breath. These may be symptoms of thyroid cancer. 
  • Inflammation of Pancreas (Acute Pancreatitis): Monitor for signs of acute pancreatitis, including severe abdominal pain that does not go away, sometimes radiating to the back, with or without vomiting.
  • Diabetic Retinopathy Complications in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes: If you have type 2 diabetes, tell your provider right away if you experience changes in vision.
  • Never Share a Pen: Pen-sharing poses a risk of infection. 
  • Low Blood Sugar (hypoglycemia): Ozempic lowers blood glucose. It can cause too low blood sugar in patients with type 2 diabetes who also take another glucose control medication. Monitor your blood sugar and watch out for signs of too low blood sugar such as dizziness, blurred vision, mood changes, sweating, or fast heartbeat.
  • Acute Kidney Injury: In people who have kidney problems, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting may cause a loss of fluids (dehydration) which may cause kidney problems to get worse. It is important for you to drink plenty of water to help reduce your chance of dehydration.
  • Serious Allergic Reactions: Stop using Ozempic right away if you experience symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat, severe rash or itching, very rapid heartbeat, problems breathing or swallowing, or fainting or feeling dizzy.
  • Acute Gallbladder Disease: Ozempic may cause gallbladder problems, including gallstones. Some gallbladder problems require surgery. Tell your provider right away if you have pain in your upper stomach, yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice), fever, or clay-colored stools.
  • Increase in Heart Rate: Tell your provider right away if you have a racing heartbeat while at rest. 
  • Suicidal Behavior and Ideation: You should pay attention to any mental health changes, especially sudden changes in your mood, behaviors, thoughts, or feelings. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any mental changes that are new, worse, or worry you.

What are the most common side effects of Ozempic?

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • Stomach pain
  • Constipation

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription products:

This information is not comprehensive. Please see the full Prescribing Information for complete safety information.