Ozempic: Indications and adverse effects
Ozempic (active ingredient semaglutide) is a glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist originally developed to treat type 2 diabetes. It has also gained international attention for significant weight loss effects, leading to widespread use beyond its initial indication. Semaglutide medications like Ozempic are widely prescribed in both the United States and Australia, with regulatory approval for glycemic control and, separately under other brand names, for weight management.
Common and Serious Side Effects
Both Australian and U.S. prescribing information lists gastrointestinal symptoms as the most frequent side effects. People taking Ozempic commonly report nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, constipation, and headache. These symptoms often occur early in treatment and may settle with continued use, but they can also lead to dehydration or discomfort requiring medical advice.
Beyond mild effects, Ozempic carries the potential for serious adverse reactions. These include pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), kidney problems due to dehydration, gallbladder disease, and severe allergic reactions. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) product label includes warnings for possible thyroid C-cell tumours based on animal studies, although the relevance to humans is not fully established.
Clinical data also indicate the drug may affect vision or diabetic retinopathy in susceptible individuals and can interact with other medications, potentially leading to low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when used with insulin or sulfonylureas.
Reports & Regulatory Updates in Australia and the USA
In Australia, the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) recently updated safety warnings for GLP-1 receptor agonists, including Ozempic, aligning information on potential risks of suicidal thoughts and behaviours, based on adverse event reports collected post-market. Regulators stress that these reports are rare and causal links have not been confirmed; however, patients and caregivers are advised to closely monitor any mood changes.
The TGA has also highlighted issues such as aspiration during anaesthesia linked to delayed gastric emptying and seeks ongoing surveillance of these medicines.
In the United States, studies have linked semaglutide medications to thousands of emergency department visits, primarily from gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea and abdominal pain. While serious complications like pancreatitis and bowel obstruction are uncommon, they underscore the importance of clinician guidance and early recognition of concerning symptoms.
Cautions and Safe Use
To optimise safety when taking Ozempic:
· Always use as prescribed by a healthcare provider; do not self-medicate.
· Report severe or persistent side effects—especially severe stomach pain, persistent vomiting, or signs of allergic reaction—to a clinician immediately.
· Inform clinicians of all medications and health conditions, particularly a history of pancreatitis, thyroid cancer, or diabetic retinopathy.
· Stay well-hydrated to help reduce dehydration-related risks.
· Monitor mood or behavioural changes and seek help if unusual symptoms appear.
· Be cautious around surgeries or procedures requiring sedation due to aspiration risk.
Ozempic can be a valuable treatment for type 2 diabetes and, in related formulations, weight management. However, a balanced understanding of benefits and possible side effects—supported by ongoing monitoring by healthcare professionals—is essential for safe use.