Ozempic side effects: Frequency from clinical trials
Clinical trials for Ozempic (semaglutide) indicate that a notable percentage of patients experience adverse reactions, especially when starting treatment or increasing the dose. Gastrointestinal issues are particularly common. For more details on side effect percentages from clinical trials, including common gastrointestinal adverse reactions by dose, please refer to {Link: novomedlink.com https://www.novomedlink.com/diabetes/products/treatments/ozempic/efficacy-safety/safety-profile.html}.
Discontinuation rates due to side effects
While many side effects are manageable, some patients discontinue treatment due to intolerable symptoms. Clinical trial data shows that discontinuation rates due to gastrointestinal issues were 3.1% for the 0.5 mg dose and 3.8% for the 1 mg dose of Ozempic. However, some studies indicate higher overall discontinuation rates for semaglutide, particularly when used for weight loss, with reasons extending beyond side effects to include factors like cost.
Less common and serious adverse reactions
In addition to common digestive issues, Ozempic carries risks of less frequent but more serious side effects. These can include pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, and complications related to diabetic retinopathy. There is also a boxed warning about a potential risk of thyroid C-cell tumors based on rodent studies, though the human relevance is under investigation. Severe gastrointestinal side effects leading to dehydration can also result in acute kidney injury.
Comparison of Ozempic side effects vs. placebo
The table below illustrates the difference in reported side effect rates from placebo-controlled clinical trials, highlighting that gastrointestinal symptoms are significantly more common with Ozempic use. More information is available on {Link: novomedlink.com https://www.novomedlink.com/diabetes/products/treatments/ozempic/efficacy-safety/safety-profile.html}.
| Adverse Reaction | Placebo (N=262) % | Ozempic 0.5 mg (N=260) % | Ozempic 1 mg (N=261) % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nausea | 6.1% | 15.8% | 20.3% |
| Vomiting | 2.3% | 5.0% | 9.2% |
| Diarrhea | 1.9% | 8.5% | 8.8% |
| Abdominal pain | 4.6% | 7.3% | 5.7% |
| Constipation | 1.5% | 5.0% | 3.1% |
Conclusion
Clinical trial data suggests that a significant number of individuals may experience gastrointestinal side effects while taking Ozempic. While most of these effects are mild and temporary, a smaller percentage of patients stop the medication due to symptom severity. Less common but serious complications are also possible. The likelihood and intensity of side effects are individual and dose-dependent. Patients should discuss potential risks and management strategies with their healthcare provider before starting Ozempic. Further information is available on the manufacturer's website.
