What Is The Biggest Side Effect Of Ozempic? Unpacking Common Experiences

Else Wehner

30 Jul, 2025

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Many folks are wondering about Ozempic, a medication that's really gained a lot of attention lately. It helps manage type 2 diabetes and can aid in weight loss, so it's understandable why so many people are curious about it. In fact, by 2023, prescriptions for Ozempic and similar drugs saw a huge jump, with use in the United States increasing by nearly 300% over just three years, and the UK saw a similar rise in demand, according to BBC News. With such widespread use, it's pretty natural to ask about what happens when you take it, especially what kind of effects it might have on your body.

When we talk about any medication, knowing its potential effects is, you know, a pretty big deal. People want to feel prepared, and they also want to understand what their body might experience. So, a common question that comes up for many is about the biggest or most noticeable effects of Ozempic. It's a question that, honestly, makes a lot of sense given how many people are now using or considering this medicine.

This article aims to shed some light on that very question, drawing directly from information about the drug's common experiences. We'll explore what users often report and, you know, what the data suggests about the most frequent effects. It's all about helping you get a clearer picture of what to expect, especially if you're thinking about Ozempic or are already using it. This information was last updated on January 30, 2025, with medical review by Leigh Ann Anderson, PharmD, so it's, like, pretty current.

The Most Common Guest in the Stomach: Nausea
A Look at Other GI Companions
When Your Blood Sugar Dips Low: Hypoglycemia
The Tiredness Factor: Fatigue
Unexpected Body Changes: Face and Hair
Serious Concerns to Be Aware Of
Frequently Asked Questions About Ozempic Effects
What to Remember About Ozempic Effects

The Most Common Guest in the Stomach: Nausea

When people ask about the biggest or most common effect of Ozempic, one answer comes up pretty consistently: nausea. This feeling of being sick to your stomach is, you know, reported by a lot of users. It affects up to 20% of people who take the medication. That's a pretty significant number, so it's, like, a really noticeable effect for many.

The reason for this nausea, it turns out, is tied to how Ozempic works in your body. It tends to slow down your digestion. Dr. explains that "the most common side effects of Ozempic derive from slowing peristalsis," which are those rippling waves in your gut that push food through. So, when that process slows down, you might feel a bit queasy. It's, you know, a direct result of the medicine doing its job in your digestive system.

While nausea can be a real bother, the good news is that it's usually mild and, you know, temporary. It often shows up especially when someone first starts treatment or when their dose is increased. For many, this feeling tends to get better over time as their body gets used to the medication. So, while it can definitely disrupt daily life at the beginning, it's something that often fades away, which is, you know, a bit of a relief for users.

A Look at Other GI Companions

It's not just nausea, though. Because Ozempic really works on your gut, digestive problems are, in a way, the most common type of effects overall. These issues tend to be mild to moderate for most people, and they, you know, generally clear up after a few weeks. It's almost like your digestive system needs a little time to adjust to the new pace.

Other common stomach problems include vomiting, which can happen, and also diarrhea. Then there's stomach pain, which, you know, can feel like an upset stomach. Constipation is another one that many people experience. These can be pretty frustrating, especially when you first start using Ozempic, but, like, they often improve over time. It's, you know, a bit of a waiting game for some.

Beyond those, you might also experience other stomach-related sensations. This can include a general feeling of being upset in your stomach, like heartburn, or burping. Some people report gas and bloating, too. These are all, you know, part of that digestive tract adjustment. The official leaflet lists these effects, and they're, you know, pretty well documented.

When Your Blood Sugar Dips Low: Hypoglycemia

Another effect to be aware of, especially for people managing diabetes, is hypoglycemia, which is when your blood sugar gets too low. This is, you know, a more likely scenario if Ozempic is used alongside other medications like insulin or sulfonylureas. These combinations can, you know, sometimes lead to a greater drop in blood sugar levels.

However, even when Ozempic is taken by itself, it can cause hypoglycemia, though it's less common. It happens in about 1% to 4% of patients. So, it's not, you know, a huge percentage, but it's still something to keep in mind. Knowing the signs and symptoms of low blood sugar is pretty important, so you can act quickly if it happens. It's, like, a safety measure you should definitely learn about.

The Tiredness Factor: Fatigue

Some people also report feeling really tired, which is a bit of a surprise for some. This isn't just, you know, feeling a little sleepy. It's more like a deep tiredness or exhaustion that doesn't seem to get better even after you sleep. This kind of tiredness is known as fatigue.

The FDA label for semaglutide, which is the active ingredient in Ozempic (and also in Wegovy), actually reports this. So, it's, you know, a recognized effect, even if it's not as widely discussed as the stomach issues. If you find yourself feeling unusually exhausted, it's, like, something to consider as a potential effect of the medication.

Unexpected Body Changes: Face and Hair

Beyond the more commonly discussed stomach issues, some users are experiencing, you know, a bit of a surprise effect that wasn't widely anticipated. This includes changes to their facial appearance and even their hair. It's, you know, something that has caught the attention of many.

Cosmetic surgeons, for instance, are reporting an increasing number of patients who show up with sagging skin and a kind of hollowing in their face after losing weight with drugs like Ozempic and Wegovy. This phenomenon has, you know, been dubbed "Ozempic face" by some. It's not, like, a direct effect of the drug on the skin itself, but rather a consequence of rapid weight loss, which can make facial fat diminish, leading to a less full appearance.

Then there's the hair. Hair loss isn't, you know, technically listed as a side effect in the official medication information. But, increasing numbers of people, and even their stylists, are recognizing this as something that's happening. So, while it might not be on the formal list, it's, like, a real-world experience for many users. It's a bit of a mystery why it happens, but it's definitely something people are noticing.

Serious Concerns to Be Aware Of

While many of the effects of Ozempic tend to be mild or moderate, it's really important to know that there can be serious ones, too. Ozempic may, you know, have some pretty significant risks. These include the potential for thyroid cancer, which is, like, a very serious concern. It's not common, but it's something the medication is linked to.

Problems with other organs can also occur. This includes issues with the pancreas, which can be quite painful and serious. There can also be problems with the gallbladder, kidneys, and even your eyes. These are, you know, less common than the stomach upset, but they are very important to be aware of. Knowing the signs and symptoms for these more serious conditions is, you know, absolutely vital for anyone taking the medication. It's about being informed and, like, knowing when to seek medical attention.

Frequently Asked Questions About Ozempic Effects

What are the most common side effects of Ozempic?

The most common effects of Ozempic are, you know, stomach problems. These include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and constipation. These tend to be, like, mild to moderate and often get better within a few weeks for most people. Nausea, in particular, affects up to 20% of users, so it's, you know, a pretty frequent one.

How long do Ozempic side effects last?

For many people, the common effects, especially the stomach issues, are worse when they first start Ozempic or after their dose goes up. Luckily, they usually, you know, improve over time as your body adjusts to the medication. They tend to be mild to moderate and eventually go away, which is, you know, good news for users.

Can Ozempic cause serious side effects?

Yes, Ozempic can have serious effects, though they are less common. These can include, you know, the risk of thyroid cancer. There are also potential problems with the pancreas, gallbladder, kidneys, and eyes. It's really important to learn the signs and symptoms of these more serious conditions and, like, talk to your doctor if you experience any of them.

What to Remember About Ozempic Effects

So, when we talk about what is, you know, the biggest side effect of Ozempic, nausea often takes the top spot in terms of how many people experience it. It's pretty common due to the way the drug slows down digestion. But, you know, it's part of a broader group of stomach-related issues that many users encounter, especially when they first start out.

It's also important to remember that while most effects are mild and temporary, there are, you know, more serious potential risks that people should be aware of. Things like hypoglycemia, especially when combined with other diabetes medications, and those less common but significant concerns like thyroid issues or organ problems, are, like, very real possibilities.

Understanding these effects helps you, you know, make informed decisions and know what to look out for. Always talk to your healthcare provider about any concerns or questions you have about your medication. You can learn more about Ozempic on our site, and for broader health information, you might find details on BBC News. It's, you know, always best to stay informed about your health.