Long-Term Effects of Ozempic: Risks vs. Benefits

You may have heard about — or experienced — the short-term side effects of Ozempic^® — such as nausea, vomiting, constipation, abdominal pain, and diarrhea. But what about its long-term effects? Is Ozempic safe to use for several months or years?

The TL;DR is that Ozempic is considered safe for most people. But it’s still good to be aware of the potential side effects and risks.

Below, we’ll explore the long-term effects of Ozempic and the possible risks and considerations for taking this medication.

Ozempic is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to help people with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels. It’s also sometimes prescribed off-label for weight loss in those with overweight or obesity. (Off-label means a drug is prescribed for something it’s not FDA-approved to treat.)

Ozempic is generally considered safe to take long-term, and the benefits of the medication outweigh the risks for most people. Still, it’s important to be aware of the potential long-term effects of Ozempic.

There’s no hard-and-fast rule for how long it’s safe to stay on Ozempic for weight loss.

Studies lasting up to two years show that Wegovy^® (semaglutide) is safe.

Another study on Wegovy^® spanned four years. It also indicated the safety and efficacy of semaglutide.

But there aren’t many clinical trials beyond the four-year mark, so we don’t know much about the longer-term effects of semaglutide.

That being said, Ozempic is a diabetes drug meant to help people with type 2 diabetes manage their blood sugar levels. So it is designed with long-term use in mind.

If you’re using Ozempic for weight loss, you should take it at the direction of your medical provider. They might suggest you continue taking a maintenance dose of Ozempic once you reach your goal weight.

Your healthcare provider can let you know how long you can or should take Ozempic.

Our guide to how long you can stay on Ozempic for weight loss has more insight into this topic.

Ozempic is administered as a once-weekly injection.

The active ingredient, semaglutide, belongs to a class of medications known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, or GLP-1 drugs. These drugs work by mimicking GLP-1, a hormone naturally produced in the intestines.

GLP-1 stimulates insulin production and helps regulate blood glucose levels. It’s also associated with appetite suppression and increased feelings of fullness, which typically lead to reduced food intake and weight loss.

Ozempic is available in 0.25-milligram (mg), 0.5-milligram , 1-milligram, and 2-milligram doses. Whether it’s prescribed for diabetes or off-label for weight loss, this medication is typically prescribed alongside lifestyle changes, such as a nutritious eating plan and increased physical activity.

Wegovy^® is FDA-approved to treat obesity. It’s also approved for those with an overweight BMI (body mass index) who have a weight-related condition like high blood pressure (hypertension), heart disease, high cholesterol, or sleep apnea.

The most common side effects of Ozempic include:

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Constipation

• Stomach pain

These gastrointestinal side effects tend to be more common during the first few weeks of treatment or while patients adjust to an increased dose. 

Ozempic is generally considered safe. But, as with any medication, it comes with the possibility of rare side effects.

According to research cited in the FDA’s prescribing information for Ozempic, some of the rare side effects and long-term risks include:

• Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)

• Acute kidney injury, accompanied by severe nausea and emesis (vomiting), leading to dehydration related kidney injury

• Gallbladder problems, such as gallstones

• Diabetic retinopathy complications in those with type 2 diabetes

• Increased heart rate

• Hypoglycemia (when blood sugar drops below the normal range) — rare if not on other glucose-lowering medicines

• Thyroid tumors (based on research in rodents and not observed in any human trials)

Though these are more serious side effects that call for medical attention, it’s worth repeating that they’re very rare, and the benefits of taking Ozempic may outweigh the risks for many people.

You might regain some of the weight you lost on Ozempic when you stop taking the drug, but you can avoid this by sticking to healthy lifestyle changes.

A 2022 study looked at nearly 2,000 people with a BMI of 30 or higher or 27 or more with at least one weight-related health condition that wasn’t type 2 diabetes.

Participants took a weekly 2.4-milligram dose of semaglutide (Wegovy^®) for 68 weeks before stopping the treatment. They also stopped the healthy lifestyle changes they made while taking semaglutide. Almost 400 of the participants were followed for another 12 months after discontinuing semaglutide.

The result? A year after stopping semaglutide and healthy lifestyle interventions, participants regained two-thirds of the weight they’d lost.

This might sound discouraging, but keep in mind that regained weight likely happens when people don’t stick to healthy lifestyle changes. Focusing on nutritious meals, emphasizing protein intake, and exercising regularly can help you maintain a healthy body weight and avoid weight gain.

We’ve covered what happens when you stop taking Ozempic on our blog.

Other weight loss treatments are available if you decide Ozempic isn’t for you — for whatever reason.

Other injections that may support weight loss include:

• Wegovy^® (semaglutide)

• Mounjaro;^® and Zepbound^® (tirzepatide)

• Victoza^® and Saxenda^® (liraglutide)

As mentioned, Wegovy^® and Ozempic are both brand names of semaglutide injections from the manufacturer Novo Nordisk. Check out our guide to Wegovy^® versus Ozempic to see how the two compare.

There are also oral weight loss drugs that can help you reach a healthy body weight, like: 

• Rybelsus^® (semaglutide)

• Metformin

• Topamax^® (topiramate)

• Xenical^® (orlistat)

• Qsymia^® (phentermine-topiramate)

See our guide to Ozempic alternatives for more.

And there are lifestyle changes that can help you lose weight, such as:

• Eating nutritious foods. Load up on fruits, vegetables, legumes, whole grains, and lean protein.

• Moving more each day. Add a walk to your morning routine, go for a hike with friends, stream a yoga session, or try a new exercise class at the gym.

• Getting enough sleep. Sleep is good for your energy levels, mood, mental health, and even weight loss. Aim for at least seven hours a night.

• Drinking more water. Staying hydrated can help you feel your best — and feel fuller, too.

Hers offers access to holistic weight loss programs that combine medication — if you’re eligible — with nutritious meal plans, behavior change tools, and expert advice to help you safely lose weight.

If you’re considering this type 2 diabetes drug for weight loss, one of your first questions might be: Is Ozempic safe? To put your mind at rest, this medication is safe for the majority of people who take it.

You should still be aware of the potential long-term effects of Ozempic, though.

Here’s a recap of what we covered:

• Wegovy^® is shown to be safe over four years. Studies spanning four years show that the injectable semaglutide drug is safe. The benefits may outweigh the potential long-term side effects of Ozempic for you.

• There’s no set rule for how long you can safely take Ozempic. It’s FDA-approved as a diabetes drug, so it’s meant for ongoing use.

Talk to a healthcare provider if you’re concerned about Ozempic’s long-term side effects. They should be able to put your mind at rest and go over the pros and cons of taking the drug for your personal circumstances.

If you’re looking into your options, Hers offers access to a range of weight loss treatments, including Wegovy^® for 50 percent lower than the retail price (with a six-month subscription paid upfront in full) and oral medications for those who are eligible.

Take our free online weight loss assessment to learn more.

Ozempic^® and Wegovy^® are registered trademarks of Novo Nordisk A/S. Hims, Inc. is not affiliated with or endorsed by Novo Nordisk A/S.