Ozempic^® and Gallbladder Problems: What’s the Link?

Key takeaways:

• Ozempic^® can cause gallbladder diseases, including gallstones and gallbladder inflammation.

• Gallbladder problems are rare — 0.4 to 1.5 percent of people in clinical trials report gallstones on Ozempic^®.

• If you have gallstones or had your gallbladder removed, you may still be able to take Ozempic^®. A healthcare provider can give you personalized advice.
  

Most people rarely, if ever, think about their gallbladders. But Ozempic^® (semaglutide) has brought the small organ into the spotlight.

Gallbladder diseases, like gallstones and gallbladder inflammation, are side effects of Ozempic^®. But they’re rare.

Keep reading to learn more about Ozempic^® and gallbladder problems, including why the medication can cause them, symptoms to look out for, and when to reach out to a healthcare provider.

Ozempic^® can cause gallbladder problems. Acute gallbladder disease is a rare side effect of the medication. This includes gallstones (cholelithiasis) —  hard stones that form in the gallbladder — and inflammation of the gallbladder (cholecystitis).

Here’s what we know.

Research on Ozempic^® and Gallbladder Issues

A systematic review and meta-analysis looked at 76 studies on glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1s) — the class of medications Ozempic^® belongs to. It found that GLP-1s increase the risk of gallstones by 27 percent and gallbladder inflammation by 36 percent.

The increased risk of gallbladder diseases was higher in people taking GLP-1s:

• In larger doses

• For longer durations

• For weight loss

The higher risk of gallbladder problems in people taking GLP-1s for weight loss might be because these people usually take higher doses of GLP-1s for longer durations. Plus, rapid weight loss — which can happen on a GLP-1 — is itself a risk factor for gallstones.

This study included semaglutide and other GLP-1s, like liraglutide (Victoza^®, Saxenda^®). So, it’s unclear how the risk for Ozempic^® users compares to people taking other GLP-1s.

Even though those risk numbers sound scary, gallbladder issues are still rare. The research found that GLP-1 receptor agonists led to an additional 27 cases per 10,000 people per year.

So, the health benefits of Ozempic^® may outweigh the potential gallbladder-related risks for many people.

Gallbladder problems are a rare side effect of Ozempic^®. Here’s what placebo-controlled clinical trials on Ozempic^® found for gallstones.

There isn’t much data on Ozempic^® and other gallbladder problems. But in Wegovy^® clinical trials, 0.6 percent of people reported gallbladder inflammation. Wegovy^® uses a 2.4-mg dose of semaglutide.

It’s not entirely clear how Ozempic^® can cause gallbladder disease.

GLP-1s can slow down gallbladder emptying and movement (motility) by suppressing cholecystokinin (CCK). CCK is a hormone that regulates bile acids and the contraction and relaxation of the gallbladder.

GLP-1s can also lead to significant weight loss — and both obesity and rapid weight loss are risk factors for gallstones and gallbladder inflammation.

Gallbladder diseases can cause symptoms like long-lasting pain in the stomach and fever. Gastrointestinal side effects — like nausea and vomiting — are common, but reach out to your healthcare provider if anything feels off.

Here’s what to look for specifically.

Gallstones

Gallstones don’t always cause symptoms. When they block bile ducts, it’s known as a gallbladder attack (biliary colic), and this can cause pain and complications.

Symptoms of gallstones include:

• Pain in the stomach that lasts several hours

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Fever

• Chills

• Dark, tea-colored urine

• Light-colored stool

• Yellowish skin or whites of eyes (jaundice)

You might experience these symptoms after a heavy meal, in the evening, or at night.

Gallbladder Inflammation

Gallbladder inflammation often happens when gallstones block bile ducts. In fact, about 95 percent of people with an inflamed gallbladder have gallstones.

Symptoms of gallbladder inflammation include:

• Pain in the upper-right abdomen

• Pain that lasts more than six hours

• Bloating

• Nausea

• Vomiting

You might experience symptoms after eating certain foods, particularly foods high in fat.

When to Speak to a Healthcare Provider

Reach out to your prescribing healthcare provider right away if you notice any symptoms of gallstones or gallbladder inflammation while taking Ozempic^®. They can run tests, diagnose any issues, and recommend the best course of action.

Depending on your situation, you may not need to stop taking Ozempic^®. Your provider can let you know if your type 2 diabetes or weight management treatment plan needs to change.

If so, they can suggest another weight loss medication or medication to help you manage your blood sugar levels.

→ Read next: Weight Loss Medications: Are They Effective?

It’s worth checking the possible adverse events of any prescription drugs you’re considering. When it comes to Ozempic^®, gallbladder disease is a potential side effect to be aware of.

Here’s the tl;dr on Ozempic^® and gallbladder issues:

• Ozempic^® can cause gallbladder disease in very rare cases. Gallstones and gallbladder inflammation are rare — 0.4 to 1.5 percent of people in clinical trials reported gallstones on Ozempic^®.

• Look out for symptoms. Get medical advice if you have long-lasting abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, or fever.

• Ozempic^® benefits may outweigh the potential risks. Don’t worry, that’s not a decision you have to make alone. A healthcare provider can make sure Ozempic^® is safe for you, discuss the pros and cons of Ozempic^® use, and monitor your health as you take it.

To connect with a licensed healthcare provider and get weight loss medication online, start by taking our online weight loss quiz.

If you already get Ozempic^® through Hers, you can reach out to your Care Team through the Hers app to discuss any side effects that crop up — gallbladder-related or otherwise.

Get answers to frequently asked questions about Ozempic^® and gallbladder disease below.

Can Ozempic^® cause gallstones?

Yes, Ozempic^® can cause gallstones. It’s a rare side effect, though. In clinical trials, 0.4 to 1.5 percent of people taking Ozempic^® reported gallstones.

Can Ozempic^® cause gallbladder disease?

Yes, Ozempic^® can cause gallbladder disease, including gallstones and gallbladder inflammation. This may be because the medication slows the movement and emptying of the gallbladder. Ozempic^® can also cause rapid weight loss, which is a risk factor for gallbladder disease.

Can I take Ozempic^® if I have gallstones?

You might be able to take Ozempic^® if you have gallstones. Let your prescribing healthcare provider know about your medical history of gallstones. They can determine if Ozempic^® is safe for you and monitor your health while you’re on the medication.

Can I take Ozempic^® after gallbladder removal?

You may be able to take Ozempic^® after gallbladder removal (cholecystectomy). A healthcare provider can assess whether the medication is safe for you, monitor your health while you take it, and let you know if you need to do anything differently.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Learn more about our editorial standards.