Ozempic (semaglutide) is an injectable medication for helping to manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes. The drug can cause disruption to your gastrointestinal tract, which may lead to diarrhea.
Ozempic (semaglutide) belongs to a group of medications called glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 agonists). It is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for helping to manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
Like with all medications, Ozempic can cause side effects. Diarrhea is a common side effect of Ozempic and may cause some people to stop using the drug.
This article explains why you may experience diarrhea during treatment with Ozempic and provides tips to help manage your symptoms.
Diarrhea is one of the most common side effects of Ozempic. It often occurs along with other disruptions to your gastrointestinal system, such as nausea and vomiting.
Researchers are uncertain why diarrhea occurs with Ozempic treatment. However, research
Ozempic slows the rate of nutrient absorption from your gut, causing you to stay full for longer after you eat. For some individuals, this triggers your stool reflex, causing diarrhea. (A stool reflex is when the presence of food in the GI tract stimulates the colon to process digested food along the GI tract to make room for food to continue being digested. However, some people may have a strong or overactive reflex which may lead to diarrhea.)
However, according to research from
How long does this side effect last?
The severity and duration of Ozempic side effects may differ between individuals. However, according to the study from 2022 previously discussed, people experienced diarrhea for approximately 3 days after starting semaglutide treatment.
For most people, diarrhea caused by Ozempic goes away within the
It’s important to note that you may experience a flare of side effects if your doctor increases your dose of Ozempic. Your body will need time to adjust to this new dose.
If your symptoms become severe, bothersome, or last for longer than a few weeks, you should talk with your doctor. They may adjust your dose to reduce your symptoms.
Your doctor will typically provide you with guidance on how to manage particular side effects during Ozempic therapy. They may suggest a combination of dietary changes and antidiarrheal medications to help manage your symptoms. However, it is important to keep track of the changes to your side effects and get medical attention if they worsen.
The table below provides examples of dietary changes that researchers
| Things to do | Things to avoid |
| • eat smaller, more frequent meals • only eat if you feel hungry • drink more water | • lying down after a meal • eating too close to bedtime • certain foods such as spicy foods, dairy, and foods with added sugars • caffeine and alcohol |
Sometimes diarrhea can affect your day-to-day life. In this instance, taking medication to reduce your symptoms can help you resume your day as your body adjusts.
Over-the-counter (OTC) medications such as loperamide (Imodium) and bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) work to reduce diarrhea. These drugs work by reducing the passing of stool through your digestive system.
It is important to only take these medications when necessary. Holding stools in your digestive system can be dangerous. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist before starting any OTC medications.
Ozempic is a medication the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved to help manage blood sugar levels in people with type 2 diabetes.
It contains the active ingredient semaglutide, which can cause side effects such as gastrointestinal disruption. Diarrhea is one of the most common side effects of Ozempic. However, for most people, this side effect may last for approximately 3 days and typically for no longer than 4 weeks.
To help manage diarrhea from Ozempic, there are some dietary changes, such as avoiding certain foods, to try and reduce your symptoms. OTC medications like Imodium can also help manage your symptoms of diarrhea.
If you experience diarrhea while using Ozempic and it becomes bothersome or does not go away, talk with your doctor. They may adjust your dosage to help reduce your symptoms.
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