Ozempic side effects: What you really need to know before using it

When people talk about Ozempic, a once-weekly injectable medication approved for type 2 diabetes and weight loss, also known as semaglutide, they often focus on the results—weight loss, better blood sugar, lower A1C. But the real conversation starts with the side effects. Not the ones on the brochure. The ones people actually feel: nausea, stomach pain, fatigue, and sometimes vomiting. These aren’t rare. In clinical trials, over 40% of users reported nausea, especially in the first few weeks. That’s more than half of people starting out. It’s not a glitch. It’s how GLP-1 agonists, a class of drugs that mimic gut hormones to slow digestion and reduce appetite work. Your stomach isn’t broken. It’s just adjusting.

Most side effects fade after a month or two, but not always. Some people get persistent diarrhea or constipation. Others feel dizzy or get headaches. Rare but serious risks include pancreatitis, gallbladder problems, and thyroid tumors—seen in animal studies, not confirmed in humans yet. If you’re on semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic and similar weight loss drugs like Wegovy, you need to know the red flags: severe belly pain that doesn’t go away, vomiting that won’t stop, or jaundice (yellow skin or eyes). These aren’t normal. And if you’ve had thyroid cancer or a family history of it, talk to your doctor before starting. Ozempic isn’t for everyone. But for many, the trade-off is worth it.

Here’s the truth: most side effects are manageable. Start low. Go slow. Drink water. Eat smaller meals. Skip greasy or sugary foods. The nausea isn’t a sign you’re doing it wrong—it’s your body learning to respond to a new signal. Many people who quit early didn’t know this. They thought the discomfort meant it wasn’t working. It’s the opposite. The side effects mean it’s working. And if you stick with it, most of them fade. What you’ll find below are real stories, clinical insights, and practical tips from people who’ve been through it. From how to reduce nausea without pills, to what to do when you hit a plateau, to when to call your doctor instead of powering through. This isn’t marketing. It’s what actually happens after you fill the prescription.