Ozempic and Stomach Pain: Is It Common?

Mahshid Moghei, PhD Medically reviewed by Mahshid M. on

A mature man presses his belly with stomach pain from taking Ozempic for weight loss

According to the Ozempic (semaglutide) patient medication information pamphlet, stomach pain is a common side effect that impacts 1 in 10 patients who use Ozempic. While stomach pain is common in Ozempic (semaglutide) patients, pancreatitis is also a potential side effect of the prescription.

According to the Novo Nordisk (makers of Ozempic) patient tear sheet, “Severe and on-going stomach pain which could be due to acute pancreatitis. If you have severe and on-going pain in the stomach area – see a doctor straight away as this could be a sign of acute pancreatitis (inflamed pancreas).”

Key Takeaways

  • Stomach pain can be seen in 1 in 10 patients who take Ozempic (semaglutide).

  • Acute pancreatitis is also a common side effect of Ozempic, especially if you’ve been diagnosed with pancreatitis in the past. Patients who experience ongoing stomach pain should see a primary care provider as soon as possible.

  • Regulating your meals into smaller portions, eating foods with less fat content, and starting with lower doses of Ozempic and increasing according to a prescribed schedule can help with stomach pain side effects.

Common Side Effects of Ozempic

Here are some of the common side effects of Ozempic according to Novo Nordisk:

Common (May Affect Up to 1 in 10 People)

  • “Feeling sick” or vomiting

  • Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia) when Ozempic® is used with an oral antidiabetic other than a sulfonylurea

  • Indigestion

  • Inflamed stomach (gastritis) - symptoms include stomach ache, nausea, or vomiting

  • Reflux or heartburn (gastro-esophageal reflux disease, GERD)

  • Stomach pain

  • Bloating of the stomach

  • Constipation

  • Burping

  • Gallstones

  • Feeling dizzy

  • Feeling tired

  • Weight loss

  • Less appetite

  • Gas (flatulence)

  • Increase of pancreatic enzymes (such as lipase and amylase)

  • Complications of diabetic eye disease (retinopathy)

Uncommon (May Affect Up to 1 in 100 People)

  • Change in the way food or drink tastes

  • Fast pulse

  • Injection site reactions (bruising, pain, irritation, itching, rash)

  • Allergic reactions (rash, itching, hives)

  • Delay in emptying of the stomach

Stomach Pain and Ozempic

Having stomach pain while taking Ozempic (semaglutide) is fairly common and does impact 1 in 10 patients. In addition to the stomach pain it can also cause cramping, bloating, aching, and gas pain (a dull and sharp occasional pain).

If you’re experiencing intermittent stomach pain, it shouldn’t be any cause for major concern. However, if you’ve had pancreatitis in the past or experience ongoing stomach pain, it’s advised to visit your primary care physician and ensure there’s no other serious issue occurring.

Ongoing Stomach Pain, Ozempic, and Pancreatitis

If you’re concerned that Ozempic might be a serious sign of pancreatitis, here are some ways to know whether this might be more of an acute problem.

Pancreatitis can cause a feeling of “severe” pain in the upper abdomen that can feel like its spreading to the chest. 

Other symptoms include:

  • Pain that worsens after eating or drinking, or when lying flat on your back

  • Swelling and tenderness in the upper abdomen

  • Lowered blood pressure

  • Sweating

  • Clay-colored or greasy, foul-smelling stools

  • Bloating and fullness

  • Hiccups

  • Indigestion

  • A mild and yellowing of the skin and whites of the eyes (jaundice)

  • Weight loss

  • Shortness of breath

How to Avoid Stomach Pain When Taking Ozempic

Here are some tips to avoid stomach pain when taking Ozempic:

  • Smaller meals: Take smaller portions of meals more periodically throughout the day.

  • Increase your dosage over time: Try smaller doses of Ozempic (semaglutide) to ramp up your prescription total.

  • Avoid acidic foods: Avoid fruit juice and other acidic foods that might disrupt your natural stomach acid.

  • Try warm baths: Warm baths can sometimes reduce overall stomach pain feelings and help to reduce the concern that it may be related to pancreatitis.

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Sources

  1. Novo Nordisk Canada Inc. (n.d.). Ozempic® Consumer Information. Retrieved from https://www.novonordisk.ca/content/dam/nncorp/ca/en/products/ozempic-consumer-information.pdf


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The content on this page is for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute professional medical advice. Patients should not use the information presented on this page for diagnosing a health-related issue or disease. Before taking any medication or supplements, patients should always consult a physician or qualified healthcare professional for medical advice or information about whether a drug is safe, appropriate or effective.