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What To Do For Relief Of Nausea From Ozempic
Nausea is a frequent side effect of Ozempic. It can often occur with an increase in your weekly dose. Various home remedies and certain medications can help relieve nausea due to Ozempic.
Ozempic (semaglutide) is a brand-name drug approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the following uses:
A doctor may also prescribe Ozempic off-label for weight loss, though the FDA has not approved it for this use. (Off-label use is when doctors prescribe a drug for a purpose other than what it's approved for.)
Nausea is one of the most common side effects of Ozempic. If you're taking this medication and experiencing nausea, you may be wondering what to do for relief. Keep reading for more information about nausea duration, home remedy tips, and when to contact a healthcare professional.
If you're feeling queasy from taking Ozempic, you may find relief with home remedies or by taking certain medications.
Home remedies
You can try several home remedies to help ease nausea due to Ozempic, for example:
A 2022 review on the digestive side effects of GLP-1 medications suggests you can consume certain food items at least 30 minutes after taking semaglutide to help with nausea. (Semaglutide is the active drug in Ozempic.)
Food suggestions include:
Medications
If you're taking Ozempic and home remedies haven't helped reduce your nausea, anti-nausea medications may be beneficial.
Examples of over-the-counter (OTC) anti-nausea drugs include bismuth subsalicylate (Pepto-Bismol) and dimenhydrinate (Dramamine). Examples of prescription anti-nausea medications include ondansetron (Zofran) or metoclopramide (Reglan).
Talk with your doctor if you need an anti-nausea medication prescription.
Managing nausea can be disruptive and distressing. If you're experiencing this Ozempic side effect, you may be wondering how long it will last. Keep reading to learn what's currently known about nausea duration with this medication.
During treatment
Having nausea during Ozempic treatment is common. In studies of Ozempic for type 2 diabetes, 20.3% of participants taking a 1-milligram (mg) dose of Ozempic reported feeling nauseous, compared to 6.1% of those given a placebo.
Higher doses are associated with more frequent digestive problems, including nausea. So these side effects are more common during dose increases. This is when your doctor increases your Ozempic dosage. The typical starting dose of Ozempic is 0.25 mg once weekly. Over 4-week intervals, your doctor can gradually increase this to 2 mg once weekly.
According to a 2021 review on the safety of semaglutide (the active ingredient in Ozempic), most digestive side effects happen in the first 8 to 12 weeks of treatment. This is during the dose increase phase.
However, most digestive side effects of semaglutide are mild to moderate and go away after dosing increases. For example, the same 2021 review notes that the prevalence of nausea decreased sharply after week 20 of treatment.
After treatment
You may also wonder how long it takes for nausea to go away after stopping Ozempic. This relates to the amount of time the medication is in your system.
The half-life of Ozempic is 1 week. (A drug's half-life is the amount of time it takes for half of it to leave your body.) If you take a single Ozempic dose of 2 mg on a Monday, there will still be 1 mg of the drug in your system the following Monday.
It takes about 5 weeks for Ozempic to leave your system completely. During this time, you may still have side effects such as nausea. However, since digestive side effects are more common at higher doses, the reduced level of Ozempic in your body means these side effects may also ease.
Nausea is a common side effect of Ozempic. It's most common in the first stages of treatment when your doctor gradually increases your weekly dose of the drug. Nausea tends to go away as time passes.
Home remedies, over-the-counter medications, and prescription anti-nausea drugs may help relieve nausea from Ozempic.
There is a risk of pancreatitis with Ozempic, and nausea and vomiting are symptoms of this condition. While nausea is common with this medication, it's important to note any other symptoms as they might indicate pancreatitis. If you have symptoms of pancreatitis while taking Ozempic, it's recommended that you stop the drug immediately and contact your doctor.
If you have nausea that's persistent, severe, or disruptive to your daily life, talk with your doctor. They can suggest nausea relief tips specifically for you. They may also recommend adjusting your weekly dose of Ozempic or switching to a different medication to treat diabetes or help with weight management.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
How To Avoid Nausea On Ozempic And GLP-1 Medications
Millions of Americans have tried GLP-1 medications like Ozempic, Mounjaro and Wegovy, polls show, but pharmacy claims data show that many people stop taking them within less than one year. There are various reasons for this, including the high cost and limited access to the drugs, but side effects — particularly nausea — may cause some people to give up on their medications before they reach their weight loss goals or improve their Type 2 diabetes.
Medications like Ozempic and Mounjaro work by mimicking naturally occurring hormones in the body, such as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), which is secreted in the gut when you eat and leads to reduced feelings of hunger. It also slows down the rate that food moves out of the stomach and into the small intestine.
The medications are a revolutionary treatment for Type 2 diabetes and obesity, experts say, but like most drugs, they come with side effects, with nausea being one of the most common reported for people taking Ozempic.
The maker of Ozempic, Novo Nordisk, lists nausea as one of its most common side effects, along with vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain and constipation.
"With any medicine, it's very important to talk to your health care professional about side effects. Talk to yours about any side effect that bothers you or doesn't go away," Novo Nordisk advises.
Mounjaro's manufacturer, Lilly, also lists similar side effects —including decreased appetite and indigestion — and management tips.
"In studies, most nausea, vomiting and diarrhea events occurred while the dose of Mounjaro was being increased. These events decreased over time," the Lilly website states. "Talk to your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or does not go away."
Here's what experts say about how to avoid nausea while taking Ozempic and other GLP-1 medications, and what to do if you get queasy.
Why do I feel sick on Ozempic?Many patients will feel some side effects as they adjust to the drug or to a new dosage. "The GLP-1 medications work primarily in the brain," obesity medicine physician-scientist Dr. Fatima Cody Stanford tells TODAY.Com. "Whenever you're activating something in the brain, we can expect that the brain and the GI tract may respond with nausea."
GLP-1 medications also work in the gut by slowing down the digestion process, so food is in the stomach for a longer period of time. For some, this may cause discomfort and nausea, especially if they're eating foods recommended to avoid on Ozempic, — namely high-fat, high-sugar and spicy foods, Michelle Cardel, Ph.D, registered dietitian and chief nutrition officer at WeightWatchers tells TODAY.Com. (WeightWatchers offers semaglutide prescriptions online.)
Certain people may also be more prone to nausea while taking a weight-loss drug.
"I have a patient who says she has a level of nausea even when she's not on medication, so a patient like that will have a much more intensified level of nausea," Stanford explains. People who are less prone to nausea may have fewer side effects, but it's no guarantee, she adds.
How do you calm the side effects of Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs?After working with many patients on GLP-1 medications, Stanford and Cardel gave their 10 best tips for avoiding nausea.
Work with a specialist"It's important for people to work with a doctor who really understands these medications," Stanford says. Sometimes you need to start with a lower dose and titrate up in a way that fits the patient.
"Talk to your health care provider about your side effects," Cardel agrees. "That will inform your dosage."
Increase the dose slowly"I don't speed my patients through — I go at a pace that works for them. We can keep them at a low dose for several months or until their body is ready," Stanford says.
Eat smaller, more frequent meals"Large meals can worsen nausea," Cardel says. Make your portions smaller and consume calories that contain a lot of nutrition.
"The focus should be on lean protein, healthy fruits and vegetables, adequate fiber and adequate fluid intake," Dr. Christopher McGowan, an obesity medicine physician and founder of True You Weight Loss in Cary, North Carolina, previously told TODAY.Com.
Eat slowlyDon't scarf down your food. Instead, eat at a slow pace and chew your food completely. "When we eat fast, we also tend to eat more. Eating quickly can make the nausea worse," Cardel says.
Avoid high-fat and spicy foodThese foods can worsen nausea. If you're struggling with side effects, try to eat food that is bland. "It's not going to trigger nausea as much," Stanford says.
Avoid high-sugar foods and drinksSugary treats "can really up the ante on the risk for nausea," Cardel says. Novo Nordisk suggests avoiding fried, greasy or sweet foods if you're struggling with nausea while taking Ozempic.
Sip waterSometimes people taking GLP-1 medications don't feel thirsty and forget to drink water. "The medications affect not only hunger drive, but also thirst drive, so you have to hydrate. It's really important," Stanford says. "Not sipping water can make you nauseated." Also don't gulp too much water at once, as that can also make the nausea worse, Cardel says.
Have ginger and mint on handTry ginger or peppermint teas or lozenges. "Ginger and peppermint have natural properties that ease nausea," Cardel says.
Time your dosePatients are likely to feel the worst nausea in the first 24-48 hours after the weekly injection, Stanford says. You can plan around this by taking your dose on a weekend when you have more time to rest and recover.
Take anti-nausea medicationIf none of these other options work, talk to your doctor about trying an over-the-counter anti-nausea medication. "Some people find relief with acupressure or anti-nausea wristbands as well," Cardel says.
Does where you inject the medication matter?Anecdotally, people report that they feel less nausea when they inject GLP-1 medications into the thigh as opposed to the stomach, Cardel says, but there is no evidence to support this.
GLP-1 medications are to be injected into fatty tissue like the upper thigh, arm or stomach, where there's typically an adequate fat layer. "This ensures that the medications are absorbed slowly and effectively into your bloodstream," Cardel says. "Injecting into the muscle could lead to faster absorption, which could cause more side effects."
How long does nausea last on Ozempic and GLP-1 medications?"Generally, nausea should improve after a few weeks — once your body has had a chance to adjust to the medication or the higher dose," Cardel says.
If your nausea continues to be persistent or severe, talk to your health care provider. "It's so patient-specific, and your health care provider will want to go with the minimum effective dose, so it's so important to stay in communication with your provider."
What To Know About CBD For Nausea
Cannabidiol (CBD) is a compound in cannabis. Emerging research suggests that CBD may provide relief for nausea and vomiting because of the way it interacts with serotonin receptors.
While there is some discussion around the subject, some people claim that CBD helps with nausea. Most of the research that exists on CBD and nausea centers on the benefits for people with cancer.
Although current research is limited, some experts believe that CBD may benefit a range of symptoms stemming from various conditions, including nausea, pain, and anxiety.
CBD does not result in the "high" that many people associate with cannabis. Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), which is another cannabinoid from the Cannabis sativa plant, is responsible for this.
This article examines the available research on CBD for nausea and looks at the possible side effects.
Is CBD legal?The 2018 Farm Bill removed hemp from the legal definition of marijuana in the Controlled Substances Act. This made some hemp-derived CBD products with less than 0.3% THC federally legal. However, CBD products containing more than 0.3% THC still fall under the legal definition of marijuana, making them federally illegal but legal under some state laws. Be sure to check state laws, especially when traveling. Also, keep in mind that the FDA has not approved nonprescription CBD products, and some products may be inaccurately labeled.
There is limited research on the use of CBD for nausea. Most of the scientific literature on CBD and nausea involves people with cancer.
A 2022 study evaluated the effects of different cannabis products on nausea. Participants self-administered cannabis and reported its effects on an app. One hour after consuming cannabis, 96.4% of people experienced symptom relief, and many reported symptom relief after 5 minutes.
Consuming cannabis in a joint was more effective than using a pipe or vaporizer, and products containing more THC and less CBD also led to improved symptom relief.
CBD may help with nausea because it interacts with serotonin receptors. Serotonin is a hormone that affects well-being, mood, and behavior.
However, researchers also conclude that THC is more likely to reduce nausea and vomiting than CBD.
Chemotherapy-induced nausea
A total of 147 people having chemotherapy took either placebo capsules or capsules containing THC and CBD alongside their regular treatment. The people taking THC and CBD experienced less vomiting and nausea than the placebo group but also experienced greater side effects, such as sedation and dizziness.
The American Cancer Society lists cannabinoids as a treatment option for chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting when other treatments do not work. They explain that cannabinoids may also help stimulate appetite in people with cancer.
People should talk with a doctor or healthcare professional before trying alternative treatments, including CBD.
Unlike medications and dietary supplements, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate most CBD products. This lack of regulation makes it difficult to know exactly how much CBD or THC a product contains. Trace amounts of THC can appear in CBD products, creating psychoactive effects.
Currently, the only CBD drug approved by the FDA is Epidiolex. Epidiolex helps reduce seizures in people with rare forms of epilepsy.
To treat nausea, people can look for good quality, full-spectrum CBD products. These typically contain high levels of CBD, very low levels of THC, and trace amounts of minor cannabinoids. They are available in the following forms:
Some potential side effects of CBD for nausea include:
Available research suggests that CBD use is safe in the short term. However, there is little information on its long-term side effects.
The American Cancer Society state that antiemetic drugs are the most common treatment for nausea and vomiting in people with cancer.
Alternative treatments for nausea and vomiting include:
Strategies for controlling nausea and vomiting at home include:
Some research points to a potential link between CBD and nausea relief. CBD may be particularly beneficial for people having chemotherapy for cancer.
Studies on CBD and nausea are still in the early stages, and more research is necessary.
People wishing to try CBD for nausea may wish to choose a good quality, full-spectrum product and take it as the product label describes. People having chemotherapy who wish to try CBD can discuss it with their healthcare team. The team can ensure there are no interactions with cancer treatments or medications.
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