Drug Interactions with Ozempic: Information on Combining with Other Medications, Alcohol, and More
Ozempic, a medication used to manage type 2 diabetes, has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to lower the risk of worsening kidney disease and death from cardiovascular disease in adults who have both type 2 diabetes and chronic kidney disease. It also helps manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes, along with diet and exercise.
However, there are certain contraindications and precautions to consider when using Ozempic.
Personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2) is a contraindication for using Ozempic. Doctors usually won't prescribe it to patients with this condition due to the potential risk of thyroid C-cell tumors observed in animal studies, although human relevance is uncertain.
Another contraindication is known hypersensitivity or severe allergic reactions to semaglutide or any component of the formulation. Signs of an allergic reaction include swelling, difficulty breathing, severe rash, or fainting.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding are also contraindicated due to potential harm and lack of safety data.
History of pancreatitis or severe gastrointestinal conditions such as gastroparesis (delayed stomach emptying) or severe gastrointestinal disease is a warning for using Ozempic. The medication may worsen these conditions due to its effects on delaying gastric emptying and has a warning for intestinal blockage risk (ileus).
Other warnings include increased risks during surgery due to slowed digestion potentially leading to pulmonary aspiration.
Certain herbs and supplements may interact with Ozempic, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). These include prickly pear cactus, bitter melon, gymnema, banaba, white mulberry, alpha-lipoic acid, and chromium.
Ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) is likely to be safe to take while using Ozempic, but aspirin may lower blood sugar levels when taken in combination with Ozempic, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia.
It's important to note that no foods or beverages have been reported to interact with Ozempic, but certain herbal and mineral supplements may interact with the drug.
Before starting Ozempic, a thorough medical evaluation is recommended to ensure it's the right medication for you. If you have any concerns or questions, consult your doctor.
[1] Ozempic (semaglutide) prescribing information. Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals Inc. 2020. [2] Ozempic (semaglutide) patient medication guide. Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals Inc. 2020. [3] Ozempic (semaglutide) FDA approval letter. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. 2017. [4] Semaglutide and the risk of thyroid C-cell tumors: a systematic review and meta-analysis. The Lancet Diabetes & Endocrinology. 2018. [5] Semaglutide and the risk of thyroid C-cell tumors: a review of preclinical and clinical evidence. Diabetes Therapy. 2019.
- For individuals with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2), Ozempic is not recommended due to potential risks.
- Severe allergic reactions to semaglutide or any component of the formulation are contraindications for using Ozempic, with symptoms including swelling, difficulty breathing, severe rash, or fainting.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding are contraindications for using Ozempic due to potential harm and a lack of safety data.
- A history of pancreatitis or severe gastrointestinal conditions warrants caution, as Ozempic may exacerbate these conditions due to its effects on gastric emptying.
- Surgery may pose increased risks with Ozempic, due to slowed digestion potentially leading to pulmonary aspiration.
- Certain herbs and supplements, such as prickly pear cactus, bitter melon, gymnema, banaba, white mulberry, alpha-lipoic acid, and chromium, may interact with Ozempic, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia.
- Aspirin, when taken in combination with Ozempic, may lower blood sugar levels, increasing the risk of hypoglycemia, while ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) is likely to be safe.
- No specific foods or beverages have been reported to interact with Ozempic, but certain herbal and mineral supplements may interact with the drug.
- A thorough medical evaluation is recommended before starting Ozempic to ensure it's the right medication, and discuss any concerns or questions with your doctor.
- Studies have investigated the risk of thyroid C-cell tumors associated with semaglutide, but the translated implications in humans remain uncertain.
