Key Takeaways

Ozempic is an anti-diabetic medication that is also used for weight loss since it suppresses appetite and slows the digestive process. One common side effect of Ozempic is constipation. Constipation can be uncomfortable, so an effective treatment approach is important. You may be able to treat constipation by modifying your diet and lifestyle, or you may need support from your healthcare provider.

Does Ozempic (Semaglutide) Cause Constipation?

The popularity of Ozempic—a branded form of semaglutide—has continued to rise over the last few years since it hit the market in 2017. Ozempic (semaglutide) is a weekly injection that helps suppress appetite and slow digestion, leading to significant weight loss in most people who use it. As with any prescription medication, you may experience some uncomfortable side effects while taking it. 

The most common side effects of Ozempic are those related to the digestive tract since Ozempic affects how your body digests food. Constipation is one common side effect of Ozempic that we will discuss further throughout this article. It is important to be prepared with certain side effects when starting a new medication so that you can do what you need to do to prevent and manage these side effects. 

Why does Ozempic (Semaglutide) cause constipation?

Semaglutide is the active ingredient in Ozempic. Semaglutide is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that helps suppress feelings of hunger and slow down digestion. This allows you to eat less, which ultimately leads to weight loss. Semaglutide also helps manage blood sugar levels and keeps blood sugar low for people who have challenges with high blood sugar. 

As with any prescription medication, Ozempic can cause side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. There are several different reasons why it may cause constipation, including:

• You eat less when taking Ozempic. Ozempic causes you to eat less since it reduces your appetite and slows down digestion. When you have less food in your digestive tract, you will go to the bathroom less often, which could ultimately lead to constipation. 
• Ozempic slows your digestion down. One of the reasons why Ozempic is an effective weight loss medication is that it causes your digestion to slow down. This allows you to eat less and feel full for longer, but it can also lead to constipation since your digestive process as a whole will be slower than usual. 
• You may be dehydrated while taking Ozempic. Because taking Ozempic causes you to eat less, it may also cause you to drink less water. For this reason, becoming dehydrated is common while taking Ozempic. Dehydration often causes constipation. 
• Other side effects may lead to constipation. Other common side effects of Ozempic include nausea and vomiting. This may cause a reduced food and water intake, ultimately leading to constipation. 
• Reduced fiber intake. You may take in less fiber than usual when on Ozempic, which is important for healthy digestion. If you are dealing with nausea and vomiting, you may be more inclined to eat bland foods like crackers or white bread, which are low in fiber. 

Compounded semaglutide is a popular alternative to Ozempic. Containing the same active ingredients as Ozempic, compounded semaglutide is a lower-cost option that provides the same effective results. Compounded semaglutide is custom-mixed by a pharmacist, allowing you to add or leave out any ingredients you want or don’t want. Some people choose compounded semaglutide since they are allergic to certain additives or add special ingredients like extra vitamins for added health benefits. 

Try Ahara’s prescription weight loss services.

How long does Ozempic constipation last?

Most of the side effects that Ozempic causes will be temporary and only last while your body adjusts to the medication. Typically, constipation from Ozempic will last for about 6 weeks. These side effects usually start when you first begin the medication and last as your body adjusts to it. 

Additionally, you may experience increased side effects as your body adjusts to higher doses of the medication. Starting on a lower dose of Ozempic can help ensure less intense side effects. If the side effects are too much, you may need to talk with your doctor about lowering your dosage.

Factors that affect the duration of constipation

Several factors may influence how long constipation from Ozempic lasts, including your age, health history, diet, and lifestyle. Every person will react differently to different medications, and Ozempic is no exception. 

• Age. Older people are more likely to experience constipation than younger people. Ozempic-related constipation may last longer if you are older or have experienced constipation before. 
• Health history. If you have had ongoing issues with constipation, then you may end up dealing with it more while on Ozempic. Ozempic-related constipation may last longer if you’ve dealt with constipation in the past or have health conditions related to constipation. 
• Diet and lifestyle. Your diet and lifestyle can affect your digestive patterns. If you aren’t eating enough fiber or staying hydrated throughout the day, then it can cause you to have bowel movements less frequently. Also, living a sedentary lifestyle and not being active enough can make constipation from Ozempic last longer. 

Making sure you’re taking steps to live a healthy lifestyle while taking Ozempic can help ensure you feel your best while on the medication and may even prevent certain side effects like constipation. It is important to work closely with a skilled provider to manage, prevent, and treat any side effects you’re experiencing. At Ahara, you’ll have virtual provider visits that are convenient and accessible, allowing you to check in regularly and keep your provider in the know. 

Try Ahara’s weight loss services with ongoing nutritional support.

How to treat Ozempic constipation

Having a treatment plan to help with side effects like constipation will help you feel your best while still enjoying the positive effects of Ozempic. You’ll need to work with your doctor to determine the best treatment for Ozempic-related constipation. Below, we’re sharing some tips to help manage constipation while on Ozempic. 

Diet adjustments for constipation relief

Modifying your diet is one effective way to help relieve constipation while on Ozempic. You’ll want to ensure you eat plenty of fiber and stay hydrated while on Ozempic. Fiber-rich foods include fresh fruit and vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Since you’ll be eating less while taking Ozempic, it is important to be very mindful of the foods you are eating to ensure that you’re getting adequate nutritional intake.

Try Ahara’s ongoing nutritional support.

In addition to modifying your dietary intake, staying hydrated is essential for preventing and treating constipation. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day. You may need to bring a large water bottle with you when out and about and set reminders to drink throughout the day. Since Ozempic causes a feeling of satisfaction, you may not always feel thirsty even when you are. Be mindful of water intake to prevent dehydration and help prevent constipation. 

Over-the-counter medications for constipation relief

Certain over-the-counter medications may provide relief from Ozempic-related constipation. Some common over-the-counter solutions for constipation include Miralax, magnesium hydroxide, and magnesium citrate. Even though you can get over-the-counter medications for constipation without a prescription, you should still talk with your doctor first to ensure that these remedies are safe to take while on Ozempic. 

When to contact a doctor about Ozempic constipation

If your constipation is not resolving from over-the-counter medications and persists for more than 2 weeks, you may need to see your healthcare provider. They can help treat constipation and recommend a better treatment approach. 

Two rare but serious side effects of Ozempic are gastroparesis and intestinal blockages. If you notice any of the following signs, seek medical attention immediately as they may indicate one of these serious side effects:

• Severe abdominal pain 
• Bloody bowel movements
• Nausea and vomiting that don’t respond to treatment
• Severe pain while having a bowel movement
• Vomit containing blood or that looks like coffee grounds 

How can Ahara help?

Ahara offers compounded semaglutide through our convenient online service. Get everything you need all in one place with virtual provider visits and ongoing support from registered dietitians. You’ll meet your virtual provider during your consultation visit, and they will determine if our compounded semaglutide is a good option for you. Once prescribed, you can order through our convenient online store and receive ongoing nutritional support from our registered dietitians. 

FAQs

If you're taking or considering Ozempic, you might have questions about its potential side effect: constipation. Here’s what you need to know.

Can Ozempic cause a bowel blockage?

Yes, an intestinal blockage is one rare but serious complication of Ozempic. Make sure to talk with your doctor about this possible side effect before going on the medication so you are aware of the signs that might indicate it. 

How to treat Ozempic constipation?

Treating Ozempic constipation may be as simple as modifying your diet and staying hydrated. Some people will benefit from taking over-the-counter medications for constipation, but you should always contact your provider first to ensure that these medications are safe. If constipation does not resolve in 2 weeks, you’ll want to see your provider for support. 

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