Top 13 Ozempic Dangers

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Last Updated:

07/06/2025

Did you know there are Ozempic dangers? I run a weight loss blog so I am especially interested in anything to do with diet, exercise and more recently, the weight loss medicines sweeping the nation; Ozempic and Wegovy (AKA Semaglutide). I keep hearing about all the weight loss people are experiencing and that’s terrific. I also know, first hand, about the dangers and side effects too. Here is my list of the top 13 dangers of Ozempic injections that I think you really need to know about.

Table of Contents

I have actually tried Semaglutide for myself. At first it was fine, no side effects at all. But as I increased the dose, my side effects began to appear. Here is my story on how I got the drugs, took the drugs and a list of side effects and potential dangers of Ozempic. I believe every consumer should have all the information, so they can make the best decision (together with their doctor) for themselves.

My Doctor & Ozempic

I have been on a weight loss journey most of my adulthood. I’ve tried just about every diet and have been a fan of Weight Watchers since my early 40’s. So you can only imagine how excited I was when my primary physician told me about a new weight loss drug called Ozempic. Here’s the catch though…

She told me Ozempic was was ONLY available to me if I was diabetic, which I was not. She said without an underlying illness, insurance companies would not cover the drug and the cost was close to $2000 a month.

Hard no from me!

My doctor went on to say I could find a knockoff version of the drug at weight loss centers all over. She didn’t really understand how, but said it is more readily available and affordable that way. She handed me a list of weight loss centers to call as I left her office. I am not kidding when I say I drove straight to the closest center that was selling Semaglutide (another name for Ozempic) and added my name to their waiting list.

What I learned there shocked me. For a couple hundred bucks, a two hour wait and a blip of a Dr. visit, I could get on Semaglutide too. Trust me, at this point, I never even thought about any side effects of Ozempic dangers. All I thought about was the weight I would lose. I got started that same day.

The nurse administered my first injection just before I left the weight loss center. She had me lift my shirt slightly, grabbed the fattiest part of my stomach, away from the belly button and injected the meds. I didn’t even feel it. I was a bit nervous when I realized I’d be injecting the rest of the medicine myself at home, weekly. But, the nurse explained a few times how to do it and home I went. I had my little white paper sack filled with alcohol wipes and Semaglutide shots and a new outlook on life!

I started administering Semaglutide injections to myself late in 2023. Again, I am still not thinking about any potential Ozempic dangers at that time. I just want to get on it and start losing weight yesterday.

Those were honestly my only thoughts. And my first few shots, I had no side effects at all. I thought it was going to be great.

The shots also curbed my appetite significantly. I have very mixed emotions about that. On one had, it was great – I ate about 1/3rd of the food I was eating before and started losing about a pound a week. On the other hand, it was difficult because I love food. On the meds, I wasn’t able to enjoy much food at all. I realize that is the point but it is something to consider when you go from eating everything to not being able to eat much at all.

My Ozempic Story Begins To Change

After six weeks on Semaglutide, things changed. I increased my dose after a month, which I was supposed to do. At six weeks, I experienced a pain in my upper left abdomen. I had a cramp in my upper left rib cage.

I got scared and started to think I needed to find out more about the dangers of the Ozempic drug. People were reporting all kinds of side effects so I compiled a list below.

I felt pretty stupid. How could I have not done more research before taking Ozempic? To be fair to me, early on there weren’t any warnings besides nausea and injection site redness. Mostly I just saw praise on how much weight people were losing.

Ultimately, I decided the pain was unmanageable and not worth my health. I went off Semaglutide after about two months of actual use. And to be fair, I do seem to be sensitive to a lot of products and medicines, so I figured my results were not typical of the masses.

But, I do own a weight loss recipe blog so I stay on top of all things weight loss, including fitness, recipes and special new drugs like Ozempic. I want to know the good stuff (the benefits), all side effects and especially any potential Ozempic dangers.

NOTE: I am not a Doctor nor do I profess to be one. I am only discussing the Ozempic side effects that I found in my research and those that happened to me. There may be other side effects and Ozempic dangers than what are mentioned here. You must speak with your Doctor before taking any weight loss product, regimen or medicine.

Potential Side Effects & Dangers Of Ozempic:

Hypoglycemia (Low Blood Sugar): Both medications can cause blood sugar levels to drop too low, especially when combined with other diabetes medications or if not enough food is consumed. This can lead to dizziness, shakiness, confusion, and in severe cases, loss of consciousness.
Gastrointestinal Issues: Side effects such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain are common with both Ozempic and Wegovy. These symptoms can be mild to severe and may lead to dehydration or electrolyte imbalances.
Thyroid C-Cell Tumors: Both medications have been associated with an increased risk of thyroid C-cell tumors in rodents. While this risk has not been confirmed in humans, it’s still a concern, especially for individuals with a personal or family history of thyroid cancer.
Pancreatitis: There have been reports of acute pancreatitis in patients using Ozempic. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain that may radiate to the back, nausea, and vomiting. If untreated, pancreatitis can be life-threatening.
Injection Site Reactions: Pain, redness, and swelling at the injection site are common side effects of both medications. In some cases, these reactions may be severe or lead to infection.
Allergic Reactions: Although rare, allergic reactions to the active ingredients in Ozempic and Wegovy can occur. Symptoms may include rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, and difficulty breathing. Severe allergic reactions require immediate medical attention.
Kidney Damage: There have been reports of acute kidney injury associated with Ozempic use. Symptoms include decreased urine output, swelling in the legs or ankles, and fatigue. It’s essential to monitor kidney function regularly when using these medications.
Gallbladder Problems: Wegovy can increase the risk of gallstones or gallbladder inflammation. Symptoms include severe abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and jaundice (yellowing of the skin and eyes).
Heart Problems: Ozempic may increase heart rate, which can be problematic for individuals with pre-existing heart conditions. It’s essential to monitor cardiovascular health closely when using these medications.
Bone Fractures: There is evidence to suggest that long-term use of Ozempic may increase the risk of bone fractures, particularly in older adults or those with osteoporosis.
Gastroparesis: This is a severe disorder that causes food to move too slowly through the stomach to the small intestine. In some cases, food may stop moving through the intestine altogether.
Suicidal thoughts
Hair loss

Lawsuits Involving Ozempic Dangers

As of February 2024, I found there were at least 55 lawsuits claiming Ozempic and other GLP-1 RAS class drugs caused severe gastrointestinal injuries were combined into a federal multidistrict litigation in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania. The Plaintiff’s lawyers expected the number could grow to as many as 10,000 injured by these drugs.

According to the table below, on the FAERS Database, there have been 17,681 reported cases to the FDA of Ozempic side effects, 7,851 serious cases reported and even 222 deaths. Yikes :( Many people are continuing to come forward with their experiences involving severe side effects after using Ozempic. The ongoing litigation is being closely watched, and the latest Ozempic lawsuit update is providing important insights for those considering legal action. Legal experts suggest that this case could shape how future drug-related injuries are handled in court.

Where can I get More Information on Ozempic Dangers?

I found up to the minute reports on people that have negatively been affected by weight loss drugs. You may want to check that out to see exactly how drugs like Ozempic are affecting people (both good and bad). But it is important to know the dangers of such powerful Ozempic drugs too.

It is really crucial for individuals considering or using Ozempic or Wegovy to discuss the potential risks and benefits with their healthcare provider. I do understand that these medications can be effective in managing diabetes or obesity, but that is not the entire story. They can also cause dangerous side effects and even death, and I believe consumers need to know about this.

Remember, careful monitoring and management of side effects are essential for maintaining overall health and well-being. So speak to your doctor about it.

I hope my story will help you on your weight loss journey. Diet and exercise are the best ways I know of to lose weight. However, sometimes, for various reasons, those things are not enough. I understand that. It is what led me to take Ozempic or Semaglutide myself, in the first place. I have found, for me, that about 20 minutes of exercise each day, and healthy recipes, is what works the best. I hope you find your way too!

11 responses

Rob Dennis

04/30/2024

Have you did any research on the Apple Cider Vinegar gummies that Oprah and other celebrities are pushing. Just curious as to whether they actually work and what side affects there may be. I do have to say I love your recipes.

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Karen

04/30/2024

I’m sorry you had problems. You mention Ozempic many times, but that doesn’t sound like that’s what you were taking. You went to a med spa and obtained their version which is not Ozempic. In fact, compounds should only be taken if they are from a 503a or 503b pharmacy because those are FDA approved. From what I understand, most med spas don’t use these type of pharmacies.

I’m disappointed that most people will think you were on the actual drug Ozempic when in fact you weren’t.

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1. Laurie Bennett
  
  05/21/2024
  
  You are correct. My Doctor sent me to a weight loss clinic and I was on Semaglutide. I apologize for the confusion.
  
  Reply
Dionne Stein

04/30/2024

Hello..
I enjoyed reading your article. I have a question though.. throughout your article you kept mentioning Ozempic when you weren’t really on Ozempic but what I believe they call a compound version of Ozempic. Do you think your side effects may have been different because of that? I only ask because I was taking Ozempic for 2 months but when the dosage increased, the pharmacy couldn’t get it in anymore. They switched me to Mounjaro and though I didn’t really have any side effects, I didn’t like it as much as I did Ozempic and I didn’t lose as much weight either. I was in that for 2 months until insurance wouldn’t cover it because I’m not diabetic. I really liked Ozempic if for no other reason, the constant search in my head for that certain something to eat, after I had already eaten, was gone. Maybe my solution is to get a lobotomy!
I’m also curious, hasn’t Ozempic been used for quite a while for diabetes and if so, were there just as many complaints of side effects or did they come more into the light due to the increase of people using it for weight loss?
Thank you for insight but man, I wish I could get my hands on Ozempic!
Be well!!

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Christi

05/01/2024

God bless you and I’m sorry you had to go through that! I am also a weight loss person so I was interested in ozempic. But I am afraid of needles so I knew I wouldn’t be able to do it. Instead I lost 50 pounds eating about 16 points a day and lots of zero point foods. It was actually easy! And the great thing is since I’ve lightened up a bit (eating my 23 points plus some weeklies), I’ve only gained 5 pounds. A lot better than the 20 my friend gained after ozempic or the 50 I gained after keto!

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Crystal

05/01/2024

Hello, I used Ozempic for 4 months. The biggest side effect was the nausea. I did use Zofran to combat that. The drug did help me to change my eating habits drastically. I have lost 31 pounds. I recently stopped taking the injections due to the cost. I still have 50 pounds to lose and monitor my food intake with Weight Watchers. I am now ravenously hungry most of the time, but I am better able to handle the hunger pangs and my will power has improved. Ozempic did cause constipation. For me, it helped me kickstart my weight loss journey, so I feel it was worth it.

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Deb Oxley

05/01/2024

I too jumped on the semiglutide (in my case tirzepetide..supposedly more effective with less side effects). I felt really horrible, nausea and terrible constipation..something I have NEVER had in my entire life. I am a long term gastric sleeve patient (lost from 225 to 150 and mostly maintained that for over 15 years, but COVID added 45 lbs over 3 years) Talk about wanting to lose weight yesterday! After about 6 weeks of self-induced torture on this drug, I developed gastroparesis..more than likely due to my tiny, surgically altered stomach, which at this point I sort of take for granted. At any rate, that really terrified me and I quit immediately. I have gradually lost over 20 of those pounds via Loseit combined with a healthy low-carb (lots of veggies and lean protein) plan, combined with low impact (mostly walking) exercise over the past 4 mos..about 1 lb per week. We live in a resort community with many well off people who can afford it, and many have lost a great deal of weight. They almost to a person talk about the horrible side-effects, but they persist. One thing you didn’t mention in your article is ‘Ozempic face’. This is a real thing, a very drawn, haggard facial aspect, along with loose crepey skin.. Most of us are in our 40’s and 50’s here. No thank you! I think doctors should become more informed about this product. It is not the miracle drug that so many of us fell for.

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1. Laurie Bennett
  
  05/21/2024
  
  I did not know about Ozempic face. Thank you very much for bringing it to my attention. Laurie
  
  Reply
Donna Luke-Peterson

05/02/2024

I took Ozempic for 6 months, purchasing pens across the border in Mexico, and later purchased from a Canadian mail order pharmacy, both authentic. Like you, I was not diabetic, but I was prediabetic, with the typical high triglycerides and I had been taking high blood pressure medication for decades. I had been on WW many times, ate low GI (glycemic index) foods, and exercised: strength training at a gym 3x week with cardio, yoga 3x week, and met a friend to walk for 1 hr 1x week. I had definitely toned up and lost fat, but hardly any actual weight, yoyo-ing the same 10-15lbs pretty much, over and over again. I had difficulty staying under 200lbs, and I’m only 5’3”, and being menopausal did not help!

Ozempic did help however—, I ate less, had less food “noise”—suddenly I just didn’t worry about what my next meal would be, or tomorrow’s, or next week. I used to get “hangry” or grumpy if I didn’t have something to snack on (healthy or not) every 4 hours when I was awake. Now I felt very satisfied after about a 1/2 -3/4 cup of food, and I ate healthy, and drank a lot of liquids.

I also did not get any of the bad side effects that were reported by so many on Reddit and FB support groups. I had no nausea, no vomiting, no reflux, no uncontrollable diarrhea or weeklong bouts of constipation. I felt mildly bloated if I ate something greasy, and mildly constipated maybe once a week, but pushing more fiber and liquids and lower body movement exercises seems to help and it lasted no longer than a few hours, maybe half a day. Otherwise I seemed to have regular bowel movements.

And for once, I saw the scale responding accordingly—I was losing weight, tho it seemed slow to me. Maybe a 1/2lb a week, nothing crazy or impressive. I think it might be because I was exercising too, the actual building of muscle weight. But this time I was finally losing FAT weight! I got down to 175lbs, the lowest weight I had been since having 2 kids (now adults!).

Then there was a big change in our lives, and I stopped taking Ozempic— because we chose to move abroad for retirement! More affordable and we’d always wanted to experience more travel, something we hadn’t done much when younger and later, busy with kids. I didn’t want to fiddle with keeping Ozempic pens cool for multiple long flights. Also, I thought maybe I could now lose weight without it, as I suspected I had been insulin resistant all that time I had been dieting and exercising without much weight loss for the last 10 years!

And to be honest, I did lose about 10 more pounds in the next 6 months! We no longer own a car, so we walk and take public transportation, or rarely a taxi, plus we use our rental condo gym daily followed by the pool. Servings are smaller here, so I think we naturally starting eating less. There was no more hopping in the car to drive to Costco for easy bulk processed convenience foods! Food is less processed here, and with the hot weather comes great fruit and produce available too. Also, the general population is slimmer too here in Thailand! I am Asian-American, and I really felt BIG and overweight and unhealthy here compared to the local women. Peer pressure is real! And my perfect-English speaking doctor here wanted me to attain a BMI of 23 (Not the highest point-25- of normal BMI that would be asked in the USA!). I was floored, as that was a weight I hadn’t been since middle school, you know, at age 12??!

A Thai acquaintance recommended a weight loss clinic here in Bangkok, and yes, they do use actual Ozempic injections, but they have a bevy of pretty assistants that make a big deal about giving it in the clinic, applying ice first, even. They do not give you the pen to self inject! You are also given another diet medication pill to take in conjunction plus a small tote bag of of anti vomiting and constipation medications and electrolyte powders to add to your bottles of water—and told to drink at least 10 per day! It wasn’t cheap, but cheaper than it would be in the USA.

Maybe it was the combo of meds and adjusting to the oppressive heat and humidity and new foods and bacteria—but I had a lot more side effects this time around! I was swinging from constipation to diarrhea, bloating and stomach aches and nausea (sometimes). And I just felt out of it (now I look back and think I was hypoglycemic/low blood sugar), as I was sometimes confused and spaced out, my husband noticed. This is not normal Fo time at all. And I felt sick all the time, so I didn’t want to go to the gym or pool to exercise or walk outside in the heat either, Inwas not having any fun or pleasure. I did lose weight, maybe 10 lbs in 2 months, but after two months I decided to quit all this and just try semaglutide from a mail order compounding pharmacy. It was much, much cheaper too. Like a few hundred US dollars for 6 months worth.

So I started it, drawing it up and injecting it myself, using peptide converter calculators online to figure out correct dosages and ordering insulin syringes and alcohol pads. It’s not quite as crazy as it sounds, I had formerly worked in the medical field and was familiar with giving injections.

It seemed to work just fine, rather like before, with very slow but regular weight loss, but maybe less so this time. My husband wondered more than a few times if it was just saline and it was just a scam.

I wondered if this is this what desperate people do to lose weight and get healthier without medical supervision, trying anything so they don’t end up with diabetes (my mother and almost all her siblings had been, as well as many of my out of shape, overweight cousins, all in North America) and get worse diagnoses like cancer and heart disease from being obese for so many years of their life.

Sorry about this novella. Do you know how it ends? Not happily…

I kept upping the dosage as per normal guidelines (online). I was 158lbs and in the best shape of my adult life since my 20s, back to the gym and pool daily— when last October I had severe abdominal pain out of nowhere, ended up getting admitted to a hospital and having emergency surgery for a bowel obstruction. 30cm of gangrenous bowel was removed, no mass, no cancer—thankfully. 9 very painful days of recovery at the hospital. I had no risk factors other than I had two prior C-sections 26 and 30 years before. The surgeon mentioned that he had seen adhesions (internal scarring) lower in my abdomen, but not where the bowel obstruction had been!

I had also read about the risk factors of Ozempic/semaglutide, and I knew bowel obstruction was one of them, but you never think it could happen to you!

Of course from the onset of the abdominal pain, I have stopped the semiglutide cold turkey with no more issues, thankfully.

In those last 6 months of trying to lose weight, I noticed my hair getting thinner, and I found a lot on my brush and on the floor. But after my major surgery where I lost 8lbs in 9 days—I had major “hair fall” as it’s called here! Reading up on it, quick weight loss and recovering from major surgery can cause it too. It was alarming, and of course the surgery scared the heck out of me too, as I’ve had pretty darn good health up to that point! I have given myself Grace not to diet but to stay under 160lbs, eat healthy with extra protein and collagen and supplements, use rosemary oil solution on my scalp, be gentler on my hair… and it has improved!

6 months post op, I have healed with no issues, just an ugly vertical scar from belly button to my C-section scar. Sigh. But I am currently 160lbs and feeling healthier than I have, well, since my 20s! I now give myself permission to diet carefully and eat healthy and exercise, so hopefully I can lose those last 20lbs and get to a 25 “normal” BMI. And possibly even less one day! 🥰

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Snuz

05/04/2024

it is a shame we have to learn this way!! Big pharma and big food is really raking in the money on this one, as well as Oprah!! She is a traitor to healthy living. She uses her sad stories of being “fat shamed” to promote this poisen on the masses of desparate people. WW is on the bandwagon to “help” those get off Ozempic and use their “PLAN” to solve the issue. The “PLAN” didntwork before Ozempic , I doubt it will now. WE all need to become medically literate to a point so we can know what one needs to do to find ROOT CAUSE. The answer is in biomarkers and clean foods.
Thank you for this article. I remember the Fen Fen days of needing heart valve replacements years later. It is a desparate subject for sure. We all suffer from metabolic dysfunction in some form or another and processed food is killing us!! Be strong!!

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Mary

05/19/2024

Thank you for your research and sharing with your readers. I actually thought about asking my doctor on the next visit. I have changed my
mind. I know several women who started with the injections and then they stopped because they felt so terrible. I know several other women who had no problems to date. So, I’m not even going to try it, based on all of the possible side effects. Thanks again, Mary

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