How long can you stay on Ozempic?

Asked by: Adolf Anderson  |  Last update: December 28, 2023
Score: 4.2/5 (52 votes)

A person can stay on Ozempic® so long as they are tolerating the medication and it is deemed appropriate by their treating provider. There is no specific time frame when someone should stop taking Ozempic as it is a medication that is intended for chronic (long-term) use.

Can Ozempic be taken long term?

Patients who stop taking the drugs often regain weight

Like many drugs, the effects of semaglutide stop when patients go off of it, so some people regain weight. Experts said they consider Ozempic and Wegovy to be lifelong medications.

Do you have to take Ozempic forever for weight loss?

It's been hailed as a “miracle” weight loss drug for people living with obesity. But, as with many medications, it only works for as long as it's used. As soon as someone stops their regular course of semaglutide, their weight is likely to come right back.

What happens when you stop taking Ozempic?

If you stop taking Ozempic, the weight you lost will likely return, fast. People who ceased use of semaglutide gained back, on average, a full two-thirds of the weight they had lost on the drug within one year, according to an August 2022 study, the Wall Street Journal reports.

How do you know when you should stop taking Ozempic?

When should you stop Ozempic?
  • Severe abdominal pain, with or without vomiting.
  • Changes in vision.
  • Signs of low blood sugar, such as dizziness, sweating, confusion, slurred speech, rapid heartbeat, mood changes, weakness, or feeling jittery or shaky.
  • Kidney failure.

What’s it like taking Ozempic? Patients share their stories

16 related questions found

Can you just stop Ozempic cold turkey?

For people who are trying to lose weight, whether or not they need to, Ozempic will flush out of your body and you'll go back to where you were, Sadhu said. There's no withdrawal and you don't need to taper off the drug, although you may feel hungry again and regain the weight.

Does Ozempic stop working after awhile?

“Some people don't have an awareness that this might have to be a medication that will be lifelong,” Dr. Alexandra Sowa, a doctor and NYU School of Medicine clinical instructor, told the Wall Street Journal. “Like any medication, when you stop taking it, it stops working,” Dr.

What does Ozempic do to your face?

“Ozempic face” is a term for common side effects of the type 2 diabetes medication semaglutide (Ozempic). It can cause sagging and aging of facial skin. A doctor may recommend lifestyle modifications or facial fillers to treat these effects.

What are the long term side effects of Ozempic?

Other serious side effects of Ozempic include thyroid tumors, pancreatitis, changes in vision, hypoglycemia, gallbladder issues, kidney failure and cancer.

How long is the weight loss treatment on Ozempic?

Once you begin using Ozempic, some people can find it takes several weeks to see any weight loss, yet others may see some weight loss within a week or 2. While it can be difficult, try to remain patient — change looks different for everyone.

Can I take Ozempic for weight loss if I'm not diabetic?

Ozempic is only intended and approved for people with type 2 diabetes. You should not take it solely for weight loss. Doing so may prevent patients who require the medication for blood sugar management from getting it.

What foods should be avoided in Ozempic diet?

Here are five things to limit in your diet to lower your risk of side effects.
  • Foods that are high in fat. Foods that are high in fat can worsen Ozempic side effects. ...
  • Sugary foods and drinks. ...
  • Ultra-processed carbohydrates. ...
  • Starchy vegetables. ...
  • Alcohol.

Do celebrities use Ozempic?

Ozempic and Wegovy have surged in popularity after becoming the first drugs proven to aid weight-loss. Celebrities including Elon Musk and Remi Bader have revealed they used the drug to help trim fat. Many other famous faces who have looked svelte recently are rumored to have used them.

Does Ozempic change your mood?

There is no direct link between taking Ozempic and depression, but some patients may experience mood changes while on the medication. These changes can range from mild to severe, depending on the person and their situation.

Which is safer metformin or Ozempic?

Is metformin safer than Ozempic? Metformin is often considered to be among the safest and most studied drugs for helping people to manage their blood sugar. While metformin has been been in common use longer than Ozempic, each drug has undergone extensive, rigorous testing.

Does Ozempic leave saggy skin?

3 But the often quick weight loss people see on these drugs can lead to the unwanted issue of sagging skin—commonly known as “Ozempic face” or “Ozempic butt.” Age in particular is a big risk factor for loss of skin elasticity.

How do I maximize my weight loss on Ozempic?

By avoiding these foods and focusing on a healthy, balanced diet, you can maximize the effectiveness of Ozempic for weight loss and achieve your goals. Choose foods that are high in fiber, lean protein, and whole grains, and avoid foods that are high in calories, fat, and sugar.

Can you go back to metformin after Ozempic?

Combining metformin and Ozempic may enhance the effectiveness of both drugs. You can take Ozempic and metformin together or separately. When taken together, the side effects are usually the same as those experienced when taking these medications on their own.

What happens if you eat sugar while taking Ozempic?

High fat foods or sugary foods

Ozempic can cause nausea and vomiting if taken after eating foods high in fat or sugar.

How much weight can you lose in a month with Ozempic?

So, on average, with the recommended starting Ozempic dose of 0.25 mg, a 500 to 1000 calorie reduced diet, and exercise 3 times a week, you can expect to lose 3-5 pounds in the first month of treatment, which works out to about 3% of body weight for most overweight or obese individuals.

Can I eat eggs while on Ozempic?

Lean protein sources from eggs, low-fat cheese, Greek yogurt, chicken, turkey, fish, nuts, tofu, and beans are all excellent ways to bulk up on protein while eating healthy if you take Ozempic. Lean proteins usually require little to no insulin (if you're on insulin), and are a great building block of a healthy meal.

Can you drink coffee on Ozempic?

The general guidance is that it's best to limit consumption to no more than one cup of coffee per day when taking Ozempic®—but listen to your body and, most importantly, stay hydrated.