Ozempic & Alcohol: Is it Safe to Mix Them?

What Is Ozempic (Semaglutide)?

Ozempic is the injectable version of the medication semaglutide. Ozempic is FDA-approved to improve glycemic control in adults with type 2 diabetes and to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular adverse events in adults who have type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Using Ozempic for weight loss is not FDA-approved, which is considered an off-label use.  However, another medication containing the active ingredient, Wegovy, is FDA-approved for weight loss.¹

Ozempic, or semaglutide, is a newer medication in a class of drugs called GLP-1 agonists that work to regulate appetite. Ozempic works to reduce blood glucose and glucagon secretion. Semaglutide also works in the brain to cause a feeling of fullness earlier than normal. This leads to a lower calorie intake and, ultimately, may cause weight loss. Some side effects of taking Ozempic include nausea, vomiting, constipation, and fatigue. Taking Ozempic can also put you at an increased risk of more dangerous conditions like kidney disease, pancreatitis, and certain types of tumors.^{1, 2}

Can You Drink Alcohol & Take Ozempic?

There is no known interaction between alcohol and Ozemplic. However, without caution and proper consumption, you may be at an increased risk for short-term and long-term complications. Ozempic changes the way that your body processes and responds to food and drink, including alcohol. Consuming alcohol while taking Ozempic can lead to more severe GI (gastrointestinal) symptoms and increase your risk of serious side effects like damage to the lining of the stomach. In addition, you may be at a higher risk for hypoglycemia when you consume alcohol.^{1, 2} Finally, consuming alcohol can cancel out the intended beneficial effects of Ozempic, like reduced calorie intake and cardiovascular protection.^{1, 3}

What Are the Side Effects of Mixing Alcohol & Ozempic?

The most common side effects from mixing alcohol and Ozempic are mostly related to the stomach and GI tract. These side effects usually worsen with more alcohol consumption or when Ozempic is increased in dose. Another important risk is hypoglycemia. Since both alcohol and Ozempic on their own can cause hypoglycemia, taking them together can greatly increase that risk. If you do decide to drink alcohol, closely monitor your blood glucose levels to prevent dangerously low blood sugar.

Side effects of mixing alcohol and Ozempic may include:*^{1, 2}

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Constipation
• Dizziness
• Fainting
• Stomach lining damage
• Hypoglycemia

Certain people are at increased risk of severe side effects from combining alcohol and Ozempic. A person’s risk can increase with long-term and frequent alcohol use, long-term use of Ozempic, or with pre-existing conditions. Checking in with your doctor before you drink alcohol while taking Ozempic can help identify any of these risks. It is important that if you decide to drink alcohol while taking Ozempic, you have regular checkups with your doctor to monitor for signs of serious side effects.^{1, 3}

Serious side effects of mixing alcohol and Ozempic may include:*^{1, 3}

• Kidney disease
• Pancreatitis

*All medications, including Ozempic, can cause side effects which can be mild or serious. This is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects. You should talk with your doctor about any questions you have and to understand the potential side effects and benefits of any medication.

What to Do if You Experience Side Effects From Using Alcohol & Ozempic Together

If you experience side effects from drinking alcohol while taking Ozempic, the first step would be to stop consuming any additional alcohol. This will prevent any worsening of current side effects or further damage. If side effects are mild, like nausea or upset stomach, you may want to try an over-the-counter medication to help with symptoms. You should also check in with your healthcare provider to determine a new plan to consume alcohol or perhaps decide not to drink alcohol while taking Ozempic.

If you are concerned you are experiencing a severe side effect, you should get help immediately. Difficulty urinating, severe abdominal pain, or lower back pain that does not go away may be a sign of severe side effects. Your doctor may decide to take you off of Ozempic if this happens.

FAQs About Drinking Alcohol While Taking Ozempic

How many drinks can I have while taking Ozempic? The answer depends on each person, but generally, less is better. Start with one and see how things go. Also, as you increase your Ozempic dose, you should decrease your usual alcohol consumption.

Are There Better Alcoholic Drinks to Have While Taking Ozempic?

Usually, drinks with less sugar and lower alcohol content are preferred when taking Ozempic. But any drink containing alcohol has the same potential risks.

What Drinks Should I Avoid While Taking Ozempic?

When drinking alcohol while taking Ozempic, some drinks can be better than others. Choose drinks that have less added sugar over those that can have lots of sugar. Drinks, of course, vary in alcohol content. Look for drinks that have less alcohol per serving. There are lots of low-alcohol content beers that can taste great with significantly less alcohol than usual.

What Are the Signs of Serious Side Effects From Alcohol and Ozempic?

Severe abdominal pain that does not go away³, difficulty urinating, or pain in the lower back are all serious side effects of using alcohol and Ozempic together. Seek immediate medical care if you experience any of these effects.

Tips for Drinking Alcohol While on Ozempic

The safest way to consume alcohol while taking Ozempic is by working with your doctor to create a plan and then stick to that plan. Discussing your options can help you reduce your risk of experiencing unwanted and potentially dangerous side effects.

Here are 6 tips for drinking on Ozempic:

1. Consume less alcohol than you normally would.
2. Drink slowly, your body needs more time than usual to process the alcohol and sugar safely.
3. Choose drinks with less alcohol and less sugar if possible.
4. Make sure to have food with your alcoholic beverage.
5. Do not drink alcohol during dose increases of Ozempic, this is a time when side effects can be worse.
6. Keep track of your alcohol consumption, the less alcohol consumed over time, the better.

When to Seek Professional Help

If you have trouble restricting your alcohol intake while taking Ozempic, you may need professional help. You should work with your doctor to determine if there are other safer options for treatment. In addition, you may benefit from working with a psychiatrist to address ways to change alcohol use. If you are in need of a new psychiatrist or have never tried therapy before, online psychiatry options are available.

There are many available treatment options for alcohol use if needed.  Often, treating alcohol use disorders and mental health conditions go together. Cross addiction may be a condition in need of addressing or treatment.

Questions to Ask Your Health Team About Ozempic Use

Those who don’t know how Ozempic may affect their body are at the most risk of adverse effects. Asking your medical provider questions before you begin taking Ozempic is the best way to educate yourself. Being honest with your doctor is key to understanding your risk of side effects. If you are going to continue drinking while taking Ozempic, tell your doctor. It is better to have a safe plan than not to have a plan and put yourself at risk.

Questions to ask your doctor about alcohol and Ozempic include:

• What is hypoglycemia, and what should I do to avoid it?
• Is there a safe amount of alcohol that I can consume with Ozempic?
• If someone wants to drink, should they stop taking Ozempic for the day?
• Is there weight loss medication that isn’t negatively affected by alcohol?
• What should I do if I decide to drink anyway and have an adverse reaction?
• Can I take over-the-counter medications to help with my upset stomach?
• How many days a week can I drink alcohol?
• Should I not drink alcohol during the week when I increase my dose?
• I’ve stopped taking Ozempic, can I start drinking again?

In My Experience

Taking Ozempic can bring about lifestyle changes that can be difficult to overcome. If alcohol is something you would prefer not to give up, talk with your doctor. You should be sure to understand how drinking alcohol and taking Ozempic can put you at risk of certain side effects. Working with your doctor to come up with a doable, safe plan is the best way to stay safe while enjoying a drink and taking Ozempic.