Ozempic (semaglutide) is a brand-name injection prescribed to help manage type 2 diabetes and certain other associated conditions. Sometimes, people who inject the drug can experience “Ozempic breath,” which refers to bad breath or a fishy odor in burps. The cause of “Ozempic breath” may include:

  • Dehydration: If you aren’t getting enough fluids due to eating less, you can experience dry mouth, which can lead to bacteria buildup and bad breath.
  • Delayed gastric emptying: Ozempic slows down the emptying of your stomach, which can cause bacteria to build up and cause bad breath.
  • Gastrointestinal issues: Ozempic can cause diarrhea, constipation, and nausea as side effects. These symptoms may lead to an overgrowth of odor-producing bacteria in your body, which can lead to bad breath.
  • Ketosis: Ozempic can cause ketosis (a metabolic state where your body burns fat for energy instead of carbohydrates), which may cause a distinct breath odor.

Symptoms of halitosis, or bad breath, may improve on their own as your body adjusts to the medication. However, you can reduce the risk of bad breath from Ozempic in several ways.

One of the first ways to reduce the risk of bad breath is to brush and floss daily and have regular appointments with your dentist. Oral hygiene can be helpful regardless of what medications you’re taking.

Some other helpful tips for getting rid of bad breath due to Ozempic include:

  • staying hydrated
  • eating a well-balanced diet
  • finishing your last meal of the day 3 or 4 hours before bedtime
  • avoiding carbonated drinks

Talk with your healthcare professional if you’re concerned about bad breath with Ozempic. They can recommend ways to help resolve issues with “Ozempic breath.”

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.