Constipation is a common but temporary side effect linked to slowed digestion from Ozempic (semaglutide). Lifestyle changes like eating a balanced diet can help manage mild constipation, but you may need medical care if it worsens or does not go away.

Ozempic is a brand-name prescription drug that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved to help manage blood sugar levels in adults with type 2 diabetes and to reduce the risk of heart and kidney problems in certain adults. Doctors also prescribe it off-label for weight loss, but Ozempic is not FDA approved for weight loss.

Ozempic contains the active ingredient semaglutide and belongs to the glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonist drug class. As with other GLP-1 medications, constipation is a common side effect of Ozempic.

Constipation involves having difficulty passing stool or having fewer bowel movements than is typical for you. Your stool may be hard and lumpy rather than soft or firm and smooth.

Keep reading to learn why GLP-1 medications might cause constipation and how to stop it. You can also find out when constipation could mean something more serious and when to contact a doctor.

Gastrointestinal (GI) side effects are common with Ozempic. The drug’s clinical trials reported nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, and constipation most often as side effects.

Constipation may happen from changes in your GI tract. GLP-1 medications, including Ozempic, can slow the passage of food through your stomach. This slowing down of the digestive system means food stays in your stomach longer than usual. This can lead to delayed gastric (stomach) emptying and reduced motility (spontaneous movement) in your intestines. The slowing of gastric emptying is strongest early in treatment and may lessen over time.

Having food in your stomach longer causes you to feel full for longer. This reduces your appetite and decreases how much you eat. But slowing down digestion can also cause food waste (stool) to back up in your GI tract, leading to constipation and other GI side effects. When you feel full, you might also drink less water, which can contribute to constipation.

Ozempic and stomach paralysis

Because Ozempic slows digestion, experts do not recommend it for people with gastroparesis (severely slowed digestion), also called stomach paralysis. Gastroparesis is a common long-term complication of type 2 diabetes, which Ozempic is approved to treat. Ozempic may worsen gastroparesis.

Semaglutide (Ozempic’s active ingredient), has rarely induced gastroparesis in people without preexisting gastroparesis or GI problems.

Symptoms of stomach paralysis can include:

  • constipation
  • abdominal pain
  • bloating
  • feeling full early, after eating only a few bites
  • nausea
  • little to no appetite
  • vomiting pieces of undigested food

If you experience these symptoms while using Ozempic, tell your doctor right away. They can order tests to determine the cause and recommend an appropriate treatment. If you have stomach paralysis, your doctor will likely have you stop Ozempic. They may recommend a different treatment for your condition.

Constipation due to delayed gastric emptying tends to last longer than other GI side effects of Ozempic.

A 2021 study examined digestive side effects in people with overweight or obesity who received semaglutide in clinical trials. Constipation lasted an average of 47 days in those who received semaglutide compared with 35 days in people who received a placebo (treatment with no active ingredient). Nausea, diarrhea, and vomiting lasted an average of 8, 3, and 2 days, respectively.

Still, constipation with Ozempic is not inevitable. In the drug’s clinical trials, it was a less common GI side effect.

Constipation is a common side effect when starting Ozempic, especially in the first few weeks. That’s because the medication slows digestion. Constipation gets better as your body adjusts. Staying hydrated, eating fiber-rich foods, and gentle movement can help things along.

Before starting Ozempic, it may help to talk with your doctor about the possibility of this side effect. You can be as specific as you’d like. For instance, ask your doctor how often you should poop during Ozempic treatment. Your doctor can also give you some strategies to help prevent or treat constipation if it occurs.

If you have concerns about constipation or its increased risk, your doctor may adjust your treatment plan. For example, they may ramp up your Ozempic dosage more slowly than usual. Doing so may help your body adapt to the medication and reduce your risk of side effects.

The following information describes natural remedies and medications for constipation.

Natural treatments for constipation

Certain lifestyle and self-care measures can help treat and possibly prevent constipation. You can start following these expert recommendations before you even begin Ozempic treatment:

Other natural treatments for constipation include:

Medications for constipation

If the treatments listed above don’t help, you may need a laxative to help stop constipation. Examples include polyethylene glycol (MiraLAX) and stool softeners, such as docusate sodium (Colace).

Note: Ozempic is not known to interact with laxatives. But it’s still a good idea to check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking MiraLAX (or other laxatives) during Ozempic treatment. Your doctor or pharmacist can recommend a laxative that’s safe for you to take.

Ozempic constipation is typically mild and goes away with time, but in rare cases, it can be a symptom of a more serious problem.

For example, bowel obstruction (a blockage in your intestines) can cause constipation. Although Ozempic’s clinical trials didn’t show bowel problems, people have reported intestinal paralysis (ileus). As mentioned earlier in this article, stomach paralysis is another rare cause of Ozempic constipation.

Severe or long-lasting constipation can cause complications. If diet and lifestyle changes don‘t help, your doctor can recommend other treatment options. They may also advise you to stop Ozempic treatment. Your doctor can recommend a treatment option that may be a better choice for you.

Get medical attention right away if you experience any of the following symptoms along with constipation:

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.