How Long Do Ozempic Side Effects Last? UK Patient Guide

Summary

• Some mild side effects appear in the first few weeks and usually you will feel better within one to two weeks.
• Other effects like irritation on the injection site, tiredness, or changes in appetite, clears up in a few days or weeks.
• There are more serious side effects like pancreatitis, gallstones, kidney issues, muscle and skin changes, that can last longer even after stopping Ozempic.
• Side effects duration can depend on the dose taken, how quickly the dose is increased, your age and overall health.
• Contact your doctor if you notice any severe symptoms and does not go away.

 

What is Ozempic?

Ozempic is a once a week injection that has semaglutide, a medicine that helps manage blood sugar. It is initially prescribed for people with type 2 diabetes when other medication does not work.

It can lower the risk of heart problems in people with diabetes and heart disease. Ozempic is also known for its off-label use in managing weight with medical supervision.

For a deeper dive into semaglutide in the UK context, you may want to read our Ozempic London treatment page.

 

Common Short-Term Side Effects

It is normal to experience some mild side effects when you are starting with Ozempic. These side effects show up in the first few weeks and get better as your body adjusts to the medicine.

Here are some of the common side effects:

• Nausea: The most common side effects, usually mild and temporary.
• Vomiting: Can happen if you eat too much or too fast.
• Diarrhoea: This happens when your stomach needs to adjust with the medication.
• Constipation: Some people experience slower digestion instead.
• Stomach pain or bloating: Settles after a few weeks.
• Loss of appetite: This is how Ozempic work to achieve weight loss.
• Tiredness: Happens when your body balances blood sugar.
• Dizziness: may happen when you have low blood sugar.

To feel more comfortable, try eating smaller meals, hydrate with enough water, and do not eat greasy or spicy foods while your body is adjusting.

 

How Long Do Ozempic Side Effects Last?

Not everyone reacts the same with Ozempic. During the first four weeks as your body is adapting to the medication, changes in digestion, appetite, and mild side effects are common.

Here is what to expect:

• Digestive issues settles in 4 to 8 weeks
• Tiredness, headaches, and appetite changes improve within a few days to weeks.
• Injection site reactions usually clear within days.

You will notice side effects returning whenever your dose increases. This is normal as your body adjusts to a higher dose.

In the majority of cases, side effects do improve within one to two months of using or changing your Ozempic dose.

 

Long-Term or Ongoing Side Effects

There are side effects from Ozempic that can last longer or appear later during the treatment. Though less common, it is important to understand these especially when using Ozempic under medical supervision.

These are the possible long-term side effects:

• Pancreatitis: Inflammation of the pancreas
• Gallbladder problems like gallstones
• Kidney issues
• Vision changes
• Loss of muscle or bone mass
• Rare risk like thyroid tumours

These serious symptoms last for months and need immediate medical attention and be monitored by your doctor.

 

 

What Affects How Long Side Effects Last?

Some Ozempic users adjust more quickly than the others. These factors influence the duration of your side effects.

 

Dose and how quickly you increase it

• Starting in higher doses or faster dose increase can make side effects last longer.
• Start at a low dose (0.25mg weekly) and wait until 4 weeks before increasing the dose.
• Gradual dose increase gives your body more time to adjust.

 

Individual health and lifestyle

• Age and health: Older adults or people with medical issues in their kidney, liver or digestive system may show more intense side effects.
• Hydration: Drinking enough water reduces nausea, constipation, and dizziness.
• Nutrition: Having a balanced diet prevents too much muscle loss and excessive tiredness.
• Gender differences: Some studies show that women report more side effects than men.

 

How to Make Ozempic Side Effects Tolerable

Below are the practical steps that can make a big difference in dealing with Ozempic side effects.

• Start slow and increase gradually

Begin with a low dose for the first 4 weeks and increase slowly as advised by your doctor.

• Support your body with good nutrition

If you feel nauseous, choose smaller and bland meals and avoid high-fat sugary foods that can worsen stomach pain. Also stay hydrated and drink water regularly throughout the day.

Check out our 10 Delicious Recipes: What to Eat on Ozempic for Weight Loss Success

• Stay active

Fast weight loss can cause muscle or bone loss, and staying active helps protect your muscle and bones. Gentle resistance or strength training will keep your body strong.

• Take care of injection sites

Rotate your injection sites every week to avoid irritation. Check for redness and swelling and follow techniques to prevent skin problems.

See our How to Inject Ozempic: A Beginner’s Guide to injection techniques

• Talk to your doctor before any procedure

Ozempic can slow how fast your stomach empties and that increases risk of complications during anaesthesia.

• Keep track and adjust if needed.

Contact your doctor if side effects last longer than 6 to 8 weeks.

 

When to Call Your Doctor

Get immediate medical advice if you notice:

• Severe or lasting stomach pain could be a sign of pancreatitis.
• Skin yellowing or pale stool may point to gallbladder issues.
• Severe nausea and vomiting may lead to dehydration.
• Reduced urination for possible kidney issues.
• Blurry vision or sudden eye changes
• Shaking, sweating, or confusion could mean hypoglycemia

 

FAQs

• How long until nausea stops?

Nausea usually improves within 1 to 3 weeks after starting or increasing your Ozempic dose.

• Can side effects return after dose increase?

Yes. dose increase may cause side effects especially stomach related ones.

• Can some side effects last even after stopping Ozempic?

Rarely, yes. Conditions like pancreatitis, gallbladder disease, vision changes may last for months after stopping.

• Will my appetite return after stopping Ozempic?

Yes but not immediately. It will come back gradually over several weeks.

 

Conclusion

Ozempic side effects are mild and temporary for some adults in the UK. However, the exact timeline differs for everyone.

Working closely with your doctor is the best way to stay safe and comfortable. Follow your dosing plan, eat well, stay hydrated and notice some unusual changes or symptoms that do not resolve quickly.

At Harley Street Skin Clinic, we highlight that medication is only a part of the overall approach. We make sure to support you and help you look and feel your best.

You can explore our articles on Ozempic for more guidance:

What You Should Do If You Experience diarrhoea While Taking Ozempic

How Much Weight Can You Lose on Ozempic in a Month? Top Strategies Revealed

What Are The Effects of Ozempic in Your Body and Its Timeline