Can you drink alcohol while taking Ozempic (semaglutide)?
In general, you can drink alcohol in moderation while taking Ozempic® unless otherwise advised by your medical provider. Keep in mind, some of the side effects of Ozempic, such as nausea, stomach upset, and heartburn, may be worsened with alcohol intake. Furthermore, as Ozempic can lead to significant weight loss, you may find that after losing weight you have less tolerance for the same amount of alcohol as before. Note that Ozempic is an injectable medication that is FDA-approved for treatment of diabetes and is not FDA-approved for weight loss.
It is always important to discuss your alcohol consumption with your medical provider as there may be other reasons to avoid drinking alcohol based on your medical history. For example, if you are taking other medications to treat your diabetes in combination with alcohol, it may cause you to have a dangerously low blood sugar level (hypoglycemia). As an aside, semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, has been shown to reduce alcohol intake in animal studies and anecdotally this has been reported by many people taking Ozempic.
Form Health
Form Health is a virtual obesity medicine clinic founded in 2019 that provides science-based obesity care to help patients achieve their weight loss and health goals. Patients have the opportunity to achieve sustainable weight loss by working closely with an American Board of Obesity Medicine physician and a Registered Dietitian who is a Board Certified Specialist in Obesity and Weight Management. Each Care Team develops a personalized treatment plan based on a comprehensive review of their medical history that includes behavioral support, nutrition, physical activity, and medication, if appropriate.
