Does Ozempic Cause Headaches?

Ozempic (semaglutide) doesn’t directly cause headaches in patients, but the GLP-1 medication can contribute to a headache given how the drug affects the body. In fact, popular type 2 diabetes and weight loss drugs like Ozempic have been linked to a number of mild to severe health issues. It’s the reason some patients have been cautious about taking Ozempic even though GLP-1 medications continue to increase in popularity all over the United States.

Below we’ll explain why Ozempic use can cause headaches among some patients and share some tips on how to manage headaches if they arise from normal use of the GLP-1. We’ll also delve into other health issues linked to semaglutide use, including some severe complications that involve the gastrointestinal tract.

If you take Ozempic or another GLP-1 drug and have experienced serious health problems, you need to speak with the attorneys at Bursor & Fisher, P.A. Our law firm can let you know if you qualify for taking legal action and what steps you need to take next.

 

Why do some Ozempic patients experience headaches?

Headaches stemming from Ozempic use are typically associated with the following two issues patients experience while on the medication:

• Dehydration – A number of normal side effects associated with Ozempic use can contribute to patients becoming dehydrated. This can contribute to the occurrence and severity of headaches while on a GLP-1 drug.
• Low Blood Sugar (Hypoglycemia) – Ozempic is designed to lower a patient’s blood sugar and help manage type 2 diabetes. Hypoglycemia has been known to cause or contribute to headaches among other issues.

How serious are the headaches experienced by Ozempic patients?

The severity of headaches experienced by Ozempic patients can vary from mild headaches to severe headaches. It depends on the patient and how they individually react to the effects of taking the GLP-1 drug. People who may be prone to headaches prior to taking Ozempic should be mindful about an increased risk of headaches, dizzy spells, and other potential side effects.

Can Ozempic cause migraine headaches?

Some Ozempic patients have complained of migraines as well as ocular migraines (also known as retinal migraines) while on the diabetes medication.

Like more traditional headaches, Ozempic does not cause migraines per se, but using a semaglutide could contribute to a migraine due to changes in blood sugar.

How long do these headaches from Ozempic last?

The duration of these headaches among Ozempic patients can vary, and it depends on what initially triggered the headache and the severity of the headache itself.

If you are an Ozempic patient and suffer from headaches due to the use of GLP-1 drugs, be mindful of how long your headaches last and what caused them to happen. Simply keeping a journal of your experiences can go a long way toward managing discomfort and preventing problems in the future.

Are there remedies for Ozempic-related headaches?

Yes.

Remaining hydrated is one of the most important things that you can do if you suffer a headache while on Ozempic. Drink water throughout the day so you do not have to worry about a dehydration-related headache.

Since low blood sugar levels can also trigger a headache, be sure to monitor your blood sugar throughout the day to avoid hypoglycemia. Be mindful of your diet and what you’ve eaten as planning your next meal can help avoid a potential headache due to dips in blood sugar.

Could I experience headaches if I take a different GLP-1 drug for obesity or weight loss?

Potentially, yes. Many of the popular GLP-1 drugs used for diabetes and weight loss work just like Ozempic does. Keep the potential for headaches in mind if you take any of these other prescription medications:

• Rybelsus (semaglutide from Novo Nordisk)
• Wegovy (semaglutide from Novo Nordisk)
• Mounjaro (tirzepatide from Eli Lilly and Company)
• Zepbound (tirzepatide from Eli Lilly and Company)
• Saxenda (liraglutide from Novo Nordisk)
• Victoza (liraglutide from Novo Nordisk)
• Trulicity (dulaglutide from Eli Lilly and Company)

Can Ozempic cause other kinds of side effects in patients?

Yes. In addition to contributing to headaches, Ozempic and other similar drugs have a number of common side effects.

These common Ozempic side effects include:

• Reduced appetite
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Constipation
• Upset stomach

How long will these common side effects last?

The above common side effects of Ozempic tend to be temporary and tolerable, lasting just a few weeks. Many semaglutide and GLP-1 patients notice that these side effects improve as their body gets accustomed to taking their prescription medication as directed.

If you are on Ozempic and notice no reduction in your side effects after a few weeks, be sure to discuss your experiences with your doctor.

Can Ozempic cause serious side effects or health complications?

Yes. In addition to the common side effects we’ve discussed above, there are more serious health issues that people could develop after taking Ozempic. These serious health complications include:

• Severe and prolonged vomiting
• Changes in vision (often related to diabetic retinopathy)
• Gallstones and gallbladder disease
• Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
• Increased risk of thyroid cancer
• Stomach paralysis (gastroparesis)
• Intestinal blockage or bowel obstruction (ileus)

How common are these serious Ozempic complications?

The above health complications are typically quite rare. Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly and Company both include warnings about some of these potential complications on the labels of their weight loss and diabetes medications.

If you are an Ozempic or GLP-1 patient who has experienced any severe gastrointestinal problems, the team at Bursor & Fisher, P.A. can help. We encourage you to contact our law offices as soon as possible if you have developed any of these GI complications from taking Ozempic and other GLP-1 drugs:

• Severe and prolonged vomiting
• Stomach paralysis
• Intestinal blockage
• Bowel obstruction

Below is a brief overview of these serious Ozempic-related gastrointestinal problems and why they are so dangerous.

What is meant by excessive and prolonged vomiting?

While some nausea and vomiting is expected while on Ozempic, a rare number of patients will vomit several times a day for two weeks or more. Be mindful of any long-term bouts of vomiting like this.

What are the dangers of excessive and prolonged vomiting?

Vomiting multiple times a day for long periods of time can cause irritation and damage to the esophagus. This inability to keep food and beverages down can also contribute to fatigue, dehydration, and malnutrition.

In addition, the acidity caused by frequent vomiting can lead to the gradual erosion of a person’s tooth enamel and potentially even the loss of teeth down the road.

Is excessive and prolonged vomiting linked to other serious Ozempic complications?

Yes.

Some Ozempic patients experience excessive and prolonged vomiting on their own, but this condition is also linked to gastroparesis and ileus. This is why it is so important to speak with a doctor as soon as this health issue arises. It may be the earliest warning sign of a more serious problem affecting your GI tract.

What is stomach paralysis?

Stomach paralysis is when the nerves and muscles of the stomach do not push food into the small intestine to get digested. A number of Ozempic patients have developed this condition even if they were following their prescription to the letter.

What are the common signs and symptoms of stomach paralysis?

The most common signs and symptoms of stomach paralysis include:

• Nausea and vomiting
• Indigestion
• Stomach pain, particularly around the upper abdomen
• Abdominal bloating
• Total lack of appetite
• Heartburn
• Constipation

What are the dangers of stomach paralysis?

If stomach paralysis is left untreated, gastroparesis could contribute to malnutrition, dehydration, the formation of a bezoar (a solid mass in the stomach), and a host of other more serious medical problems.

What are intestinal blockages?

An intestinal blockage is an obstruction in the small intestine or part of the large intestine that prevents food from passing through a person’s GI tract.

In Ozempic patients, this is often due to a condition called ileus, which occurs when the muscles of the intestines do not contract properly to push food through for digestion.

An intestinal blockage could also be caused by a bezoar that formed in the stomach moving into the small intestine and disrupting the regular movement of food waste.

What are the common signs and symptoms of intestinal blockage?

Some of the most common signs and symptoms of intestinal blockage include:

• Abdominal cramps
• Abdominal pain
• Bulging in the abdomen
• Bloating
• Vomiting
• Dehydration
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Constipation
• Inability to pass gas

What are the dangers of intestinal blockage?

If not treated, an intestinal blockage could cause death of the surrounding intestinal tissue and infection of the abdominal cavity (peritonitis). Both of these health problems could prove fatal without proper medical attention.

What are bowel obstructions?

Bowel obstructions are intestinal blockages that affect the large intestine and colon. Like blockage of the small intestine, this is often the result of ileus or the movement of a bezoar further down the digestive tract.

What are the common signs and symptoms of bowel obstruction?

Some of the most common symptoms of bowel obstruction include:

• Abdominal cramps
• Abdominal pain
• Bloating
• Vomiting
• Dehydration
• Fever
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Constipation
• Inability to pass gas

What are the dangers of bowel obstruction?

Like intestinal obstruction, bowel obstructions could lead to tissue death, peritonitis, or sepsis without proper treatment. These conditions can similarly prove fatal without receiving proper medical attention.

What should I do if I experience any of the GI tract issues associated with Ozempic?

If you experience any of the GI problems we’ve discussed above, be sure to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Your doctor and other medical professionals can help prevent further harm to your gastrointestinal system and more serious long-term impacts on your health.

When you have recovered or are well enough to do so, we encourage you to contact our law offices at your earliest convenience to discuss taking legal action against the makers of Ozempic.

I take a different GLP-1 medication similar to Ozempic. Could I experience gastrointestinal health problems?

Yes.

Remember that Ozempic is just one of several popular diabetes and weight loss drugs that help reduce appetite and control blood sugar. Similar drugs like Wegovy, Zepbound, and Mounjaro can also cause serious gastrointestinal issues.

At Bursor & Fisher, P.A., our lawyers are ready to hold drug manufacturers accountable if their products cause severe health problems in patients who were simply following their doctor’s orders.

Can I sue Novo Nordisk if I develop serious medical complications from using Ozempic?

Potentially, yes. You may be able to take legal action against drug manufacturer Novo Nordisk for serious health problems related to the use of Ozempic or their other GLP-1 drugs.

The attorneys of Bursor & Fisher, P.A. can provide answers to your questions about litigation related to GLP-1 drugs like Ozempic or Wegovy.

We should note that qualifying legal clients must meet specific criteria to be represented by our law firm. We will screen for certain conditions and review your case when you contact our law firm.

How much could I receive in damages from Novo Nordisk if I file an Ozempic lawsuit?

This will vary from person to person based on what they experienced while taking Ozempic or a similar GLP-1 drug.

While we cannot provide an estimate without discussing your situation, damages in a legal action will generally cover the cost of any previous and ongoing medical treatment as well as the long-term effects of the drug-related medical issues on a person’s quality of life.

Since the amount of compensation in an Ozempic case is considered on an individual client basis, it’s best to discuss what happened to you with the GLP-1 lawsuit lawyers at Bursor & Fisher, P.A.

How can I learn more about taking legal action for Ozempic-related medical health problems?

To learn more about potential compensation through a legal action against the makers of Ozempic, contact Bursor & Fisher, P.A. for a free case review.

Our law firm is a nationwide leader in complex, high-stakes litigation. Our attorneys have secured numerous multi-million dollar verdicts over the years, which includes actions against pharmaceutical companies and drug manufacturers like Novo Nordisk.

Bursor & Fisher, P.A. has represented more than 160 million people in legal actions—that’s roughly 1 in every 2 Americans. We’re ready to speak to you.