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.
Lauren Lemieux, MD, FACP, ABOM diplomate
Dr. Lauren Lemieux completed her Internal Medicine residency and fellowship in Clinical Nutrition at UCLA. She is board certified in Internal Medicine and diplomate of the American Board of Obesity Medicine, and as a Physician Nutrition Specialist. She is also a fellow of the American College of Physicians. Dr. Lemieux is passionate about helping her patients reach their health goals using personalized nutrition, lifestyle and weight management strategies.
Ozempic® is a registered trademark of Novo Nordisk A/S.