How Ozempic interacts with other medications and substances

What you’ll learn:

• Ozempic can interact with several other medications and substances. 
• Avoiding certain foods or drinks can help prevent unpleasant side effects like nausea and fatigue.
• Losing weight with Ozempic can affect fertility and potentially change how well some forms of birth control work.

Understanding how the medications you take interact with each other is always important. When you take a medication like Ozempic for weight loss, it’s no different. This popular medication, approved to treat diabetes but often prescribed off-label for weight loss, has the potential to change how other medicines work in your body. 

Ozempic is a GLP-1 receptor agonist, which means it works by mimicking a hormone that regulates blood sugar and appetite. Since a key way this medication works is by slowing down how quickly food leaves your stomach, it can affect how other oral medications are absorbed. Also because Ozempic impacts insulin production, it can interact with other diabetes medications. Always discuss everything you’re taking with your doctor so they can create a safe and effective treatment plan. 

If you qualify for Noom Med, our clinicians will be here to guide you every step of the way. They’ll pair you with the right medication, coordinate insurance, and help you navigate side effects. With Noom by your side, you can confidently optimize your Ozempic treatment and achieve your wellness goals.

What medications can interact with Ozempic?

When considering Ozempic, you should be aware that it can interact in some way with over 250 medications. Let’s take a look at some common drugs that can clash with Ozempic:

Medication	Examples	Potential Effect
Insulin	Lantus, Humalog, Novolog	May increase the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
Sulfonylureas	Glipizide, Glyburide, Glimepiride	May increase the risk of low blood sugar (hypoglycemia)
Other GLP-1 medications	Trulicity, Wegovy, Saxenda, Zepbound, Mounjaro, Victoza, Rybelsus	Not enough studies to determine the safety and efficacy of combining GLP-1s. May increase the risk of GLP-1 side effects.
Medications for Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL)	Bexarotene	May increase the probability of pancreatitis or inflammation of the pancreas
Medications that can affect blood glucose levels	Gatifloxacin	May cause severe levels of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) that can result in death

Remember, everyone’s different, and your healthcare provider is the best source of advice. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist before combining a medication with Ozempic.

Can I take Ozempic with other diabetes medications? 

If your healthcare provider approves it, yes, you can often take Ozempic alongside other diabetes medications. In fact, many people use Ozempic in combination with drugs like metformin. However, some combinations require extra care. For example, using Ozempic with insulin or sulfonylureas may increase your risk of low blood sugar. Your healthcare provider can adjust your medication doses to find the right balance for you.

How do other foods, drinks, and substances interact with Ozempic?

Are there foods you have to avoid while taking Ozempic? Can you have a glass of wine with dinner? Here are some frequently asked questions to keep in mind.

Do certain foods interact with Ozempic?

Ozempic doesn’t necessarily interact with specific foods, however, it does affect how your body processes food. Certain foods might worsen gastrointestinal side effects like nausea and diarrhea. Limiting foods that are fatty, spicy, greasy, or loaded with sugar can help. Here are some other foods you might want to limit while taking Ozempic.

Can I have alcohol, drink coffee, or smoke while taking Ozempic?

Your body’s response to Ozempic and other substances can vary. While Ozempic doesn’t directly interact with alcohol, caffeine, or nicotine, these substances can influence your overall health and potentially impact the effectiveness of your treatment.

• Alcohol: While moderate alcohol consumption isn’t strictly prohibited, it’s wise to be cautious. Alcohol can lower blood sugar levels, and this effect might be amplified when combined with Ozempic. If you choose to drink, do so in moderation and closely monitor how it affects you.
• Caffeine: There’s no known interaction between caffeine and Ozempic. However, caffeine can sometimes influence blood sugar levels. If you’re a regular caffeine consumer, pay attention to your body’s response and discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider.
• Smoking: Smoking is detrimental to your overall health and can potentially reduce the effectiveness of Ozempic. If you smoke, consider talking to your healthcare provider about strategies to quit.

Can Ozempic reduce my desire to smoke or drink alcohol?

There’s growing anecdotal evidence from patients and promising early research that suggests that GLP-1 medications may also influence cravings for other substances. This has been observed for various substances, including alcohol, nicotine, opioids, and even compulsive behaviors like online shopping and gambling. 

While more research, particularly on humans, is needed to confirm this effect, it suggests a potential future role for GLP-1s in addiction treatment. As always, pay close attention to how you feel, including any changes in cravings or habits, and maintain open communication with your healthcare provider. 

Can Ozempic increase my fertility or affect birth control?

As of now, no evidence supports this, but more research is necessary. But, any weight loss, whether achieved through Ozempic or other means, has the potential to make you more fertile, says Dr. Linda Anegawa, a physician who is double-board certified in internal and obesity medicine. This is because excess weight can disrupt hormone balance and ovulation, and losing weight can help restore these functions.

Even if you’re taking birth control consistently, weight loss may make you more likely to ovulate regularly, explains Dr. Anegawa. This means that if you happen to miss a dose of your birth control, the chances of becoming pregnant may be higher than they were before you started losing weight.

Can Ozempic affect my birth control method?

Given the potential impact on fertility, there’s an important discussion to be had about GLP-1 medications like Ozempic and birth control. 

Ozempic works by slowing down digestion, which can potentially reduce the absorption of oral contraceptives. This might decrease their effectiveness, leading to an increased risk of unintended pregnancy. However, the evidence is limited and inconclusive. Few studies have directly investigated this issue and those that have yielded conflicting results.

What alternative birth control is recommended while taking GLP-1s?

When choosing birth control while taking GLP-1s, talk to your doctor about the most reliable options for you. Dr. Anegawa suggests non-hormonal methods like an IUD, as they aren’t affected by GLP-1 medications and you won’t have to worry about forgetting a daily pill. 

She also recommends avoiding injectable birth control, which can cause weight gain, counteracting the weight loss benefits of GLP-1s. Barrier methods such as condoms or a cervical cap with spermicide can provide extra protection as well.

Maintaining a safe and healthy Ozempic experience

Remember, your body’s response to Ozempic and its interactions with other substances will be unique to you. That’s why open communication with your doctor is key to achieving effective and safe weight loss. If you qualify, Noom Med will offer tailored support to help you navigate the complexities of Ozempic and weight loss medication interactions. 

By proactively collaborating with healthcare professionals who understand your individual needs, you can optimize your treatment plan and move confidently toward your health goals. Take the next step in your wellness journey by exploring how Noom can support your personalized approach to weight management and overall health.

Note: Ozempic is not FDA-approved to treat obesity or for weight loss.