Should you take Ozempic with food?

Ozempic (semaglutide) is a once-weekly injectable drug that is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to lower blood sugar levels in people with Type 2 diabetes. GLP-1 receptor agonists like Ozempic also decrease appetite, so this drug is often prescribed off-label (a use that is not approved by the FDA) for weight loss.  

Because Ozempic may cause you to be less hungry and, therefore, lead you to eat less food than usual, it’s a good idea to fill your plate with nourishing, nutrient-dense foods. It’s also important to understand how to take the drug to maximize its effects and minimize side effects. 

So, should Ozempic be taken with food? The short answer is that it’s up to you. Keep reading for more details, though, including how to take Ozempic, precautions while taking it, and which foods to avoid while taking Ozempic.

Should you take Ozempic with food?

“Ozempic can be taken with or without food,” says Erika Luren, NP, a nurse practitioner and owner of Parasol Aesthetics, Dermatology & Wellness in Las Vegas, Nevada. “The flexibility is due to the fact that it is an injectable medication,” and it works over the course of a week.

Pills pass through the stomach, where they may interact with other drugs, food, or supplements you’ve taken. But medications like Ozempic are injected straight into subcutaneous (under the skin) tissue. Ultimately, it doesn’t matter if you have a full or empty stomach since the drug does not pass through your digestive system.

How to take Ozempic

Ozempic is a prefilled prescription pen that you inject into a fleshy area of your abdomen, thigh, or upper arm once per week. 

Here are the right ways to use Ozempic:

• Inject Ozempic with or without food. Remember, the type or amount of food in your digestive system at the time of injection does not affect Ozempic’s absorption. 
• Inject Ozempic at the same time each week. Consistent timing is key. Ozempic is a weekly injection, so pick a day and time that will be easy to remember.
• Inject Ozempic into the fatty part of the skin. Most people inject Ozempic into the upper arm, upper thigh, or a few inches on either side of the belly button. Do not inject Ozempic into a vein or muscle.
• Change the injection site weekly. It is considered best practice to rotate the injection site each week. That may mean injecting in the thigh the week after injecting the upper arm or injecting the left side of the belly the week after injecting the right side of the belly.

What to eat on Ozempic

Though you can take Ozempic with or without food, avoiding certain foods may help reduce your risk of side effects while on Ozempic. 

Types of foods and beverages to avoid on Ozempic include:

• Greasy foods
• High-fat foods
• Processed foods
• Sugary foods
• Sugary drinks
• Alcohol

“All of these substances may cause bouts of more severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea in certain individuals,” says Luren.

Even if you avoid nausea-triggering foods, you may want to avoid large portions since they can cause gastrointestinal distress, according to Jodie Pepin, Pharm.D., clinical pharmacy program director at Harbor Health in Austin, Texas. “You will learn what bothers you and can avoid those foods based on how you feel after you eat them.” 

So, what should you eat on Ozempic? “A low-carbohydrate, lean, high-protein diet filled with fruits, vegetables, and small amounts of fiber-dense starches like brown rice,” Luren advises. Eating controlled portions of nutrient-dense foods can nourish your body while reducing your chance of side effects on Ozempic.

Ozempic vs. Wegovy 

Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic, makes two injectable semaglutide products: Ozempic and Wegovy. Although they both have the same active ingredient, “the FDA has only approved Ozempic for Type 2 diabetes, and the brand name medication Wegovy is only approved for weight loss,” explains Pepin. 

Like Ozempic, Wegovy can be taken with or without food. One of the main differences between Ozempic and Wegovy is the dosage. Both drugs start at 0.25 milligrams (mg) once weekly. But while Ozempic’s maximum dose is 2 mg per week, Wegovy’s maximum dose is 2.4 mg per week. Also, Wegovy is approved for adults and children ages 12 and older for weight loss, while Ozempic is approved for adults ages 18 and older for Type 2 diabetes.

RELATED: Ozempic alternatives: What can I take instead of Ozempic?

Precautions while using Ozempic

Although you don’t need to worry about timing Ozempic around meals, there are some precautions to keep in mind when considering or taking this diabetes medication:

• Thoroughly discuss your medical history with your healthcare provider before taking Ozempic. This is important because Ozempic can interact with underlying medical conditions such as thyroid cancer, pancreatitis, and diabetic retinopathy. 
• Share a list of prescription drugs, over-the-counter pills, and supplements with your healthcare provider before taking Ozempic. Ozempic may interact negatively with sulfonylureas, insulins, and thyroid medications.
• Limit or avoid alcohol while taking Ozempic. Mixing too much alcohol and Ozempic may lead to blood sugar dysregulation. If you are unsure how much alcohol is too much for your condition and medications, consult your healthcare provider. 

Bottom line

Ozempic is an injectable diabetes medication that can be taken with or without food. Wegovy, an injectable weight loss drug with the same active ingredient, can also be taken with or without food. Ozempic decreases the appetite, so it’s important to eat a healthy diet while taking this medication so your body gets the nutrients it needs. Focus on nutrient-dense foods, such as whole grains. Avoid sugary, fatty foods, and limit alcohol consumption. If you have concerns about Ozempic or potential side effects of Ozempic, talk to your healthcare provider.