How Long Can You Take Ozempic?

If you take Ozempic for type 2 diabetes or weight loss, you may wonder if you’ll have to take Ozempic forever to maintain your results.

Virta member Dan was able to lose a significant amount of weight taking Ozempic, but he learned that the medication isn’t a “magic bullet.” Realizing he needed to change his diet to achieve lasting results, Dan joined Virta. Now, he feels better than ever, walking six to eight miles a day.

So, how long should you stay on Ozempic and what are the potential long-term benefits and side effects? Read on to learn more.

How long can you be on Ozempic for type 2 diabetes?

Currently, there’s no definitive amount of time you should take Ozempic if you have type 2 diabetes. Many experts and clinical guidance suggest that long-term use of Ozempic is appropriate if the medication is effective and side effects are tolerable. The most common side effects include:

• Stomach pain
• Constipation
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Diarrhea

Ask your healthcare provider how long you should stay on Ozempic and always talk to your provider before starting or stopping a prescription medication like Ozempic.

How long can you be on Ozempic for weight loss?

While Ozempic isn’t technically a weight-loss drug, instead prescribed to help manage type 2 diabetes, weight loss is a common side effect. Again, there’s no set amount of time you should or shouldn’t take Ozempic for weight loss. However, if you experience severe side effects, you and your provider may decide you should stop taking the drug.

How long do most people take Ozempic?

There’s no specific recommended amount of time to take Ozempic. Current research suggests it can be taken long-term. Ask your doctor about what’s right for you.  

How long has Ozempic been on the market?

Ozempic received Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval in December 2017.

Potential Benefits of Long-Term Ozempic Use

The potential benefits of long-term Ozempic use include:

• Lower risk of cardiovascular events like heart attack, stroke or death in those with heart disease.
• Decreased blood sugar levels.
• Lower A1C.
• Decreased risk of worsening kidney disease and kidney failure.
• Lower risk of death from cardiovascular disease in people with chronic kidney disease.
• Weight loss, which which is associated with improved markers for metabolic health

Potential Long-Term Side Effects of Ozempic

While Ozempic can be beneficial for some individuals, like most drugs, it can come with side effects. Many side effects are short-term and get better over time or if you stop taking the drug.

During clinical trials, some long-term side effects were reported, though many were rare and it’s unclear if they were caused by Ozempic:

•  Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis)
• Temporary or permanent kidney damage caused by dehydration from diarrhea and vomiting (acute kidney injury)
• Vision issues like light sensitivity, vision loss, blurry vision, color distortion and floating spots
• Gallstones and gallbladder disease
• Thyroid tumors, including cancer
• Severe stomach problems

The Takeaway

While Ozempic can help you get control of your type 2 diabetes and lose weight, it’s not a one-size-fits-all solution. Making healthy lifestyle changes remains essential, regardless of whether you take a GLP-1 like Ozempic.

If you are diagnosed with type 2 diabetes and want to live a healthier lifestyle, Virta Health may be able to help. By making healthy lifestyle changes in a medical setting with supportive resources like 1:1 virtual coaching, you can regain control of your health and feel like yourself again. See if you’re eligible for Virta Health here.