Vomiting Every Morning on Ozempic? Here’s What to Do

Key takeaways:

• The most common side effects of Ozempic® are gastrointestinal. They include nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.
• Nausea and vomiting with Ozempic® (semaglutide) begin in the first eight weeks and last about eight days.
• Nausea and vomiting increase with dose escalation and higher doses. You may be able to minimize side effects by working with your doctor.

The most commonly reported side effects in patients taking Ozempic® (semaglutide) are gastrointestinal and include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and constipation. In clinical trials, nausea was reported by as many as 20% of patients taking semaglutide for type 2 diabetes.

Vomiting is more common when patients receive higher doses of Ozempic® and may increase as your doctor increases the dosage amounts. Symptoms last a median time of eight days. They usually resolve within a few weeks as your body adjusts to the medication.

As a result, vomiting every morning on Ozempic® is most likely to occur shortly after you begin taking the medication or switch to a higher dose. If vomiting persists and worsens, consult your doctor so that you can determine what’s causing your symptoms and how to stop them.

Is it normal to vomit every morning on Ozempic®?

Vomiting and nausea are known adverse effects of Ozempic®. In some cases, vomiting may indeed occur in the morning. Vomiting occurs in less than 1 in 10 individuals who are taking Ozempic® and usually resolves on its own within a week or two. However, daily vomiting that lingers past this point may be a sign that something about your treatment plan needs to change.

Some individuals find that adjusting the timing of their Ozempic® dose can help reduce nausea. Taking the medication during meals or just before bedtime might alleviate these unpleasant side effects for certain patients.

Administering the treatment at bedtime could allow you to sleep through the hours when nausea tends to be most intense. However, discussing any alteration in your dosing schedule with your doctor is critical. Be sure to consult your doctor before altering your dosing schedule.

Red flags for vomiting on Ozempic®

Although most nausea and vomiting while on Ozempic® is usually mild, you should watch for red flags that can be a sign of a more serious complication. Serious gastrointestinal complications include pancreatitis and gastroparesis.

Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas. It results in upper abdominal pain that may radiate to your back, fever, and an increased heart rate. Gastroparesis refers to paralysis of the bowel. This can result in bowel obstruction and perforation. Symptoms include feeling full right after eating and vomiting undigested food.

Red flags to watch for that may indicate an infection or gastrointestinal complications include:

• Pain and tenderness in the upper abdomen
• Fever
• Severe persistent nausea and vomiting
• Bloating
• Constipation
• Heartburn

Signs of an allergic reaction should also prompt you to go to the emergency department, including:

• Hives or a rash
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Dizziness or fainting
• Swelling in your lips

Causes of vomiting every morning on Ozempic®

Ozempic®, or semaglutide, is an injectable drug. It treats type 2 diabetes and is FDA-approved for weight loss. It is a part of the medication class known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists. These medications mimic the action of a natural hormone, glucagon.

Ozempic® increases insulin secretion, reduces glucagon release, and slows gastric emptying. Nausea and vomiting associated with semaglutide are primarily due to these mechanisms. The medication slows gastric emptying, which can result in increased gastrointestinal pressure. It can also cause fluctuations in blood sugar, which might also prompt nausea and vomiting.

When you should see a doctor about vomiting every morning on Ozempic®

If you develop nausea and vomiting when you take Ozempic, you should be aware that these effects are usually short-lived.

However, in some cases, nausea and vomiting while taking Ozempic® may be a sign of a more severe condition. If your symptoms don’t respond to at-home treatment or seem to get worse as time goes on, it’s probably time to speak to your doctor.

You should see a doctor if you have one of the following:

• Persistent nausea and vomiting that lasts longer than a week or ten days
• Bloating sensation
• Constipation
• Heartburn
• Swings in blood glucose levels

You should go to the emergency room if you experience one of the following symptoms:

• Pain and tenderness in the upper abdomen
• Fever
• Severe persistent nausea and vomiting
• Hives
• Difficulty breathing
• Swelling in your lips
• Shortness of breath

Questions to ask your doctor about vomiting on Ozempic®

• How common are nausea and vomiting with Ozempic®?
• How long do nausea and vomiting last after beginning Ozempic®?
• Can the medication dose or timing be adjusted to reduce the risk of nausea and vomiting?
• Are there treatment options I can pursue instead if I experience nausea and vomiting with Ozempic®?

Treatment options for vomiting every morning on Ozempic®

There are several treatment options if you experience nausea and vomiting with Ozempic®, many of which you can access right from your home.

Ginger

People have used ginger for centuries to relieve nausea. Consider sipping on ginger-containing beverages, like tea, or use ginger chews to ease your stomach.

Peppermint

Inhaling peppermint can reduce nausea. Peppermint tea is a great way to achieve this, as the warm liquid can also help you soothe an irritated stomach as you sip it.

Prescription antiemetics

There are several medications that your doctor can prescribe to relieve nausea and vomiting. These include ondansetron, metoclopramide, and prochlorperazine.

Hydration

Fluids can help with nausea, and it’s important to stay hydrated if you experience vomiting. Sip on clear fluids throughout the day to offset any that you’ve lost.

How to prevent or reduce vomiting every morning on Ozempic®

Several strategies can prevent or reduce vomiting while you are on Ozempic®. You should discuss these strategies with your doctor before making any adjustments.

Adjust the timing of your dose

Adjusting the time of day that you inject Ozempic® can reduce morning nausea and vomiting.

Administering the treatment at bedtime could allow you to sleep through the hours when nausea tends to be most intense. But it's crucial not to alter your dosing schedule without first consulting your doctor.

Reduce the dose

Nausea and vomiting are associated with higher doses. Most doctors will try to increase the dose gradually, but if you have severe or persistent nausea and vomiting, your doctor may reduce the dose.

Take Ozempic® with food

It can be helpful to take Ozempic® on a full stomach. Many doctors recommend taking Ozempic® with a healthy snack. However, it’s best to avoid fried foods, sweets, and large meals, all of which can be irritating to your stomach.

Frequently asked questions: vomiting on Ozempic®

Nausea and vomiting occur often with Ozempic®. Here are some questions for your doctor about starting treatment with semaglutide.

How long do nausea and vomiting typically last while on Ozempic®?

Nausea and vomiting usually occur in the first eight to twelve weeks of treatment or with a dose increase. They are generally mild to moderate and last a median time of eight days.

What foods can you avoid to stop vomiting on Ozempic®?

You should avoid greasy foods and fried foods. Bland foods are less likely to contribute to nausea and vomiting. Consider foods like crackers and rice.

What should you eat when Ozempic® makes you vomit?

If you are nauseous or vomiting, you should stick to clear liquids and bland foods. Be sure to hydrate by drinking water throughout the day.

Read our guide on what to eat or drink after vomiting for more.

What to remember about nausea and vomiting with Ozempic®

Gastrointestinal side effects, including nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, are the most common adverse effects reported by patients who take Ozempic®. Nausea and vomiting usually occur in the first eight to twelve weeks of therapy.

They resolve as your body develops tolerance, usually in a week or so. If you find yourself vomiting every morning while taking Ozempic®, home remedies like sipping on ginger or peppermint beverages and sticking to a bland diet can help. However, if your symptoms persist or get worse, it’s best to consult your healthcare provider to learn what to do next.

General Medicine follows a strict editorial process, including using real experts to write our articles, vetted primary sources, fact-checking, a secondary medical review, and updates as necessary. This article was medically reviewed and fact checked by Dr. Lane Thaut, DO.

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