Although research shows that Ozempic may not interact with alcohol directly, your doctor may recommend limiting the amount you consume during your Ozempic treatment.
Whether you receive Ozempic for type 2 diabetes, kidney disease (if you also have type 2 diabetes), or off-label for weight loss, you may wonder how drinking alcohol may affect the drug. (Off-label use is when doctors prescribe a drug for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.)
If you drink alcohol, you might not have to completely avoid it during Ozempic treatment. But it’s important to note that combining the two may raise the risk of certain side effects.
Another connection between Ozempic and alcohol is that for some people, receiving the drug may reduce cravings for alcohol.
Keep reading to learn more. For a detailed overview of the drug, see this in-depth Ozempic article.
Ozempic and alcohol can cause some similar side effects. So, drinking alcohol during Ozempic treatment could raise the risk of having these side effects or worsen the side effects you experience.
Examples of these side effects include:
- constipation
- diarrhea
- abdominal pain
- vomiting
- nausea
- hypoglycemia (low blood sugar)
Note: The risk of hypoglycemia from combining Ozempic and alcohol is greater for people with type 2 diabetes than for people who don’t have diabetes and receive the drug off-label for weight loss. Talk with your doctor to learn more.
One way Ozempic works is by slowing food movement through your stomach. This means that food and drinks remain in your stomach for longer. If combined with alcohol, this can cause digestive side effects such as nausea or vomiting.
The fact that Ozempic slows the emptying of your stomach, plus its effect on blood sugar, could contribute to a hangover if you combine the drug with alcohol.
Another side effect of Ozempic is an increased risk of pancreatitis. This condition can also occur with chronic (long-term) alcohol use. To lower the risk of pancreatitis, avoid heavy alcohol use during Ozempic treatment.
If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor about how much may be safe for you to drink while receiving Ozempic.
In addition to suppressing appetite, Ozempic may curb cravings for alcohol in some people.
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The study also found a 40% lower rate of opioid overdose among people with opioid use disorder who received GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic.
Experts said these study results are promising, but more research is necessary into the connection between GLP-1s and decreased cravings for alcohol and opioids.
If you drink alcohol and your doctor prescribes Ozempic, talk with them about whether it’s safe to consume alcohol with your condition and treatment plan. You can also ask about your specific risk of experiencing side effects if you combine Ozempic and alcohol.
If you’d like more information about the possible effects Ozempic may have on cravings for alcohol, talk with your doctor.