Ozempic Interactions: Alcohol, Food, And Other Drugs

Key Takeaways 

• Ozempic (semaglutide) interacts with alcohol, certain medications, and supplements, which may increase side effects and impact blood glucose levels.
• Some medications, including insulin and antibiotics, may heighten the risk of low blood sugar when combined with Ozempic.
• Some supplements like chromium and gymnema could interfere with blood sugar control when taken alongside Ozempic. 

 {{mid-cta}}

‍

Ozempic, the brand name for Semaglutide, has been popular for managing type 2 diabetes or prediabetes for years but recently became a booming drug for weight loss as well after its FDA approval. While it's highly effective for weight loss, it's important to understand how it interacts with other supplements, substances, and medication that you might be taking.¹ 

Specifically, we want to look for anything that could increase the risk of low blood sugar levels or negative side effects. Whether you've been newly prescribed medication or want to understand more about how it works and potential interactions, we're breaking down the most common medications, interactions, and side effects and providing some practical tips to help you navigate them with confidence. 

What Is Ozempic? 

Ozempic is a prescription medication primarily used to manage blood sugar and support weight loss for those with obesity. It works by mimicking a hormone called GLP-1 which helps us regulate blood sugar levels, slow digestion to feel more full, and reduce appetite, signaling in the brain. 

GLP-1, Short for glucagon-like peptide-1, Is a hormone that helps regulate blood sugar levels by stimulating insulin, reducing blood sugar release from our liver, and generally slowing down digestion to feel more full. GLP-1 agonists like Ozempic and other related drugs like Wegovy mimic these effects and help increase the same side effects. 

Ozempic is an injectable medication that may be contraindicated in folks who have a family history of thyroid cancer like medullary thyroid carcinoma, those with Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia syndrome, or specific medical conditions like pancreatitis. It just became approved for people with kidney problems like chronic kidney disease. There may be a positive benefit for folks with a cardiovascular history of heart disease or a heart attack. It may not be a good fit for those with Type 1 diabetes, depending on your unique health history.¹

Ozempic and Alcohol 

Even if you're not on Ozempic, alcohol has a low blood sugar risk. When we drink alcohol, our body pauses digestion and our typical food processing to prioritize, removing alcohol through the liver. As a result, blood sugar levels can drop.² 

When combined with Ozempic, it can increase the risk of these side effects, plus there may be some other concerns as Ozempic also reduces appetite; you may not be eating as much when you are drinking alcohol, which can increase your risk of low blood sugar further.³ 

When combined with Ozempic, alcohol may increase the risk of adverse effects, such as: 

• Low Blood Sugar: Both alcohol and Ozempic can lower blood sugar, which may lead to dizziness, confusion, and even loss of consciousness in extreme situations. 
• Worsened Gastrointestinal Symptoms: Ozempic can cause nausea, constipation, and vomiting for some, and alcohol may intensify these effects. 
• Impact on Weight Loss Efforts: Since Ozempic helps regulate appetite, the calories in alcohol—especially sugary cocktails—may counteract its effects by increasing calorie intake. 

If you take Ozempic, we recommend that you consume alcohol in moderation or consult a healthcare professional about safe drinking practices for your personal situation. 

<div class="pro-tip"><strong>Also Read: </strong><a href=why-am-i-not-losing-weight-on-ozempic>Why Am I Not Losing Weight on Ozempic?</a>.</div>

Ozempic and Other Drugs 

Ozempic may interact with certain prescription drugs, potentially increasing the risk of side effects or altering how well the drugs work. Specifically, medications that can lower blood sugar in addition to Ozempic should be considered for their potential drug interactions.^{4, 5} 

Here are some common medications that may interact with Ozempic or impact side effects of Ozempic: 

• Insulin: Combining Ozempic with insulin increases the risk of dangerously low blood sugar levels, so close monitoring is required. 
• Sulfonylureas: These oral medications for type 2 diabetes lower blood sugar, and using them with Ozempic may amplify this effect, leading to hypoglycemia. These are medications like glipizide, glimepiride, or glyburide. 
• Antibiotics: Some antibiotics can affect blood sugar levels, which may cause fluctuations when taken alongside Ozempic. If your doctor prescribes an antibiotic, ensure you communicate that you are on Ozempic. 
• Antimalarial Drugs: These medications can impact blood sugar regulation, increasing the risk of blood sugar swings.
• Blood Pressure Medications: Beta-blockers or one type of blood pressure medication that may mask symptoms of low blood sugar, making it harder to recognize a hypoglycemic episode. 
• Antidepressants: Some antidepressants in the SSRIs and MAOIs categories may alter blood sugar levels, potentially affecting Ozempic’s effectiveness. 
• Thyroid Medications: Ozempic may slow digestion, impacting the absorption of certain thyroid medications that should not be taken with food. 

If you take any of these medications, check with your doctor for medical advice to determine if adjustments are needed when using Ozempic. 

Ozempic and Food Supplements 

Dietary supplements may seem harmless—and many are helpful—but certain supplements or nutrients can lower blood sugar levels and interact with or compound Ozempic’s effects. 

Here are a few supplements to be mindful of for their contraindications or potential impact on low blood sugar: 

• Chromium: Often used for blood sugar control, chromium may improve your insulin sensitivity and lower blood sugar, increasing your risk of hypoglycemia when combined with Ozempic.⁶ 
• Gymnema: This herbal supplement can reduce blood sugar levels, potentially leading to low blood sugar when taken with Ozempic.⁷ 
• Banaba: Banaba has been shown to lower blood sugar and if combined with Ozempic, may contribute to its side effects.⁸ 
• Berberine: Known for its blood sugar-lowering properties, berberine may interact with Ozempic and cause drops in glucose levels.⁹ 
• Aloe Vera Supplements: Some aloe vera supplements have been linked to reduced blood sugar levels, which may contribute to low blood sugar drops when used with Ozempic.¹⁰ 

The Bottom Line 

Ozempic is here to stay after becoming one of the most popular drugs for weight loss in the last couple of years. While it is incredibly effective, it's important to understand medication and supplement interactions to responsibly take care of yourself while on Ozempic. 

If you notice symptoms of low blood sugar, like dizziness, shakiness, or lightheadedness, it's important to talk to your doctor about your low blood sugar risk and if you have any potential medication supplement or alcohol interactions.

Learn More About the Signos CGM Program

If you like to learn more about healthy eating and nutrition, check out our blog and see how Signos may be able to help improve your health. Take our quick quiz to see if Signos is a good fit for you!

<div class="pro-tip"><strong>Learn More: </strong><a href=ozempic-vs-rybelsus>Ozempic vs Rybelsus: Which Is Better for You?</a>.</div>