Clinical Data & Patient Experiences
Last Updated: January 16, 2026 | Source: FDA Prescribing Information + Patient Discussion Analysis
Adverse reactions from SUSTAIN trials for type 2 diabetes.
| Adverse Reaction | Placebo | 0.5mg | 1mg |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nausea | 6.1% | 15.8% | 20.3% |
| Vomiting | 2.3% | 5.0% | 9.2% |
| Diarrhea | 1.9% | 8.5% | 8.8% |
| Abdominal Pain | 4.6% | 7.3% | 5.7% |
| Constipation | 1.5% | 5.0% | 3.1% |
Source: FDA Prescribing Information for Ozempic (semaglutide)
Patient-reported experiences and clinical data.
Note: Patient-reported patterns are general guidance — consult your clinician for personal advice.
Clinical: 15-20% depending on dose
Nausea typically peaks 2-4 days post-injection, especially during dose increases.
Tolerance typically builds over several weeks, and symptoms that feel disruptive in the first month often become much more manageable as the body adjusts to each dose level.
Relief: Ondansetron, ginger, small frequent meals
Read the full nausea management guideClinical: Listed as "eructation" 1-2.7%
Sulfur burps are a common side effect—burps that taste like rotten eggs.
Sulfur burps often appear before broader GI upset, so paying attention to triggering foods when they start may help head off worse symptoms.
Triggers: Fatty foods, eggs, dairy, overeating
Clinical: Not in trials; added post-marketing
Typically appears 3-6 months after starting, likely related to rapid weight loss (telogen effluvium).
Dermatologists commonly distinguish this pattern from a direct medication side effect, identifying it as telogen effluvium linked to the pace of weight loss rather than the drug itself.
Management: Adequate protein (60-80g/day), biotin, multivitamin
Medical Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only. Consult your healthcare provider.
Sources: FDA Prescribing Information, patient-reported experiences
