Ozempic and alcohol: Can they be used together?

If you’re living with type 2 diabetes, you’ll know that managing your condition requires a certain level of discipline, including sticking to a healthy diet and exercise regime, monitoring your blood sugar levels regularly and taking your diabetes medication as prescribed. One medication that has become increasingly popular is Ozempic, a once-weekly injection, prescribed to help lower blood sugar levels. But what happens if you want to have a drink while taking this medication? In this post, we’ll discuss the resulting effects on the body if Ozempic is taken with alcohol.

What is Ozempic?

Before we dive into the effects of taking Ozempic and alcohol together, let’s first understand what Ozempic is and how it works in the body.

Ozempic is a brand name prescription drug containing the active ingredient semaglutide. It is a diabetes drug used to control high blood sugar in the body. It is a glucagon-like peptide-1, GLP-1 receptor agonist that works by increasing insulin production in the body, reducing appetite and slowing digestion. Eating food or having an empty stomach does not affect the way Ozempic works.

It is administered once a week as a subcutaneous injection. The recommended injection sites are the thigh, abdomen or upper arm. This medication is typically used in combination with lifestyle changes to manage blood glucose levels in patients with type 2 diabetes. Many people may be taking Ozempic along with other diabetes medications, such as insulin or metformin. Ozempic can not be used to treat type 1 diabetes.

Its efficacy has been demonstrated in clinical studies, with some patients experiencing weight loss as well. In the market, semaglutide is sold as Ozempic for diabetes treatment and as Wegovy for obesity to help people with weight loss, as it may reduce appetite. In addition, Ozempic can also help reduce the risk of heart attacks, strokes and other cardiovascular events in people with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease.

Can I enjoy a drink while on Ozempic medication?

The short answer is yes: You can drink alcohol while taking Ozempic. It is highly advisable to seek medical advice before consuming alcohol whilst taking Ozempic. Most healthcare professionals will not recommend alcohol and Ozempic together. There are numerous reasons for this cautionary measure that we will look at in the next section.

If you decide to drink alcohol with Ozempic here are some steps you can take to keep yourself safe:

• Understand how your body reacts to alcohol
• Consult your doctor
• Limit your alcohol intake
• Choose your drinks wisely
• Know the signs of hypoglycemia

What happens if I drink alcohol while taking Ozempic?

Increased Risk of Hypoglycemia

The combination of Ozempic and excessive alcohol can increase a patient’s risk for hypoglycemia. Hypoglycemia is a condition where the blood sugar level drops below normal levels. Symptoms of low blood sugar include anxiety, behaviour change similar to being drunk, blurred vision, cold sweats, confusion, weakness and nausea.

While alcohol does not contain carbohydrates, it is known to affect blood sugar levels in the body. When alcohol is consumed, the liver is unable to produce glucose, which can cause low blood sugar levels. When this happens, the body may release more insulin, which can cause blood sugar levels to plummet even further. Moreover, hypoglycemia can lead to more severe medical conditions if not treated promptly.

Reduced Liver Functioning

Reduced liver functioning due to alcohol use is a serious concern, especially when taking medication like Ozempic. The liver is responsible for metabolising and detoxifying substances in the body, including alcohol and medications. When the liver is overworked or damaged, it may not be able to process these substances effectively, leading to potential side effects and complications.

It is essential to prioritise liver health and avoid excessive alcohol consumption, especially when taking medications like Ozempic, to ensure the best possible outcomes for your overall health and wellbeing.

Pancreatitis

Pancreatitis is a condition that causes inflammation in the pancreas. Alcohol use is one of the leading causes of pancreatitis and is also a rare but serious side effect reported with Ozempic. When you consume alcohol, it can cause the digestive enzymes inside your pancreas to activate too soon. This can lead to inflammation and swelling, which can cause pain and discomfort. In some cases, pancreatitis can become chronic and cause long-term damage to your pancreas.

This condition can be incredibly painful and can lead to hospitalisation. Ozempic can also increase the risk of developing pancreatitis, and taking the medication with alcohol only increases this risk further. Thus, drinking alcohol while taking Ozempic is not recommended.

Gastrointestinal Problems

Taking Ozempic with alcohol can also lead to gastrointestinal distress. Alcohol can exacerbate the common side effects of Ozempic, which include nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation and stomach pain. Side effects of alcohol can also increase, including dizziness, nausea and headaches. For these reasons, it’s important to avoid alcohol while taking Ozempic or any other medication. Patients who experience these symptoms must immediately seek medical attention.

Dehydration

Alcohol is a diuretic that can increase the risk of dehydration, when combined with Ozempic, this risk can become even more significant. Dehydration can cause a whole host of symptoms, including dizziness, headache and even fainting.

Other health conditions

Alcohol consumption can affect overall health, including obesity, high blood pressure and an increased risk of heart disease. These health issues can be particularly concerning for patients with diabetes who are at higher risk for these conditions. Therefore it is essential to limit alcohol consumption while taking Ozempic or any other medication for diabetes management.

Who should avoid using Ozempic?

If you’re considering trying Ozempic it’s important to know who should avoid using this medication. Generally, Ozempic is not recommended for people with:

• A personal or history of multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2
• A personal or family history of thyroid cancer
• Those who have a severe gastrointestinal disease or gastric bypass surgery
• Those who have had a serious allergic reaction to semaglutide, the active ingredient in Ozempic, or any of its ingredients
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women and children under the age of 18
• A certain eye problem (diabetic retinopathy)
• If you have a kidney problem, such as chronic kidney disease
• Gallbladder disease

The key to safe and effective drug use is seeking advice from healthcare professionals. When it comes to taking Ozempic and considering factors like drug interactions, supplements, over-the-counter meds and alcohol intake, consulting with your healthcare provider is crucial. Not only are they the most reliable and accurate source of medical advice, but they can also provide you with thorough drug information for each drug you take. They can help you understand the risks and benefits of this medication and determine if it’s appropriate for your individual needs.

Sources

• Ozempic – Ozempic
• Consequences of Alcohol Use in Diabetics – NIH
• Alcoholic Pancreatitis – NIH
• Type 2 diabetes drug Ozempic now available in UK – Diabetes