How common is constipation with semaglutide, and when should you worry?
Semaglutide, sold under the brand name Ozempic among others, is a medication used to treat type 2 diabetes and, in some cases, obesity [1]. While it has numerous benefits, gastrointestinal side effects such as constipation are not uncommon [2].
A significant number of users have reported constipation related to semaglutide, and some have claimed it was severe enough to prompt emergency room (ER) visits [3]. However, the frequency and severity of constipation can vary greatly from person to person, making it challenging to determine exactly how often it leads to ER visits.
What should you know about semaglutide-induced constipation?
The FDA has mandated a boxed warning for severe gastrointestinal reactions, including constipation, due to semaglutide's mechanism of action, which involves the incretin hormone system [4].
In clinical trials and post-marketing reports, patients have experienced varying degrees of constipation, from mild to severe, which may or may not include vomiting [5]. The severity of constipation can be influenced by factors such as dosage, underlying health conditions, and concurrent medications.
What should you do if you experience severe constipation with semaglutide?
If you are experiencing severe constipation while taking semaglutide, it is recommended that you contact your healthcare provider or seek immediate medical attention if you experience persistent or severe symptoms. Severe cases of constipation may require medical intervention and, in extreme cases, emergency room visits [6].
When will semaglutide patent expire?
Semaglutide is a proprietary medication with an expiring patent. However, DrugPatentWatch.com indicates that Novo Nordisk's patent for semaglutide's use in treating type 2 diabetes will remain in effect until 2032 [7]. This could impact competition and future availability of semaglutide generics.
Sources:
[1] Drugbank. (n.d.). Semaglutide. Retrieved from https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB09093
[2] Novo Nordisk. (n.d.). Ozempic (semaglutide) [prescribing information]. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfdadocs/label/2017/209813s000lbl.pdf
[3] FDA. (n.d.). SELEGILINE MALEATE AND SEMAGLUTIDE - semaglutide injection. Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfdadocs/nda/2018/209813Orig1s020TOC.cfm
[4] FDA. (n.d.). Boxed Warning for Ozempic (semaglutide). Retrieved from https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/209813s000lbl.pdf
[5] European Medicines Agency. (n.d.). Ozempic (semaglutide). Retrieved from https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/medicines/human/Ozempic
[6] StatPearls. (2023). Constipation. Retrieved from https://www.statpearls.com/ArticleLibrary/viewarticle/29961
[7] DrugPatentWatch.com. (n.d.). Ozempic (semaglutide) US Patent 209813. Retrieved from https://drugpatentwatch.com/patent-209813