The 4 Medications Associated with Ozempic Interactions - GoodRx (2024)

Ozempic (semaglutide) is a popular once-weekly injectable used to treat Type 2 diabetes. It works by stimulating insulin release after meals and blocking sugar production by the liver. It also slows down how fast your stomach empties. These effects can help balance your blood sugar. But if you’re taking multiple medications, they can also cause drug interactions.

Most commonly, Ozempic interactions can result in low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). This risk is highest when it’s taken with insulin and insulin-releasing medications. In other cases, Ozempic may affect how your body absorbs medications that you take by mouth.

Several of these interactions can be managed up front. So, as you’re getting started on Ozempic — or adding another medication to it — your healthcare provider may make some adjustments ahead of time. Below, we’ll review four important Ozempic interactions you should know about.

1. Insulin

If you’re taking insulin as part of your treatment plan, your healthcare provider may also add Ozempic to the mix. However, this combination can increase your risk of hypoglycemia.

When taken on its own, Ozempic doesn’t usually cause hypoglycemia. That’s because it stimulates your pancreas to release insulin in response to food. But the insulin you inject works to lower your blood sugar even if you haven’t eaten. When taken together, your blood sugar levels could drop too low. If this happens, you may feel shaky, anxious, or sweaty.

Your healthcare provider may manage this interaction ahead of time when you’re starting either medication. This includes lowering your Ozempic or insulin dosage to prevent hypoglycemia.

It’s also a good idea to check your blood sugar regularly during treatment. Let your healthcare provider know if your readings are too high or too low. Your medications can be adjusted to help keep your blood sugar in your target range.

2. Sulfonylureas

Sulfonylureas are oral pills that are used to treat Type 2 diabetes. Examples include medications like glipizide (Glucotrol), glimepiride (Amaryl), and glyburide (Diabeta, Glynase).

Sulfonylureas also work by telling your pancreas to produce insulin. But unlike Ozempic, this happens whether you’ve eaten or not. They also help your body use insulin more effectively. Because of how they work, the most common sulfonylurea side effect is hypoglycemia.

Combining Ozempic with a sulfonylurea can increase the risk of hypoglycemia. So, your healthcare provider will likely take the same precautions as with insulin.

Tell your healthcare provider if you’re experiencing hypoglycemia episodes with this combination. They may further adjust your sulfonylurea dose.

3. Glinides

Glinides are a class of oral medications used to treat Type 2 diabetes. Examples include repaglinide and nateglinide (Starlix). Similar to sulfonylureas, glinides work by telling your pancreas to release insulin. But they work faster and for a shorter period of time, so they’re taken before each meal.

The interaction between Ozempic and glinides is similar to insulin and sulfonylureas. This combination can increase your risk of hypoglycemia. And your healthcare provider may manage this interaction in a similar way.

4. Oral medications

One of the ways Ozempic works to lower blood sugar is by slowing the passage of food out of the stomach. This causes a slow rise in blood sugar over time, rather than sharp spikes in blood sugar. It can also cause you to feel full sooner when eating. So, you tend to eat less when taking Ozempic.

However, slowed stomach emptying may also affect how you absorb certain oral medications. While studies with Ozempic haven’t shown this to be a problem, it’s still best to be cautious. Your healthcare provider can determine how this interaction may potentially affect you.

When should I contact my healthcare provider about an Ozempic interaction?

Contact your healthcare provider or pharmacist if you’re worried about Ozempic interactions. Even though they’re likely aware of potential interactions with your current medications, it doesn’t hurt to double-check.

Your healthcare provider will likely address potential interactions before prescribing Ozempic. Be sure to show them a current medication list. That way, they know which medications, supplements, and over-the-counter products you’re taking.

Hypoglycemia is the main issue to watch out for with Ozempic interactions. Symptoms include shakiness, sweating, and fast heart beat. Dizziness and weakness are common, too.

If you have a blood sugar reading below 70 mg/dL, follow your healthcare provider’s instructions. Consuming 15 grams of fast sugar (like 4 glucose tablets or a half cup fruit juice), is a good way to get your blood sugar up quickly. If your blood sugar is below 55 mg/dL, you may need immediate medical attention. Someone should call 911 if you’re confused, have trouble walking, or if you pass out.