Ozempic Pancreatitis Symptoms & How To Prevent

Ozempic (semaglutide) is an FDA-approved prescription medication for Type 2 diabetes. It also helps with weight loss and is found to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events such as stroke, heart attack or death in adults. In 2025, Ozempic (semaglutide) is the only GLP-1-receptive agonist with FDA approval to reduce the risk of worsening kidney disease. 

It is often prescribed off-label for weight management for adults living with obesity or overweight due to its effectiveness in inducing substantial weight loss when coupled with a calorie-deficit diet and regular exercise. However, Ozempic has its set of initial and sometimes serious side effects. 

Though the risk is low, there are reports of Ozempic causing acute pancreatitis in individuals. Dawn Gentle, who was taking Ozempic for managing Type-2 diabetes for 3 years straight from 2018 to 2021, experienced the symptoms of acute pancreatitis and was immediately asked to stop Ozempic use. Read the story here!  

This blog outlines the importance of considering the potential risk of pancreatitis with Ozempic and lists Ozempic pancreatitis symptoms to look out for when taking the medication, although they may not occur in most cases!  

What is Pancreatitis? 

Pancreatitis is a painful condition that causes inflammation of the pancreas and significant damage to the organ. The immune system generally causes pancreatitis, which often leads to swelling and pain. 

An inflamed pancreas in the abdomen disrupts its crucial functions of producing digestive enzymes and regulating blood sugar levels through insulin production. There are two main types of pancreatitis –

• Acute Pancreatitis – In this, the pancreas is inflamed temporarily. The condition emerges suddenly without premonition and typically lasts for a short time. It may also improve without any medical intervention.
• Chronic Pancreatitis – This causes the pancreas to stay inflamed for long and the damage to the organs gets worse over time. It can lead to life-threatening complications if not treated. 

Risk of Pancreatitis with Ozempic

In a few cases, Ozempic use has been reported to cause acute pancreatitis. This side-effect of semaglutide is rare but a serious one. To understand why pancreatitis can occur with Ozempic, you need to know the mechanism of Ozempic in managing Type-2 diabetes. 

Ozempic (semaglutide) is a GLP-1 receptor agonist that stimulates the pancreas to make insulin. When this medication is administrated to an inflamed pancreas, it aggravates the existing condition and causes complications. 

In Gentle’s case mentioned above, she found this side effect when she was rushed to the emergency room and was immediately asked about the medication she was taking for diabetes. ‘When I informed the doctor about taking Ozempic, he said to ‘stop taking that drug right away.’ It had caused my pancreatitis,” she said and it was valid for her case. However, in globally conducted clinical trials, semaglutide therapy showed no association with an increased risk of acute pancreatitis (OR 0.7; 95% CI 0.5–1.2, I2 0%).

The exact reason for this Ozempic side effect is not fully understood. Still, the potential risk of developing pancreatitis with Ozempic use in individuals with a history of pancreatitis or gallstones can’t be taken lightly. 

Symptoms of Pancreatitis 

Moderate to severe abdominal pain that radiates to your back is a clear indicator of pancreatitis. Your abdomen may feel tender to the touch. You may notice more pain after meals. Moreover, some people experience constant pain as well.

The other symptoms of pancreatitis include:

• Upper abdominal pain (worsening after eating)
• Nausea and vomiting
• Upset stomach
• Rapid heart rate
• Fever
• Yellowing of skin & eyes 
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss 
• Greasy stools 

Seek immediate medical assistance if you notice these symptoms right away.

When to Call Your Doctor?

It is common to experience temporary side effects when starting Ozempic, as it takes time for your body to adjust to the medication. However, you must consult your doctor immediately if you experience new or worsening abdominal pain or if you experience pancreatitis symptoms. 

This will allow for an early diagnosis of your condition and establish whether Ozempic, used for weight loss and managing Type 2 diabetes, is suitable for your biochemistry.

Management of Pancreatitis 

The treatment for pancreatitis depends on its severity. To assess its seriousness, your doctor may recommend blood tests, ultrasounds, CT scans, MRIs, stool tests and more. Treatment may also involve hospitalization, pain medication and intravenous fluids. 

You must follow the doctor’s instructions for managing pancreatitis, adhering to the dietary and lifestyle changes they recommend and attending all follow-up appointments so that your condition is monitored well. 

Preventing Pancreatitis with Ozempic

You can easily prevent Pancreatitis with Ozempic by being transparent with your healthcare provider about your medical history. Before starting Ozempic, your doctor must know if you have suffered from pancreatitis or gallstones. 

Even if you have no history of the disease, you can avoid such complications by following the doctor’s dosage instructions and adhering to dietary recommendations. If pancreatitis develops, stopping Ozempic may be necessary, and your doctor may recommend an alternative medication suitable for your condition.

Ozempic-induced Pancreatitis – Who is most at risk?

Prior History of Pancreatitis – Individuals with a previous diagnosis of pancreatitis are at an increased risk of developing the condition again with Ozempic use.

Gallbladder Issues – People with a history of gallstones, biliary colic or other gallbladder problems are at a greater risk of pancreatitis while on Ozempic.

High triglyceride levels – Elevated blood triglycerides can increase the risk of pancreatitis.

Alcohol Use – Excessive alcohol consumption is a known risk factor for pancreatitis.

The use of medications such as azathioprine, thiazides, furosemide, estrogens, and certain antibiotics can also increase the risk of pancreatitis when combined with Ozempic. 

Final Words From Pandameds.Com 

Ozempic is found to pose a pancreatitis risk in individuals who have a pre-existing condition or a history of pancreatitis or gallstones. You must see your healthcare provider immediately if any Ozempic pancreatitis symptoms occur. 

For Ozempic to be a game-changer in your fitness journey and yield substantial weight loss results, take it under your doctor’s supervision, accompanied by the recommended lifestyle changes, such as a low-calorie diet and more movement.