Can Ozempic Cause Ulcers?

Ozempic has emerged as a revolutionary medication, transforming the lives of those managing type 2 diabetes and, for many, aiding in significant weight loss. Known scientifically as semaglutide, this once-weekly injection has garnered praise for its effectiveness and convenience. However, with its rise in popularity, questions about potential side effects have surfaced.

One concern that occasionally bubbles up is: Can Ozempic cause ulcers? Ulcers—painful sores in the stomach or intestines—carry a serious reputation, so it’s natural to wonder if this drug could be a culprit.

In this article, we’ll explore whether there’s a link between Ozempic and ulcers, delving into clinical data, user experiences, and expert insights. We’ll also cover how Ozempic works, its known side effects, and what to do if you’re worried about digestive issues. By the end, you’ll have a clear, balanced perspective on this question and feel equipped to discuss it with your healthcare provider.

What Is Ozempic and How Does It Work?

Ozempic belongs to a class of medications called GLP-1 receptor agonists. It mimics the action of glucagon-like peptide-1, a hormone that regulates blood sugar, slows digestion, and curbs appetite.

For people with type 2 diabetes, it boosts insulin release when glucose levels rise, helping maintain control. Its appetite-suppressing effect also makes it a popular choice for weight loss, even off-label.

Administered via a pre-filled pen, Ozempic is injected weekly into the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm. Since its FDA approval in 2017, it’s become a go-to option for its dual benefits and ease of use. But its impact on the digestive system raises the question: Can Ozempic cause ulcers? To answer, we need to look at its effects on the gut and beyond.

Common Side Effects of Ozempic

Ozempic’s side effects are well-documented, with most tied to its influence on digestion. Understanding these helps frame whether ulcers might fit into the picture.

Nausea is the most reported issue, affecting up to 20% of users, especially when starting or increasing the dose. Vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain follow close behind.

These effects stem from Ozempic slowing gastric emptying—food lingers longer in the stomach, which can irritate the digestive tract. Most people adjust over time, but these symptoms can feel intense at first.

Less common side effects include constipation, fatigue, or mild reactions at the injection site. Serious risks like pancreatitis or gallbladder problems are rare but notable. Ulcers, however, don’t appear on the standard list. So, can Ozempic cause ulcers as a direct effect? Let’s dig deeper.

Ulcers Explained: What Are They?

Ulcers are open sores that develop on the lining of the stomach (gastric ulcers) or the upper small intestine (duodenal ulcers).

They often result from an imbalance between stomach acid and protective mucus, leading to erosion of the tissue. Common causes include Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacteria, frequent use of NSAIDs like ibuprofen, or excessive acid production triggered by stress or diet.

Symptoms include burning stomach pain, bloating, nausea, or, in severe cases, bleeding or perforation. Given Ozempic’s gastrointestinal focus, it’s reasonable to wonder if it could tip the scales toward ulcer formation. But is there evidence to support this?

Can Ozempic Cause Ulcers? The Clinical Evidence

Official Data and Trials

According to Ozempic’s prescribing information and clinical trials, ulcers aren’t listed as a recognized side effect. The SUSTAIN trials, which tested semaglutide in thousands of patients, focused on blood sugar control, weight loss, and cardiovascular outcomes.

Gastrointestinal complaints like nausea and vomiting were prevalent, but peptic ulcers—gastric or duodenal—didn’t emerge as a significant concern.

The FDA’s adverse event database, updated through March 2025, also doesn’t flag ulcers as a common issue with Ozempic. Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) and gallbladder disease appear as rare risks, but ulcers remain absent from the official narrative. This suggests that, clinically, Ozempic doesn’t cause ulcers in a direct, widespread way.

Gastrointestinal Impact

Still, Ozempic’s mechanism—slowing stomach emptying and altering acid dynamics—could theoretically stress the digestive lining. Prolonged food retention might increase acid exposure in some people, a known ulcer risk factor. Yet, studies haven’t linked this to actual ulcer formation, even in long-term users.

User Reports and Anecdotal Evidence

While clinical data leans toward “no,” some Ozempic users tell a different story. Online forums and social media platforms like Reddit and X occasionally feature posts about stomach pain or ulcer-like symptoms. A few users describe persistent burning or discomfort, wondering aloud, “Can Ozempic cause ulcers?” Others report worsening acid reflux, which can mimic or precede ulcers.

These anecdotes are sparse and lack medical confirmation—self-diagnosis is common online. Most complaints align with Ozempic’s known effects (e.g., nausea or gastritis) rather than confirmed ulcers. Without endoscopic evidence, it’s hard to say if these are true ulcers or simply irritation misattributed to something more severe.

Possible Connections: Why the Concern Exists

Even if ulcers aren’t an official side effect, certain factors might fuel the question: Can Ozempic cause ulcers?

Digestive Irritation

Ozempic’s slowing of gastric emptying can lead to food and acid lingering in the stomach longer than usual. In theory, this could irritate the stomach lining, especially in those prone to acid sensitivity. Gastritis—inflammation of the stomach lining—is a reported side effect and might feel similar to an ulcer, blurring the lines for some users.

Pre-Existing Conditions

People with a history of ulcers, H. pylori, or heavy NSAID use might be more vulnerable to digestive issues on Ozempic. The drug itself may not cause ulcers, but it could exacerbate underlying weaknesses, making symptoms flare. This overlap could explain why some suspect a connection.

Misinterpretation of Symptoms

Abdominal pain or nausea from Ozempic might be mistaken for ulcer symptoms. Pancreatitis, a rare but serious risk, also causes severe stomach pain, which could be confused with an ulcer without proper diagnosis. This highlights the need for medical evaluation over assumption.

Comparing Ozempic to Other GLP-1 Agonists

If ulcers were a class-wide issue, we’d see similar concerns with drugs like Trulicity or Wegovy (another semaglutide formulation). Yet, ulcers don’t stand out in their profiles either. Wegovy, used at higher doses for weight loss (up to 2.4 mg vs. Ozempic’s 2 mg max), shares the same gastrointestinal side effects—nausea, vomiting, etc.—but ulcer reports remain negligible.

This consistency suggests that if Ozempic contributes to ulcers, it’s likely an outlier reaction rather than a hallmark of GLP-1 agonists. Individual sensitivity or coexisting factors seem more plausible than a direct drug effect.

What to Do If You Suspect Ulcers on Ozempic

If you’re on Ozempic and experiencing persistent stomach pain, burning, or other ulcer-like symptoms, don’t ignore it. Start by tracking when it happens—after meals, at night, or tied to your injection day. Note any blood in your stool or vomit, as these signal urgent issues.

Contact your doctor promptly. They might order tests like an endoscopy to check for ulcers or H. pylori, or adjust your Ozempic dose (e.g., dropping from 1 mg to 0.5 mg) to see if symptoms ease. They’ll also rule out pancreatitis or other causes. Avoid self-medicating with antacids long-term without guidance—it might mask a bigger problem.

In the meantime, eat small, bland meals and avoid alcohol, caffeine, or NSAIDs, which can worsen stomach irritation. Hydration helps too, especially if diarrhea is a factor.

Managing Ozempic’s Digestive Side Effects

Ulcers or not, Ozempic’s gut effects can be challenging. Start at the recommended 0.25 mg dose for four weeks to let your body adjust. If nausea hits, sip water or try ginger. Injecting at night might shift discomfort away from daytime hours.

Talk to your doctor about persistent issues—they might suggest a slower dose increase or anti-nausea meds. Pairing Ozempic with a balanced diet (low in spicy or fatty foods) can also ease digestive strain. Patience is key—most side effects fade with time.

Conclusion

So, can Ozempic cause ulcers? Based on clinical evidence, the answer is no—ulcers aren’t a documented side effect in trials or official data.

User reports hint at digestive woes that might feel like ulcers, but these are likely tied to Ozempic’s known effects (e.g., gastritis or nausea) rather than actual sores. Pre-existing conditions or misread symptoms could fuel the confusion, but no clear link exists.

Ozempic remains a powerhouse for diabetes and weight management, with benefits often outweighing its temporary digestive hiccups. If you’re concerned about ulcers or any odd symptoms, consult your doctor. With their help, you can navigate Ozempic’s perks while keeping your gut in check.

FAQs

Are ulcers a common Ozempic side effect?

No, ulcers aren’t listed as a common or official side effect in clinical trials or FDA data—gastrointestinal issues like nausea dominate instead.

What should I do if I think Ozempic is causing an ulcer?

Track your symptoms and see your doctor. They can test for ulcers or adjust your treatment to pinpoint the cause.

Can Ozempic worsen existing ulcers?

It’s possible—slowed digestion might irritate a pre-existing ulcer, but there’s no evidence it causes new ones.

How can I tell if it’s an ulcer or just Ozempic side effects?

Ulcer pain often feels like a burning sensation that persists, unlike temporary nausea. A doctor’s diagnosis via endoscopy is the surest way to know.

Does the Ozempic dose affect ulcer risk?

There’s no data tying higher doses (e.g., 2 mg) to ulcers, though digestive side effects might intensify with dose increases.