Weight Loss

What Medications Interact With Semaglutide?

Emily Mullins

by Emily Mullins

March 5, 2024 06:24 pm ET Estimated Read Time: 4 Minutes
Medically reviewed by Dr. Carlie Bell
Posted on03/05/2024

Semaglutide, also known by the brand names Ozempic, Rybelsus, and Wegovy, is a diabetes medication part of a class of drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), which help the body regulate blood sugar levels by stimulating the release of insulin and lowering glucose. Additionally, this medication helps patients lower their risks of heart attacks, strokes, and other cardiovascular issues.

Over the last few years, semaglutide has gained an increasing amount of attention for something besides diabetes management–namely, weight loss. Those who are overweight or obese have an increased risk of developing type II diabetes, but the effects of semaglutide have a noticeable impact on overall weight when combined with a healthy diet and exercise routine.

Semaglutide is only approved for weight loss under its generic name or the brand name Wegovy. Patients who use semaglutide for weight loss can lose up to 20% of their body fat, and the risk of side effects is relatively low. However, there is some potential for health problems, including gastrointestinal issues, headaches, dizziness, fatigue, and other minor symptoms. Fortunately, more severe side effects are rare.

Some of the most significant risks come from semaglutide interacting with other medications a patient may be taking. Interactions happen when two medications or substances combine in problematic ways. If you’re interested in trying semaglutide for weight loss, read on to learn more about how it can potentially interact with a number of other substances and medications to avoid harm.

Semaglutide and Alcohol

Fortunately, the risk of interactions between semaglutide and alcohol is relatively low. It’s not recommended to consume large amounts of alcohol while taking semaglutide, but it doesn’t necessarily come with many significant side effects either.

The largest risk associated with semaglutide and alcohol is that your blood sugar levels may be affected, as alcohol can cause these to go up or down and may lead to semaglutide not working as effectively as it should.

To avoid this, discuss your alcohol consumption with your doctor to determine how much, if any, is safe to use while on semaglutide.

Interactions with Prescription Medications

There are currently 251 known drugs that interact with semaglutide, with interactions ranging from very mild to more severe.

Two major interactions occur with bexarotene and gatifloxacin. Taking semaglutide with either of these should be completely avoided, as it can cause pancreatitis or blood sugar issues. There are 248 drugs that cause moderate interactions, some of which include insulin medications, sulfonylureas, and oral medications like sitagliptin (Januvia) and phenytoin (Dilantin). These may cause interactions that lead to hypoglycemia or make one or both drugs less effective.

Some of the most common drugs that interact with semaglutide include:

  • over-the-counter allergy medications like Benadryl, Theraflu, or NyQuil
  • acetaminophen
  • EpiPen
  • certain birth control pills
  • ibuprofen
  • Prednisone
  • mood stabilizers

For a full list of drugs with moderate interactions, click here.

Only one drug, dexamethasone ophthalmic, causes minor interactions with semaglutide.

Since semaglutide is still a relatively new medication, more research is needed to fully understand the potential implications of these interactions. However, it’s vital to let your doctor know about any medications you are taking before starting semaglutide.

Natural Supplements and Semaglutide

It’s not just prescription drugs that can cause interactions with semaglutide–natural substances like supplements or herbs can also lead to potential issues. These include:

  • prickly pear cactus
  • bitter melon
  • gymnema
  • banaba
  • white mulberry
  • chromium
  • alpha-lipoic acid

All of the minerals, herbs, and supplements listed above may cause hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) if taken with semaglutide.

The Bottom Line

The easiest way to prevent interactions is to let your doctor know about any supplements or medications you take before starting semaglutide. They can warn you about potential side effects or help you create an action plan to avoid health problems from occurring.

By negating these health issues and following a successful weight loss routine, you’re likely going to be pleased with your results while on semaglutide. Thousands of Americans have already found success by using this new, revolutionary weight-loss drug, and there are ways to safely incorporate it into your daily or weekly routine. In no time, you’ll be feeling happier, healthier, and more active than ever.

Citations 

1. Alorfi, N. M., & Algarni, A. S. (2022). Clinical Impact of Semaglutide, a Glucagon-Like Peptide-1 Receptor Agonist, on Obesity Management: A Review. Clinical Pharmacology: Advances and Applications, 14, 61–67.

2. https://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/semaglutide,ozempic-index.html?filter=3

3. Richards, J. R., Dorand, M. F., Royal, K., Mnajjed, L., Paszkowiak, M., & Simmons, W. K. (2023). Significant Decrease in Alcohol Use Disorder Symptoms Secondary to Semaglutide Therapy for Weight Loss: A Case Series. The Journal of Clinical Psychiatry, 85(1), 23m15068.

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