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How to stop taking Ozempic safely

A gradual tapering approach is the best way to minimize withdrawal symptoms
Heidi Borst
By | Oct. 22, 2024 Medically reviewed by Marissa Walsh, Pharm.D., BCPS-AQ ID
Injector pens wrapped in measuring tape | How to stop taking ozempic safely

Key takeaways

  • Consult your healthcare provider before stopping Ozempic for a tailored plan that accounts for the duration of treatment, weight or diabetes management goals, and potential side effects.

  • A gradual tapering approach is the safest way to stop Ozempic and minimize withdrawal symptoms.

  • It’s normal to experience fluctuations in appetite and blood sugar levels when stopping Ozempic. Focusing on lifestyle changes like exercise and diet is essential to support your health after discontinuation.

  • Regular support from your healthcare provider is essential for managing side effects and minimizing health risks during the transition.

In this article:

You’ve probably heard the buzz about Ozempic (active ingredient semaglutide), a popular brand name, FDA-approved Type 2 diabetes medication that’s also used off-label for weight loss. Like Mounjaro, Saxenda, Zepbound, and Wegovy, the prescription medication belongs to a class of drugs known as glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists, or GLP-1 receptor agonists, that work by mimicking the effects of a hormone called GLP-1 to regulate blood sugar levels. Ozempic, administered as a weekly injection, can also promote weight loss by signaling fullness in the brain and slowing digestion.

If you want to stop taking Ozempic, it’s important to do so slowly under the guidance of a healthcare professional. Here’s what to expect when stopping Ozempic and how to do it safely.

Why people stop taking Ozempic

Most patients choose to stop taking semaglutide injections like Ozempic when they can’t manage the side effects, says Michael Baumholtz, MD, head plastic surgeon at San Antonio Gynecomastia Center in Texas. The most common Ozempic side effects are gastrointestinal, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, digestive discomfort, abdominal pain, and constipation.

Whether you’re taking Ozempic for weight management or blood sugar control, it works best when combined with lifestyle changes like a healthy diet and regular physical activity. Incorporating these habits into your daily routine is key to sustained results, regardless of your goals.

“Patients may choose to stop taking Ozempic if they’ve reached their weight loss or health goals and have found other ways to manage it off of medication,” Dr. Baumholtz says. If you feel that you can control your blood sugar levels or body weight without Ozempic and want to go off of the medication, discuss the best way to do so with your healthcare provider.

Once you start taking Ozempic, you don’t have to stay on it for life. While treatment duration varies, Dr. Baumholtz says many patients remain on it for months to years, depending on their weight loss goals and health conditions.

RELATED: What’s the best diabetes diet plan?

How to stop Ozempic safely

When you stop taking Ozempic, Dr. Baumholtz says it’s common to experience increased appetite, which can lead to weight regain. Blood sugar levels may also rise, especially in patients with Type 2 diabetes. Since semaglutide reduces the risk of major cardiovascular events (heart attack, stroke, or death) in individuals with Type 2 diabetes and heart disease, stopping the medication can lead to an increased risk of these complications.

The best approach to stopping Ozempic is tailored to your circumstances and health goals, says Michael O. McKinney, MD, a weight-loss physician at Healthy Outlook in Jacksonville, Florida. He emphasizes seeking medical advice from your provider, who can help determine the most appropriate treatment plan based on your specific health needs and medical history. They will also consider factors like duration of treatment, weight management goals, and potential side effects, adds Dr. Baumholtz.

To avoid Ozempic withdrawal symptoms, Dr. McKinney recommends a gradual tapering of the medication. For example, if you’re used to taking a 2 mg weekly dose of Ozempic, abruptly discontinuing the medication can lead to sharp appetite spikes and blood sugar fluctuations. Lowering the dose slowly each week under a healthcare provider’s supervision can minimize these effects.

If you’re worried about regaining weight after stopping Ozempic, having a plan to maintain a healthy lifestyle during this transition can help.

RELATED: 8 Ozempic savings tips

Can you take a break from Ozempic?

According to Dr. McKinney, Ozempic has a half-life of approximately one week, which means it takes about five weeks for the drug to be fully eliminated from your system. He adds that skipping one dose of Ozempic, which translates to a one-week break, is generally not recommended without consulting a healthcare provider. That said, taking an Ozempic break is possible, but it is essential to understand the implications for blood sugar control and weight management—and work closely with your healthcare provider.

Dr. Baumholtz points out that depending on the duration of the break, you may experience the same side effects as stopping the medication entirely. He says that’s especially true if lifestyle changes aren’t maintained.

  • Weight gain: Since Ozempic helps control hunger and promotes satiety, stopping the medication might increase calorie intake if not appropriately managed. It’s common to experience an increase in appetite and food cravings, which can lead to weight regain.
  • Blood sugar fluctuations: If you’re taking Ozempic for Type 2 diabetes management, taking a break may lead to fluctuations in these levels, especially if you don’t have alternative blood sugar management interventions in place. It’s essential to monitor blood glucose levels closely during any break.

RELATED: 4 ways to save on weight loss medications

Managing the transition off Ozempic

Successfully transitioning off Ozempic involves more than just stopping the medication, says Dr. McKinney. He recommends the following strategies:

  • Get regular exercise: Consistent physical activity supports healthy blood sugar levels, a healthy weight, and overall health.
  • Eat a healthy diet: A nutritious, balanced diet can help you manage blood sugar levels without medication and maintain a healthy weight.
  • Reach out for support: Regularly check in with your healthcare provider for guidance.

The bottom line

While you may be tempted to take an unscheduled Ozempic break, it’s not a good idea—stopping Ozempic safely requires careful planning and monitoring, urges Dr. McKinney. Continuous health monitoring is crucial to ensure your long-term well-being. By maintaining open communication with your healthcare provider and making necessary lifestyle adjustments, you can stop taking Ozempic safely.

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