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How to get Ozempic out of your system faster

Although you can’t necessarily get Ozempic out of your system faster, you can expect Ozempic side effects to improve once you stop taking it
Karen Berger medical writer and reviewer headshot
By | Oct. 25, 2024
An Ozempic pen: How to get Ozempic out of your system faster

Key takeaways

  • Ozempic takes approximately approximately 35 days to be almost completely cleared from your system.

  • There is no method to speed up the process of clearing Ozempic from your body.

  • To manage side effects like nausea, diarrhea, and constipation, follow recommended strategies such as improving eating habits, staying hydrated, and adjusting your diet as needed.

  • Always seek advice from your healthcare provider before making any changes to your medication or treatment plan, especially if you experience worsening symptoms or need adjustments in your diabetes management.

In this article:

Ozempic is a prescription medication that is classified in a group of drugs called glucagon-like peptide-1 GLP-1 agonists. Ozempic, which contains the active ingredient semaglutide, is administered once a week by subcutaneous injection (under the skin) and is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for controlling blood glucose in people with Type 2 diabetes. Ozempic is also FDA approved to reduce the risk of major cardiovascular events, such as heart attack, stroke, or death, in adults with both Type 2 diabetes and cardiovascular disease. Healthcare providers may also prescribe Ozempic off-label (for a non-FDA-approved use) for weight loss, in people with obesity or overweight with risk factors (such as high blood pressure or high cholesterol). Ozempic is made by Novo Nordisk.

If you are taking Ozempic, you might wonder how long it stays in your system (especially if you are experiencing bothersome side effects), and if there is a way to help clear it from your body faster. Although it can take weeks to leave the system completely, there are strategies to manage side effects while your body clears the medication. 

How long does it take for Ozempic to get out of your system?

Ozempic can take up to five weeks to fully leave the body, and unfortunately, there is no way to speed up this process. To fully understand how long it takes for the body to eliminate Ozempic, it is helpful to understand what a drug’s half-life is. Every drug has a specific half-life—the time it takes for about half of the drug to leave the body. Some drugs are eliminated faster than others, but it generally takes about five half-lives for a drug to be almost completely eliminated from the body. 

The half-life of Ozempic is approximately seven days (one week). This means that for the drug to be almost completely out of the body, it could take up to 35 days (five half-lives multiplied by seven days) after the last dose of Ozempic. It is important to note that this elimination process begins only after the last dose of the medication. If you continue to take the drug, it will remain in your system and prolong the elimination period.

Is it possible to get medication out of your system faster?

The elimination of a drug from your body follows a natural timeline determined by factors such as the specific drug’s:

  • Half-life (the time it takes for about half of the drug to leave your body)
  • Metabolism (the process by which your body breaks down the drug)
  • Excretion (the removal of the drug from your body, such as through urine or feces)

Generally, there is no guaranteed way to significantly speed up this process.

For certain medications, specific reversal agents or antidotes can expedite the process. For example, Narcan (naloxone) is a drug used to quickly reverse opioid overdoses. However, these types of drugs are typically available only for specific situations and are not applicable to all medications.

How to get Ozempic out of your system faster

You may wonder if there are ways to speed up the process of getting Ozempic out of your system, especially if you are experiencing side effects or other concerns. Unfortunately, there is no proven way to speed up the elimination of Ozempic from your body.

In most cases, the body will eliminate the drug at its own pace. If you are experiencing side effects or have concerns about a medication, it is best to consult your healthcare provider. They can offer medical advice based on your specific situation and the medication you are taking.

How to manage Ozempic side effects

Stomach-related side effects are common in people who take Ozempic, and most commonly include:

  • Nausea 
  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea or constipation
  • Abdominal pain 

The duration of these side effects can vary. While some people experience them for a short amount of time, others experience them for a longer period. Severity may vary also. For example, some people may experience mild nausea, while others may have frequent diarrhea.

Ozempic is prescribed on a specific schedule with a gradual dosage increase, allowing your body to adjust to the medication and potentially reducing gastrointestinal side effects. In general, to further reduce the likelihood of stomach-related side effects, experts recommend the following tips:

  • Improve eating habits. Eat slowly, consume food only when hungry, be mindful of portion sizes, avoid distractions while eating, and stop eating when you start to feel full.
  • Consider the types of foods you eat. Choose easily digestible, bland foods that are lower in fat. Opt for healthier cooking methods, such as boiling instead of frying. Increase your fluid intake, particularly with clear beverages like water.
  • Keep a food diary. Track your meals and snacks to help identify any foods that might trigger side effects.
  • Exercise. Consult with your healthcare professional before starting any new exercise regimen to ensure it is appropriate for your condition.

There are also ways to manage specific side effects of Ozempic:

  • Nausea or vomiting: Try eating bland foods such as crackers or apples, and drink clear liquids like ginger ale. Staying hydrated is important, and avoiding strong smells may help reduce nausea.
  • Diarrhea: Drink plenty of fluids to prevent dehydration. Adding a teaspoon of baking soda to a glass of water may help balance electrolytes. Although high-fiber foods like vegetables and whole grains are healthy, you should avoid them if you have diarrhea. Until your diarrhea subsides, choose low-fiber options such as soup broth and rice.
  • Constipation: High-fiber foods may aggravate diarrhea, but they can relieve and prevent constipation. You should also drink plenty of fluids, including water and other non-sugary beverages. Regular physical activity can also help. If constipation persists, consult your healthcare provider about using an over-the-counter (OTC) stool softener.

Always consult your healthcare provider if your symptoms worsen or fail to improve or if you have any other concerns about your treatment. They can provide personalized advice and ensure your treatment plan is adjusted as needed.

In addition to the common side effects, listed above, Ozempic can also cause serious side effects, which may include:

GLP-1 agonists and other medications that contain semaglutide, such as Wegovy and Rybelsus, have been associated with thyroid tumors in animal clinical trials. It is not known if thyroid cancer can develop in humans due to these medicines, but people who take Ozempic should be alert to symptoms of thyroid cancer and notify their healthcare provider right away if they experience difficulty swallowing or breathing, hoarseness, or a lump in the throat.

What happens when you stop taking Ozempic

When discontinuing Ozempic under the guidance of a healthcare provider, it is important to be aware of several considerations. While Ozempic is not expected to cause withdrawal symptoms, stopping the medication may lead to a loss of its beneficial effects on blood sugar control and weight management.

Blood sugar management

When you stop taking Ozempic, you may experience increased blood sugar levels. If you have Type 2 diabetes your healthcare provider will likely recommend a different treatment to help you manage your blood sugar effectively. This may involve lifestyle changes such as adjusting your diet, exercising more, or trying other medications.

Weight management

If you are using Ozempic for Type 2 diabetes and have experienced weight loss, or if it is prescribed off-label for weight loss, it’s important to continue healthy habits such as a balanced diet and regular exercise even after stopping the medication. Without these changes, you might see some weight gain.

In some cases, you may need to stop taking Ozempic—or you may only need a dosage adjustment. Consult your healthcare provider for medical advice before making any changes to your treatment. Always make your healthcare provider aware of any medical conditions you have, including if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as well as all of the medications you take, including prescription drugs, OTC medicines, and vitamins or supplements.