Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Ozempic? Here's What Dietitians Say

About 42% of U.S. adults have obesity, according to the National Institutes of Health.  And it seems like new diet trends that promise rapid weight loss pop up online every week. Whether it’s the keto diet, Oatzempic TikTok trend or intermittent fasting, there’s no shortage of suggestions on social media and otherwise. 

In the sea of fad diets and trends, some science-backed prescription medications have also gained traction and popularity, including Ozempic. Ozempic is an injectable medication that works as a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP-1 agonist). This means it activates GLP-1 receptors in your pancreas, which leads the body to release insulin and lower blood glucose levels. In 2017, it was approved by the Food and Drug Administration to be prescribed for those with diabetes. Along with lowering blood sugar levels, it may also support weight loss. According to a 2022 cohort study in JAMA, patients taking semaglutide (the active drug in Ozempic) experienced an average body fat percentage reduction of nearly 11% after six months of use.

But is it safe to drink alcohol while taking Ozempic? What are the potential red flags to watch out for? Are there long-term risks associated with Ozempic and alcohol consumption? Keep reading to find out.

Can You Drink Alcohol While Taking Ozempic?

While alcohol is safe to drink while taking Ozempic, it’s best to limit your consumption as it can pose some potential risks. Drinking alcohol while taking Ozempic may result in the following.

You may experience reduced liver function.

Melissa Mitri, RD, a registered dietitian and nutrition writer, says, “Your liver plays a vital role in balancing blood sugar levels, but it’s not always good at multitasking. When you drink alcohol, it enters your liver to metabolize, and this job takes priority. So your liver may not be not able to effectively balance blood sugar at the same time.”

Mixing alcohol with Ozempic could strain your liver, potentially leading to reduced liver function. This is because both alcohol and Ozempic can affect liver enzymes, and combining them may exacerbate these effects.

Your blood sugar levels may fluctuate.

Ozempic helps regulate blood sugar levels, but alcohol can interfere with this process, leading to spikes or drops in blood sugar levels. According to the American Diabetes Association, drinking alcohol can increase your risk for hypoglycemia (dangerously low blood sugar levels). 

“Hypoglycemia may be a concern for anyone who is drinking while taking Ozempic, but especially for those already taking blood-sugar-lowering medications,” says Mitri. “It’s essential to monitor your blood sugar levels, avoid drinking on an empty stomach and speak to your doctor regarding alcohol use.”

You might worsen gastrointestinal issues.

According to the NIH, alcohol can irritate the gastrointestinal tract and worsen symptoms such as nausea, vomiting or diarrhea, especially in those who may already be experiencing similar issues as side effects of using Ozempic. Additionally, alcohol can interfere with the absorption of medications, potentially reducing the effectiveness of Ozempic.

“When you consume alcohol, it enters your digestive system and irritates your stomach lining. Therefore, if you drink alcohol while taking Ozempic, you may exacerbate digestive side effects, like delayed gastric emptying (slowed digestion) already occurring from the medication,” explains Mitri.

You may reduce weight loss.

Since alcohol contains 7 calories per gram, regularly consuming it in excess can result in unintentional weight gain. Mitri shares, “Research suggests that heavy drinking is associated with overweight and obesity, which is why drinking in moderation is important.” Mitri adds that drinking can also impact the food choices we make, which may also impact weight-loss efforts over time. 

Official Guidelines and Warnings

The FDA has warned consumers about counterfeit Ozempic injections circulating within the U.S. drug supply chain. Novo Nordisk, the manufacturer of Ozempic, is collaborating with the FDA to investigate and address the presence of counterfeit semaglutide injectable products in the market. 

These counterfeit products pose potential risks due to uncertain identity, quality and safety. The FDA advises retail pharmacies to get their Ozempic from authorized distributors of Novo Nordisk only and encourages patients to verify the legitimacy of their medication before use.

Novo Nordisk has also announced plans to study the potential effects of semaglutide on alcohol consumption. This initiative comes in response to anecdotal reports suggesting taking Ozempic may help reduce alcohol cravings. The upcoming clinical trial will examine the medication’s effects on liver health as well as any associated changes in alcohol consumption. 

While Novo Nordisk acknowledges the need for further research on Ozempic and alcohol consumption, this study is a step in the right direction toward better understanding the relationship between Ozempic and alcohol.

Moderation and Safety Tips

Here are some safety tips for keeping your alcohol intake in moderation while taking Ozempic, according to Mitri.

Drink slowly and with food.

If you decide to drink alcohol, sip your drink slowly. Research suggests that slowing down your drinking gives your body more time to process the alcohol, and you’re more likely to drink less.

“Health experts and the alcohol industry recommend eating a meal while drinking to decrease the risk of side effects,” says Mitri. “While the research on this recommendation is inconsistent, eating with your drink may help you slow down your drinking rate.”

Stay hydrated.

Alcohol is a diuretic, meaning it increases your urine production, which can lead to dehydration. As a rule of thumb, Mitri recommends drinking an 8-ounce glass of water for every alcoholic drink. Doing this can also slow down your drinking and help you consume less alcohol overall.

Consider nonalcoholic alternatives.

Incorporating nonalcoholic beverages like mocktails or kombucha can help you stick with a safe amount of alcohol while taking Ozempic. Mitri says, “If you’re at a restaurant, consider checking the menu and ordering a nonalcohol beverage. Many restaurants have excellent and tasty alcohol-free options.” Or if you want to make your own at home, try these 14 Summer Mocktails to Keep You Hydrated for Mocktail Summer.

The Bottom Line

Ozempic is an injectable diabetes medication that, while effective for weight loss, may pose potential health risks when combined with alcohol. These risks include reduced liver function, fluctuating blood sugar levels, gastrointestinal issues and counteracted weight-loss benefits. Additionally, the FDA warns against counterfeit Ozempic injections circulating in the drug supply chain. Novo Nordisk, Ozempic’s manufacturer, has a clinical trial planned to study the effects of semaglutide (the active drug in Ozempic) on alcohol consumption to help better understand this relationship. Moderation and safety tips include drinking slowly with food, staying hydrated and enjoying nonalcoholic alternatives. Speak with your health care provider if you have any questions or concerns about alcohol consumption while taking Ozempic.