What happens if you overdose on Ozempic?

As Ozempic (semaglutide) use has surged, reports of overdoses have also risen sharply. Overdose incidents involving semaglutide increased by 1,500% in 2023, with cases continuing to grow in 2024.

Understanding the risks of taking too much Ozempic, and recognizing the signs of an overdose,is essential for safe use.

Can You Overdose on Ozempic?

Yes, it is possible to overdose on medications like Ozempic. While an Ozempic overdose is unlikely to be fatal, it can cause severe symptoms that may require hospitalization.

Most often, an overdose occurs when someone accidentally takes a double dose or the wrong amount of medication. Brand-name medications like Ozempic typically come in pre-filled pens, which help reduce the risk of overdosing, but mistakes still happen—especially if someone takes their injection twice by accident or increases their dosage too soon.

Many of these cases involve dosing errors, with some patients unintentionally administering 5 to 20 times the intended dose!

Signs of Ozempic Overdose

If you’re worried you may have accidentally overdosed, you want to keep an eye out for the symptoms of Ozempic overdose.

Most commonly, you will experience the same symptoms as with a standard dose, but they may be more severe. The FDA noted that reported symptoms included:

Nausea
Vomiting
Abdominal pain
Headache

You may also have an increased risk of hypoglycemia or symptoms that mimic low blood sugar:

Dizziness or feeling confused
Feeling shaky or jittery
Weakness
Extreme nausea or vomiting
Fainting or loss of consciousness

How to Reverse Ozempic Overdose

If you believe you are currently experiencing Ozempic overdose symptoms, you will want to take immediate action. The good news is, unless symptoms are severe, you likely won’t require hospitalization.

Do NOT induce vomiting. If you are not currently vomiting, do NOT attempt to induce it unless you are prompted to by a healthcare provider. Ozempic is an injected medication, not an ingested medication. Vomiting will not lessen the amount in your bloodstream.
Monitor your symptoms. It is important to monitor your symptoms and watch for the signs of Ozempic overdose if you are worried you took too much of the medication. If symptoms get more severe or you start showing signs of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), proceed to the next step.
Contact healthcare professionals. If you think you’ve taken too much Ozempic (semaglutide) and you’re experiencing worrying symptoms, contact your doctor immediately. If you are experiencing severe symptoms, then call 911 or head to your nearest emergency room.

Ozempic overdose treatment

There is no standard Ozempic overdose treatment. The care you receive will vary based on the symptoms you are experiencing. Healthcare providers may focus on managing the symptoms and providing supportive care.

If you require hospitalization, this may include monitoring your vital signs, administering intravenous fluids, or addressing any gastrointestinal distress.

If hospitalization is not required, it’s crucial to follow the advice of your healthcare provider. You should, of course, continue to monitor your symptoms. Always reach out to your healthcare provider if you have any concerns or if your symptoms worsen.

The best thing you can do? Stay hydrated.

Gastrointestinal symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea can lead to severe dehydration. Dehydration on its own can cause health problems, but it can also increase the likelihood of developing more severe Ozempic side effects.

Be sure to drink plenty of fluids and monitor your symptoms closely..

How to avoid an accidental overdose of Ozempic

While an accidental overdose of Ozempic may not be fatal, it is still unpleasant and has the potential to cause long-term issues—especially if you overdose regularly. Here are some key tips to help you stay on track:

Follow the Ozempic dosing schedule set by your healthcare professional. This ensures that you receive the correct amount of medication at the appropriate times. Do not make adjustments to your dosing on your own—this must be discussed and approved by a healthcare provider.
Track your injection schedule. Keeping a record of your injections can help you stay organized and prevent accidental double doses. Consider using a calendar, a medication tracking app, or setting reminders on your phone. If you need to change the day you take Ozempic, follow these guidelines.
Pay attention to the measurements. How could anyone possibly inject 5 to 20 times the intended dose? It’s easier than you think—if you’re not paying attention. If you use a multidose vial, the measurements matter. Typically doses are measured in milligrams, NOT milliliters. But, the injection needles are typically measured in milliliters, so be careful. Pulling 1 milliliter instead of 0.1 milliliters can lead to extreme overdoses. Always double-check your measurements to ensure you’re administering the correct dose.

Stay connected and avoid an accidental overdose of Ozempic

Staying connected to a healthcare professional is an important part of your treatment plan. Telehealth platforms like Heally make it easy to maintain that connection, allowing you to consult with your provider from the comfort of your home.

It’s essential to follow your doctor’s treatment plans. If you have any questions or confusion, reach out promptly to avoid mistakes that can lead to an overdose.

Have a safer and more effective health journey. Register with Heally today!

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Important Medical Information and Disclaimers

MEDICAL DISCLAIMER: This content is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Ozempic (for type 2 diabetes) and Wegovy (for chronic weight management) are FDA‑approved semaglutide medications. Ozempic was approved in 2017 for the treatment of type 2 diabetes in adults; Wegovy received FDA approval in 2021 for weight loss in adults and teens with obesity or overweight, and in 2024 gained additional approval to help reduce cardiovascular risk in adults with obesity or overweight and heart disease. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting any treatment involving semaglutide.

INDIVIDUAL RESULTS VARY: How individuals respond to semaglutide differs widely. Factors such as dosage (Ozempic versus higher-dose Wegovy), treatment adherence, diet, physical activity, age, metabolism, existing medical conditions, and overall wellbeing can all influence outcomes.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION:

Common side effects (≥5% of users): nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, decreased appetite, headache, fatigue, and injection-site reactions—reported with both Ozempic and Wegovy.
Serious side effects: include acute pancreatitis; gallbladder disease (such as cholelithiasis); acute kidney injury; hypoglycemia in individuals with type 2 diabetes; ileus or gastroparesis leading to bowel obstruction; and severe allergic or injection-site reactions.
Thyroid considerations: In rodent studies, semaglutide was associated with thyroid C‑cell tumors; whether this applies to humans is unclear. Semaglutide is contraindicated in people with a personal or family history of medullary thyroid carcinoma (MTC) or multiple endocrine neoplasia syndrome type 2 (MEN 2).
Unapproved compounded products warning: The FDA has issued alerts about unapproved semaglutide formulations marketed for weight loss; these may lack proven safety, consistency, or efficacy and are not substitutions for FDA‑approved medications.

FDA ADVERSE EVENT REPORTING: If you experience negative side effects, you are encouraged to report them to the FDA via MedWatch: visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1‑800‑FDA‑1088.