Ozempic (semaglutide) does not interact directly with alcohol (ethanol).
However, Ozempic alcohol interaction can result in very unpleasant cumulative effects.
They occur when one substance enhances the negative influence of another.
Ozempic and alcohol use can result in hypoglycemia (lowering sugar levels) or hyperglycemia (increased blood sugar levels).
Ozempic lowers blood sugar levels. Alcohol increases it in small doses. That is, there is a balance.
However, on the contrary, large doses of ethanol reduce the blood sugar concentration to critical values, especially in people with diabetes.
Therefore, the general recommendations when taking Ozempic include the advice to refrain from drinking alcoholic beverages during the entire period of treatment.
Doctors recommend refraining from taking ozempic and alcohol if you have:
- diabetes mellitus of any type;
- lipidosis with a high level of triglycerides;
- neuropathy;
- pancreatitis.
Can you drink alcohol while taking Ozempic
Doctors give an affirmative answer to the question, taking ozempic, can you drink alcohol. They say that alcohol intake is still possible in small doses during the treatment with ozempic.
So, you, probably wonder “Can I drink wine while on Ozempic?”. Yes, you can consume not only wine, but there are certain limits to this. They recommend limiting the consumption of alcoholic beverages to one serving per day for women and two for men. Based on the calculation that one serving is:
- approximately 150 ml (5 oz) of wine;
- 350-360 ml (12 oz) of beer;
- 45 ml (1.5 oz) of strong alcoholic beverages.
It is better to combine alcohol consumption with the food prescribed.
Do not drink alcohol on an empty stomach or after exercise, regardless of the above information. These situations may result in a hypoglycemia attack.
Ozempic and alcohol nausea
The list of the most common side effects of Ozempic contains nausea and vomiting.
On the other hand, many people feel sick when drinking alcoholic beverages. There are several reasons:
- the acetaldehyde contained in ethanol irritates the walls of the stomach;
- an exceeded dose;
- dehydration resulted in spasms of blood vessels of the brain and stomach;
- vestibular disorders;
- problems with fermentation.
Therefore, if you experience nausea during the treatment of Ozempic, drink alcohol with extreme caution or refrain from taking it.
Conclusion
When treated with Ozempic, it is allowed to drink alcoholic beverages in small doses; however, not everyone.
Several diseases (listed above) and features of the body (nausea, vomiting) can cause undesirable consequences.
Consult your doctor about combining alcohol and Ozempic and you should get the answer to the question how much alcohol can you drink on Ozempic in your situation.
