why does ozempic cause nausea

Ozempic causes nausea primarily because it slows down the process of gastric emptying, meaning food stays in the stomach longer than usual before moving into the small intestine for digestion. This delayed gastric emptying can disrupt normal digestion and lead to gastrointestinal side effects like nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and constipation. This side effect is most common when starting Ozempic or increasing the dose, and it tends to be mild and temporary, often improving as the body adjusts to the medication. Higher doses of Ozempic increase the likelihood of nausea. Additionally, nausea with Ozempic may occasionally signal more serious conditions such as pancreatitis or intestinal blockages, so persistent or severe nausea should be evaluated by a doctor.