Amid the whirl of conversations online concerning Ozempic, the focal point has shifted toward side effects extending beyond those detailed in the product’s official documentation. While terms like “Ozempic face” and “Ozempic butt” have garnered significant online buzz, users are increasingly reporting a more understated yet bothersome side effect: a persistent runny nose.
The thread on Reddit is filled with personal accounts from individuals who claim to have developed a runny nose or postnasal drip shortly after beginning their Ozempic regimen. “I just took my first 0.5 [milligram] shot last night, and within 20 minutes, it started,” one user shared wrote. “I had no issue at all after a month on 0.25 [milligrams]. I hope this subsides, as it’s very annoying.”
Another user wrote, “I never experienced postnasal drip—certainly not this extreme before—so [I’m] left wondering if it’s the Ozempic.”
Although it’s easy to dismiss this issue as coincidental, some healthcare professionals who prescribe Ozempic, a semaglutide medication typically indicated for blood sugar control in individuals with type 2 diabetes but increasingly used off-label for weight loss, suggest there may indeed be a link between weight loss medications and the onset of a runny nose. Dr. Kunal Shah, an assistant professor in the division of endocrinology at Rutgers Robert Wood Johnson Medical Center, states, “There’s definitely a mechanism behind this.”
Here’s what’s behind this side effect, plus what to do if you’re struggling with it.
The first possibility is that your runny nose may actually stem from another virus, explains Dr. Alexandra Sowa, who is the author of the forthcoming book The Ozempic Revolution. With cases of COVID-19 still prevalent and the cold and flu season upon us, it’s essential to remember that these viruses don’t magically avoid you just because you’ve started taking Ozempic. It’s possible that you may have contracted a cold or some other upper respiratory virus coinciding with your Ozempic treatment.
It’s also entirely possible that Ozempic use is directly related to the runny nose side effect.
Dr. Shah elaborates that the occurrence of symptoms like a runny nose while using GLP-1 agonist medications is often attributed to the potential for gastroesophageal reflux or the exacerbation of existing reflux.
Gastroesophageal reflux, commonly recognized as acid reflux, refers to a condition where stomach contents flow back into the esophagus. “The acid irritates the lining of your throat,” Dr. Shah explains. This irritation can result in symptoms such as postnasal drip and a runny nose, in addition to symptoms such as nausea, pain while swallowing, and hoarseness.
The runny nose effect is not necessarily specific to Ozempic and other semaglutides (such as Wegovy).
Dr. Shah points out that this phenomenon can also occur with tirzepatides like Zepbound and Mounjaro, among other medications classified as GLP-1 receptor agonists. Experts have observed that “acid reflux happens with tirzepatide, allowing us to infer that individuals are likely at risk for a runny nose with that as well,” he asserts.
Always discuss side effects with your doctor.
If you’re enduring a persistent postnasal drip or runny nose and are confident that you don’t have a virus, consult your primary care physician to evaluate the possibility of acid reflux, as suggested by Dr. Shah. Additionally, testing over-the-counter acid-reducing medications like famotidine with meals could also provide relief.
Most individuals tend to notice a reduction in side effects within a few months as they reach a stable maintenance dose of the medication they plan to continue. According to Dr. Sowa, this is a common experience among Ozempic users.
Korin Miller is a freelance writer specializing in general wellness, sexual health and relationships, and lifestyle trends, with work appearing in Men’s Health, Women’s Health, Self, Glamour, and more. She possesses a master’s degree from American University, resides by the beach, and harbors dreams of one day owning a teacup pig and taco truck.
**Interview with Dr. Kunal Shah on Ozempic and Its Side Effects**
**Editor:** Welcome, Dr. Shah! Thank you for joining us today to discuss the growing reports of a less recognized side effect of Ozempic—the persistent runny nose.
**Dr. Shah:** Thank you for having me. It’s an important topic, especially as more people are discussing their experiences online.
**Editor:** We’ve seen an increasing number of personal accounts on platforms like Reddit, where users are attributing a runny nose or postnasal drip to their Ozempic treatments. Why do you think this has become such a noteworthy issue?
**Dr. Shah:** There’s definitely a mechanism behind this. While Ozempic is primarily prescribed for blood sugar control in type 2 diabetes and is increasingly used for weight loss, some patients are experiencing side effects that are not prominently listed in the official documentation.
**Editor:** Can you explain the possible connection between Ozempic and the manifestation of these symptoms?
**Dr. Shah:** Certainly. One of the potential links could be gastroesophageal reflux disease, commonly known as acid reflux. This condition can become exacerbated in patients taking GLP-1 agonist medications like Ozempic. When stomach contents flow back into the esophagus, it can irritate the throat, leading to symptoms such as postnasal drip and a runny nose.
**Editor:** That makes sense. However, what if someone experiencing these symptoms has also been around cold viruses, flu, or even COVID-19? How can they differentiate?
**Dr. Shah:** It can be tricky. Cold and flu season is upon us, and illnesses don’t discriminate based on medication use. It’s entirely possible that a patient may contract a virus around the same time they begin treatment with Ozempic. Therefore, patients should consult with their healthcare provider to assess their symptoms accurately.
**Editor:** Some users have posted about experiencing these symptoms shortly after starting their treatment, raising questions about causation. Should we be concerned about the increasing number of anecdotal reports?
**Dr. Shah:** Anecdotal reports can be valuable for shaping our understanding of medication side effects, but they should be taken in context. Further clinical research is needed to explore these correlations rigorously. In the meantime, any new or worsening symptoms should always be discussed with a healthcare professional.
**Editor:** In your opinion, what should patients do if they develop a runny nose after starting Ozempic?
**Dr. Shah:** If patients notice these symptoms after starting Ozempic, they should not hesitate to reach out to their healthcare provider. It’s essential to evaluate if there’s a direct connection to the medication or if other factors are at play.
**Editor:** Thank you so much, Dr. Shah, for providing insights into this topic. As patients navigate their treatment options, your expertise is invaluable.
**Dr. Shah:** Thank you for having me. It’s crucial that we continue these discussions to ensure patients are well-informed about their medications and the potential side effects.