How To Avoid Ozempic Diarrhea

Ozempic (semaglutide) can cause diarrhea, especially when you’re starting or increasing your dose. This is due to slowed gastric emptying and changes in gut motility and hormones. The good news is that most people’s symptoms improve over time with some practical adjustments.

💩 How to Avoid or Reduce Diarrhea from Ozempic

🍽️ 1. Modify Your Diet

Avoid greasy, fatty, or fried foods – they can trigger or worsen diarrhea.
Limit high-sugar foods, especially artificial sweeteners like sorbitol, mannitol, and xylitol.
Avoid caffeine and alcohol, which can irritate the gut.
Choose bland, binding foods when symptoms flare:
- Bananas
- White rice
- Applesauce
- Toast (the “BRAT” diet)
- Oatmeal or plain crackers

🕰️ 2. Eat Smaller Meals More Frequently

Large meals can overwhelm the gut while on Ozempic.
Try smaller, spaced-out meals throughout the day.

💧 3. Stay Hydrated and Replace Electrolytes

Drink plenty of water to prevent dehydration.
Use oral rehydration solutions or sports drinks (low-sugar varieties).
Consider electrolyte tablets if diarrhea is persistent.

💊 4. Consider Over-the-Counter Medications (with Caution)

Use loperamide (Imodium) for short-term relief, but check with your doctor first.
Avoid using anti-diarrheals regularly unless advised—it may mask underlying issues or cause constipation.

🔄 5. Ask Your Doctor About Adjusting the Dose

A slower titration schedule (e.g., staying at 0.25 mg longer) can give your body more time to adjust.
Some people tolerate lower doses long-term better than the full 2 mg dose.

🦠 6. Try Probiotics

Probiotics (e.g., Lactobacillus or Saccharomyces boulardii) may help rebalance gut bacteria and ease symptoms.
Start with a gentle, high-quality supplement or eat probiotic foods like yogurt or kefir.

🚨 7. Call Your Doctor If…

Diarrhea is persistent (more than a few days), severe, or bloody.
You experience signs of dehydration (dizziness, dry mouth, dark urine).
You’re losing too much weight or can’t keep food down.