ORAL SEMAGLUTIDE

45/100 · Moderate

Manufactured by Novo Nordisk

Oral Semaglutide Adverse Events: Mostly Mild to Moderate, with Serious Events Noting Gastrointestinal and Metabolic Issues

125,550 FDA adverse event reports analyzed

Last updated: 2026-05-12

About ORAL SEMAGLUTIDE

ORAL SEMAGLUTIDE is a medication tracked in the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS), manufactured by Novo Nordisk. Based on analysis of 125,550 FDA adverse event reports, ORAL SEMAGLUTIDE has a safety score of 45 out of 100. This moderate score indicates a notable volume of adverse event reports that patients and providers should be aware of. The most commonly reported adverse reactions for ORAL SEMAGLUTIDE include NAUSEA, OFF LABEL USE, VOMITING, DIARRHOEA, DECREASED APPETITE. This page provides a comprehensive breakdown of reported side effects, safety signals, patient demographics, and AI-powered safety analysis for ORAL SEMAGLUTIDE.

AI Safety Analysis

Oral Semaglutide has a safety concern score of 45 out of 100, placing it in the moderate concern category based on analysis of FDA adverse event data. The FDA has received approximately 125,550 adverse event reports for this medication, which is primarily manufactured by Novo Nordisk.

The most commonly reported adverse events include Nausea, Off Label Use, Vomiting. Of classified reports, 50.4% were designated as serious by the FDA, meaning they involved hospitalization, disability, or other significant medical outcomes. The majority of adverse events are mild to moderate, with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea being the most common.

Serious adverse events, though not frequent, include gastrointestinal issues and metabolic changes. Weight loss and decreased appetite are common, but weight increase is also reported. Drug interactions and misuse are noted, with warnings about incorrect technique and dose issues.

Patients taking Oral Semaglutide should monitor for the commonly reported side effects and contact their healthcare provider if they experience any unusual symptoms. Oral Semaglutide can cause gastrointestinal issues and metabolic changes. Patients should follow the prescribed dosing and usage instructions carefully to avoid adverse effects. This analysis is based on voluntary FDA adverse event reports and should not replace professional medical advice.

Safety Score: 45/100

Oral Semaglutide received a safety concern score of 45/100 (moderate concern). This is based on a 50.4% serious event ratio across 60,716 classified reports. The score accounts for 125,550 total adverse event reports and 100 distinct reaction types. This moderate score is typical for widely prescribed medications with established safety profiles.

Top Adverse Reactions

NAUSEA9,141 reports
OFF LABEL USE5,920 reports
VOMITING5,842 reports
DIARRHOEA5,417 reports
DECREASED APPETITE4,219 reports
CONSTIPATION3,879 reports
WEIGHT DECREASED3,727 reports
BLOOD GLUCOSE INCREASED2,880 reports
PRODUCT USE IN UNAPPROVED INDICATION2,782 reports
HEADACHE2,736 reports
FATIGUE2,679 reports
IMPAIRED GASTRIC EMPTYING2,567 reports
WRONG TECHNIQUE IN PRODUCT USAGE PROCESS2,528 reports
ABDOMINAL PAIN UPPER2,482 reports
DIZZINESS2,217 reports
INAPPROPRIATE SCHEDULE OF PRODUCT ADMINISTRATION2,094 reports
ABDOMINAL PAIN1,929 reports
WEIGHT INCREASED1,897 reports
ASTHENIA1,727 reports
DEHYDRATION1,725 reports
MALAISE1,597 reports
ABDOMINAL DISTENSION1,394 reports
DYSPEPSIA1,394 reports
ILLNESS1,369 reports
DRUG INEFFECTIVE1,363 reports
ABDOMINAL DISCOMFORT1,361 reports
PAIN1,353 reports
PANCREATITIS1,180 reports
BLOOD GLUCOSE DECREASED1,144 reports
DYSPNOEA1,132 reports
ARTHRALGIA1,072 reports
COVID 191,061 reports
VISUAL IMPAIRMENT1,058 reports
PRURITUS1,030 reports
RASH1,023 reports
FALL1,021 reports
CONDITION AGGRAVATED1,010 reports
ANXIETY992 reports
VISION BLURRED984 reports
GLYCOSYLATED HAEMOGLOBIN INCREASED976 reports
PRODUCT DOSE OMISSION ISSUE968 reports
DEPRESSION939 reports
INTESTINAL OBSTRUCTION937 reports
ERUCTATION898 reports
FLATULENCE889 reports
PRODUCT USE ISSUE888 reports
FEELING ABNORMAL870 reports
INJECTION SITE PAIN853 reports
BACK PAIN828 reports
GASTROINTESTINAL DISORDER822 reports
ALOPECIA748 reports
INCORRECT DOSE ADMINISTERED732 reports
INSOMNIA732 reports
PAIN IN EXTREMITY716 reports
GASTROOESOPHAGEAL REFLUX DISEASE702 reports
URINARY TRACT INFECTION678 reports
INCREASED APPETITE677 reports
MUSCLE SPASMS673 reports
PRODUCT COMMUNICATION ISSUE665 reports
COUGH625 reports
HYPERTENSION604 reports
HUNGER596 reports
NASOPHARYNGITIS576 reports
ACUTE KIDNEY INJURY567 reports
ADVERSE DRUG REACTION532 reports
ILEUS524 reports
TREMOR522 reports
EMOTIONAL DISTRESS520 reports
HOSPITALISATION479 reports
MEMORY IMPAIRMENT478 reports
SOMNOLENCE476 reports
BLOOD PRESSURE INCREASED475 reports
CHEST PAIN475 reports
WEIGHT LOSS POOR465 reports
PYREXIA463 reports
CHOLELITHIASIS456 reports
PERIPHERAL SWELLING453 reports
PNEUMONIA451 reports
LOSS OF CONSCIOUSNESS449 reports
SUICIDAL IDEATION445 reports
HYPERHIDROSIS443 reports
DIABETES MELLITUS INADEQUATE CONTROL440 reports
INFLUENZA432 reports
MYALGIA429 reports
CEREBROVASCULAR ACCIDENT422 reports
CATARACT413 reports
SURGERY410 reports
DIABETIC KETOACIDOSIS402 reports
HYPOTENSION397 reports
PALPITATIONS388 reports
DEATH377 reports
HEART RATE INCREASED377 reports
OPTIC ISCHAEMIC NEUROPATHY374 reports
GAIT DISTURBANCE371 reports
DRY MOUTH364 reports
HYPOGLYCAEMIA361 reports
FEEDING DISORDER355 reports
PRODUCT LABEL CONFUSION355 reports
HYPERSENSITIVITY348 reports
URTICARIA344 reports

Key Safety Signals

  • Gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are frequent.
  • Metabolic changes, including blood glucose increases and decreases, are reported.
  • Serious events include dehydration, hypoglycemia, and acute kidney injury.
  • There are reports of cardiovascular issues, including chest pain and palpitations.

Patient Demographics

Adverse event reports by sex: Female: 35,682, Male: 19,970, Unknown: 18. The most frequently reported age groups are age 67 (1,078 reports), age 69 (1,064 reports), age 65 (1,062 reports). These demographics reflect reporting patterns and may not represent the full patient population.

Report Outcomes

Out of 60,716 classified reports for ORAL SEMAGLUTIDE:

  • Serious: 30,605 reports (50.4%) — includes hospitalization, disability, life-threatening events, or death
  • Non-Serious: 30,111 reports (49.6%)
Serious 50.4%Non-Serious 49.6%

The FDA classifies an adverse event as “serious” if it results in death, hospitalization, disability, congenital anomaly, or requires intervention to prevent permanent damage.

Demographics Breakdown

Reports by Sex

Female35,682 (64.1%)
Male19,970 (35.9%)
Unknown18 (0.0%)

Reports by Age

Age 671,078 reports
Age 691,064 reports
Age 651,062 reports
Age 601,058 reports
Age 681,052 reports
Age 701,034 reports
Age 641,014 reports
Age 661,000 reports
Age 63980 reports
Age 71979 reports
Age 62970 reports
Age 72918 reports
Age 73905 reports
Age 61897 reports
Age 59887 reports
Age 58826 reports
Age 56823 reports
Age 74784 reports
Age 75784 reports
Age 55774 reports

Demographics reflect voluntary FDA adverse event reporting patterns and may not represent the full patient population.

Drug Interactions & Warnings

Oral Semaglutide can cause gastrointestinal issues and metabolic changes. Patients should follow the prescribed dosing and usage instructions carefully to avoid adverse effects.

What You Should Know

If you are taking Oral Semaglutide, here are important things to know. The most commonly reported side effects include nausea, off label use, vomiting, diarrhoea, decreased appetite. While many of these may be mild and temporary, you should contact your healthcare provider if any symptoms are severe or persistent. Follow the prescribed dosing and usage instructions carefully to avoid gastrointestinal and metabolic issues. Report any serious adverse events to your healthcare provider immediately. If you experience a serious adverse reaction, seek emergency medical attention immediately or call 911. You can report side effects to the FDA's MedWatch program at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Regulatory Context

The FDA continues to monitor the safety profile of Oral Semaglutide. Healthcare providers should be vigilant about potential serious adverse events and manage patient care accordingly.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many adverse event reports has the FDA received for Oral Semaglutide?

The FDA has received approximately 125,550 adverse event reports associated with Oral Semaglutide. These reports come from healthcare professionals, consumers, and manufacturers through the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Note that the number of reports does not directly indicate the frequency of side effects, as adverse events are voluntarily reported and may be underrepresented.

What are the most commonly reported side effects of Oral Semaglutide?

The most frequently reported adverse events for Oral Semaglutide include Nausea, Off Label Use, Vomiting, Diarrhoea, Decreased Appetite. By volume, the top reported reactions are: Nausea (9,141 reports), Off Label Use (5,920 reports), Vomiting (5,842 reports). These figures reflect FDA adverse event reports and may not represent the true incidence rate of these side effects in all patients taking Oral Semaglutide.

What percentage of Oral Semaglutide adverse event reports are serious?

Out of 60,716 classified reports, 30,605 (50.4%) were classified as serious and 30,111 as non-serious. The FDA classifies an event as "serious" if it results in death, hospitalization, disability, or other medically significant outcomes. A higher serious-event ratio warrants closer attention but does not necessarily mean the drug is unsafe.

Who reports adverse events for Oral Semaglutide (by sex)?

Adverse event reports for Oral Semaglutide break down by patient sex as follows: Female: 35,682, Male: 19,970, Unknown: 18. This distribution reflects reporting patterns rather than actual risk differences between groups. Reporting rates can be influenced by prescribing patterns, disease demographics, and reporting behavior.

What age groups report the most side effects for Oral Semaglutide?

The most frequently reported age groups for Oral Semaglutide adverse events are: age 67: 1,078 reports, age 69: 1,064 reports, age 65: 1,062 reports, age 60: 1,058 reports, age 68: 1,052 reports. Age-related reporting patterns can reflect both the demographics of the patient population and potential age-related susceptibility to certain side effects.

Who manufactures Oral Semaglutide?

The primary manufacturer associated with Oral Semaglutide adverse event reports is Novo Nordisk. Multiple manufacturers may produce generic versions of this drug. The manufacturer listed reflects the most frequently reported brand in FDA adverse event data.

What other side effects have been reported for Oral Semaglutide?

Beyond the most common reactions, other reported adverse events for Oral Semaglutide include: Constipation, Weight Decreased, Blood Glucose Increased, Product Use In Unapproved Indication, Headache. Less common side effects can still be clinically significant. Patients should report any unusual symptoms to their healthcare provider.

How do I report a side effect from Oral Semaglutide?

You can report adverse events from Oral Semaglutide to the FDA through their MedWatch program at www.fda.gov/medwatch, by calling 1-800-FDA-1088, or by completing Form FDA 3500. Healthcare professionals, consumers, and manufacturers can all submit reports. Reporting helps the FDA monitor drug safety after approval.

What is Oral Semaglutide's safety score and what does it mean?

Oral Semaglutide has a safety concern score of 45 out of 100 (moderate concern). This score is calculated from the ratio of serious to non-serious adverse events, the diversity of reported reactions, and the overall volume of reports relative to usage. The majority of adverse events are mild to moderate, with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea being the most common.

What are the key safety signals for Oral Semaglutide?

Key safety signals identified in Oral Semaglutide's adverse event data include: Gastrointestinal issues like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are frequent.. Metabolic changes, including blood glucose increases and decreases, are reported.. Serious events include dehydration, hypoglycemia, and acute kidney injury.. There are reports of cardiovascular issues, including chest pain and palpitations.. These signals are derived from patterns in FDA reports and should be discussed with a healthcare provider for personalized assessment.

Does Oral Semaglutide interact with other drugs?

Oral Semaglutide can cause gastrointestinal issues and metabolic changes. Patients should follow the prescribed dosing and usage instructions carefully to avoid adverse effects. Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and over-the-counter drugs you are taking before starting Oral Semaglutide.

What should patients know before taking Oral Semaglutide?

Follow the prescribed dosing and usage instructions carefully to avoid gastrointestinal and metabolic issues. Report any serious adverse events to your healthcare provider immediately.

Are Oral Semaglutide side effects well-documented?

Oral Semaglutide has 125,550 adverse event reports on file with the FDA. Serious adverse events, though not frequent, include gastrointestinal issues and metabolic changes. The volume of reports for Oral Semaglutide reflects both the drug's usage level and the vigilance of the reporting community.

What is the FDA's position on Oral Semaglutide?

The FDA continues to monitor the safety profile of Oral Semaglutide. Healthcare providers should be vigilant about potential serious adverse events and manage patient care accordingly. For the most current regulatory information, check the FDA's drug labeling database or consult your pharmacist.

Related Drugs

Drugs related to ORAL SEMAGLUTIDE based on therapeutic use, drug class, or shared indications:

GLP-1 receptor agonistsInsulinMetforminSGLT2 inhibitors
Important Disclaimer: This content is generated by AI analysis of FDA adverse event reports and is provided for informational purposes only. It is not medical advice. Adverse event reports submitted to the FDA do not prove that a medication caused the reported side effect. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you experience a serious side effect, contact your doctor or call 911 immediately.