Can You Take Ozempic If You Have Breast Cancer?

Ozempic (semaglutide) is an injectable prescription medication that’s FDA approved to treat Type 2 diabetes and other medical conditions. 

Ozempic can be a powerful treatment tool, but it’s not right for everyone. If you have breast cancer, or received treatment for breast cancer in the past, you may wonder if Ozempic is safe to take. Let’s look at the relationship between Ozempic and breast cancer. 

Can you take Ozempic with breast cancer?

It’s likely safe to take Ozempic if you’re receiving treatment for breast cancer. Studies suggest that people can take GLP-1 medications, like semaglutide, during cancer treatment without interfering with their care.

So far, there’s no evidence that Ozempic:

• Increases the risk of developing breast cancer

• Makes breast cancer grow or spread faster

• Reduces how well breast cancer treatments work

Some early research suggests that GLP-1 medications may slow cancer growth. But these findings come from animal studies, so it’s not clear whether the same effects apply to people.

One study looked at people with both diabetes and cancer. It found that those taking GLP-1 medications were less likely to be hospitalized and lived longer than those taking other diabetes treatments. 

While encouraging, these results don’t prove that Ozempic directly improves cancer outcomes.

That said, side effects are an important consideration. Ozempic can cause nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Many breast cancer treatments can cause similar symptoms. Taking both at the same time may make these side effects harder to manage.

Ozempic also slows down how quickly your stomach empties. This may affect how your body absorbs certain oral medications used during breast cancer treatment. Let your oncology team know if you’re taking semaglutide. They may need to adjust your breast cancer treatment. 

GLP-1 medications are also relatively new, so researchers are still studying their long-term effects, especially in people with cancer. Your healthcare team can help you weigh the potential benefits and risks based on your specific treatment plan.

Can you take Ozempic after finishing breast cancer treatment?

Most people can take Ozempic after finishing breast cancer treatment. There’s no evidence that taking Ozempic increases the risk of breast cancer coming back.

Some research suggests that people taking certain hormone therapies, like aromatase inhibitors or selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs), may lose less weight while taking semaglutide. But these medications don’t appear to reduce the benefits of Ozempic on blood sugar management or heart health.

Semaglutide slows how quickly the stomach empties, which can change how your body absorbs some oral medications. If you’re taking medications after breast cancer treatment, your healthcare team may need to adjust your doses.

Researchers are still studying how best to use GLP-1 agonist medications in people with a history of cancer. Your healthcare team can help you decide whether Ozempic fits into your long-term care plan.

What are the risks of taking Ozempic if you have breast cancer?

The main risks of taking Ozempic during breast cancer treatment are side effects like:

• Nausea and vomiting

• Diarrhea

• Constipation

• Stomach pain

• Fatigue

• Hair loss

• Weight loss

Your breast cancer treatment may cause similar side effects. So you may not be able to tolerate taking Ozempic while you’re receiving treatment for breast cancer. When these side effects overlap, they can become more intense and harder to manage. In some cases, this may affect your ability to stay well-nourished or keep up your strength during treatment. Your healthcare team may recommend adjusting the dose, pausing Ozempic, or avoiding it altogether depending on how you’re feeling.

What are the benefits of taking Ozempic during cancer treatment?

There’s growing interest in how medications like Ozempic might support people during and after breast cancer treatment.

Weight changes are common during breast cancer treatment. Certain hormone therapies can lead to weight gain. This can be frustrating and may also affect blood sugar management, and heart and kidney health. Some early studies show that people with breast cancer can lose weight while taking GLP-1 medications like semaglutide.

But researchers are still studying whether better weight management during and after treatment can improve long-term outcomes. 

For now, the main benefit of Ozempic appears to be helping with blood sugar management and related health conditions, rather than directly affecting the cancer itself.  

Are there alternatives to Ozempic for people with a history of breast cancer?

If Ozempic isn’t a good fit, there are other medications that can safely manage Type 2 diabetes. These medications can keep blood sugar in a healthy range and reduce the risk of long-term complications.

Other medications for treating Type 2 diabetes include:

• Metformin

• Sulfonureas

• DPP4 inhibitors

• SGLT2 inhibitors

• Insulin

Each of these works in a different way, and some may be a better fit depending on your cancer history, other medications, and overall health.

Your healthcare team can help you choose a treatment plan that keeps your diabetes well managed while fitting into your cancer care and recovery.

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Written by:

Christine Giordano, MD

Christine Giordano, MD, is board-certified in general internal medicine. She received her medical degree from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School and completed residency at Thomas Jefferson University.

Edited by:

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH

Patricia Pinto-Garcia, MD, MPH, is a medical editor at GoodRx. She is a licensed, board-certified pediatrician with more than a decade of experience in academic medicine.

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