6 Interactions found for:
Drug Interactions
No drug interactions were found for selected drugs: metformin, Ozempic.
This does not necessarily mean no interactions exist. Always consult your healthcare provider.
Drug and Food Interactions
Major
Metformin
+ Food
The following applies to the ingredients: Metformin
GENERALLY AVOID: Alcohol can potentiate the effect of metformin on lactate metabolism and increase the risk of lactic acidosis. In addition, alcohol may cause hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia in patients with diabetes. Although hypoglycemia rarely occurs during treatment with metformin alone, the risk may increase with acute consumption of alcohol. Even modest amounts can lower blood sugar significantly, especially when the alcohol is ingested on an empty stomach or following exercise. The mechanism involves inhibition of both gluconeogenesis as well as the counter-regulatory response to hypoglycemia. Episodes of hypoglycemia may last for 8 to 12 hours after ethanol ingestion. By contrast, chronic alcohol abuse can cause impaired glucose tolerance and hyperglycemia. Moderate alcohol consumption generally does not affect blood glucose levels in patients with well controlled diabetes.
Food may have varying effects on the absorption of metformin from immediate-release versus extended-release formulations. When a single 850 mg dose of immediate-release metformin was administered with food, mean peak plasma concentration (Cmax) and systemic exposure (AUC) decreased by 40% and 25%, respectively, and time to peak plasma concentration (Tmax) increased by 35 minutes compared to administration under fasting conditions. By contrast, administration of extended-release metformin with food increased AUC by 50% without affecting Cmax or Tmax, and both high- and low-fat meals had the same effect. These data may not be applicable to formulations that contain metformin with other oral antidiabetic agents.
MANAGEMENT: Metformin should be taken with meals, and excessive alcohol intake should be avoided during treatment. Diabetes patients in general should avoid consuming alcohol if their blood glucose is not well controlled, or if they have hypertriglyceridemia, neuropathy, or pancreatitis. Alcohol should not be consumed on an empty stomach or following exercise, as it may increase the risk of hypoglycemia. Patients should contact their physician immediately if they experience potential signs and symptoms of lactic acidosis such as malaise, myalgia, respiratory distress, increasing somnolence, and nonspecific abdominal distress (especially after stabilization of metformin therapy, when gastrointestinal symptoms are uncommon). With more marked acidosis, there may also be associated hypothermia, hypotension, and resistant bradyarrhythmias. Metformin should be withdrawn promptly if lactic acidosis is suspected. Serum electrolytes, ketones, blood glucose, blood pH, lactate levels, and blood metformin levels may be useful in establishing a diagnosis. Lactic acidosis should be suspected in any diabetic patient with metabolic acidosis lacking evidence of ketoacidosis (ketonuria and ketonemia).
References
- "Product Information. Glucophage (metformin)." Bristol-Myers Squibb PROD (2001):
- "Position Statement: evidence-based nutrition principles and recommendations for the treatment and prevention of diabetes related complications. American Diabetes Association." Diabetes Care 25(Suppl 1) (2002): S50-S60
Moderate
Ozempic
+ Food
The following applies to the ingredients: Semaglutide (found in Ozempic)
ADJUST DOSING INTERVAL: Taking oral semaglutide with food, beverage, or other oral medications may alter semaglutide absorption and exposure. In a controlled study with healthy volunteers, limited or no measurable semaglutide exposure was observed in subjects that were fed 30 minutes prior to taking oral semaglutide, while all subjects that fasted overnight and 30 minutes after the oral semaglutide dose had measurable semaglutide exposure. Area under the curve (AUC) and semaglutide peak plasma concentration (Cmax) were approximately 40% greater in subjects that fasted compared to those who did not. AUC and Cmax were also increased with a post-dose fasting period greater than 30 minutes.
MANAGEMENT: It is recommended that oral semaglutide be taken 30 minutes before the first food, beverage, or other oral medications of the day with no more than 4 ounces of plain water to ensure its efficacy. Fasting longer than 30 minutes after the oral semaglutide dose may lead to increased gastrointestinal side effects including nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
References
- "Product Information. Rybelsus (semaglutide)." Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals Inc (2024):
- "Product Information. Rybelsus (semaglutide)." Novo Nordisk Canada Inc (2024):
- "Product Information. Rybelsus (semaglutide)." Novo Nordisk Ltd (2024):
- Baekdal TA, Breitschaft A, Donsmark M, Maarbjerg SJ, Sondergaard FL, Borregaard J "Effect of various dosing conditions on the pharmacokinetics of oral semaglutide, a human glucagon-like peptide-1 analogue in a tablet formulation" Diabetes Ther 12 (2021): 1915-27
Drug and Pregnancy Interactions
Major
Ozempic
+ Pregnancy
The following applies to the ingredients: Semaglutide (found in Ozempic)
Noncirrhotic metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH): This drug should be used during pregnancy only if the benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus.
Type 2 diabetes mellitus: This drug should be used during pregnancy only if the benefit outweighs the risk to the fetus.
-According to some authorities: Use is not recommended.
Weight management: Use is not recommended.
AU TGA pregnancy category: D
US FDA pregnancy category: Not assigned
Risk summary: Limited and insufficient data are available on the use of this drug in pregnant women to inform a drug-related risk; based on animal data, this drug may cause fetal harm.
Comments:
-According to some authorities: Contraception use is recommended during therapy for patients of childbearing potential.
-This drug should be discontinued at least 2 months before a planned pregnancy due to the long half-life.
-Additionally for Wegovy:
---A pregnancy exposure registry is available.
---When a pregnancy is recognized, the patient should be apprised of the potential harm to the fetus and discontinue the drug.
Animal studies have revealed evidence of embryofetal mortality, early pregnancy losses, structural abnormalities, and growth alterations. After subcutaneous dosing in rats, rabbits, and cynomolgus monkeys during organogenesis, pharmacologically mediated maternal toxicity (reduced body weight gain and food consumption) was observed at all dose levels. In rats, reduced growth and fetal abnormalities (visceral and skeletal) were observed at the human exposure. In rabbits, early pregnancy losses and increased rates of minor fetal abnormalities (visceral and skeletal) were seen at clinically relevant exposures. In monkeys, sporadic abnormalities (vertebra, sternebra, ribs) occurred at exposures above the human exposure. Exposures at the no observed adverse effect level in all species were subclinical or only slightly higher than the plasma AUC at the maximum recommended human dose; a direct effect of this drug on the fetus cannot be excluded. Salcaprozate sodium (SNAC), an absorption enhancer in the oral tablet, has been shown to cross the placenta and reach fetal tissues in rats; SNAC was associated with increased gestation length, stillbirths, and decreased pup viability following oral dosing in pregnant rats during gestation and lactation. There are no controlled data in human pregnancy.
To monitor the outcomes of pregnant women exposed to this drug, a pregnancy registry has been established. Pregnant women exposed to Wegovy and health care providers are encouraged to contact the manufacturer at wegovypregnancyregistry.com.
Clinical considerations:
-Noncirrhotic MASH: There may be risks to the mother and fetus related to MASH with advanced liver fibrosis (e.g., increased risks of gestational diabetes, hypertensive complications, preterm birth, postpartum hemorrhage); the effect of this drug on these risks is unknown.
-Type 2 diabetes mellitus: Hypoglycemia and hyperglycemia occur more often during pregnancy in patients with pregestational diabetes; poorly controlled diabetes during pregnancy increases the maternal risk for diabetic ketoacidosis, preeclampsia, spontaneous abortions, preterm delivery, and delivery complications and increases the fetal risk for major birth defects, stillbirth, and macrosomia related morbidity.
-Weight management: Appropriate weight gain based on pre-pregnancy weight is recommended for all pregnant patients because of the obligatory weight gain that occurs in maternal tissues during pregnancy.
AU TGA pregnancy category D: Drugs which have caused, are suspected to have caused or may be expected to cause, an increased incidence of human fetal malformations or irreversible damage. These drugs may also have adverse pharmacological effects. Accompanying texts should be consulted for further details.
US FDA pregnancy category Not Assigned: The US FDA has amended the pregnancy labeling rule for prescription drug products to require labeling that includes a summary of risk, a discussion of the data supporting that summary, and relevant information to help health care providers make prescribing decisions and counsel women about the use of drugs during pregnancy. Pregnancy categories A, B, C, D, and X are being phased out.
References
- "Product Information. Wegovy FlexTouch (semaglutide)." Novo Nordisk Ltd (2026):
- "Product Information. Rybelsus (semaglutide)." Novo Nordisk Ltd 2 (2025):
- "Product Information. Ozempic (semaglutide)." Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals Inc SUPPL-37 (2025):
- "Product Information. Ozempic (semaglutide)." Novo Nordisk Ltd (2025):
- "Product Information. Ozempic (0.25 mg or 0.5 mg dose) (semaglutide)." Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd VV-LAB-098353 v10 (2025):
- "Product Information. Rybelsus (semaglutide)." Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd (2022):
- "Product Information. Wegovy (semaglutide)." Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals Inc SUPPL-33 (2026):
- "Product Information. Rybelsus (semaglutide)." Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals Inc SUPPL-30 (2026):
- "Product Information. Wegovy (0.25 mg dose) (semaglutide)." Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd AU-Wegovy-PI-mPFS VV (2026):
Minor
Metformin
+ Pregnancy
The following applies to the ingredients: Metformin
Benefit should outweigh risk
AU TGA pregnancy category: C
US FDA pregnancy category: Not assigned
Risk Summary: Data are not sufficient to inform a drug-associated risk for major birth defects or miscarriage; published studies have not reported an increased risk. There are risks to the mother and fetus associated with poorly controlled diabetes in pregnancy.
Comments:
-Maternal glucose levels should be well controlled prior to conception and throughout pregnancy to avoid maternal and fetal diabetes-associated risks.
-Premenopausal women should understand the potential for unintended pregnancy with use of this drug as ovulation may occur in some anovulatory women.
Animal studies do not indicate harmful effects with respect to pregnancy, embryo or fetal development, birth or postnatal development. Poorly-controlled diabetes in pregnancy increases the maternal risk for diabetic ketoacidosis, pre-eclampsia, spontaneous abortions, preterm delivery, stillbirth and delivery complications. Poorly controlled maternal diabetes increases the fetal risk for major birth defects, stillbirth, and macrosomia related morbidity. Published evidence suggests this drug has a good safety profile in women with no increased long-term effects in offspring up to 18 months; however, much of the evidence is from observational, small, and/or nonrandomized studies, and therefore data must be interpreted cautiously.
Many experts continue to recommend insulin as the drug of choice for type 1, type 2, and gestational diabetes when diet alone is unsuccessful in controlling blood sugars. The estimated background risk for major birth defects in women with pre-gestational diabetes mellitus with an HbA1C greater than 7 is 6% to 10% and for women with a HbA1C greater than 10, this risk has been reported to be as high as 20% to 25%. In the US, the estimated risk of major birth defects and miscarriage in clinically recognized pregnancies is 2% to 4% and 15% to 20%, respectively. The estimated risk of miscarriage for pregnant women with diabetes is unknown. There are no adequate and well-controlled studies in pregnant women.
AU TGA pregnancy category C: Drugs which, owing to their pharmacological effects, have caused or may be suspected of causing, harmful effects on the human fetus or neonate without causing malformations. These effects may be reversible. Accompanying texts should be consulted for further details.
US FDA pregnancy category Not Assigned: The US FDA has amended the pregnancy labeling rule for prescription drug products to require labeling that includes a summary of risk, a discussion of the data supporting that summary, and relevant information to help health care providers make prescribing decisions and counsel women about the use of drugs during pregnancy. Pregnancy categories A, B, C, D, and X are being phased out.
References
- "Product Information. Glucophage (metformin)." Bristol-Myers Squibb PROD (2001):
- Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
- Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0
- "Product Information. Fortamet (metformin)." Physicians Total Care (2014):
- "Product Information. Glumetza (metformin)." Biovail Pharmaceuticals Canada (2014):
- "Product Information. Riomet (metformin)." Ranbaxy Pharmaceuticals (2014):
- Lindsay RS, Loeken MR "Metformin use in pregnancy: promises and uncertainties" Diabetologia 60 (2017): 1612-9
- Kelley KW, Carroll DG, Meyer A "A review of current treatment strategies for gestational diabetes mellitus." Drugs Context 4 (2015): epub
Drug and Breastfeeding Interactions
Major
Ozempic
+ Breastfeeding
The following applies to the ingredients: Semaglutide (found in Ozempic)
Only injectable forms of this drug should be used during breastfeeding.
-According to some authorities: Use is not recommended.
-According to some authorities: Breastfeeding is not recommended during use of the oral form of this drug.
Excreted into human milk: Unknown
Excreted into animal milk: Yes
Comments:
-Injectable formulations: Developmental and health benefits of breastfeeding should be considered as well as the mother's clinical need for this drug. The effects in the nursing infant are unknown; potential adverse effects in the breastfed child due to this drug or the mother's underlying condition should be considered.
---According to some authorities: A risk to a breastfed child cannot be excluded.
-Oral formulations: The absorption enhancer (salcaprozate sodium [SNAC]) and/or its metabolites are present in human milk; enzyme activity involved in SNAC clearance may be lower in infants compared to adults, leading to higher SNAC plasma levels in neonates and infants.
---There is the potential for serious adverse reactions in breastfed infants due to possible SNAC accumulation.
This drug was not detectable in the milk of mothers receiving the subcutaneous formulation. Data from a lactation study with the oral tablet formulation reported drug levels below the lower limit of quantification in human milk.
In a study involving nursing mothers using subcutaneous doses of this drug, milk samples showed no measurable drug levels. If present at the detection limit, the relative infant dose was estimated to be very low. Additionally, breastfed infants of these mothers showed normal growth and development during the period of exposure through breast milk. This drug has poor oral absorption, with a maximum bioavailability of approximately 1% in adults.
Milk samples were collected (at 0, 12, and 24 hours after dosing) from 8 nursing mothers using this drug subcutaneously (0.25 to 1 mg/week); their infants (4 to 23 months old) were mixed fed, receiving breast milk for 3 to 9 weeks during maternal dosing. None of the milk samples contained any measurable drug (less than 1.7 mcg/L), and the mothers reported normal growth and development for their infants. According to author calculation, if drug milk levels were at the detection limit, the relative infant dose would have averaged 1.12%; this did not account for the poor oral absorption of the drug and maximum bioavailability of 1% in adults.
References
- Bethesda (MD): National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (US) "Semaglutide - Drugs and Lactation Database (LactMed) https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK500980/" (2026):
- "Product Information. Wegovy FlexTouch (semaglutide)." Novo Nordisk Ltd (2026):
- "Product Information. Rybelsus (semaglutide)." Novo Nordisk Ltd 2 (2025):
- "Product Information. Ozempic (semaglutide)." Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals Inc SUPPL-37 (2025):
- "Product Information. Ozempic (semaglutide)." Novo Nordisk Ltd (2025):
- "Product Information. Ozempic (0.25 mg or 0.5 mg dose) (semaglutide)." Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd VV-LAB-098353 v10 (2025):
- "Product Information. Rybelsus (semaglutide)." Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd (2022):
- "Product Information. Wegovy (semaglutide)." Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals Inc SUPPL-33 (2026):
- "Product Information. Rybelsus (semaglutide)." Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals Inc SUPPL-30 (2026):
- "Product Information. Wegovy (0.25 mg dose) (semaglutide)." Novo Nordisk Pharmaceuticals Pty Ltd AU-Wegovy-PI-mPFS VV (2026):
Minor
Metformin
+ Breastfeeding
The following applies to the ingredients: Metformin
Benefit should outweigh risk
Excreted into human milk: Yes
Comments:
-Available data have not reported adverse effects in breastfed infants, however, this data is limited.
-Due to this limited data, product manufacturers recommend a decision should be made to discontinue nursing or discontinue the drug, considering the importance of the drug to the mother.
-Published data suggest this drug is compatible with breastfeeding; they recommend caution when nursing a newborn or premature infant, and those with renal impairment.
Drug levels are expected to be 0.5% (range 0.11% to 1%) of the mother's weight-adjusted dosage and milk/plasma ratio range between 0.13 and 1. Since milk levels are expected to be relatively constant, timing of breastfeeding with drug administration is expected to be of little benefit. One large prospective study found no adverse effects in breastfed infants. Low detectable serum levels were found in some breastfed infants.
References
- "Product Information. Glucophage (metformin)." Bristol-Myers Squibb PROD (2001):
- Cerner Multum, Inc. "UK Summary of Product Characteristics." O 0
- Feig DS, Briggs GG, Koren G "Oral antidiabetic agents in pregnancy and lactation: a paradigm shift?" Ann Pharmacother (2007): 1174-80
- Cerner Multum, Inc. "Australian Product Information." O 0
- United States National Library of Medicine "Toxnet. Toxicology Data Network. http://toxnet.nlm.nih.gov/cgi-bin/sis/htmlgen?LACT" (2013):
- "Product Information. Fortamet (metformin)." Physicians Total Care (2014):
- "Product Information. Glumetza (metformin)." Biovail Pharmaceuticals Canada (2014):
- "Product Information. Riomet (metformin)." Ranbaxy Pharmaceuticals (2014):
- Kelley KW, Carroll DG, Meyer A "A review of current treatment strategies for gestational diabetes mellitus." Drugs Context 4 (2015): epub
Therapeutic Duplication Warnings
No warnings were found for your selected drugs.Therapeutic duplication warnings are only returned when drugs within the same group exceed the recommended therapeutic duplication maximum.
Switch to: Consumer Interactions
| Drug Interaction Classification | |
|---|---|
These classifications are only a guideline. The relevance of a particular drug interaction to a specific individual is difficult to determine. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting or stopping any medication. |
|
| Major | Highly clinically significant. Avoid combinations; the risk of the interaction outweighs the benefit. |
| Moderate | Moderately clinically significant. Usually avoid combinations; use it only under special circumstances. |
| Minor | Minimally clinically significant. Minimize risk; assess risk and consider an alternative drug, take steps to circumvent the interaction risk and/or institute a monitoring plan. |
| Unknown | No interaction information available. |
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